Thursday, March 12, 2015

Twister Rain Poncho Using Simplicity 6630

I'm sure it's a great game, but I have never played Twister. I was recently given the game by a friend who was decluttering. I opened the box, saw the fun polka dots and felt the feel of the plastic. I immediately knew my non-playing Twister streak would continue; it just screamed protective rain gear! The plastic would be a perfect and the fun colors would brighten my spirits on a cloudy rainy day.

A single play mat is sufficient yardage to make a raincoat or small poncho depending on the pattern layout and design taste. I really wanted to maximize the "Twister" text and to be certain I had more than enough "fabric",  I sought out a second mat and got to work.


I have many good candidates in my pattern stash for this project. I was anxious to get started so I decided on my Simplicity 6630 reversible poncho pattern. I know it works and it was already cut. 

I made a few changes to the original design. Here are the construction elements:
  • I choose a tone on tone cotton fabric for the lining. After cutting the Twister fabric out I serged the individual pieces to the matching lining pieces. With right sides together, I  stitched all but the top together then turned and pressed the lining side with a medium heat setting. In doing this, I finished the edges and added weight to the poncho.
  • Omitted the center back seam.
  • Installed a separating zipper to the front
  • Secured the sides with black heavy duty snaps
  • Added a pocket on the right side, camouflaging it somewhat in a green polka dot. 
  • Positioned the hood to accommodate the word Twister only partially maintaining the back seam of the hood. 
  • Lined the hood with the Twister fabric so it is visible when flipped down.
  • Topstitched the outer edge of the entire garment securing the lining to the plastic. 
The interior seams were mostly sewn on my serger with a basic four-thread seam. The machine sewing was done using a ball point needle to minimize damage to the plastic. When possible, I stitched with the lining fabric on the bottom to prevent feeding issues with the plastic. I was able to use my general purpose foot with no problem.  
Open

Pocket

Side Snap
Zipped

Back
 
I ran a few errands wearing this today. If you are shy, do not make this; it is an attention grabber! Delighted people stopped me everywhere I went paying me compliments. I walked past a comic book store and heard a guy yell in a booming voice, "Awesome! A Twister Poncho! I want one!"    


***Update*** I am making another using the modern McCalls 6209. I will share the changes I made when I am done. 

Stay dry and Happy Sewing,
Bianca

34 comments:

  1. I just wrote a comment and tried to post. ???

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    1. It didn't post :( So sorry! Please try again.

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  2. trying again.. never as good as the first writing... so, here goes. Your use of the graphic design was pure genius. Perfect alignment.. I would be out of alignment (if I tried to play this game nowadays) for ever. Clever Smart and spot on... all puns intended... Bravo Bravo Bravo! Love your poncho/cape

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    1. Yay! I see this one! Thanks so much! You are so kind! I love puns! I had so many about rain and being tied up and twisted and other crazy song lyrics! I figured the print was so bold, I had to tame down the funny :) Glad you like it!

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  3. You're my hero girl! It's amazing.

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  4. SO SUPER CUTE!!!! ruggy is *this close* to dragging our twister out...

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  5. Totally agree with Nancy Rhodes. Super Cool! And functional. :) So cute on you!

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  6. You will be brightening so many people's rainy days, I feel like some kind of humanitarian award would not be out of line.

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  7. That is the cutest dang thing I have ever seeeeeen! Ok, I have GOTSA go find said game and make one for my lil angel. Oh WHOAMIKIDDDDDDINGIWILLHAVETOFINDSEVERALSOICANCOPYYOOOOU! Made me laugh out loud and smile on quite literally a rainy day here :-) Cheers to you!

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    1. You made me laugh! I too am scoring sources to find more games. My little ones have asked for theirs and I have friends placing orders!

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  8. Wow. What a fun and different rain poncho. The kind that will make you smile because it's raining instead of despite of the rain.

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    1. Thanks Anne, that is the feeling I was going for!

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  9. You have a great spirit! When I was a teenager (in the 60'2) I saw a pic of a raincoat made from Wonderbread bags. I have secretly always wanted to sew it up, but the Twister Coat trumps it!

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    1. Thank you! There is something about rainy days that make you want a bowl of tomato soup and a Wonder bread sandwich.

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  10. Brilliant and hilarious! You are ao creative - I see you selling tons of these!

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    1. Isn't it funny! :) Thank you! I have one order so far!

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  11. So awesome! What a fantastic idea!

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  12. Supa fabulous!!!!! I love what you do. :-)

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  13. I participated in the Rock and Roll Run in DC this weekend. It rained the ENTIRE time. I would have loved to have worn this poncho with a cheerful grin. I'm working on my sewing skills because I have to make this. Thanks so much for sharing such a fun and awesome creation.

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    1. Wow, running in the rain is impressive. This would have cheered you up for sure. While you build your sewing skills, snag every Twister game you can find. They have changed from the version I made and you will want to have the version you like. Please come back and share yours when you make it.

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  14. Replies
    1. Hi! I am happy to make you one! Email me to discuss: thanksimadethem @ gmail.com

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