Friday, January 28, 2011

Berry 'n Bird Beret, Hey!




Can I begin by saying thank you?

Thank you for your most thoughtful response to the last post.

Writing this new post, now, at this very moment, I'm choked up thinking about your comments. Silly, I know. Really. I must learn to control my emotions, goodness. But it means so much to me. You being encouraging, and kind. Advising me. Telling me your personal story. Explaining your opinions. Knocking me over with your blunt honesty.

It doesn't get much better than that.

Many hugs to you.

♥


Now for today's post... Do you recall (from this post) that I was supposed to make something inspired by Nancy Minsky's "Denim Revolution"? Well, I chose to make the beret. You see Nancy's Glitzy Poet Beret pictured above? Here is mine below... It's my Berry 'n Bird Beret.


I started by cutting my pieces from an old skirt according to the pattern. I then spent a little time embellishing the main piece. I freezer-paper stenciled using plain old liquid acrylic paint, I couched, I embroidered, I added some little felt birds, I embroidered some more. That took about 10 hours. But it was 10 hours of pure unmitigated JOY!


Once that was done, it was just a matter of putting it all together. And I must say, this beret came together like a dream. A happy little dream. I followed Ms. Minsky's construction method as written and was done in no time. And do you know what? The hat is fully reversible. Here's the other side, see? It's plaid. PLAID!


I am totally inspired. Mark my words, I'm going to be making something denim-y again soon.


One last thing. Early this morning, I was cruising the web, doing a little research, when I found this juicy little morsel: Nancy Minsky's Denim Beret Free Downloadable PDF Pattern. Yes it's the same pattern, the very one! Really truly. You can make one for yourself. Thank you Nancy!

Now go forth and hat-make!


And have yourself a fine weekend. I will see you again soon!


Note: "Denim Revolution" was written by Nancy Minsky. Find Ms. Minsky online @ 21st Century Dressmakers and blogging @ Jean Repair.


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35 comments:

  1. WendyJanuary 28, 2011 at 6:57 AM

    Wow, your hat is brilliant!! Thanks for sharing the pattern. What's the outcome of your thinking after yesterday's comments?

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  2. dutchcomfortJanuary 28, 2011 at 6:59 AM

    I’m totally smitten by your bird baret! I so regret I don’t have a hat-head!

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  3. JenstersJanuary 28, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    Wow Michele its wonderful...might have ago at one myself....does she use a pattern that you pin your denim out onto if that makes sense....lol

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  4. DMJanuary 28, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    I looooove it ! As I love hats , and I have tons of denim ( I don't wear them , but everybody gives me their old ones , in-case I-would-do something with it ) , so I will ! .... And it does suit you soooo well !!! - love the reversible idea , too , so thanks for the pattern , I am going to get it !!!! There are so many things I want to try .... And I was wondering too ... would you lose your inventiveness if you could afford to buy tons of material and things for your craft ??? .... -Just teasing you .....:)

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  5. DebraJanuary 28, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    Love it-I'm making one. You are a lovely model!

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  6. SherryJanuary 28, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    Oooh it looks lovely on you Michele! Hats don't suit me though. I love your embroidery and think I'd have to make it into picture instead - LOL. Hope you have a lovely weekend x

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  7. memakingdoJanuary 28, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    Love the hat it turned out amazing Michele!

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  8. CandaceAshleyJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    Hey Michele, I awarded you today! I was awarded and I thought I would send sweet notes to those who I thought should just get an award for the day! Here is the link!

    http://candaceashley.blogspot.com/2011/01/awards-today.html

    Enjoy the day!

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  9. UnknownJanuary 28, 2011 at 3:06 PM

    Wow! What a fab beret - I'd have never thought of using denim but it is absolutely gorgeous!

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  10. PoppyprintJanuary 28, 2011 at 4:00 PM

    Sacre Bleu! That is the most fashion-forward embroidered birdie beret I've ever seen! Je l'adore, beaucoup, beaucoup. So much so that I cannot help myself from typing in French! I want to make one and wear it in Paris (or maybe Montreal...slightly more realistic). Michelle, you've really outdone yourself. OMG you're adorable in that beret.

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  11. Juliet AJanuary 28, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    What a fun little hat! I love the applique, and I really am heartbroken about the plaid, because a plaid beret would be fun to wear, but who could turn away from the applique?

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  12. reciclaresrenacerJanuary 28, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    me encanta!!

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  13. MelissaJanuary 28, 2011 at 5:24 PM

    The hat is adorable...

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  14. Olga PoltavaJanuary 28, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    The beret is so pretty. That birds decoration is just fantastic. You really did a great job!

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  15. ArianeJanuary 28, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    OMG!! It is absolutely gorgeous!!! I love all the embroidered detail, and the birds. It's just so beautiful. Love it!! Hugs Ariane

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  16. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    Cool idea for a beret. I, unfortunately, in each headdress look silly.

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  17. petraJanuary 29, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    How beautifull is this!! Realy great! I like barets, I like birds. This is a fantastic combi!! Have a nice (*noflik*) weekend. Petra

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  18. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    beautiful! Michelle, i read your last post and i am in the same situation. i would like get money with my creativity work but it´s dificult and the handwork is not well payed (sorry for my english once more) i think that i must find the perfect shop for it. For the moment, i find. kisses and very lucky!

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  19. Vicki@MorePowerfulBeyondMeasureJanuary 29, 2011 at 3:15 PM

    I love that beret!!! I can not wear hats, but you look beautiful in yours!! Course, now that I'm over 50 I am doing whatever I WANT so maybe I'll just make me one of those spiffy hats and wear it anyway! I'm anxious to find out what you decide to do about your blog and job. You'll do the right thing I know. Best, Vicki

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  20. creativejewishmom/saraJanuary 30, 2011 at 2:36 AM

    Love it Michelle. The birds and berries are amazing! Thanks so much for sharing on Craft Schooling Sunday! xoxooxSara

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  21. Maya KuzmanJanuary 30, 2011 at 3:55 AM

    The embroidery is gorgeous and it is a fabulous detail of the beret!!
    P.S After landing on your blog I fell in love with it! I am to become a regular here, hope you don't mind :)
    P.P.S Thank you for the sweet comment you left on my carnations!!

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  22. HeARTworksJanuary 30, 2011 at 4:56 AM

    Fantastic! Patsy from
    HeARTworks

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  23. Carol- Beads and BirdsJanuary 30, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    I found you on Nancy's blog. There's a lot to see here. Great Blog!!

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  24. UnknownJanuary 30, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    So cute, Michele! I cannot believe the detail. Wow.

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  25. UnknownJanuary 30, 2011 at 7:06 PM

    Comment from anabelucraft which I inadvertently deleted:

    Lovely !! Beutiful hat... I like...
    Saluts

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  26. Cindy AdkinsJanuary 31, 2011 at 12:38 AM

    I love your blog and am your newest follower...and I read your previous post...gosh, you are an amazing writer--with so much heart. Not to mention that your hat is gorgeous and you look fantastic in it! I don't know how people make money on their blogs, but I wish I did...If you found anything helpful, I'd love to know!!!

    I'm at:
    cindylou_20@hotmail.com

    I happened to see your comment on Carol's blog (The Answer is Chocolate.) She's in my magazine this week.

    Wishing you a beautiful week.
    XO
    Cindy

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  27. Sue PinnerJanuary 31, 2011 at 4:18 AM

    Love the new hat...a favourite shape the beret
    Hugs Suz x

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  28. AnneJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    It's beautiful!! I linked to your project over at Craft Gossip Sewing:
    http://sewing.craftgossip.com/lookie-what-she-made-berry-n-bird-beret-from-recycled-jeans/2011/01/31/

    --Anne

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  29. Michelle L.January 31, 2011 at 7:21 PM

    What the...? Jaw on FLOOR. Hat is a work of ART. I sense you used the 10 hours as therapy and peace - what an amazing creation. Inspired, I am!

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  30. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2011 at 1:39 AM

    Bravísimo!!

    Birds or tartan, tartan or birds? I can't decide, they are both fantastic.

    xh

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  31. LeeFebruary 1, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    Beautiful work and lovely plaid fabric! thank you so much for the inspiration and the link to the pattern!

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  32. Zdolność-tworzeniaFebruary 1, 2011 at 12:26 PM

    Super ptaszki i berecik.

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  33. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    I just love your beret. It is stunningly beautiful. Thanks for the link to the pattern as well. Looks like a fun project to try.

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  34. KJ@letsgoflyakiteFebruary 1, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    I borrowed that book from the library and found it very inspiring to think of denim in a whole new way. Sadly, I didn't make anything as nice as your beret - which is absolutely amazing, wonderful interpretation, both inside and out.

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  35. lightbluegreyFebruary 5, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    this embellishment, so beautiful!

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