We had some unseasonal rain here in Hyderabad (where I’ve been visiting for the past few weeks). What I made will not protect against that. It’s entirely decorative, with very little practical application. Only the “Ooh” factor.
I’ve long been watching all the gorgeous crochet parasol patterns whenever I come across them, and been wanting to make one myself. I didn’t think I ever would. Then inspiration struck. I’ve been using this modified shawl as a tablecloth on the coffee table in Kochi. I removed it after Chandra began “cruising” (walking with support), because I was afraid she’d pull it off and fall. Not too many eyes view it anyway, or appreciate it. So I thought I’d put it on an umbrella frame a la crochet parasols.
I thought about finding a large enough empty frame, but didn’t. After coming here, though, I saw an old grandfatherly type of umbrella my father had, its original silk slightly moth-eaten, and it struck me as ideal for the purpose. From the thought to the deed took only as long as it took to sew the lace to the spokes, after ripping the silk from the frame. The central cast-on was sloppy enough to allow me to simply poke the top through. I wondered if I should let the excess lace droop around the spokes, but then decided against it.
Instead I ran some spare yarn through, tightened it, knotted it and wove the ends through. And there you have it.
Something I made that actually looks like art! I wish I could get a larger audience for it, though! I think not enough people noticed it in Chandra’s birthday party, stuck as it was over a light above the mouthwatering dinner spread. Plus I was too busy hostessing to point it out to people who’d appreciate it. I think I shall tell my mother to carry it around when she goes out in the summer. She was after all, partly responsible for me doing this, by asking if I could make a crochet parasol like one she saw at a saree exhibition once.
ETA: I only realised now that I haven’t linked to my Ravelry project page on this post. Remedying that right away.
15 comments
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December 6, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Sara
It’s so breathtaking!
December 6, 2010 at 6:29 pm
Lorena
That, is seriously, one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.
December 7, 2010 at 9:42 am
anu
That is one of the most innovative projects I have seen in crochet.
December 7, 2010 at 9:44 am
Preeti
I’m dumbstruck! This parasol is a thing of beauty!!
December 12, 2010 at 11:59 am
noricum
Lovely! I’m sure it’ll be great for keeping the sun off. 🙂
December 16, 2010 at 11:46 am
desiknitter
This is absolutely stunning! Totally an heirloom that you should specify eternal protection for in your will, as a condition for future generations to enjoy your millions! 🙂 Just lovely. and it will help in the summer, no, even if not in monsoon?
February 4, 2011 at 7:24 pm
Shri
Jusdt chanced upon your blog!
Loved this parasol.
May 11, 2011 at 10:39 pm
Geraldine
Very beautiful …. and certainly effective against Spring sunshine .
Aren’t you clever !
September 19, 2011 at 5:13 am
Joel Derfner
Oh, my GOD.
Can I buy the pattern from you?
September 30, 2011 at 10:05 pm
mrsfife
Hi! I’m so sorry I didn’t respond earlier to your comment, things just got away from me and it slipped my mind totally. Do you wonder I have so few readers left?!
Anyway, to answer your question, if you haven’t discovered it already, the pattern isn’t mine, but it’s available free on Ravelry.com, where you must be a member. Here’s a link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vernal-equinox-shawl-surprise#
Thanks for stopping by and do visit again!
Swapna
On 19 September 2011 05:13,
> New comment on your post “Inspired” > Author : Joel Derfner
October 22, 2012 at 7:57 pm
Lauralee
I shared your post here http://www.scoop.it/t/crafty-crafts/p/3056345345/umbrella-frame-a-la-crochet-parasols and here http://www.scoop.it/t/needle-and-hook-patterns/p/3056307150/umbrella-frame-a-la-crochet-parasols
October 22, 2012 at 8:14 pm
mrsfife
Oh thank you for letting me know. I hope it’s clear that that was a knit parasol, though.
November 27, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Bhavna
OMG! This is totally awesome! Most beautiful parasol.
May 5, 2013 at 7:06 pm
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