I couldn’t find any buckram this year to make hats, but at Michaels I found inexpensive sheets of felt. They didn’t have dark brown of course, but I dyed a grey sheet quite easily. The sizing that made the felt stiff washed out a little, but enough remains to keep it crisp enough for a hat shape. I had drafted the pattern weeks and weeks ago, before I had even started the dress, by making mockups with newspaper and tape.
The first two attempts at construction were miserable. I tried covering the shape with fabric, but they puckered and sagged and sulked. With this one I just left the felt exposed. I know it means I can see my stitches, but bother that. It’s finished.
The feathers are too cute. It ties with a wide green ribbon behind and underneath my hair.
George wants me to enter the outfit in the sewing class of the County Fair this weekend. If I had a good dress dummy I just might.
Your comment about newspaper patterns is very appropriate. I have been thinking of telling you how proud Mimi would be of your sewing/design adventures. She used to make patterns out of newspaper too.
And this is a good resemblance of Virginia too!
I always thought George was the Compound hat person. You look very fetching in it.
I absolutely love the fact that you said “too cute!” I don’t know why, but it makes me laugh!!