Thrifty Thursday/We Could All Use a Better Night's Rest

Earlier this week, I shared with you that my husband and I hosted a student this past week. One of her priorities was to learn how to sew. Now all of us who have been sewing for quite some time, or even, not so long, we all know that truly learning to sew isn't mastered in a day. My objective was for her to walk away with a couple of projects that she would feel good about, and the confidence that sewing is something she can do.

Well, as it turns out, she is a girl after my own heart. I am devoted to wearing a sleep mask at night. It's amazing how the total darkness allows me to calm down and sleep soundly. As it turns out, she too enjoys wearing a sleep mask.

A few months ago, I noticed a free pattern for a sleep mask from Fabrics-Store.com. It's pictured below.

I ended up making 3, basically used up a scrap that I had, but I also used a little of some linen that I ordered from Fabrics-Store.com. I always like to have at least 1 spare for when the other needs to be washed.

I felt that the sleep mask would be a great first project. She enjoyed making the mask so much that she decided to make another as a gift for a friend.

When we went through my fabric scraps, she found the airplane fabric and was set on what she wanted to do. As it turns out, she too loves airplanes :) She got a kick out of positioning the airplane and helicopter over the eyes.

We had a little fun with the project and used a contrasting fabric for the band. Sadly, I didn't get a picture of the reverse side, but we lined the back of the sleep mask with a plaid flannel which will make the mask nice and soft against the face, especially for sleeping.

You may remember the bucket hats I made a few weeks ago. You can find the tutorial HERE as well as a link to the free pattern. 

She loved my hats and wanted to make 1 for herself...out of the same airplane fabric :) So cute!

Like mine, the hat is reversible and we used denim on the opposite side. This made a great second project. With the sleep mask, she learned how to sew around a curve. Attaching the crown to the side of the hat was a little challenging, but with the experience of the sleep mask, she quickly got the hang of it.

And finally, who doesn't need a sleep mask that will match their bucket hat?!!!

It's been quite some time since I've worked with an absolute beginner, but I had a blast. I really enjoyed her excitement over her accomplishments. 

In case you missed the link to the free sleep mask pattern, you can find it HERE. 

When I go to bed at night, I rub a little lavender oil on my temples and then slip on my mask. Within a short amount of time, I have slipped off to sleep. So if you have problems sleeping at night, I highly recommend a sleep mask. I can't sleep without mine :)  

Monday Morning Inspiration/Making The Bucket Hat

Whew, my posting has been kind of a nonexistent thing the past few days. But the break was good :)

I had promised last week to do a quick tutorial on how I put together the bucket hat from Lost In Paris. Super cute hat, great for throwing in your bag to have on hand for when you find yourself out in the sun and needing a little extra protection. As I said last week, I liked the pattern so much that I made up 2 hats. I especially like the reversible aspect of the hat.

Below is my basic denim hat.

Another denim hat, but this time in white with a fun travel print on the flip side. You can also play with the brim and give it a fedora look.

This is a one size hat pattern, so my recommendation is to cut out the side of the hat and slip it on. If it seems comfortable, you're good to go! 

To prepare the pattern, fold the crown in half and mark notches. Fold it in half again and mark notches. You will have notches for center front, center back and the sides.

Be sure to mark notches on the side of the hat as well as the brim.

Sew the crown to the side of the hat. All seam allowances are 1/2". Once the seam has been sewn, press open.

By pressing the seam open, the crown will lay much nicer.

Now sew the lining of the brim to the outside fabric, but only the bottom edge.

Trim the seam allowance to 1/4". Turn and press the edge.

Now sew the brim to the main body of the hat. Note that the lining is not included yet.

Now sew the crown to the side panels of the lining. Be sure to press the crown seam just as the did for the outer fabric. Slip the main body of the hat inside the lining of the top of the hat. Stitch around the hat leaving at least a 4" opening for turning.

Turn the hat right side out and slip stitch the opening closed. 

The hat will be secure when turned from one side to the other. 

This is a great project for anyone who is learning to sew. It makes up quickly and it's a project that insures success. And we all know, a first project really does need to be successful.

Just one last note before I go, I added a link to the Martha Stewart hat in last week's post. PLEASE DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME!!!! I once again downloaded the pattern hoping that they had corrected the mistakes. They have not. It's an awful pattern. Here's the link just so you'll know what I'm talking about.

Hope you have a chance to get "Lost In Paris" and have a little fun with a bucket hat. I think you'll love having one....or two or three :) to throw on.

Have a wonderful week!
Rhonda