What's your learning style?

 

Mine is definitely trial and error. In other words, I screw up a lot...

Eventually, though, with lots of blood (man, pins are so sharp), a fair amount of sweat but thankfully no tears, my first sewn hat is complete.

Trial and error was also involved in the picture taking - ever tried trying to get a hat picture sans model? Mr India was being very unhelpful and working late - not that I was aiming to have him model the hat, but now I come to think of it....

I give this hat 6/10 in the satisfaction stakes. You might not notice, but the slight ripple effect on part of the lining is the evidence of my screwing up. I topstitched the outer shell, the interfacing and the lining together in one piece - I think that is why there are ripples - the lining and shell are cut from the same pattern and I think this means there is slightly 'too much' material on the inside. If I had read the pattern correctly, the topstitching is done seperately and the interfacing slipped in afterwards....

The top of the hat and the sides are a real beggar to stitch together. Appently one notches the material before sewing to ease the fit. Well, Heather and Yvette might, but I had a few problems.

I also find the shape of the hat a little odd - I don't think 'cloche' is quite the word I'm looking for, but the hat is a bit sharply angled in profile. If Mr India ever stops working, I'll show you what I mean. But still, for a first attempt, not bad.

PS The ripple is really onvious here - but you know, I kind of like it....