Bonnets I did NOT sew

The large white bonnet is extremely wonderful for sun covering and insect protection. I sprayed mine with insect repellent that lasts over 7 washings and wore it into a Malaria prone area in Asia. I got the idea to buy this from Quaker Jane (one of my personal favorite on-line teachers). The white one is available from Originals by Kay under the "fashion accessories" button and then click "millinery" and you'll see that she carries these in different fabrics.

The Grey bonnet is from Rachel's Seamstress Services and it's called the "Elizabeth." This is another of Quaker Jane's fabulous recommendations.

Thank the Lord for Quaker Jane and all the wonderful options to buy things now. When I started covering 21 years ago there was not an "internet" to learn from or to shop from.

Making the Pillow

I did not measure. I simply unzipped the pillow covering that came with the store-bought pillow and laid that down on top of my brown flannel. It served as a pattern.

Then I guessed at how much "ruffle" it was going to take and thanks to the Lord and His answering prayer it came out right. The photo will show the ruffle laying on the table.

Then I gathered the ruffle and pinned it to the FRONT of the pillow. It is pinned right side to right side--the photo makes it look like it's pinned to the wrong side. It's only this way so that you can see it well. The bigger "quilt" pins will work far better than dress-maker pins.

I cut 2 pieces for the back. They are much wider than the front and hemmed so that I can remove the pillow easily for washing. The flap is wide enough that it will not show any white pillow underneath.

After you have the ruffle sewn to the front it's time to sew the back on ONE piece at a time and then you can't make a mistake.

I did not follow any directions or pattern. I just prayed.

Flannel Pillow

I needed some big substantial pillows for reading in bed.

I waited for a "white sale" at the department store and bought the "European" style pillows.

Later I found some "manly" flannel at the quilt store and proceeded to make the pillow coverings.

I will attempt a bit of a sewing lesson with the next entry. For now I will show photos of the final product.

Stretch lace Black Covering

Yet another homemade covering is this one made of stretch lace.

I sewed the headband in to the inside.

It's quite comfortable.

My favorite Homemade Covering

This covering is black.

I sewed it 21 years ago and the black has been fading to a lovely purple-ish color.

I sew "clippies" to the inside of my brocade coverings.

One clip for the hair next to my forehead and another for the very crown of my head.

It doesn't blow off in the wind.

You can see I also made one in white that I rarely wear. It looks more like something for a wedding on my dark hair. I added long trim too.

Again, I'm wearing McCall's Jumper 6041 in a light floral fabric.

A Homemade Covering

This covering is blue, and it's homemade.

It's made of brocade.

I'm wearing McCalls Jumper 6041 in the light floral fabric.

Cat and Mice Quilt

This quilt was much more difficult.

I got the pattern for the interior blocks from Paula Nadelstern's book, "Color Design in Patchwork." Each block has 72 pieces, that's why there are only 4 of them. She called that block "Cat and Mice."

I then built out from the center in what's known as the "Welsh" style of patchwork. It has been written that the Welsh influenced the Amish greatly in their quilt tastes. A good book to get is called, "Making Welsh Quilts" by Mary Jenkins and Clare Claridge.

I used Timbleberries for the old fashioned fabrics.

I included a sleeve for wall hanging.

It hung on a wall for 1 year until I tired of it and packed it away in acid free paper in my cedar chest.