Since my usual ham model Lynsey is off on maternity leave I had to seek out a new model. Enter Megan. Super sweet and hysterically funny, she always yells “God Bless You!” when I sneeze (loudly) at work. Megan’s also a very serious marathon runner who raises oodles of cash for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Lastly, you should know that she’s the person that filled me with so much tequila that I ended up with a UTI. So it’s like she owes me, right?

Anyhoo, she agreed to be my victim model for the berets…

Yes, have made 4 so far and have 6 more on the table. Super easy once you fight through the first one (I suggest cursing loudly and often). I had promised directions and I took lots of pictures during the process…but writing directions is boring. Here’s a bunch of pictures. You can do it, I promise.

Step one, measure the distance around your head. ADD ONE INCH. Cut out a strip of fabric that length, and 2 inches wide. That’s your brim. Hem one of the long sides. Sew the ends together so you form a nice loop/circle. Pic of the brim in the 5th picture below.

Step two, cut out 2 big circles of fabric, each with a 10.25 diameter. See the 2nd picture below.

Step three, cut a circle out of ONE of your 2 round fabrics from Step two. The hole/circle should be 6.25 diameter.

Step four, put the 2 big circles of fabric on top of each other with the good sides kissing, sewing around the perimenter. See the 3rd and 4th picture below.

Step five, put the brim on top of the side with the 6.25″ hole. Slowly work it so it’s inside. Sewing around the perimeter of the brim & the ‘inside’ of the smaller hole. See the 6th picture.

Step six, remove all pins, turn it right-side out and stick it on your head. Voila!

If you need more help, just ask…or check Martha’s tutorial. I swear once you get through the first one you’ll crack up. So easy. It will get to the point where you can make these in less than 10-15 minutes. I’m going to experiment with larger circles for a bit more plume going forward. Also, must pick up some real velvet. I used upholstery fabric. Yes that fourth hat is mohair, left over from when I recovered a chair. Don’t tell Megan. Shhh!