Monday Morning Inspiration/Hats For The Sun

On a recent visit to my dermatologist, we talked about the rise in skin cancer. He told me that when he was a student, melanoma was quite rare. He said that he sadly sees it every week now.

I have become vigilant about protecting my skin. Not only do I use sun block, I wear hats. Since we are talking about bathing suits with the current sew along over at Sew News, I thought it might be fun to take a look at a few hats. And even better, the patterns are free!!! 

While not a big brim, this hat that I made for a Thrifty Thursday post is super cute and does offer some shading on the face. You can see my post and find the pattern HERE.

Once again, not a large brim hat that offers a lot of protection, but this Newsboy Cap from Waffle Patterns is fun to wear, stores easily in your bag, and shades the face. You can find the post and a link to the pattern HERE. 

And we can't forget the baby, especially with their very sensitive skin. This little bonnet pattern from Purl Soho is perfect as it is also reversible. Make up a bunch to have on hand for baby showers. You can find a link to the free pattern HERE.

I have not made this pattern, but based on the beautiful results I had with the top pattern that I made about a month ago, I would recommend this Papavero hat pattern. You can find a link to the pattern HERE.  

I gave this pattern from Martha Stewart a try quite some time ago and did not have great results. But, I have read a few reviews that were very positive, so maybe they made some changes to the pattern. It offers a wider brim and is still very packable. I will give it another try later this week and get back to you on my results. Fingers crossed! If you are brave and would like to go ahead and give it a try, you can find the pattern HERE. It comes in adult and children sizes.

Although the hat below is on a child, it was made for an adult. The author of Sugar Cubes and Spice Cakes said that she is much more comfortable behind the camera. Why not when you have such cute models?!! Do pop over to her blog and check out the hat as it is adorable. The pattern is from Hot Patterns and you can find the free download HERE.

So cute for the beach, and offers lots of protection from the sun is this super cute, flower power hat from Very Purple Person. I have not made the hat, but my suggestion would be to do a muslin of the crown prior to cutting the hat out of your fashion fabric. You can try the crown on and decide if it works, or if a few adjustments need to be made. You can download the pattern for free HERE.  

Over the weekend I made up this hat and I loved it so much that I decided to make 2, one in regular denim and the other in white denim. The brim is not too large, but large enough to offer shading without restricting my view.
You can find the pattern HERE. The hat is reversible, so you'll get lots of use out of it. A little later today, I'll be back with pictures of me in the hat as well as a tutorial. The instructions are fine, but I will show you a little better way of making the hat. 

And last but not least, another hat for the baby, or toddler. I included this hat for 2 reasons, first of all I LOVE the stripes!!! I have to give this a try for myself. Second, I think the addition of the grosgrain tie is perfect and a great addition for a small child who would most likely take the hat off without the tie. But hey, I think I want one with a tie too!!! The pattern is from Shwin and Shwin and you can find the pattern HERE.

As you head out today, be sure and use that sun screen. It does no one any good sitting in the cabinet! And grab a hat, not only do they help to protect, they are fun to wear :)