A Plan Comes Together Beautifully!

Several months ago, I wanted to do something extra special for a very dear friend of mine.

We acknowledge Christmas and holidays, but between friends, birthdays have actually become something more meaningful, an acknowledgement that someone genuinely appreciates and celebrates the fact you were born.

My friend has always been great about remembering my birthday, and I thought she deserved something made just for her.

I am not good at surprises.

In fact, I think they are a bit overrated.

My fear has always been to spring something on someone that they absolutely HATE, then it is awkward for everyone.

So, back in the summer, I mentioned I was thinking of making her fabric for a poncho to gauge her reaction.

It was positive.

I followed up with what colors she might like.

Autumnal, she said.

Okay. That was pretty much all I needed.

I searched Pinterest for inspiration, and found an abundance. After checking my stash, I put a color combination together, placed an order to fill in what I needed, and waited a couple of weeks.

By September, I had the warp on the loom.

A few weeks later, I had five and a half yards of fabric about 32" wide!

I thought it was gorgeous.

I washed it and ironed it.

And, it sat.

I know how to sew, but it is not my favorite activity.

Plus, I had never made a poncho before.

Today I was off from work.  Sunday, she and her family are coming over to celebrate her birthday.

It was today or never.

In addition to sewing a poncho for the first time, it was my first attempt at grommets and pompoms, too!

I had quite a bit of fabric left over, as well. 

My mother is visiting. She claimed the leftovers immediately!  Although, they need to be hemmed.

Next up is more fabric for a poncho for another awesome friend!

Both ponchos use 8/2 Tencel for warp. The Autumnal poncho used a sport weight wool for weft, while the blue poncho used an Aran weight weft (Noro Retro).