Sunday, August 12, 2001		Sunday Activity

Dazzle in the drizzle

PITTER patter fall the raindrops. Now’s the time to have your pick of pretty parasols and dazzle everybody in the drizzle.

The shops and showrooms are choc-a-block with umbrellas for the season. For the young and daring, there are wild’n’wacky brollies with a host of zany motifs—from square Marilyn Monroe prints to those embossed with images of wild horses.

Those romantic at heart can choose from dainty pink lovers’ umbrellas, cute ones with hearts printed all over or those splashed with Mona Lisa images all over .

For the kids too there is an enormous range to select from. Umbrellas shaped in the form of little dancing girls vie with cheerful Micky Mouse ones to catch the attention of little ones.

These colourful and trendy umbrellas can certainly brighten up an overcast day and may even prompt one to blithely dance in the rain, obviously with the prized parasol being flaunted to full glory.

But to make sure that the umbrella you’ve picked will see you through a couple of showers, if not several seasons, you must be a discerning buyer. Know the trick to make the right pick.

Umbrellas come in stick or folding styles. Stick umbrellas are generally larger and stronger than the folding type. There are also windproof models that, when blown inside out, can be quickly restored.

The parts of an umbrella’s frame—ribs, springs, cap, etc— should be made of tempered nicketl or chrome-plated steel.

Try out an umbrella before buying one. It should open and close with ease and stay in position when locked by the top or bottom spring.

Umbrella covers are usually made of water-repellant silk or nylon. The fabric panels (gores) should be stitched to the ribs with waxed thread. The cover edges should also be stitched, and not hot sealed, to resist fraying and to give a more finished look.

Hold an open umbrella up to the light. No pinholes or stray threads should be visible.

Choose an umbrella with a handle of moulded polystyrene or sturdy wood. It should be securely attached to the shaft.

Let an umbrella dry open. When a windproof umbrella has been blown inside out, place its handle against midriff, then slowly pull the runner down the shaft. The ribs should snap back into place at once.

— Chetna Banerjee