Spring Sweater Hat

On rainy days like today I realize that even though Samster was wearing a cute sundress last week the cold days aren't completely behind us. That combined with the fact that you lose 30% of your body heat through your head (I don't know if that's REALLY true, it is however one of those facts that I often spout out to people) and I decided Sam needed a light hat for chilly spring days.

I dug into my goodwill pile and found my old bright yellow Gap sweater set, nice and light but bright and cheery. Perfect!

Spring Sweater Hat:
-Old sweater
-Coordinating thin ribbon
-Sewing Machine

You can make your hat whatever shape you like, but why make a boring round cap when you can give it bear ears?! Kids have their entire adult lives to wear boring hats, I say wear ears as often as possible for as long as you can. Also if you're making this for a boy just knot the ribbons instead of making bows.

I drew up this pattern, it's VERY simple and easy to draw yourself. If you're not sure about the dimensions I recommend just measuring the length and width of your child's head or a hat that currently fits them. I winged it without measuring and it's a bit snugger than I prefer.

Cut out the pattern and lay it on your old sweater (or cami in this case)

When you cut out the pattern shape be sure to cut both the front and back of the sweater, you'll need two pieces. Cut around 1/2" outside of your pattern edge. Also take advantage of the finished hemline at the bottom of the sweater & use it as the bottom of your hat.

Lay pieces right side together and stitch leaving bottom open, reinforce your starting and ending points by going forward and then reverse. Trim edges, especially around the ears and turn right side out.

Cut two 8" strips of ribbon. Place the center of the ribbon at the base of one ear and stitch down several times, repeat with other ear.Tie ribbons into bows and trim ends if too long. Heat seal end of ribbon with a lighter.

Grab your little bear cub and head to the park!