Another Sun Bonnet

 This little sun bonnet features ina few of the Enid books.

This is the first time I have made it.

I was inspired to have a go after seeing Tab's version

The drafting was easy.

The piecing was a little of a challenge, I've never been fond of sewing curves.

 My tip with this one is PIN PIN PIN or hand baste the brim to the crown.

This has a lovely wide brim and a little flap at the back to cover the neck.

It opens out for easy ironing (if you iron!)

 It adjusts as the back to fit for a long time.

And ties under the neck for those little ones who hate wearing hats.

 Heather was happy to wear this bonnet for about 3 minutes.

 She had to struggle a little to get it off.

 But she was determined!

And finally managed to pull it off.

Sunbonnet for a Toddler

A short introduction: I have 4 Enid books, all very well worn and slightly fragile. I stole 2 off mum who to my knowledge never used them [and she doesn't sew at all any more] so I felt justified. Of the other two, one was ebay and the other in an opshop. I would love more, particularly as my daughters grow, but for now what I've got is still a deep well of inspiration!

My oldest daughter is 17 months and has the right kind of pudgy cheeks for a sunbonnet. I knew I'd seen something cute in these books before, and I found it in Enid Gilchrist's Baby Book.

Sunbonnet

The Baby Book page 20

I drafted the pattern onto Wheet-bix box cardboard, but I haven't yet found a great way to keep  all my drafted patterns in the one spot. Organisation isn't my forte, so I have lots of random envelopes full of pattern pieces floating around with no rhyme or reason.

The fabric is a gingham that I bought new [unusual for me] to make an Enid inspired dress for Addie [17 months].  The brim calls for stiffened cotton. I only had a lightweight fusible interfacing, so I fused that to a heavy cotton bedsheet [thrifted] and used it in place of stiffened cotton. The brim is soft but holds its own. 

The bonnet in action.

I did some of the back a little differently to the pattern as my good machine is in for service and I couldn't be bothered doing button holes and eyelets by hand. I've put buttons on as embellishment, where they would usually go, but have attached the brim to the back with hand sewn  press studs. They give the swivel movement needed and were much easier in this case. I used an upholstery needle and thin ribbon, separating rather than piercing the fibres in place of eyelets and the wider ribbon I'd rather have used.

Anyone know how to make a toddler
stand still for a picture?

The Sunbonnet is VERY cute! The most sunsmart of all hats too, with a little neck flap and generous brim, I'm very impressed.  I kind of wonder if I could get away with one myself but I think I already know the answer to that!

Baby Raglan Gown

Pattern : Raglan Baby Gown
Book: Baby Book
Fabric: Cot sheet bought from Op-shop

The sheet is well washed and beautifully soft.

Construction Details:

• French Seams
• Binding at neck.
• 1/4 Elastic sewn to sleeve.
• Lace insert at center tie
• Placket at back.
• Pleat at back.
• Snaps to fasten

Babies first gown

Pattern: Baby's first Gown
Book: Baby Book
Fabric: Fine poplin.
Embellishment: Embroidered Lazy Daisies.

Construction Details:

• French seams.
• Bodice is gathered to a yoke.
• Raglan sleeves
• Binding at neck.
• Hand hemmed.
• Shirred at wrists.
• Grown on facings which I interfaced with iron on interfacing.
  
• Snaps at Center back.

This design is in many of the baby books.

Jacket Number Two

Nice and snuggly for those wooly winter days I really love this pattern - and I got the collar down pat this time.

Pattern: Enid Gilchrist's Baby Book
Garment: Jacket for Those Cooler Days pge 46
Size : 9-18 mo
Fabric: Kaufman Cord - Strawberries Black with Faux Fur Trim.

Monika's Enid Sew along creations

Pettis, Popovers and Jackets

Book : Enid Gilchrist's Baby Book
Garment: Pettis, Popovers and Jackets
Size : Infant to 9 months
Fabric: Vintage sheet, stretch knit

Vintage sheet, very soft, perfect for a newborn.
I used commercial bias to finish the edges.
The gown fastens with snaps at one shoulder.


The fit on a doll approximately 6 months in size.

I altered the pattern as directed in the book to make the jacket.

I adjusted the neckline up to on the back and added overlap on the front.
I made this one with knit fabric.
I turn the edges and finished them with a honeycomb stitch.
The snaps are reinforced with cotton tape.

Something For The Cooler Weather...

I have made this little garment as my piece in the Enid sew-a-long over at Crafty Mamas. I chose it because this winter I am mad about coats and jackets for the kids and thought this a lovely little sweet number for Lainey.


Book : Enid Gilchrist's Baby Book
Garment: Jacket for Those Cooler Days pge 46
Size : 9-18 mo
Fabric: Pink baby cord and Maroon cord.

I liked the sizing on this and did not have to take any of it in. I found the collar a challenge but only because this is the second one I have ever done! I used a snap instead of a button (thank goodness for snap presses!) and I used satin ribbon instead of bias binding because I didn't have the right size!

Overall I liked this pattern and thought it can come out very smart or very casual and cozy. I would definitely make it again, this time maybe in a more casual fabric like flannelet.