Craft Attack - Kid Size Chef Hat (it's adjustable too)

My daughters school had a fundraiser the other week and each class was suppose to create a basket for the auction. Each class had a theme and my 1st grader's was "Kids in the Kitchen". My first thought was to make an apron but come on ....that's so common... I wanted to do something a little different.  I decided that a chef hat (or set of them...one for a boy and one for a girl) was the way to go.

I had a lot of fun and decided to take pictures as I went to put together a tutorial for it. This is my first attempt at a tutorial so hopefully it's coherent and I took plenty of pictures. You can always email me if you have trouble or get confused.

I used the pattern found on this tutorial. Sugar on Top did a great job on the pattern and tutorial but I sewed the hat together a little differently to avoid having a raw edge inside of the hat.

You'll need :
The pattern from here 
1/2 yard, or fat quarter (you have to fold the pattern in the middle a little to get it to fit but it will) 
        for the hat top
1 1/2 yard corresponding fabric for the band
small section of sew on velcro (you could use the sticky kind but i've found that it comes off over time)

Print off the pattern and start by cutting out each piece (the hat top and the band).

 

Next I added some fusible interfacing to half of the band. Since you'll be folding this piece over it only needs to be ironed on to half of it.  Take your trusty iron and ironing board and fold down each edge of your band piece approximately 3/8". This will make for a nice finished edge when we sew it all together.

Now you'll want to add the velcro to opposite sides of the band (as shown in the picture). Once you fold the band in half and create a circle with it the velcro should match up. So if you're not sure, pin it first and then fold the band as you would to wear it to make sure your placement is right.

I used a straight stitch for the first one I made and then decided on the second that I like a zig zag stitch better.

Now you'll want to fold your band in half down the center and give it a good press with the iron to make sure you're seams are going to stay folded down.

Now take your hat top piece and create a small hem on the round indented part show in the picture. When you go to sew it you may need to smooth the folded over part a little as you go to avoid and puckers or creases. But if you end up with a few don't distress....it's all part of the learning process.

 Now you'll add two rows of basting stitches (that's just a really long stitch that you'll be able to pull to gather later) along the entire edge of the hat top piece. Two rows makes it easier to gather and keeps the raw edge from rolling in on itself and sticking out your finished seam.

Pull those end strings and gather your hat top until it measure about 1.5 inches shorter that the length of the band. This is what it looks like once you've gathered it.

  

Next is a little tricky. To avoid having the raw edge of the hat top showing inside the hat you have to hide it in between the fold of the band. So you'll stick it between the long open end of the hat band. It only need to go in far enough to cover the basting stitches you did.

I hope the pictures help make that part clearer. It really helps to pin as you go.

Now you'll take the hat back to the sewing machine and sew down the band. If you ironed well, the two sides of the band should match up pretty well. However, i would check the back side of your work as you go to make sure it's going under the needle correctly.

You will also need to sew closed the two shorter sides of your band.

Now you'll have an adorable adjustable Chef Hat for your little one.

As you can tell, my kids loved them and were very sad when I told them they were for their sister's class.

Now go attack this craft. And if you do then come back and share.

Bite of the Week - Teddy Bear Lovey

I saw this pattern about a month ago and fell in LOVE with it. I have been waiting for a good reason to buy it and low and behold I had a baby shower come up (wahoo). So I ordered the pattern, got out my yarn and this adorable Teddy Bear Lovey joined the Purple Shark family.

Pattern can be found at here.

He's about 15" square and his little buttons are crocheted so there's no choking hazard.

I had so much fun making him. The stitched used in the blanket was kind of addicting and absolutely gorgeous.

If you are in love with him as much as I am and want one yourself you can order him here.

I have several other animal lovey's to make and introduce so come back and check them out over the next few weeks.