yes, I know I'm late to the party
Nov 9, 2009 I know the poncho thing came and went, oh, years ago at this point. But I think I finally see the light, after trying on my first one.
This is actually my mom’s birthday present, I just snapped a few photos before packing it on its way to Virginia (so uncouth of me, I know). Bobbie can be a surprisingly tricky candidate when it comes to presents. But this year, I had the inside track because when she came out for a recent visit, she brought a lightweight poncho that she over-loved a little until a seam unraveled.
She sang the praises of it so much that when her birthday rolled around, I made a fall version for her. I know ponchos are literally the easiest thing to make and it’s no big whoop to stitch one together, but sometimes the quickest projects can be so dang satisfying.
A nice feature on my mom’s original poncho is two vertical seams running a few inches in from each side that act as big comfy armholes and keep the poncho in place. I failed to take a photo of those but a rough pattern looks something like this:
Those 11" dashed lines are those seams. And because my Mom loves everything earth-toned, I made a little pin embellishment out of upholstery fringe.
Now I make different versions of these fluffy pretties every time I sit down to watch an episode of BSG. It’s like a little evening therapy, stitching these suckers. I know you hardly need it because you are very clever, but I will show you how it do it soon. I’m thinking these could be some nice Thanksgiving table napkin rings, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Reader Comments (13)
Love it. And you can definitely make the poncho seem like a novel idea with all of your style.
i will always love ponchos! but i really love this one; it doesn't look like a typical poncho, more like a cool tunic-y thing. what kind of fabric did you use? it looks like a sweater, and very expensive ;n)
Bless you Kelly. What a fabulous poncho - hope Bobbie loves it. I recently found a pile of green towelling while rooting through one of my many messy cupboards and have been meaning to make a small boy poncho for after swimming but couldn't think of what dimensions it should be. Thank you for giving me the gist. And I can't help thinking I'm not crafty enough if I'm not watching BSG as so many crafty bloggers seem to do!
PS how is your Christmas baking coming along - I made Christmas cake last weekend finally!
Bobbie absolutely LOVES her birthday present, as Kelly already knows! I live in Virginia where it tends to be a little cooler than in San Francisco. I've only had my new poncho thingie for a week now, and I've worn it almost every day! It's a light jacket when I'm going out and want to throw something over a turtleneck (it looks GREAT with a colored top under it, especially with long sleeves). I've worn it when my house has gotten a little chilly. I've slipped it on over pajamas when I'm not quite ready to get dressed yet. I wear it when I want to feel closer to --- and very loved by --- my daughter... though I really don't need my poncho for that. But wearing it seems to erase some of the miles between California and Virginia.
I just found an old, colorful scarf I haven't worn in years --- the big square kind that none of you reading Kelly's blog has ever bought, much less worn! But it's the perfect size for another one of these wonderful ponchos. You should be getting it in the mail in a couple of days, Kelly.
I love you!
What a beautiful gift! Is there any chance that you could post (or e-mail me) some more details on how you made it (e.g. neck cut measurements, finishing, material type, how far in the 11 inch stitches are)? I would love to make one, but as my sewing experience is all quilt-based, I need some hand holding when it comes to making clothes.
This is awesome! I have a vintage western poncho pattern that I've been secretly wanting to make for myself because it looks so cozy. But, I don't think I can pull off the 1970's western-ness of the pattern!
I like your cozy poncho so much better! Thanks for the idea!
I sew, you sew, we all sew!
www.WeAllSew.com
Cute poncho! How clever....
I love gifts that can be used.
if you're late to the party, then i wasn't even planning on showing up. but now i just might! what a simple thing to make. oh, yet another reason why i need to go to the fabric store asap
What is the fabric you used for this ponch?
Ponchos are totally back but not in the every-single-girl-you-see-walking-on-the-street-is-wearing-a-poncho-kind-of-way like it was 5 years ago, you're right. They are just being done in so many different ways this time that it's really exciting. I posted these beautiful cape-like ponchos made out of pendleton wool on my blog abt a month ago. It's definitely a funky almost cutting edge style right now. :) love.
Sorry folks, I've been slow to answer these questions -- apologies!
Re the fabric: I got it in the "suitings" section of Joann's. I have to confess that I only shop about once a year because I'm lucky to have good fabric stores in the city. But I was impressed by this fabric, which was listed as about 99% wool, if I remember correctly. And it was half off to boot!
And Andrea, I'll email you and see how I do as a pattern instructor!
Could you please e-mail me directions too? I love this poncho!
Hi, If you would be able to email me the pattern too I would appreciate it. I just made my daughter a fleech poncho...but I guess I am missing something.....I am still a pretty new sewer.
Thanks