Saturday, July 22, 2017

Bring On The Rain: Twister Mat Raincoat Upcycle

I wish it would rain! The skies keep rumbling with sounds of thunder, and clouds grow dark, but nothing happens. We want it to rain so Little Miss can play fun games outside in her new Twister mat raincoat.


 





Ever since I made my Twister Poncho a few years ago, she has been asking for her own. I resisted until now because my poncho was large enough to cover me and both kids easily. 
 


Everyone is getting bigger so it was time to make hers. I have been steadily collecting Twister games from resale stores when I come across them. They are available in retail stores, but you can't beat a resale price and opportunity to upcycle an item that may be one step from the landfill. I needed two for my adult poncho and two for hers, but one would have enough for her. I chose two because of design decisions I made. 

I used Simplicity 8305 for this project because it didn't require much modification to make it a raincoat. It is a combination of view A and C with modified the pockets.
Image result for simplicity 8305

Working with the Twister mat requires a bit more focus and a few more tricks than working with fabric. You don't want to melt or tear the plastic. Ripping seams due to mistakes will result in many perforations in the seams so I had to take time. This was not a fast, complete in one sitting make. It took about 2 days of work to come together and we love the result. 

  • Toss it in the dryer on express cycle with a damp paper towel to get the wrinkles out before cutting. Check periodically to make sure it isn't too hot. 
  • When pressing during construction, press the lining side with a low iron
  • Underline the Twister fabric with lining fabric so they behave as one. I used four colors of thread and my serger for this. 
  • Use clips instead of pins to hold the fabrics together
  • Sew with jersey/ball point needles or any with a fine point


I learned  a lot from making the poncho for myself and customers. I took those lessons and added fun touches to this raincoat.




Little Miss is enjoying a summer of color with purple dyed hair. I took advantage of her love of color and added them every chance I had.

The first added color feature is multi-colored bias binding with rainbow color thread stitching



To make the multi-color binding:

  • Begin with purchased extra wide double fold bias tape
  • I cut 12-inch sections of all of the colors
  • Open the ends and pin, right sides together, raw edges even
  • Stitch the ends together
  • Press seams open
  • Refold along original foldlines and press


To that, I also added mismatched buttons and button loops




Alternately placed bias-trimmed pockets   
                                   

I really like the three-part hood of this pattern. It allowed me to showcase key aspects of the game mat.

A "Stockin' Feet Game"
                                                     

 "Twister"                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
                           
 "The Game That Ties You Up In Knots"
                                                                                                                                                                    

I am ridiculously thrilled with the lining fabric and how perfect it is for this project! I love the primary color hand prints on this fabric that I got at an estate sale. It is perfect for a Twister raincoat!

     
It is hurricane season in Texas, so I know the rains will come. In the meantime, a little plea to the sky cannot hurt right?

      
 Well, that didn't work. We will enjoy the sunny day anyway.






Happy Sewing,
Bianca

26 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, this raincoat and your model is beyond adorable and that lining is perfect!

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    1. Thanks so much! I did a little jig when I found the fabric!

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  2. I said it on Instagram and I will say it again, that is just too cute and I love her purple hair and polka dot leggings. Adorable outfit rain or not.

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    1. Thanks so much Tanya! Purple hair rocks! She is excited to play in the rain.

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  3. Bianca, this is so darling! Not only do I want to copy your idea for myself, but also my grandkiddos! You are the bomb when it comes to upcycling!

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    1. Thanks Sue! You should totally make a set for your grands and yourself!

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  4. Oh so cute! (Both your daughter and the raincoat).

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    1. Thanks so much! I showed her your comment and she blushed shyly. 😘

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  5. I love this so much! When you say "lining fabric" what kind of fabric is it? Cotton? I may be trying this!

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    1. Thanks! Sorry I omitted that; it regular cotton.

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  6. That is absolutely the cutest thing I've ever seen.

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  7. This is really cute. I love how happy she looks!

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    1. She is so happy! She makes me want to make all the things 😂

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  8. I love the raincoat and your daughter is a sweetie. Where can I get the multicolored bias tape?

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    1. Bianca thanks for the instructions on how to do the multicolored bias take. You're a sweetheart for doing that. Blessings and many projects to come-Thanks, Jane

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  9. Thanks so much! Sorry I didn't include that here. I posted on Instagram (too many balls in the air) that I made it by sewing multiple pieces of solid colored bias tape together.

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  10. Absolutely adorable. I am off to purchase the game and pattern for my granddaughters.

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    1. Yay!!! Check nearby thrift stores first! You can usually get them for about $5 instead of $20!

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  11. Wow, this is so adorable! Your daughter is too cute!

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  12. This is too cute. I absolutely love all the color and that lining is perfect - great find. Love your creativity.

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    1. Thank you Josephine! I was giddy with excitement when it clicked that I should use it for this. She also wants a dress with the hand print fabric.

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  13. I'm so behind on my commenting on blogs! I loved your coat when it first popped up on PR. It was the first time I thought--this lady can sew, she is massively creative and she must have a great sense of humor too! But this coat tops it. The multicolored binding, the circle pockets, and that fun lining fabric all go together to make the most joyful raincoat. Your daughter will have so much fun wearing this one!

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    1. Me too! Especially when I see makes on other social media and like it there. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and for your kind words! After I made this one, my son put his request for his. I even bought the adult pattern to make one for myself, This one is so much cooler than my original poncho! We are currently under a tropical storm watch with lots of rain on the way. We will be the Twister family at school today. :)

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  14. THAT. IS. AWESOME!! So cute and creative

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