Poncho?
 

I have some nice wool and also some weatherproof fabric, and I'd like to make a few ponchos for walking dogs in the chilly and/or wet weather. A poncho is so simple, I don't think a pattern is necessary, but before I embark on reinventing the wheel (the poncho), does anyone have a suggestion for measuring, cutting, making a hood, lining, etc.? Thanks!

James

Stewart has this http://www.marthastewart.com/249998/poncho video that uses an 8" frying pan, but you really have to guess at the procedure sometimes - the piping, for example.

ETA: The instructions from MS web site: http://www.marthastewart.com/249998/poncho

I guess I answered my own question.

the patter books have patterns, and when they are on sale for $1, It's worth investing in.

I thought you were looking for a poncho for the dog! Then I started watching Martha Stewart and guest, and thought "Wow, he is going to have to make some major adustments to that pattern." The look of a poncho has always appealed to me, but the only one I made was in the '70s. It was heavy corduroy lined with an acrylic blanket. way too heavy but got lots of compliments. If you are going to wear one in all kinds of weather, I suggest making it reversible. If you go to look at patterns, don't overlook the costume patterns.

I thought you meant for dogs too! I made a poncho for myself in the 60's. It was corduroy on one side and wool on the other, very warm and heavy. I think I still have it somewhere!

Try Nancy's Notions she had some patterns for ponchos a while back.

I guess people think a pattern is necessary.

Ponchos for dogs isn't such a bad idea, either. When the weather's bad, my two spoiled beasts lag behind and stand at the end of the driveway, as if to say, "You've gotta be kidding; we're going back inside." Maybe some weather protection would help coax them out.

I wear a 36" sleeve-length dress shirt so, calling upon my abilities with higher math, I have determined a good width for a poncho would be 72" (finished), so railroading the fabric will be required.

elnan, I like the idea of making it reversible so it will be useful in a wider range of temperatures. What was your reason for suggesting it? I would like it to shed rain, but can't think a material that's both waterproof and would make a comfortable lining. (The whole point of this poncho is convenience - to throw it on quickly over a tee shirt, rather than putting on a shirt, sweater or jacket and then removing it five minutes later.)

Lastly, what's the difference between a cape and a poncho? A poncho has a hole cut for the head and a cape is split up the front? A cape is pretentious and a poncho is utilitarian? No difference, really?

James

I've always done better with a paper pattern, rather than trying to "wing it". The more i think about reversible winter gear, the more I think it is not such a good idea, like exercise in a plastic bag, which it would feel like with the water repellant side against the body. You have already thought that part out.

As for doggie duds, I've seen many dogs wearing toddler sweaters in the winter. I learned the hard way that not all dogs will tolerate wearing clothing. The pattern companies do produce a dog coat pattern that looks similar to a saddle blanket, about the same shape as a sewing machine cover.

I googled "4-H sew a poncho" and got good information, including a 3 pg. pdf for a poncho that reminds me of the gaucho look. The title says "Retro" 4-H Poncho Pattern. It uses two rectangles of fabric. You could skip the first page and get by with just pgs. 2 & 3.

I wouldn't try to make a sport coat without a pattern, but I'm willing to wing it when making a rectangle with a hole for the head.

Many years ago I knew an elderly gentleman who had an unlined hooded cape made from loden cloth. Sometimes I'd take his dogs out for him, and if it was raining, he'd always say, "Wear the loden cape - it gets warmer when it's wet." I never believed him about the 'warmer' part, but that wool cape was indeed comfortable and it shed water perfectly. The price today of a loden cloth garment can be pretty startling, however.

Have you thought of perhaps an oilcloth for the outside and the wool for the lining? Would not necessarily be 100% waterproof but I think it would go a long way to being water resistant? Perhaps even add a hood to whatever you come up with for the poncho...for those really heavy downpours?

BTW - capes typically also have slits for the arms (vs a sleeve) as well as a full opening in the front with one or more closures down the front.