As requested, I made it from a pure white handkerchief. I found this vintage handkerchief with a pretty flower and design embroidered in the corners.
I washed it by hand, and-- since it was very soft from loving use--I added some liquid starch to the rinse water.The measurements for handkerchiefs will vary (particularly whether or not they are lined with lace), and the measurements can be altered a little, but with the wrong side facing up I folded one side back about one inch, and the other side three inches. (Then the right side is mostly what is showing.)
Thread a needle with two lengths of white thread and knot all four loose ends together. Along the edge of the one inch fold sew a long, loose running stitch.
Pull on both ends of the thread to gather the edge and form the back of the bonnet. Tie the ends of the thread together to secure and trim the ends. 
Fold and iron under the corners on the front of the bonnet. 
Secure a length of ribbon to each side with minimal stitching. I incorporated a grouping of seed beads. I've also seen people use a small silk rosette. When I made a bonnet for my sister's first daughter I looped the ribbon into three small loops and attached it to the outside of the bonnet. 
Trim the ribbons to your desired length.The neat thing about this baby bonnet is that in 20 years or so, she can snip the three threads, and have a beautiful handkerchief for the temple, and for her wedding that she wore on her blessing day as well.
This is the bonnet I made for her big sister's blessing. (Her handkerchief was not embroidered--it just had a beautiful lace edging. So when I did the running stitch on hers I actually did it along the wider 3 inch side. That way it brought the double row of the side-by-side lace edges towards the front of the bonnet for decoration.)
A beautiful keepsake.
3 comments:
How pretty! It is very sweet of you to make such pretty bonnets for the girls. I did not realize they were blessing the baby Sunday, but I guess I shouldn't be shocked since B forgets to tell me things like this all the time :-). I wish I would have done something like this for E's blessing...oh well can't go back in time. I am sure L will look just as adorable and precious as A did on her sweet blessing day. What a fun thing to have to remember their special day by.
what a beautifully simple idea
Netter,
Thanks for taking the time to make both of the girl's bonnets. That was so thoughtful esp since I only gave you a couple days notice this time around. You are the best sister!
Luv, Eve
P.S. I will send pics soon.
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