About 8 years ago, Milly Ralsky, one of our volunteers (who was 83 at the time) contacted me about a fabulous pattern she wanted to share with us. She had been making it for nearly 40 years to benefit local hospitals. In honor of Milly, we call it “Milly’s Tie Hat”. It’s a simple sewing pattern (with just two pattern pieces) that is reversible…so you get two hats in one! We receive several requests for the pattern each month from folks all around the world, so I decided it was finally time to learn how to make downloadable patterns.

I’m thrilled to share that Milly’s Tie Hat pattern is now available in PDF format on the Brimming with Love website! It is 100% free for non-commercial use. Interested in making one for someone you know or donating your time and talents to Brimming with Love? Check out our website for more information. It’s amazing how such a small thing like a handmade hat can make a big difference in someone’s day that is undergoing cancer therapy.

For those that decide to check out the pattern…let me know how it goes! I’d love to see pictures of your finished hats or any feedback you might have on the pattern. Now that I’ve dipped my toe in the water, you might see more downloadable patterns here in the future!

The first style has a longer brim that is pinned up on one side. The flower pin was custom made using a Sizzix flower die and my Cuttlebug machine. I backed the fabric with some interfacing first (so it wouldn’t fray), then layered several flowers together, adding a button to the top. I hot-glued a pin-back to the flower, and voila… instant flower brooch!

Here’s a close-up…

This second version of the hat has a shorter brim. I added a similar flower, only this time I used some white fabric to add contrast.

If you’re having a no-hair day… wouldn’t it be fun to put one of these on?

No gift would be complete without a matching card! I created the embossed border using a classic square Nestabilities die. The flower was prepared similar to the brooch and was adhered with a simple white brad.

Anybody else playing with fabric these days? Used it with die-cut machines to create dimensional embellies? Would love to see links to your fabric creations!

I am always inspired by the courage of the patients I have met over the years. I recently received some hand-written requests for hats and here are a couple that I made to send out…

The first is a quick & easy turban pattern that is made from just 3 rectangles of fabric! It is simple to make (even for the beginner) and is a patient favorite .

Here’s one I call Millie’s Tie Hat. The pattern was designed by a volunteer in her 80′s who was an incredible seamstress. The hat is reversible and machine washable.

Interested in volunteering or donating to our cause? Check out the Brimming with Love website for more info.

New Site Design:

Old Site Design:

I also made a reversible tie hat for a local teen who has recently lost all of her hair during chemotherapy treatment.

And a green bucket style hat for her as well…

If you have sewing, knitting, or crocheting skills and might enjoy making some hats to donate, please drop by the BWL webpage and take a look at some of the patterns we highlight there. We’d love to add you to our list of volunteers!