Michele Made Me

Berry ‘n Bird Beret, Hey!

by

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.
 
 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wendy says

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

  3. Jensters says

    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

  4. DM says

    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 …..:)

  6. Sherry Edwards says

    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

  10. Poppyprint says

    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.

  11. Juliet A says

    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?

  15. Ariane says

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

  18. bego says

    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!

  19. artteachergirl says

    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

  21. Little Treasures says

    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!!

  26. Cindy Adkins says

    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

  33. Lei B. says

    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.

  34. KJ@letsgoflyakite says

    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.