So I made the hat yesterday. It wasn’t really so difficult, though when the directions say “don’t iron velvet” it’s for a reason and you should just take it on faith! Many thanks to an old friend who once gave me a few yards of forest green velvet and said “you might need to make a costume one day.” How did she know? Then again, she was English 
The hat pretty much looks like this. The only thing left is to track down a large plume. I’m going to the mall today to see if I can find something. Otherwise I may have to go to the zoo and mug an ostrich.
Ironically, I’m pretty sure I hat in a very similar style when I was about 20 years old, only it was black. I have no idea what might have become of that hat now, but it’s one of those times when you realize the advantage to not moving around so much and just saving old stuff for a dress-up trunk.
Since I’ve gone this far, I’m going to see about taking the remaining yardage into some sort of flowing robe / vest. It all reminds me a bit of Scarlett O’Hara making those old velvet curtains into a dress. This scrap of velvet has served as a Christmas tree skirt up til now!
Cool. CAn’t wait to see the photo of her in it.
by Sandy Updyke October 20th, 2009 at 10:36 amMy lack of sewing skills makes me glad my kids are grown and responsible for their own costuming. I admire your skills!
by Terry Odell October 22nd, 2009 at 8:12 amThe robe came out SO cute! I may just have to break my “no kid photo” rule and post a picture of her in it because I’m amazed how well it all came together.
Though I haven’t actually cut the end off the boa I purchased yet for the plume and I have a sneaking suspicion that it may just unravel into a pile of wispy feathers when I try!
by Jenyfer October 22nd, 2009 at 8:25 am