A Hat For Baby - Oliver + S Reversible Bucket Hat

Sometimes you need a quick and easy project in your arsenal for last-minute gifts. So when a gift collection was been done at work for an expectant Mum the Oliver + S bucket hat seemed like the perfect gift. It uses such a small amount of fabric that I had everything on hand to make one.

I've made this pattern up before for the girls and their hats are still going strong. This time though I did follow these fantastic instructions for the assembly. They eliminate the need for any hand sewing!

The pattern is available as a free download from the Oliver + S website and also in their book Little Things To Sew.

The anchor denim was leftover from a pair of shorts I made my nephew Max a couple of years ago and the lining cotton was just one from my stash. It's always amusing going shopping with my sister for fabric. She buys the exact amount she needs for a project. If I need one meter, I buy three. Subsequently my entire linen closet is filled with fabric :o)

I'm alway a little nervous giving hand made gifts, especially to people I don't know exceptionally well. I love my hat but you can tell it's not from a store. All I can do though is hope that it is well received and loved. I included a little tag with sizing and care instructions and sent it on it's merry way. But not before I snapped a pic of my adorable nephew Linc wearing it :o)

This week I'm linking up to the Knock our Socks Off Party hosted by Mom4Real and JoJo & Eloise. Also girl. Inspired's You Inspired Party.

Easter Recap

Easter has been and gone in a whirlwind blur of craftiness and chocolate. I'm a bit late in getting my recap up but better late than never!

Every year my sister and I get together with our family for Easter and make the little people Easter baskets and bunnies

2012 Baskets

2011 Baskets

This year Tam was in charge of baskets and I did the bunnies. You can read about how the baskets were made here.

There were a few false starts on the bunnies this year (and honestly this is why there were no bunnies last year). I originally started making Funny Tummy Bunnies but ended up with something looking like an alien. I didn't have time to figure out what went wrong and instead opted for something really simple and went with Mooshy Belly Bunnies instead. It's a free pattern with incredibly easy to understand instructions.

I made a few changes to the pattern. I stitched the ears into the main head seam and omitted the stitching along the arm and leg lines.

The girl bunnies got little pom rosettes and the boy bunnies got little felt bow ties. They all got white pom tails. I love the poms that Tam makes and was delighted our bunnies got to wear some.

We had a great Easter and got to spend time with all our family. A week off work has been the icing on the cake. I feel relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the world!