 |
| A stylin' no sew poncho! |
A couple of weeks ago, my other half and I took advantage of a last minute hotel/flight package deal to the south and spent some time in Puerto Vallarta.
PV was the first place in Mexico that I ever visited, but I hadn't been back there in almost eight years. It's become so much more touristy than I like, with prices that generally reflect its popularity.
Therefore, when my eagle eyes spotted this deal, we couldn't pass it up.
 |
| Best deal in PV! |
They're mostly acrylic — mine was labelled 100% acrylic while others were half and half polyester and acrylic — and are definitely made in Mexico. At approximately 40" x 60", they are also a functional, multi-purpose size.
When I saw them, I pointed them out to hubby, who immediately bought a couple to use as seat covers for his truck. We then pondered whether we wanted any others, with me saying that we already have several Mexican blankets that don't get used; therefore we don't need more.
 |
| Unless you're a fan of true Mexicana colours, these are the two best combos, in my humble opinion... |
On our way back to the hotel later that afternoon, however, I spied a wool cape hanging in a shop and got to thinking that a red/black/white/gray blanket could be turned into a stylin' poncho.
Two days later we went back and got one.
At first, I thought of the Clint Eastwood version in The Good, The Bad & The Ugly and planned on cutting a hole in the middle of the blanket. (And of course, I'd have to sew around it first so that the woven fabric wouldn't simply unravel.)
 |
| Front view... |
But the good old internet served up a variety of images that finally inspired me to keep my blanket intact while also having it function as a poncho or cape. And it takes no more than a minute — if that — to put together. Apart from the blanket, you'll need a brooch or skirt pin.
Then follow three simple steps:
1) Fold the blanket diagonally so that you have two "points" on one side. (They won't line up if the blanket if rectangular.)
 |
| Fold.... |
2) Throw it over your shoulders and roll the folded edge to create a "shawl collar".
 |
| Roll... |
3) Overlap the front edges and pin in a double breasted style.
 |
| Pin... |
Can it be any easier? (As with many double-breasted jackets, you may also want to pin the underside to keep it "up" in place.)
 |
| Back view... |
Of course, the internet is full of other tutorials for how to cut into a blanket to turn it into a cape or poncho, but I like that this method lets the blanket stay a blanket.
If you're heading down to Puerto Vallarta this winter, consider picking up one of these if they're still available. We bought ours from the Market Place Puerto Vallarta along the malecon just off Guerrero. (Curiously, their shop logo has a rooster on it, as you can see on the bag in one of the photos above.)
 |
| Another front view... |
The shop is about four blocks north of the Rio Cuale bridge. If you're looking for a landmark, it's right where the dancing couple statue is. The other two shops that I encountered selling these for the same price are located just steps north on the malecon.
Of course, in the interests of reducing waste and consumption, if you have a blanket like this in your closet somewhere, take it out and repurpose it into something to keep you warm over the holidays.
what a great idea. I have a few of these in my closet. thanks much
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas🌴🎄🌴
There is a store in Albuquerque (and Santa Fe too) called Jackalope that sells these blankets from Mexico and other Mexican things too, like those colorful pottery items. I don't recall what they sell them for, but it would be cheaper than a flight to Mexico! They also sell those hoodies that are made out the same material. Like like how you just made folds and didn't sew it into a poncho, so that you can change your mind later.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful holiday season!