I took a class on how to make a umbrella! It was a lot of fun! Used Cotton fabric, my sew machine and my serger that does not get used much. Does have some hand sew too. I sprayed it to Repel water. Just spray it yesterday, so I have not check yet to see if it works in the rain yet.
Below is the web site to get a pattern and frames. They have umbrella frames for doll, kids and adults
http://umbrella-joan.myshopify.com/
It a FUN project and it not that hard to make.