Bonny Bonnets
And...just when you'd thought you'd seen the last of the wool blanket! Believe it or not, there's still quite a few scraps leftover from this thing. I've got more ideas up my sleeve too. Probably more ideas than time. Isn't that always the case? I've obviously got 'babies on the brain' as well and for good reason. I'm going to be a grandma again for the second time; it's another baby girl for my son and daughter-in-law, due in the Spring! Naturally, we're all thrilled, especially the girls, who will be aunts again too. 
Ginger's still trying to wrap her mind around that concept. Not easy to understand when you're only ten and have five aunts who are matronly figures. None of it matters though, we're just so pleased, and of course looking forward to planning another baby shower. Speaking of that, 
there was a surprise shower for Manda. Her real-life friend, Kristy, set it up, and I was tickled to be part of it. Nice to have a reason to pick up my sewing again after the holidays. One of my favorite layette things to make are these soft flannel swaddling blankets. This one says, Sugar Plum, an old Vogart design that I think is really cute--another bonnet design by coincidence. I hope she likes it. I thought of her the whole time I was working on it, so it went with lots of xox. Making a wool
bonnet has been on my mind too. Maybe the snow had something to do with it, or the desire for warm ears, but whatever the reason, I had to make this. Just used an old pattern I had. One piece with two darts up the back; two pieces if you count the lining. Super easy. Makes for a boxy little topper, like 
a Dutch girl hat. Very cute! Perfect for the stiff wool I'm working with, and just as sweet made from a cotton print as a "sun bonnet" too. No little noggin around here to fit this on, so I had to use Thumbelina. She's almost as old as I am, and with very bad hair (all the more reason to put a bonnet on her, I say!) and she's the perfect size for modeling newborn hats and gowns. The flower was my first attempt at needle-felting and I was surprised at how easy that was too. I think I see more of these needle-felted projects on the horizon.
I LOVE the Bonnet, do you have details of the pattern? You say its simple but is it really? Maybe I should just give it a go, Im due my first Daughter in April/may and so excited (having had 2 lovely boys already). I just have not seen any nice baby hats! Im sure you could use the same pattern with a stiffish linen? what do you think? Any help would be great!
THANKS
Posted by: caroline | January 28, 2008 at 09:43 AM
this is SOOO lovely!!!
Posted by: amanda | January 28, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Oh that bonnet is the cutest thing ever! How how how did you make it?
Posted by: Glenn | January 28, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Your little bonnet is absolutely ADORABLE!! Such a sweet thing it is and how wonderful will that new baby look in it?! xxoo, Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | January 28, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Awww, how cute. Love the bonnet. Congratulations on the coming grandbaby! :)
Posted by: CharityGrace | January 28, 2008 at 10:19 AM
congratulations! i love the little bonnet, the boxy shape is great. look forward to the next needle felting!
Posted by: louise | January 28, 2008 at 10:24 AM
The bonnet is so cute and so very appropriate for your new grandchild to arrive this spring! Aren't grandbabies the best? Can't wait to see more of your amazing ideas.
Posted by: Alice | January 28, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Oh my gosh. That bonnet just could not be more PERFECT! It just tugs on my heart strings. Your embroidery stitches are so small and good. I've been embroidering for something to do in front of the tv at night and my stitches look like big ol' football players next to yours. I wonder if I may need to find smaller needles. Different thread than 2 strings of DMC maybe? hmmm. Do you you already have stitching tips posted somewhere here on the blog?
Posted by: jen duncan | January 28, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Your gift for Manda couldn't have been more perfect.I'm sure she will thank you herself.Bella ,their very own Sugar Plum, wrapped herself in it straight away! thank you so much for taking part.xxx
Posted by: Kristy | January 28, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Forgot to say that the bonnet is adorable.I just love that woolen blanket so much!
Posted by: Kristy | January 28, 2008 at 11:06 AM
ADORABLE!! I wish I was that talented...how cute my 6-month-old would look with one of those hats on her head! And I love the blanket...sooo cute.
Posted by: Tamie | January 28, 2008 at 11:10 AM
the bonnet is so beautiful. i could just stare at it!
Posted by: amy | January 28, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Congratulations on a new grandbaby! What a wonderful treat.
The bonnet is so sweet. You are so creative and talented. Thanks for the great eye candy!
Posted by: Ginger | January 28, 2008 at 12:08 PM
A sweet wee bonnet that you made!!
Posted by: Miss Paula | January 28, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Just adorable. I still have my Thumbelina doll too. She was my pride and joy, especially the christmas morning I got her. She still rolls her head around. How much more of that blanket do you have left? Can't wait to see whats next. :-)
Posted by: ladymarcia | January 28, 2008 at 12:38 PM
so sweet!!
I love your work!!
Posted by: joy | January 28, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Congratulations!!
Sewing and crafting for new babies is absolutely my favorite sort of creating!
I adore the things you've shown here. Beautiful work, as always.
Posted by: Dannielle | January 28, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Such a pretty bonnet. I believe I had one like that when I was a bub but in a navy with velvet trim.
Posted by: little jenny wrenl | January 28, 2008 at 02:57 PM
The baby gifts are so beautiful! It makes me want to run right away from my work and start sewing for babies, too. -- Michele http://calicodaisy.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Michele C | January 28, 2008 at 03:32 PM
This hat is probably THE cutest hat I have ever seen. Is this something you have a pattern for. If so can you share the brand and number?
Posted by: Cindy | January 28, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Your bonnet is adorable! It looks so sweet on your adorable Thumbelina doll, fits her perfectly. She looks like a real baby. I just love it!
Posted by: Cathy | January 28, 2008 at 04:07 PM
I have to say that's about the sweetest thing I've ever seen!
Posted by: Annette | January 28, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Oh that is so sweet. Congratulations on the new grandbaby. Life can be so good.
Posted by: pam | January 28, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Oh my - be still my bonnet! That's beautiful!
Posted by: Allison | January 28, 2008 at 07:39 PM
It is just precious! You sure did get a lot of usage from that blanket! And, that kitty is absolutely adorable! Oh my.
Posted by: Rosa | January 28, 2008 at 08:15 PM