4.10 how can I make a parasol?

From: Victoria Gwaed
How to make a parasol: Get an old umbrella with a good sturdy structure. The fabric part of it only has to be in quasi good shape (that's your pattern) make sure it's one of the ones with the little metal caps on the end that come off. Make sure all of those are still attached too.

Take the fabric part off. Try not to tear it. Take it off gently, and cut small slits in it around the top part, if necessary to get it off. Carefully get the little metal cap things off and put them aside. You want to be able to use them later.

Pin the old top to the fabric (use something that isn't too stretchy, or not at all). Cut the new top out carefully, leaving at least an inch around the edge for the "hem." Where the center is, cut out the absolute smallest hole necessary to get the top thingy through, too small is better than too big.

Hem the edge so it will fit. Put it through the center thingy, sew it in if necessary (this will be a little tricky). Clean all the old fabric and glue out of the end caps (make sure your fabric isn't so thick they won't fit on) and presto. If you were really careful with your pining and cutting and hemming (oh my!), you should have a parasol.

From: Trystan L. Bass
More on how to make a parasol from an old umbrella: If the existing fabric is pretty well shot on the umbrella, carefully take it off the frame (with as little cutting or tearing as possible), and use it as the pattern to make a new cover.

The choice of fabric depends upon what you're using it for -- purely decorative or functional to keep off sun or functional to keep off rain. If it's purely decorative, I'd use something pretty and lacey, like a couple of layers of chiffon and lace, with a handkerchief hem that drapes over the edge of the umbrella. To keep off sun, you'll want an opaque fabric that is durable enough to be opened and closed a lot and won't fade too easily. A satin would work, and you could give it an overlay or just trim of lace. To keep off rain, waterproof nylon's the best bet, tho' a satin treated with Scotchguard water repellant stuff might work too.

back to 4.9 make a gothic veil or
on to 4.11 make a lined ammo box purse

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