A Playful Make with the Poppins Parrot Parasol

Hello friends! This is Jennifer Long from Sew A Story.

I love sewing not only patterns that tell a story but fabrics that tell a story. My newest collection for Riley Blake Designs, A Spoonful of Sugar, was created with that exact hope in mind.

Today I want to share a project that brings both creativity and function together in such a fun way. The Poppins Parrot Parasol is a unique craft that transforms a simple umbrella into something full of personality and charm.

A Craft That Stands Out

This project begins with a standard umbrella and turns it into a fabric covered parasol using pieced panels and appliqué details. One of the most special features is the parrot handle cover, which adds a playful and recognizable detail inspired by the Mary Poppins story.

The parasol panels are created by sewing fabric sections together and attaching them to the umbrella frame. A French seam is used to give the panels a clean and finished look, which is especially helpful when working with angled shapes .

Tips for Sewing the Parasol

Because this project includes curved shapes and layered details, a few simple techniques can make the process smoother:

• Use a shorter stitch length and clip your curves carefully to help the fabric lay flat and smooth around the umbrella shape
• Take your time when tracing and cutting your umbrella panel template so each section fits together cleanly
• When assembling the panels, press each seam well before moving to the next step to keep everything aligned

These small steps help the finished parasol look polished and balanced.

A Spoonful of Sugar in Every Panel

The A Spoonful of Sugar fabrics work beautifully in this project because of their variety and softness. Each panel of the parasol becomes a place to showcase a different print, from florals to playful motifs like kites and teacups.

The mix of colors and prints creates movement around the umbrella, giving it a storybook feel as it opens and closes. It is a lovely way to see how a fabric collection can come together in a three dimensional project.

A Creative Project with Purpose

Projects like this are a reminder that sewing can be both practical and imaginative. The Poppins Parrot Parasol is something you can use, display, or gift, while also enjoying the process of creating it.

It is a wonderful project for trying something new and exploring how fabric can be used in unexpected ways.

Yours in storytelling creativity,
Jennifer Long
Sew A Story