hey, y'all, it's national wear your apron day!
did you forget to make a new apron?
me too.
so, no biggie, just grab an old skirt--you know, the one in the back of the closet that you've been saving because you like it too much to give it away but it doesn't fit (or as in my case, the zipper broke and i am too lazy to fix it).
lay the skirt with the center front on the right, the center back on the left, and the side seams (stacked) in the center.
slice the skirt one inch away from the side seam (to allow for finishing the edge).
then slice off two more pieces, wide enough to make ties. since the skirt is folded, you'll have a total of four tie pieces. discard the section with the center back seam (or save it for scraps, if you like).
stitch two tie strips together to make one long tie, repeat with the remaining two strips, then finish the cut edges of the skirt and the ties (i used the serger to make a rolled edge, but you could also turn and stitch--bind--narrow hem--etc--your choice).
stitch on your ties--and wear your apron! this apron is so quick, i made mine while the rice was cooking for lunch. notice what a great picture ella took!
if the skirt you've been hording is from fabric that is a little less "busy" than mine, you can add an applique or some trim or a pocket--stamp a design, or let your kids put their little hand prints on it--take it to your coffee klatch and have everybody sign it--you get the idea. i think i might add some rick-rack to mine, but not today, because today i'm wearing it.
bonus: here's the way i finish my tie ends: i fold the ties lengthwise, right sides together, and stitch along the short edge. when you turn this right side out, it creates a neat little point, automagically!
do you like apron patterns? need instant gratification? then i highly recommend emailed vintage patterns ebooks "21 retro aprons" and "make MORE retro aprons". each ebook comes complete with patterns for all the aprons (reduced on a grid so you can enlarge them to any size), detailed instructions for sewing them, and lots of great vintage images to inspire you to new designs.
order both, and you can get "10 all-american NOVEL APRONS" free! just place your order and tell them you want this book free.
i have ordered many, many patterns and ebooks from emailed vintage patterns and have never been disappointed. i have no affiliation except that i am a great fan of their products and would love to see more people enjoy them too.
