Waterproof Wearables

Materials:

fabric from an umbrella
scissors
needle and thread or sewing machine
shoelaces
buttons

Steps:

1. Snip the fabric from the umbrella spokes (figure A).

2. Unscrew the top of the umbrella (or, if it doesn't have a screw there, simply cut the fabric away.)

3. Lay out the fabric (minus the spokes, now) flat on the table. You may need to spray the fabric with a water bottle to help settle it down. It should have a circular shape.

4. Turn under a one-inch hem all the way around the edges. Sew in place.

5. To make a casing for the drawstring, make a slit in the hem, being careful not to cut all the way to the stitching line. Make a similar cut in the hem opposite the first cut.

6. Use shoelaces in colors to match or contrast with your fabric for the drawstring. The stiff edge makes it easier to thread the lace through. Thread a lace through the cut on the left and push it through around to the next opening in the fabric.

7. Repeat on the other side. Tie a knot in the ends.