Recovering an Antique Victorian Parasol

I happen across bare parasol frames from time to time, but I've never been brave enough to take on recovering one until now! So let's talk about some of the style and mechanical history of the parasol while I get to work with patterning, cutting, fitting, and trimming out a mid-19th century parasol. I'm even making (lazy) silk fringe!
The shape, size, and style of parasols changes constantly throughout history. It's an ancient design that dates back thousands of years. It's popularity in Europe picked up after the 16th century- though London supposedly experienced it's first umbrella in 1750! Throughout the 19th c, parasols were a common accessory in the wardrobe of all sorts of people. The industrial revolution made them affordable and accessible to many more. And they weren't just for fashion! They work impressively to keep the sun and heat off of the bearer- an essential thing in the time before sunscreen and air conditioning.
Brandon McKinney: / the_delineator
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[@anotherpace]

women "accidentally" poking people on the bus. I wonder if the writer experienced that more than others, and if so, what was causing him to experience it so frequently.

[@NicoleRudolph]

Honestly, it'd be a great way to keep a safe personal space! I know I've wished for a jabbing implement while on public transport plenty of times.

[@ragnkja]

Especially since he singled out parasols, with no mention of gentlemen’s canes.

[@SnappyDragon]

[furiously taking notes]

[@lenabreijer1311]

@@ragnkja maybe he liked getting poked by men's canes

[@LixiaWinter]

Yeah, he definitely channel Filthy Fithion™ vibes

[@sabrinab9434]

Whenever I watch a new video on historical fashion content I feel like a lil plant that has just been watered.

[@yezzyjames]

I love how in that one article there's a mention of people putting in violet lining, giving them a corpse like appearance, which proves that Goth was of all ages. Absolutely love how it turned out. :}

[@terrijuanette486]

It wasn't to be 'goth'. It was to look whiter. They did all sorts of crazy stuff to look whiter but it wasn't to be 'goth'. The working class had darker skin because of being in the sun, etc. The wealthy did not, so it was fashionable to look less like a working class person and more like the wealthy. We do the same thing today. When the wealthy took to outdoor 'play' and got tanned as a result, it became popular to be tan - which is what we have today. Different results but the same overall motivation.

[@yezzyjames]

@@terrijuanette486 bla bla bla downvoted for missing the joke, and being a know-it-all. Have a good day. :}

[@mariemawet4878]

In French, "un parasol" is like the big version that you use to block the sun at tables or when you lay in the sun in a long chair, the small version that you carry around is called "une ombrelle", and the version for the rain is called "un parapluie" 😊

[@AndyD.21]

In Czech we have a word paraple that is addopted from French. It's kind of an old fashioned term for both umbrella and parasol

[@donquijotedegranada]

parasol, sombrilla and paraguas in spanish henehe

[@KhaarlM]

@@AndyD.21 Hi fellow czech person😊😊

[@ragnkja]

In Norwegian we have “paraply” and “parasoll”, both borrowed from French, with no separate word for the small version that you carry around (I guess we didn’t use them often enough to need a word).

[@AndyD.21]

@@KhaarlM hi😀

[@rebeccaolsen6196]

Thank you! I 'accidentally' became the custodian of several Victorian parasols when at an auction (yes I bid on purpose, I just had no intention of buying them until my hand shot up). Now I feel more confident about restoring them.

[@labyinthoiospotnia]

that self-fabric fringe is just *chef's kiss*

[@sarahrudd4995]

Why did parasols go out of fashion, so being used? Yet umbrellas persisted. They seem like something that should still be in use given concerns today about skin cancer and global warming.

[@NicoleRudolph]

From what I can piece together, they really fall out as tanning moves from being a negative to being desirable! Then they're mostly used at the beach or picnics rather than carried with.

[@dee-annegordon5959]

They're making a come back using the modern name of UV umbrella. Less pretty though 😕

[@PurelyCoincidental]

I think they've remained common in East/SE Asia, although I'm sure it depends on the region. I lived in Sydney several years ago for a while, and would see women carry them occasionally. I probably should have--I know few people paler than I am--but I was young and trying to fit in. I'd likely get one if I got to live in a really sunny place again.

[@sylvielam9565]

If you get a chance to stop by any east-Asia cities in the summer you'll be greeted by a sea of colorful umbrella lol, we still use UV-umbrellas a lot. And I'm glad to see parasols being part of the lolita outfit (i.e.: www.wunderwelt.jp/en/fleur/products/a-00201), they're super cute! x

[@bridgetthewench]

@@dee-annegordon5959 I have one that's frilly and trimmed in lace on the top, then with some dark material on the underside that supposedly filters UV better than plain fabric, but honestly I just picked the one that came in teal.

[@Love-and-Salt]

The surprise dog at the end was 10 out of 10

[@lornadavis476]

I've been recovering modern umbrella frames for years. I've never lined one, though I think I'll try now. I have an old paper fan, the side towards your face is creamy white, with gold flecks. This lights the face in a very flattering manner.

[@KestralWolfe]

Why is the sound of a needle or pin pricking through fabric such a lovely, soothing noise? Especially through stiffer fabrics than jersey.

[@jayneterry8701]

Or the scissors. I wondered also if a curved needle would have given a bit of hand ease.

[@donquijotedegranada]

it's funny, because in spanish "parasol" means literally "in order to stop the sun" 😂

[@ragnkja]

Yup. In Norwegian we also have “paraply”, from French “parapluie”, which is literally “agains the rain”.

[@barbara_LL]

in portuguese parasol is literally "sun stopper"

[@giuliamura2337]

Same in italian, we say "parasole" (parare: to block/shield, sole: sun )

[@donquijotedegranada]

that's crazy... in spanish we have paraguas (rain stopper) for umbrella and sombrilla (little shade) for beach umbrella, quite selfexplanatory hehehehe

[@giuliamura2337]

I think it's all connected by the Latin "păro" (păro, păras, paravi, paratum, părāre), it's a verb and it has various meanings, I'm not at all an expert but Italian, French and Spanish are what we call "lingue Romanze" so maybe I'm not so far from the origin of this word 😂

[@VictoriaClutton]

Hnnnggg for the perfect geometric precision of the pattern matching. Hnnngggg I say!

[@elizabetha3936]

I've always been drawn to parasols. Even when I was younger. I can't explain it. I also burn easy. I have to wear long sleeves in the summer.

[@anjahobmaier793]

The oldest parasols in Europe - that I know of - are in fact etruscan and date from around the 4th century BC. There are some depictions and even rare finds of parasol frames, for example in Tarquinia, Italy.

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

I never thought I needed a parasol until now, lol. It's so beautiful and dainty and I've never seen that method of making fringe before! I have some scraps of a similar icy blue in dupioni that has to become fringe immediately. Not that I need fringe for anything.

[@TheCoutureCourtesan]

Yay Sippet!! This was so helpful and inspiring. I have a parasol that I need to tackle recovering but it has a real pagoda shape so I'm scared!

[@NicoleRudolph]

I really recommend looking at Brandons stuff (or contacting him). He was so wonderful to chat with and knows so much!

[@VioletFem]

I paused the video so that i could read the 1867 article excerpt at 2:24. The author of the article "Maidservants' Parasol" is really condescending to the maidservants and farm girls who use parasols once week. What was his (i assume) problem?!

[@pepperreed.33]

Dudes Gonna Dude, no matter what century they are in.

[@Squirreltasticqueen]

Probably because of classism. Look at these servants thinking they are real ladies !

[@xtrisaratops]

As someone who lives just a couple hours down from you, I only have one word about reed/wood (or is it two words?): Dryrot. Dryrot is the bane of my existence, and I routinely wage war with my son's trampoline over it. And my car tires. And all of my outdoor furniture. And my wooden fencing.

[@robynross255]

That is such a stunning accessory made from incredibly beautiful fabric. I love the concept and feel the need to rush out and find either the makings or even a fully made parasol to carry with me in the summer, which it is in Australia currently. Thankyou so much, Nicole, for showing us this process. I don't know why we don't all carry a parasol. It is much cooler than wearing a hat. xx

[@ragnkja]

A parasol does require a spare hand, though the same is true for an umbrella.

[@francespowell6923]

I bought myself a parasol at Priceline Pharmacy a couple of years ago. Well ... UV Umbrella, but it's black and white zebra print with pink ruffles, so I'm going with parasol. I don't use it often, but it certainly comes out if I'm on foot on a stinking hot day. You'd be surprised what a difference it makes.

[@ragnkja]

@@francespowell6923 “Umbrella” also fits, since it shades you.

[@lwoods507]

Even in modern times, the sharp top of an umbrella is second to none as a weapon on public transportation. I salute my Victorian ancestors!

[@PolyvoreThea]

My friend who recovers parasols says that the stitches on the hinge were often done with lighter weight thread on purpose so if the tension on the parasol becomes too much, the hinge thread would snap, rather than the cane. Thank you for this. It is something I have always wanted to do. I have a collection, and as I use them, they need repair and eventually recovering. It is harder and harder to get the pagoda shape.

[@danielletobin9480]

Favorite parts of this video, in no particular order: - accidentally “theoretically” stabbing people on the bus - the dog parasol reveal (because of course) - the way you matched the music with the dinging of your phone at 18:25 *chef’s kiss*

[@SusanYeske701]

I never even thought of making fringe with the fabric! Thanks for that! It might come in handy in a future project!

[@TealCheetah]

What a fun project! Guess what all of us want to do now, haha

[@rd6203]

I am NOT furiously tapping away at Amazon in search of a parasol to save 😜

[@marliesethomas]

You are the Mr. Rogers of CosTubers, always so informative and soothing.

[@susanstage9279]

I picked up a bare bones parasol. Thank you! I was going to crochet the lace which I could of done, but kept putting it off. So glad I found this!

[@sarahmwalsh]

You used that striped silk so perfectly - what a lovely effect it had when sewn into the round like that! It struck me watching this that working with the fabric in this almost three-dimensional way is rather like shoemaking, in that you're kind of manipulating the fabric and shaping it around a fixed structure rather than creating a garment. No wonder it's a project you're drawn to!

[@TheMetatronGirl]

I think I’m hooked. As to wanting to do more parasol re-covering...we could all offer to re-cover Noelle’s collection? 😂 In all seriousness, I was always mildly curious about this, but you may have triggered a new obsession! My long-suffering spouse may have a heart attack when I acquire yet another hobby, but he’ll be okay. The finished parasol cover is gorgeous!

[@adorothyinkansas4392]

14:28 The sound of a sharp pair of shears slicing through fabric...like, a hot knife through butter...but with That Sumptuous Sound! It's difficult to describe but I've a feeling you know what I mean! ❤✂️❤ Well done!☂️

[@jenninstitches]

I have really wanted to see how this is done. It has never looked complicated, but never something I've looked into heavily. I have a frame I grabbed 9 years ago with the intention of recovering, but never did since I took a costuming and sewing break. I love that fabric and admire your patience for fringing it like that.

[@bridgetthewench]

I have a modern, store-bought parasol, and the ribs tend to get caught in my hair if I'm not careful. Maybe I should line it like this.

[@adrianapeace3601]

Dear nicole, hearing you say that you had the parasol and the materials to fix it for about nine years before you got around to it makes me feel so much better about the dozen projects i have on the backburner. i also cant wait to see more of your capsule wardrobe being made !

[@MariaHellerDesigns]

Love how you can hear all the sewing sounds in your videos, it's so soothing. The sounds the needle makes when you're sewing, and the scissors cutting, and the fabric rustling - feels nice. But I don't know how you do it, to not have other noises in the room! I have to mute the videos where I work because my girlfriend is probably using the sewing machine in the room, a TV show or KZbin video is usually on, my cat is screaming lol, and if my girlfriend is not using the sewing machine, then we are constantly talking. You must have a really quiet house.

[@mollysmith1711]

Every week you teach me something that I never knew I needed to know. Thank you

[@bobbibuttons8730]

Gosh, that parasol fabric is totally delicious. You look so pretty when in costume, not that you don’t look lovely normally but there becomes something almost ethereal about your look. When I worked in the Middle East it was common to see the Filipina females use umbrellas against the sun. I remember at that point thinking how much prettier it would be to have parasols rather than clumpy umbrellas.

[@myrnahuber5047]

Love watching you speak, explain and work on your projects…so soothing…and soooo AMAZING!!!!!!

[@skirtedgalleons]

That fabric and fringe is gorgeous. This was fascinating, thank you!

[@liv97497]

The fringe may just be my very favorite thing about this. This turned out so beautiful! I love the fabric choice.

[@madeleinerose7090]

That self fringe is one of the most beautiful trimmings I’ve ever seen. The colors are just lovely. Beautiful work!

[@diamondslashranch]

I’ve been binge watching your videos and I’m beyond amazed. There’s nothing you can’t do and do well. I’ve watched you make shoes, clothing and parasols etc... I’m so glad I found you and can’t wait to see what comes next.

[@leonply]

Excellent video! You've inspired me to work on a mourning parasol from 1866 England. It has a gold, mother of pearl and cloisonne handle (the hallmarks say London 1866). It's always scared me, because it has a double layered patch of silk which lies between the rib hinge and the fabric, as well as a fringe which is braided from nine strands of the fabric. There is one flaw in the wood, but I'm going to use one of the super glues to fill it in, then file a small groove in three places on it, in order to wind carbon-fiber strands around for strength. Then a "paste" made of rosewood sawdust and super glue, to fill in and then sand/polish smooth. And before I forget, if you ever need to clean ivory, a whitening toothpaste works perfectly! Thank you for your detailed video!

[@SwitchelSweets]

I’ve been bemoaning my wardrobe’s lack of parasols for ages - I had no idea this was an option lol! Gonna have to keep an eye out for parasol frames 😍

[@CraftQueenJr]

Emily Williams umbrellas with torn fabric are not too hard to find for them.

[@Nahsaghara]

* desire to learn how to construct a parasol so I can live out my life-long desire to have at least a dozen pretty parasols intensifies *

[@evadeleon3009]

I have never seen this method of making fringe!!!! Omg my drag costuming game is about to level up!!!!

[@stevezytveld6585]

Stunning work, as always. I love how just about anything produced by the Victorians and Edwardians can be endlessly rebuilt and reimagined. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown

[@SharmClucas]

How cute! I've been considering getting a child's umbrella and recovering it to be a small parasol for a while now. I really should give it a try.

[@adorothyinkansas4392]

Okay! You did it now! You have inspired me (once again 🤩) to tackle yet Another project I've been putting off! Thaaanks! 😐 No, for real, thank you. ✌🙏❤

[@kathleenhensley5951]

I want one. I'll tat some lace for it. It gets so hot here in the summer. Glorious! What a craftswoman you are! I know what you implying about Virginia, especially Williamsburg. The entire tide water area is a special kind of steam bath in the summer.

[@gigglepantsiii9350]

That fringe is simply amazing!

[@Maraaha55]

That is just beautiful! It's not a huge issue here, but I hate being too hot, and have used a golf umbrella as a parasol more than once. Get weird comments at times, until I point out that I'm nice and cool!

[@anska7475]

Thank you for the interesting, beautiful and altogether lovely video. The complaint by the gentleman who wrote in Punch made me smile a little, since I often share his sentiments, when someone hastens to open their huge umbrella at the first droplet of rain in a very crowded area. Maybe I should take parasol revenge.

[@Rozewolf]

Beautiful. As you were sewing on the fringe up at the finial, I wasn't sure I'd have done that were it mine. However, it was perfect.

[@ladyicondraco]

(watches nearly every one of Nichole's videos since she started her channel) Hmmm...I suppose I should subscribe.

[@yumeng4686]

That feeling when you're not a native Indo-European language speaker and you just use one thing to block out both the sun and rain...

[@Miniver765]

Your idea for making your own fringe was absolutely inspired! I can't imagine anything stock looking as wonderful as the fringe you made yourself from the fabric you used. Fantastic work!

[@michellecornum5856]

In my mind, parasol repair is up at the top of the list of things that are impossibly hard to do yourself. I love this! As a child I had an interest in muffs and parasols, both were met with intense eye rolls. The fringe BLEW ME AWAY!!!! Not how I expected fringe to be made.

[@chtitmog]

I have an modern Japanese parasol made of 100% Muga silk (we call them « ombrelle » in France - against the rain, we have the « parapluie ») and last time I used it, people looked at me as if I was an weird alien. I do have a hat but I get warm too easily and sweat heavily on the head area - the ombrelle works better for me as a light breeze always happen to prevent me looking like a hot mess. Lol. You did such a beautiful job on yours, all the video was so relaxing and entertaining as well. Thank you so much for sharing! Radha x

[@romystumpy1197]

Beautiful fabric , wonderful finished parasol

[@janeodee1677]

beautiful, you gave it a second life.❤

[@commodorezelda]

SURPRISE DOGGO!! Also, the fringe looks so luxurious!

[@tiffanytomasino335]

Thank you for sharing! I’ve never thought much about parasols, but I low-key want one now

[@boomeracres4813]

I have a few parasol frames needing recovering as well. I’ve done two so far using the Truly Victorian pattern #570. It has pattern pieces and very good instructions for those of us who haven’t quite mastered making our own patterns. Yet! 😁. I love your videos and hope someday to try making my own pattern pieces. By the way, the Met Museum online has extant parasol covers. There is a copper satin one with embroidered flowers that I have envied for years. Perhaps now is the time to try copying it! And just wow on the fringe and how you made it! Thanks again for a wonderfully inspiring video. 💖💖

[@jenniewilliamsmural]

Bewitching and so fun to watch. I carved a Mary Poppins Umbrella handle recently - also very satisfying.

[@marikotrue3488]

I love sun parasols. When I visited Tokyo (in pre-COVID days), many people used them. I even bought one. While cute it was not nearly as stylish as the one made by Nicole Rudolph. I also think the folding handle is a lot more useful than the hydraulic (?) one on my current umbrella. You really have to watch your fingers! It would have horrified that old gentleman complaining about being poked by an umbrella.

[@VoodooAngel63]

Stunning! And the color combination is one of favorites.

[@microplastique]

funny how in french we say "ombrelle" (same root as umbrella, ombre meaning shade in french) for parasols, and we use "parasol" for beach umbrellas and other standing sun protection devices

[@microplastique]

and "parapluie" (literally against the rain) for umbrella

[@jennywelch252]

This is a lovely and interesting vlog, thank you for talking to us about such a gentle subject. I'm not having an easy time and I really look forward to watching your site.

[@paulaperry2951]

Beautiful work! I love the fringe around the bottom.

[@JackrabbitCrafts]

I've never seen a fabric turned into fringe! But it's brilliant! I presume it's a tried and true old technique.

[@terralia644]

OMG I've been thinking about making an irish crochet lace parasol for a while. I think this might be the kick in the butt I need to do it.

[@alaineblaylock557]

Absolutely beautiful!!!

[@jeanetterule5420]

Just amazing. Love the fringe and the colors.

[@eyesofthegoddess2967]

Just loved this parasol. You did a great job on it. thank you for sharing!

[@CM-xn6xc]

Wow, that is beautiful!

[@olinelvgreen2062]

IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS, THANK YOU

[@shonitagarcia3222]

Beautiful. Great job.

[@charlarp]

Luv this and so looking forward to you hopefully showing us more of these

[@nancyloyet2764]

That is so gorgeous.. I have no words..

[@quinnmclaughlin7537]

am always amazed people can keep (straight) stripes staight/inline on a circular- type pattern; beautiful work

[@michellegore8878]

It takes a special kind of person to do all that geometry and pattern matching, and I'm here for it. Also, puppy!

[@LatelyFashionable]

It's so beautiful! I love how the fringe turned out. It really adds to the look!

[@MonaSkovJensen]

This was just so calm and relaxing to watch. And stunning.

[@deniseyoung3738]

What a gorgeous parasol! I love that fabric! Thanks for sharing!

[@diannenaworensky6698]

I love this video. So useful

[@moonbaby1o1]

This turned out so lovely

[@myrnahuber5047]

I absolutely love your channel!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rebeccaaugustine8628]

What a beautiful project!

[@aliloucreations1817]

I just love the fabric, great job well done ❤️❤️❤️

[@Midlife_Manical_Mayhem]

beautiful, nicole. and the sounds were wonderful!

[@ColorwaveCraftsCo]

I love everything about this project 😍❤️😊

[@ladyjusticesusan]

That came out beautifully!

[@sarahrudd4995]

It looks very beautiful all finished up.

[@KimHazer]

This is definitely in my top 3 most favorite video's ever!! Adore the color & the fringe & the history. 🤩

[@medicalherbalist2216]

Informative and visually stunning. love the finished item, what a fabric choice!

[@amandahart9440]

Love this! I started carrying a parasol for walks around the neighborhood. I love them!

[@christinehayes73]

That fringe is simply stunningly beautiful!

[@juliefinkbeiner663]

I love the fabric you chose!

[@lyndabird9401]

This is beautiful and much easier than I had thought.

[@marthaschwartz5031]

Really lovely and inspiring. I've mended umbrella covers but never thought to re-cover one.

[@andiew.3657]

your creativity and craftiness never ceases to amaze!