I've read a couple of good tutorials on how to do it, one from the Steam Ingeniuos blog here,
and the other most recently appearing in an article from issue one of the New Zealand steampunk magazine: AetherNZ.
And then I came across this piece of curtain(??) fabric in Toffs op-shop and I thought it looked very suitable with its fringe etc for a parasol cover.
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| fabric to use for covering a parasol |
With that in mind I've been on the lookout for brollys to makeover. I got these two from Restore, for under $6.
The red one was made in Hong Kong, the brown stripey has no markings. And then I found this neat blue one, from Mosgiel Hospice Op-Shop for the grand total of $3.
It looks like a poor drowned bat when collapsed, but when you put her up! Delightful. And it still has a paper label "Gili box 205 Napier". Can anyone tell me if that was a shop or maybe a manufacturer? It would be nice to think I've found a vintage 1930s umbrealla from NZ's Art Deco capital!
The only trouble is I still need to find a suitable umbrella frame to makeover with my fringed fabric. These 3 are in great condition and I'd prefer to restore something rather than destroy something perfectly good.
Yes, I know, wuss talk.
You'll probably find that if the umbrella fabric is not in good order the op-shop won't put it out simply because normally no-one would buy it. Maybe ask them to keep an eye out for you for one with a good frame and rubbish fabric.
ReplyDeleteYou make a very good point, and that is a great idea. Thanks!
DeleteOooh, don't remake the red one, it is too beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOne of my friends purchased a modern oldish looking small wooden handled parasol online to recover with lovely fabric. I think they were maybe on eBay? I can't remember though. But it was basically just a small modern parasol with a wooden handle that looked quite nice once recovered.
The old wooden handle ones are so nice, your friend got a lucky score :)
DeleteI think this will be awesome, once you find a frame for it. If you wouldn't be living so far away I would donate one of our old umbrellas at home, most of which have advertising printed all over the fabric.
ReplyDeleteThank you, that's very kind. You don't see too many advertising umbrellas around here, not sure why, but they haven't really caught on - even though it rains a lot :P
DeleteAlthough that said, I do have a giant golf umbrella that was from a dog food promotion. Too big to recover though, wouldn't be a dainty Victorian parasol
But maybe a parasol for a whole Victorian family. ;) Though I know what you mean.
DeleteThat fabric is gorgeous! It will make a perfect parasol. And I do like your brollies - esp the brown one. Now you can be colour co-ordinated whilst walking in the rain!
ReplyDeleteHa! that's so true but I hadn't even thought about using them in the rain! brain fade...
DeleteI love the idea of making a parasol and these three vintage brollies you have picked up are all so great, but I agree, all far to nice to refashion!
ReplyDeletethank you, I'll have too be careful I don't start a collection ;p
Deleteah ha, found a blog post with some lovely parasols!
ReplyDeletehttp://madamemodiste.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/new-new-parasol-on-market.html
ohh, thanks!
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