Note: City Quilter has since closed...
So, with my considerable hours of free time... (wild laughter ensues) I would love to make an umbrella. Actually, several umbrellas. Problem is, I don't know how!
Guess who makes a pattern ($10.50), sells a frame (kids -$24 or adult -$13), and the right coated fabric to do the trick? City Quilter does.
So, what's stopping me?
I don't want mine to look craftsy, like something that says I made it myself. I can likely make a quality umbrella, but the print choices at City Quilter for the umbrella are a bit too "crafty" for this girl. Nothing wrong with them, but if I'm gonna take the time to make one for myself... well, it needs to reflect me, and NYC, ya know?
Much consideration... back-burnered it... and then...
But soft... what fabric through the racks at B&J Fabrics breaks???? Soft, pliable, raincoat fabric! (The oilcloth, and heavier stuff offered next to it won't work, by the way - ignore that stuff, if you go. There are LOTS of choices.)
My fabric answer is here. Okay - so next question... how much should one "invest" to make an umbrella? One thing I know... I'll NEVER, EVER lose it!!!
And, because so much stuff happens in my head, here is the musical inspiration that shouted at me to make a super-happy NYC-friendly umbrella... Can't get it outta my head now.
So, with my considerable hours of free time... (wild laughter ensues) I would love to make an umbrella. Actually, several umbrellas. Problem is, I don't know how!
Guess who makes a pattern ($10.50), sells a frame (kids -$24 or adult -$13), and the right coated fabric to do the trick? City Quilter does.
So, what's stopping me?
I don't want mine to look craftsy, like something that says I made it myself. I can likely make a quality umbrella, but the print choices at City Quilter for the umbrella are a bit too "crafty" for this girl. Nothing wrong with them, but if I'm gonna take the time to make one for myself... well, it needs to reflect me, and NYC, ya know?
Much consideration... back-burnered it... and then...
But soft... what fabric through the racks at B&J Fabrics breaks???? Soft, pliable, raincoat fabric! (The oilcloth, and heavier stuff offered next to it won't work, by the way - ignore that stuff, if you go. There are LOTS of choices.)
My fabric answer is here. Okay - so next question... how much should one "invest" to make an umbrella? One thing I know... I'll NEVER, EVER lose it!!!
And, because so much stuff happens in my head, here is the musical inspiration that shouted at me to make a super-happy NYC-friendly umbrella... Can't get it outta my head now.
What fun! Please do show us the umbrella once you've made it :)
ReplyDeleteIt will likely be a while before I complete that (lots on my plate), but I will show it when I've done it!
DeleteI subscribe to a wonderful blog on theatrical costuming.
ReplyDeletehttp://labricoleuse.livejournal.com/
The author has written a text on umbrella construction.
Oooh - I have to check it out!
DeleteAnd, I have now looked it over... and that blog is FASCINATING! I'm gonna be all over it later today!
DeletePlease tell me you'll make a matching raincoat, you just have to!
ReplyDeleteAh-ha, you're taking the umbrella plunge! I just finished some small projects with CQ's laminate, to cut my teeth on how to handle it and sew with it. Those raincoat prints are great. The last one would make me smile on any rainy day.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't find the child-size umbrella frame on CQ's site (did I miss it? store only?), but I'm wondering about adding some "regular" fabric to it for a sun parasol. Living "near the Equator," I often need a little portable shade, and I'm not always in a lace parasol mood. (That's a different movie, Scarlett.)
Good luck with your bumbershoot project! Can't wait to see what you come up with.
I love your posts, this one really said New York. Being from Chicago, I'm really feeling the different vibe!
ReplyDeleteIf you or someone else ends up making an umbrella, I'd love to see it. I think City Quilter offered a class. My concern was that it would take several attempts to come up with something that didn't look homemade, but that's true of just about everything. If I had the time, I'd definitely try it.
ReplyDeleteI've taken two or three one-session classes at City Quilter. They were good, but in two hours all you can reasonably expect is to get an introduction and a little practice, a supply list (the class usually requires you to buy some supplies, which is good), and a recommended book list. You have to be prepared to apply whatever you've learned right away. At least the prices were very good. You also get a discount on purchases.
New York Sewer
I've been pondering making an umbrella ever since I saw those frames last summer but do I really want to invest time and money in something I'll probably lose in 3 days? An aside, the Marimekko store has some nice fabrics that I think would work.
ReplyDeleteMaybe we should all consider installing a "chip" in our umbrellas if we make them. Or a label with contact details on the inside, if lost... with the promise of a reward! Haha!
Delete