Craft Book Review: Sewn Hats by Carla Hegeman Crim

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Sewn Hats: Cover

UPDATE 9/30/2014: The author states at her website, The Scientific Seamstress:

IMPORTANT NOTE:
The original publisher, Wiley, sold this title to Turner Publishing. Please send an email to: info@scientificseamstress.com to get a copy of the patterns

I vowed I’d only sew square or rectangular things like napkins, blankets and such. But this book may have changed my mind. Sewn Hats (Wiley; 246 pgs.) by Carla Hegeman Crim features thirty-five fun and stylish hats! (You may know Crim from scientificseamstress.com.) That’s enough of a variety for anyone to find the perfect style. Carla brings together twenty-nine fabric and pattern designers and bloggers in this hand-held hat shop. Reading the book was like browsing through a modern day millinery, and I’m thumbing along saying out loud – I like that; Ooh, that would be nice; Oh, let’s try that one; and perfect for my baby niece!

Pictorial Table of Contents

What great timing for this book too – fall, a perfect season for donning on a hat. And while I might grab my hat more often in cooler weather, this book covers hats for all seasons. And, types for all skill levels.

Sewn Hats: Having Fun

The instructions are easy to follow with illustrations by Carla herself. Patterns are located online and print onto letter-size paper. No tissue patterns – Bonus (unless you don’t have access to a computer and printer).

Sewn Hats: Collage Cloche figure

And, the photography, well, that’s what pulled me in. My favorite hat: the fleece beanie!

Sewn Hats: Fleece Beanie

Have you bought this book? It’s available on Amazon.com, retails for $21.99 and, we’re 90 days to Christmas… I’d say this would be a lovely gift for the crafter in your life.

**Update: This post is #300. Here’s to another 300. Thanks for following! Cheers.**

Monday Morning: chilly

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A chilly welcome for autumn around here. Last Saturday night I was going to bed early since I was doing an early morning bike ride… then I thought I should check the morning weather one last time. Uh, good thing I did – frost warning! Holy cow… all the houseplants that were living outdoors all summer long. I didn’t think they would make it. So in my fluffy slippers, nightshirt and husband’s fleece, I scurried around the house pulling them indoors. Haven’t set them back out yet, but glad to report there is a warm up this week. This is what I imagine the plants were saying this morning. You know, if they could talk. Am I supposed to keep them indoors now? Maybe for one more week. We’ll see.

Enjoy the week!

Chaperoned an Outdoor Education Trip

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The grade school Outdoor Education trip. Somehow, I missed this rite of passage when I moved schools between sixth and seventh grade. Actually, the three-day trip was a welcome change of scenery and nice chance to see my kid with her friends, and maybe more importantly, without her little brother. And, for the record, I’m not really outdoorsy.

I’d never been camping before, though, this was far from REAL camping. I imagined the movie Parent Trap – both versions. And no sleep… kids trying to escape the cabins, playing pranks on each other. Nope, none of that. I think the main reason you don’t sleep is because you’re not in your own bed and you hear all the swooshing of polyester sleeping bags on top of vinyl mattresses during the night. Not to mention, the warm weather.

As chaperones, we watched and helped with classes and activities like canoeing, archery. And the campsite… really nice facilities! (For a camp… this isn’t a five-star hotel, right?)The kids amazed me (most of the time) with their respect and listening skills. I met a few new students, watched how classmates could be so kind to each other… and I saw how some kids can be so competitive. The girls basically went to sleep when they were supposed to, but I did enjoy the sound of giggling and whispering as the other moms and I called “Lights out.

You might call me a brave soul for going on a trip with my daughter… and 109 other students from her fifth grade class. I would recommend it to any parent, if you can set aside the time. I figure, she still doesn’t mind me being around. That may change sooner than later, but I hope not. Thanks, kiddo, for letting me see you in your world. Love, Mom.

Chaperones at archery

Labor Day Crafts: A Few Projects to Do

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red, white and blue nails – patriotic?

My kids had no idea what Labor Day is all about, even though I’m sure I remind them (more than once a year) that through hard work lots of people help make the world a better place.

(And moms, parents, we know we all work hard… like 24/7.) So a special cheers to virtual friends and digital moms everywhere who share their love of crafting, cooking and homemaking while running around all over the place with kids… hoping to craft in my house today after some computer work and chores.

Source: That’s What {Che} Said

Helping Hand at Kids Craft Zone – quick paper/card craft

Paper Chain and Necklace at The Holiday Spot

Simple Patriotic Pinwheel Wreath at That’s What {Che} Said