(Click on photo to enlarge)
Last Saturday I thought I would just whip out a little cover for my patio umbrella. That's what I told myself..."I'll just whip it out in no time at all." I don't know why but when it comes to sewing I always think it's going to take about half the time that it actually does. I guess that's a good thing because if I really knew how much time something like this would take, I would probably never pull out my sewing machine!
To make it, I used a queen size flat sheet that I bought on sale at Marshalls. I cut it in a circle about the same size as the umbrella. (I know it doesn't look like a circle but it is) I then used the fitted sheet which I cut in strips to make the ruffle. It sounds so quick and easy, doesn't it? Well, not for me. Hours were spent on this!
I have it draped over the other umbrella cover because I don't plan on keeping this one out there all the time. I think the sun would destroy it rather quickly. I'll just use it on the weekends or if I'm entertaining.
I think it looks a lot cuter than the plain beige one! Don't you?
To make it, I used a queen size flat sheet that I bought on sale at Marshalls. I cut it in a circle about the same size as the umbrella. (I know it doesn't look like a circle but it is) I then used the fitted sheet which I cut in strips to make the ruffle. It sounds so quick and easy, doesn't it? Well, not for me. Hours were spent on this!
I have it draped over the other umbrella cover because I don't plan on keeping this one out there all the time. I think the sun would destroy it rather quickly. I'll just use it on the weekends or if I'm entertaining. 
I think it looks a lot cuter than the plain beige one! Don't you? 
87 comments:
I love your umbrella! A no-sew option would be to look for a round tablecloth - I see them up to 90 inches round at TJ Maxx and Marshalls fairly often. Thanks for the inspiration on your blog - your home is gorgeous!
Monica in PA
Hi Cindy, your umbrella cover looks lovely. It gives the courtyard a more romantic feel. Your delphiniums are gorgeous. I have planted some a similar colour in my newly established cottage garden but I am still awaiting their arrival, so I will have to make do with admiring yours. Have a lovely day.
What a nice morning view. I'm ready to have my breakfast under your umbrella! I agree with you on the amount of time it takes to sew. Most likely the reason I do so little of it anymore!
What a lovely cover you made for your umbrella!
Projects with the sewingmachine involved are usually very time-consuming for me too. All sorts of things seem to be going wrong when I bring out my machine (finished thread is one of them)!
Love your garden.
Ciao, Helena
It is adorable and I love Monica's idea of looking for a round tablecloth.. think of the decorating possibilities!
Very nice! I'm always amazed at how long it takes me to pull ruffles.
Beautiful!
What are those plants in your yard? Delphinium? I didn't realize they got so tall!
You are certainly an amazement! This is so pretty.
Your garden looks so pretty...I love the flowers and especially the little chandelier hanging from your umbrella!
What an adorable idea! I have an umbrella that's looking very faded. Maybe I'll do something like this. Certainly looks like a cozy place to sit and relax.
It looks great! Very inventive!
~Patti
So cute and romantic!
It's awesome! Well worth the time you spent making it. Now you have a romantic slip-cover for your umbrella. ♥
You've turned it into an parasol! I think it looks lovely and so in keeping with your style.
Its really sweet. It looks flouncy and flirty!
Totally worth it!
I love it!!!!! So unique and romantic!
Clara
Great idea Cindy! I love the ruffle on it too! ;) ~CC Catherine from "Catherine de th`e Cup"
Hi Cindy~ ~ ~
Very nice job on the umbrella. It looks so romantic~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
Yep, it's cute and don't leave it out or the weather will destroy it. Very cute for a garden party! PAM
It looks so romantic!!
VERY CUTE! And I am so glad I am not the only one that thinks "whip something up" means I'll be done in a snap! I have piles of "whip ups" sitting around. You did a great job! I agree that it would not hold up to daily use. Mr Sun can really wreck things quickly. Thanks for sharing.
The umbrella cover is just too pretty. So much nicer than the ones we find at the store. What a fabulous idea. Love it. Hugs, Marty
I love it, particularly the ruffle. You always add just the right touches to make it perfect!
Marilyn (in Dallas)
Thanks for another great idea! I love how romantic yours looks. It made a huge difference! My old umbrella is looking terrible. I think I will work on that soon but I will probably look for a round table cloth to use. I'm not very good when it comes to sewing. I love your flowers and the chandelier. I bet it feels so nice to sit out there and have your breakfast.
Darling!
What a great idea. I just bought two grassy looking umbrellas for my bistro sets. This would have been better. Once again, thank you for the inspiration!
Toodles.
yes, it is beautiful.... you are so brave to take on a project such as that. I can't imagine the time you spent on those ruffles! Great job!
I love your blog and have been doing a family blog for our family and friends to keep up with our family but I just started a new one today. I noticed in one of your posts you mentioned you would help with any questions about blogging. If you would like to post to me off line you can. cheri.peoples@live.com
I have noticed on some blogs people have at the bottom of a post "you might like these stories" with a little picture of that post-how do you get that to the bottom of your posts?
How do you go about getting companies to do give away merchandise. I would love to do something like this as well.
Oh I do ....I love the way the circle hangs down and the ruffles...... it is just enchanting...... I know anytime there are ruffles involved it adds a lot of time but the ruffles are so worth it...... lovely....
HUgs
Linda
Wow! the umbrella looks great! Your Delphiniums are huge. The garden looks very relaxing.
I think that is adorable Cindy...you patterns can be limitliess...I can see one done in burlap too or a shabby chic pattern from the goodwill. you could hang cute lights from it too! great job.
Absolutely stunning. Such a romantic look. You are so clever. I want one. Maybe this is something you could offer via your ETSY store.
You could make several and dye them different colors for different occasions.
Renee
Oh, it's lovely Cindy and you did a beautiful job!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
TOTALLY CUTE!!
sippping iced tea under that umbrella - or dining al fresco-
wow-
great!!
Cindy,
Adorable. If you do many ruffles it is worth investing in a ruffler. I bought one on e-bay for about 30.00 and it is well worth it just in the time alone. You just have to know if you have a straight or slanted needle. When I was in Alabama in March I found a battenburg coverlet that I am thinking about using to cover my umbrella.I have a bright blue one so it would really show up. I like the idea of the sheet or tablecloth cause you could really coordinate your umbrella with your outdoor pillows, etc. You have such a great knack!
Sandy
That's adorable! Great job.
Hi Cindy. How beautiful and what a perfect finishing touch to your charming garden! ~Arleen
It many have taken a while to do, but it looks rather nice :0)
Oh, what a pretty touch that adds to your beautiful garden! Love it!
Just adorable! I've been trying to talk myself into making a slipcover for my office chair but I KNOW how long it will take!
Simply adorable!
Very cute. Too bad it can't stay out all the time. But it is much nicer!
All the best,
Allison
Beautiful job & I can't imagine how long it took to ruffle & sew! ☺ Diane
OH~~~ That is so pretty! What a great idea.
Ginger
It turned out darling!!! And you definitely don't want to keep it out there all the time. I've learned from experience. And I'm the same way when it comes to sewing (or doing anything for that matter), takes me twice as long as I think it will.
Oh Cindy, your garden looks so beautiful! You did a terrific job on the umbrella cover -- so soft and feminine, so romantic. :)
Hope you had a lovely Mother's Day.
xoxo,
Mary
Cindy,
only one word for the umbrella!
"Beautifull"!
Hugs, Sylvia
www.Tuinengeltje.nl Amsterdam
Lovely! Your yard is so pretty too! How nice to look out your sliding doors and see it!
I LOVE IT!!! It looks wonderful and you did a great job!!!!
Blessings~
Your umbrella is soooo cute! And it does look like a circle. Just have to look at it right.
Love your cover and your idea! I have been checking out umbrellas everywhere, hoping to find a cute, pretty one that is somewhat my romantic style. I am the sewing queen and never thought of this idea. That's why you are the pro--you always have such great imaginative ideas. Also your delphiniums are gorgeous. Here in Michigan we are just glad it didn't frost as predicted last night. It's great to see a summer garden in full bloom!
Laurel
Cindy, You are such a talented decorator and artist. I love your home and all of your treasures. N.C. does not offer the Flea Markets that you have in Ca. It seems that you make opportunities happen. Love, Love your blog.
Gerry, North Carolina
Leave it to you to come up with such a thrifty and clever idea for an umbrella cover! I love coming here to your blog because I am always in awe of your energy and cleverness. I can't wait to see what your business is...and I wonder how it will be named!
That is just the cutest umbrella EVER!! Great job! I had no idea delphiniums could get so big ~ I imagine that California sun doesn't hurt either:) Beautiful post ~ you just keep surprising us ~ even though we already know you're mega-talented:)
Karin
Laurel, Haha! I'm not that creative, I just copy other people's ideas. I saw one similar to this on flickr!
DARLING!! i LOVE IT!
Adorable! I just saw you at JcPenny's online! OK, so it wasn't you but when I saw this bedroom set I thought hey, that is so Cindy!
http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6E.aspx?DeptID=57087&CatID=57851&GrpTyp=ENS&ItemID=144b5d6&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CMID=EXTERNAL%7c57851&Fltr=&Srt=&QL=F&IND=16&cmVirtualCat=&CmCatId=external|57851
I think you did a great job on the umbrella cover!! You're so creative, and I'm always inspired by reading your blog!!
Thanks so much!!
Michele R.(CA)
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com
Butterfly Whispers
What a wonderful idea! It is lovely! I just love your ideas!
Hi Cindy....again! I just left a comment on your umbrella cover, but then I clicked on one of your reader's comments to see her blog, and I wanted to tell you about the first post I read. It's Bumble Bee Cottage, and she did a makeover that you HAVE to see!! It's your favorite....blue and white, and she did a fabulous job!! Here's the link:
http://bumblebeecottage-guernsey.blogspot.com/2009/05/hallway-makeover-stage-one.html
Be sure to scroll down, and you'll see the part I'm talking about!
Hugs!
Michele R.(CA)
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com
Butterfly Whispers
Now that is adorable! What a great job you did on that. Very summery! Yes..the sun would probably make quick work of it.
I did something similar...but I was too lazy to sew. My old lawn swing which I love, simply rotted away. The awning on top of it..and the cover on the swing itself. I ripped off the awning and threaded on two sets of lace curtains I had laying around. Worked like a charm. Then I took a twin quilt had bought some time ago at Target from the Shabby Chic collection "Jolie" and folded the ends up and slipped them over the padding on the swing. Perfect! But..before I did that I laid an old crocheted tablecloth on the swing then put the pads back in place. It works..and I didn't sew. I am like you except it would have taken me even longer!!
Isn't it wonderful when we find ways to make things looked better with sheets and things we already have? Your yard is beautiful, by the way!
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Mona
Yes, it definitivly looks better than before (we have the same - boring - umbrella). And your corner over there looks so lovely and cozy!
There are lots of garden pictures on my blog, too. You are more than welcome to pass by if you have time (and I am happy you liked my lavender heart on flickr).
Best wishes from Germany,
Anita
GORGEOUS!!!
Its official Cindy... YOU are the most creative person I have ever met!
Gorgeous!
~Really Rainey~
SWEET!! And I am going to do this too. My umbrella is a boring dark blue, YIKES!! BLUE for this PINK lover, lol.
LOVE your blog and am here every single day :)
Hugs from the Netherlands
Marian
I just love it. It was worth your time and effort!
Debra
Very pretty your umbrella :) and your garden!
'tin next time,
Mila :)
Hi Cindy
How lovely your Umbrella Cover is - I can well imagine how long it took you to make - WOW!! Fantastic effort and well worth the time put in ~ very creative and A beautiful One Of A Kind creation to be proud of!!
Hi Cindy
Your umbrella looks soooo pretty! I love it. No wonder it took some time to make...so feminine. Great job.
Can you help me with something...a paint job. I have a gold coloured chandalier with prisms etc. (I finally found one while thrifting). I would like to paint it a white colour but not WHITE but a maybe creamyish white. Can you give me a suggestion and method of how to do this? You are so good at all of this!
thank you
Judi
You did a great job! I know what you mean about "quick" sewing projects! What a gorgeous spot to sit and have a cup of coffee in the morning! Love it!
Brilliant, Cindy! I love how feminine it is...it makes me want my own sewing machine! I can't wait to more flowers start blooming here..we still have had some rather chilly days.
The things you think of! It looks great, Cindy!
I love this idea, and I love your whole site. The pictures, your home and your garden are beautiful.
Also thought the little chandelier hanging from the umbrella was so adorable.
My sister sent me to check this one out...guess what I'll be trying to make now....
Marcela
Cindy,
I want to update my rose garden and I am wondering what roses your would recommend.
Your little garden is so charming!
~elaine~
roz_etta@yahoo.com
What a great idea! That would be so pretty monogrammed or put together with cutwork lace!
Hi Cindy.....I think it was well worth the effort...it looks beautiful....and I agree about pulling out the sewing machine.....an hour project takes 4hours....
Hugs,
Mo :-)
It is beautiful.....great job! You've got my creative juices flowing with this one.....But I'm lazier than you....I plan on looking for a large round table cloth with a ruffle! Thanks for sharing!
Ahhh how cute. I love your backyard too. Very inviting. When am I coming over again?
You are so clever. I never would have thought of doing that!
It may have taken hours, but oh my it is beautiful! xo rachel
Super cute, Cindy! I agree. Definitely don't leave it out all the time. Save and treasure it for when you want to enjoy it so it will last for longer! You worked so hard on it!
I have been looking on line for months for a lacy pretty outdoor umbrella I saw in a romantic decorating garden book once. I still can't find it but you have given me the courage to try to make my own! Thanks Cindy and I really do love your style of decorating and your beautiful blog!
Oh, my! I could never do that! Refer to my "never-again-after-the-Easter-dress-incident" conversation on Saturday. Now, if somebody would just make a super jumbo tablecloth I could cut a hole in I would be just fine! I don't think 90" is big enough and that's the largest round there is. Those are hard to find - says the round table owner who knows all too well.
Robin
Nice article you got here. I'd like to read a bit more about this topic. Thanx for sharing this info.
Cindy interesting garden umbrella pretty set up too. i hope you will love some garden accessories like garden wind spinners and chimes amazing little things!
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