For the Historical Sewing Monthly’s January challenge [‘procrastination’] I want to finish my UFO parasol. I started this project in October, since when it has been propped on an upside-down chair in the corner of the room [don’t ask] glaring at me balefully.
I’ve re-ironed the fabric remnants for it several times…and then stopped. Yesterday, I finally dug out the piece of paper where I had all my measurements and notes from the dissection, and made a paper pattern. I pressed the fabric again. I’m using remnants of shot dupion silk from my lovely wife’s wedding dress, plus the salvaged metallic lace from the original parasol. I used some of this silk for my corset as well, of course.

I was very parsimonious with the cutting out, and found to my glee, that I still had enough to cut out another bodice for the missus. So of course, I stopped work on the parasol to cut that out. And another one in mock suede.

I then faffed about with all the teeny scraps of the precious silk, and cut out a few miles of 2″wide bias strips, and a lesser heap of carefully pieced and pinked selvage strips. I plan to use the selvage strips on the parasol, instead of the original 5″ wide foofy flounce around the outer edge. I want it pretty, but not fussy.
I did a mock up of the parasol in sheeting yesterday, to test the pattern sizing…good job too, as it was WAY too small. I think I forgot to include seam allowances in my diagrams. This is what happens when I leave a project hanging for several months…
I’ve machined it up, and slipped it onto the frame. Then I had to baste the 16 panels onto the tips of the struts, otherwise you get no idea of how the tension affects it.
Hmmm. It sort of works, but I don’t seem to have managed to get a clear picture of how bowed the tension should make the thing, and of course, it’s several months on. Bum. It seems flatter, and less domed than I thought. Meanwhile, it’s too loose around the top. As this bit will be covered by the lace overlay, I’m not sure how much to bother with tweaking it. Does it matter?
Perhaps if I pull the whole thing down more so that the tips get bowed in more, then the top will sit more neatly? Any experts out there?
Once I make my mind up about that, I have to remove it from the frame again, trim down the seam allowances, and double stitch all the seams. Apparently. Then turn up a hem, do the trimming, and restitch it all to the frame in 48 places. Erk.

Before dissecting the main ‘skin’
Remind me why I thought I’d enjoy this? Also, the lace feels icky, I think I need to give it another careful handwash before using it…
Ah, now I remember why I took this on. Look at the poor old thing…
That looks like such a fiddly job but the end result will be gorgeous. Talking of which that is a stunning photo of you and the missus. You are a lovely couple and your dresses are wonderful. Xx
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He was a great photographer lol! It’s a fab pic though, makes me very very happy. I just hope I can work out what to do with the parasol, I don’t want to mess it up. I’ve put some feelers out on FB for help. x
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How beautiful it will all be! And it made me so happy to read the word “parsimonious” in a blog.
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Haha I do love a good polysyllabic word lol
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The parasol sounds like a real labour of love! What a beautiful photo of the two of you that is by the way.
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Thank you so much! Labour of love-maybe, it’s certainly a very grubby job. I had to rewash the lace last night as it was making my hands itch!
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I have been waiting for this post for a while. But I have no suggestions to give sorry. Just the one about SAs – always say if they are in or out on patterns. I learnt the hard way too.
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Fortunately, I used scrap fabric- if it had been the silk I think the whole lot would be in the bin. I’m not known for my patience. All part of why I don’t often make patterns, I’m too sloppy! As it is, I’m using the one I made for wife’s bodice, which has some SAs included, and some not. Very poor!
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Progress – even if some needs adjusting. This is going to be so pretty when it’s done. When you are struggling just think how much fun you are going to have posing with it when it’s finished.
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Not just posing, I plan to duel!
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Magnificent!
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Not yet, hold your horses missus!
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Not the parasol – the plan to duel!
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Wow, that seems quite the undertaking! And it will be beautiful, I’ve no doubt. The photo of the two of you is just lovely…..so much contentment. It made me smile. As did the thought of miles of 2″ bias strip, but in a different way. 🙂
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It’s one of my favourite photos from the big day, it does look very tranquil…the ones either side of it were very giggly though, I was muttering complete filth to Dawn throughout lol
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