I knew better than to use a pattern with details like darts, pleats, etc. I chose this rain poncho because of the simplicity. Here. Nothing simpler, so I assumed it would be a good place to start to work with this new fabric. I had no problems sewing it at all. I made a plain seam, pushed both seam allowances to one and top-stitched the seam, using a Teflon foot. And that is where the good part ends!
Here is the poncho. Now, it is not finished. I have to top-stitch all around the edges to hold the lining in place.
This is not a bad photo. It looks like what it is. Vinyl. It is not pliable. It is hot. It is heavy. It is uncomfortable. See how it just sticks out everywhere? If there were a way to hate it more, I don't know what it would be! You know what it's like? Like those heavy, yellow raincoats that firemen wear. Or fishermen.
The best thing I can say about it is--I know not to use this fabric ever again. I will take this piece of crap to my meeting about rainwear in September, so that others can see and feel it, and not waste their time. I'm sure I can make something better!
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I KNOW you can make something better. Even though it seems that it would have been a good idea, I guess the fabric was just to heavy and stiff!!! Perhaps you can cut it up and use the pieces as ??????? something, surely!!!!! I think your lady friends will appreciate learning from this. You are one of the best seamstresses and detailed artists that I know, so, as I said, I KNOW you have the talent to make almost anything work, but this fabric, wow????????????????
We all have projects like that. But at least it was a simple pattern and you didn't waste much time on fussy details. :-)
Oh dear. It must get awfully humid under there. I guess some plans are better on paper than in real life, huh? It stinks when a fabric ruins a project.
Now and then Goretex fabric has popped up on FabricMart, that would be much better! The way you describe this fabric reminds me of the raincoats I had as a little kid in the 1970s. No good in the warm Florida weather for sure! At least you have warned the rest of us.
Thanks for the heads up, definitely the Gloucester Fisherman! So sorry you had to put forth this effort. At least you learned from the experience.
Oh what a shame :(
How annoying. I wonder what would be suitable for that fabric?
You can use it to make a tote, shopping bag.
Hmmm, I have some laminated linen from Fabric Mart and I've always been curious about sewing it into rainwear. So sorry that it didn't work out. Maybe placentas and or tote bags?
Yeah I second the tote bag idea, i guess it will be nice. Sorry the fabric didn't work, at least you learned something (i.e never to buy it again)lol. I always adore all your work this is no exception .
Gwen-
Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I do have to agree that your poncho in vinyl may not have been the best 'fabric' choice.
Michele P
http://sewinspirations.blogspot.com/
I also like the tote bag idea. It is SO frustrating when things don't work out.
Thank you for all of your warm wishes on my blog!!
I am so sorry this didn't work out for you. I haven't worn a raincoat like that since grade school and they were uncomfortable then. i guess it was too much to hope that things had changed in the last 40-50 years.
Linda T
I am so sorry this didn't work out, it did sound like such a good idea. thanks for the heads-upon this fabric. I was waiting to see how yours worked out because I need a rain poncho of some sort for the fall weather here. On a lighter note, you could save it for a trip to Niagra Falls on the Maid of the Mist, then accidentally leave it behind when you disembark!
Wow. Your are so right. And that coordinating print is so cute. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I also have a laminated cotton from fabric.com on a roll. I have heard that the Amy Butler laminated cottons have better drape than the non-Amy Butler laminated cottons. Mine is not Amy Butler and I am guessing that yours is not either.
Ok maybe not something for a summer rain shower or soft and stylish. I well remember getting soaked during the winter when we were dairy farming and feeding the baby calves and something like that would have been wonderful as opposed to the flimsy ponchos that kick up. I'd even wear that when out walking the dogs so at least donate it instead of the round bin.
I don't think one ever graduates from the University of Sewing. You can get close but there is always that one project that isn't what you had in mind. On the other hand the world is full of fabric waiting to be sewn so back to the design board.Lol! mssewcrazy
Oh what a bummer this is so uncomfortable! I actually like the look of it. I think the lining is cute. But I'm with you, if it is uncomfortable you might as well pass it along.
Oh man.........so sorry, but it happens to all of us at some point. Lesson learned even tho it usually gives us that sick feeling!
We all have mistakes like this, but it's still frustrating when it happens. Maybe you can make a tote out of it?
Oh wow thank you for posting about this so I know never ever EVER to go for fabric like it. I am a newbie sewer so haven't really dealt with this sort of thing (yet?) but remember many book club reads wading through texts I didn't enjoy because I loved the folk I'd be 'arguing about it' with. Hah and the cookies were great too - do you get cookies at sewing club?
Oh how I laughed at this post because have we all not been there at some point? Anyhow, I have sewed myself a raincoat out of gore-tex so I know these fabrics are not easy. Perhaps some adorable grandchild might be able to do something useful with it at Halloween. If it frightened you, it might be good for some trick or treating.
OUCH!
Wow Mom, that is pretty 'special' looking. You don't need to pass that my way. I think I'd rather be wet.
It's kind of artsy and cute! Wear it when you feel like being avante garde!
That must have been so disappointing! I have not had any experience with this sort of heavy cotton laminate but will watch out for it now!
We definitely all have these project fails. And not only will you be saving your sewing group, but also the whole internet from suffering through the same thing!
Well, we learn from our mistakes, and we are all learning through yours ;-)
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