As everyone knows, Oregon and rain go hand in hand, at least during this part of the year!

When I arrived Oregon for the first time, I was 20 and came to visit a high school friend living in Corvallis. What a wonderful place! I just loved it. I visited during November and the whole time I was here it was raining this light mist. Everything seemed to explode with different colors of green. Not long after, I moved to Corvallis and vowed never to take the wonderful trees and the green landscape for granted.

I have now lived in Oregon for over 30 years, in Corvallis, Salem, and Portland. Umbrellas are a necessity in this climate.

A while ago, a student asked me to help her make an umbrella kit that she bought from Cool Cottons, a fantastic fabric store on Hawthorne in SE Portland. Ever since then, I’ve wanted to make my own.

So here it is! I had such fun with this, from picking the fabric to the quick and simple assembly. It’s very easy to make; you just purchase the frame and pattern, all available at Cool Cottons. There is only one pattern piece that you cut out 8 times, sew them together, and finish the seams. You put the finished cover on the frame, tack it down, and waterproof the fabric.

Voila! You have your very own Oregon Umbrella.

It’s such a joy to create things that are unique and further make it your own, matching your personality and interests. As you can see in the pictures, I made my umbrella a sewing theme, with a tape measure cotton fabric pattern.

This would be a great project for any of you to try! Stretch your wings and try something out of the ordinary.

Happy sewing,
JoLene

1 Comment

  1. hi I’m trying to find an umbrella making kit me and my grand daughter can work on. I noticed on your site cool cotton was mentioned. I’m not having any luck with them. would you know of any place I can buy a kit containing parts and instructions to make an umbrella? thanks

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