Guest Blogger: Mary Mulari

During our visits to thrift and consignment shops, Rita Farro and I have accumulated many great ideas for clever and easy-to-sew wraps. When we were invited to present a new Midwest YaYa Sisters program at Nancy’s Notions Sewing Weekend 2013, we knew that the topic of wraps would be just what our audience wanted. We created our versions of twelve wraps and published the pattern, Wrap It Up. Some wraps needed a pattern piece and others needed fabric dimensions for a size range of small to plus and plus petite. For the Sideways Poncho we also included the dimensions for a scarf size. If you are looking for a way to use up your garment fabric stash, this could be the answer! We’ve used fabric not only from our stashes, but also from shower curtains, tablecloths, and more.

The sewing time needed to construct a Sideways Poncho can be as little as a single seam! This works well with something like a pashmina shawl you bought and tried to wear, and it kept falling off your shoulders. With the addition of a seam, the shawl becomes a Sideways Poncho and it drapes and stays on your body. On this version, I replaced the fringe that came on the pashmina with a more colorful version that blends better with the fabric. Think about slipping this on when you’re on an airplane and the air conditioning is on over-drive. With a length of fabric, a little more stitching may be involved to finish the outer edges and the neckline edge. But it’s easy sewing and quick to accomplish. Of course you can also add a border of embroidery and fringe, Rita’s favorite embellishment. Just in case your lace curtains are waiting in the bin for the next yard sale, get them out and see if they are suitable for a Sideways Poncho. I loved the scalloped edge, so I cut a piece off the edge of the second curtain to add the scallops across the end/side of my lace poncho.

Speculating once on a fabric buy (do you ever do this?) I purchased a black and silver ruffled fabric. Of course once we figured out the Sideways Poncho, it turned out to be a perfect use for the ruffled piece in my stash. This is my go-to wrap for attending the opera here in Aurora, Minnesota, as well as the gala event following opening night. This year’s opera was La Boheme. I like the scarf size because it’s yet one more way to put on a scarf, turn the seam toward your shoulder, adjust the drape a little in front of the neck, and you don’t have to fuss with the scarf for the rest of the day. Plus, it’s a terrific way to frame and draw the eye upward to the face. We offer suggestions for sizing all of the wraps, but suggest that you tailor your wraps to suit you. In other words, you might like a smaller scarf or a longer Sideways Poncho. Another very easy project from our pattern is the Half and Half Scarf. Here are two versions, one yellow and one striped. The trick is to use a JERSEY knit which makes the tubular action happen when you cut part of the scarf into bands. The ways to wear this scarf are endless as you loop it around your neck, twist and knot. It will keep your neck warm while you’re seated in the restaurant beneath the air conditioner vent.

One more wrap and this one represents the category of how to keep you clean while dining. Those spots of mustard on your favorite knit shirt won’t be a problem if you wear the Foodie Guard.

It’s made from a bath towel and features a pocket on the front, which is also where you fold up and store the Foodie Guard when you’re not wearing it. The neck opening is bound with T-shirt knit binding and you have the option to use Velcro closures on the back, or simply tuck the ends behind you as you dine on-the-go in your Subaru. We also recommend this Guard as an effective clothing cover-up for someone in a wheelchair, or in a nursing home.

We think you’ll like our wraps for their practicality and for their style too. There are nine more styles, including two versions for adults AND children. So far we’ve found that our fabric stashes have taken a big hit as we’ve been sewing wraps. Besides that, fall and winter are coming.

Thanks Mary for sharing your newest pattern and designs, Wrap It Up.

Bye for now,

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