Welcome back.  This final piece is my favourite of all the pieces, it is also the most simple.

Inspiration and design

I took my inspiration from Venetian masks or rather the feathers on them for this piece.

A reverse applique sample.

I started by planning on making gauntlet type fingerless mitts.

Made a trial for fit.

Settled on a size and shape.

Planned the reverse appliqué design.

Selected fabric and did a small sample.

Unfortunately my tutor felt the boiled wool fabric was not a suitable fabric for the gloves because it had no give.

I felt this was not really true as I have seen boiled wool mitts online for sale however this was the tutors decision so……

I changed the item but more or less kept the design.

Again made a sample for size.

And adjusted the Feather design to fit the size of the crown on the beret.

Health and Safety

Work in a well lit area. Natural light is best but failing that a lamp with a “day light bulb”.

Take regular breaks away from your work.

When using a sewing machine keep fingers away from the needle, similarly with the iron. Turn the iron off when leaving the room.

Keep sewing machine in good working order, have serviced regularly and clean after each project. Regularly change the needle as blunt needles are more likely to snap.

Make sure cables are not trailing across the floor causing a trip hazard.

When hand sewing always wear a thimble to prevent hurting your fingers.

Use a pin cushion to keep pins in order to prevent loosing them and someone finding them the hard way. Never put pins or needles in your mouth as risk of inhalation is high.

Bibliography and Evaluation

The encyclopedia of Quilting and Patchwork techniques by Katharine Guerrier

The Quilters Bible Linda Clemeants

Images of masks from Google search.

I was rather disappointed that my original proposal was rejected especially as in my research I had found felted mitts being sold. I was really looking forward to working with all the embellishments I had planned on adding. However the beret has worked very well the ombre hand dyed velvet and gold ribbon make the whole thing very sumptuous looking. The hand stitching was enjoyable if a little tough to work but over all the look I was aiming for has been achieved.

Finished Beret

Not easy to see here but top stitched.

Petersham inside to keep the shape and fully lined.

Close up.

I hope you have enjoyed this blog only two more final pieces to go!

Happy Patchwork Dreams

Mary of Patchwork Dreamer