I have been a crafting machine over the past few weeks, and producing some pretty kick ass gifts if I may say so myself…which of course I do. Not only am I crafting for the upcoming Super Holiday of Christmas, but there are also some birthdays and baby showers sprinkled in there for good measure.
So for my friend’s birthday gift, she wanted some aprons to wear when she has a booth at craft fairs. She specifically requested a Christmas and a Spring season color apron set. So here are the details…
Springtime in Craft land Apron
Fabric: Urban Chicks “Summer in the City” Fabric for the middle and birds on the edges, JoAnn’s fabric for front side panels
Inspiration: McCall’s 3979 Vintage Aprons
Size: X-Large (20-22)
Modifications: Added side seam pockets
Enjoyment Factor: 9 – love the construction details
Time: 3 days
This was definitely my piece de resistance in apron making. I have loved this pattern since I saw it made in black and white oil cloth material. I had yet to make it since, although I love aprons, I have very little use for them. So when my friend asked me for aprons I knew this one would be topping the list.
Good:
- I absolutely love the unique design of this apron. It was so revealing to make. Every time another piece came together I would say to myself…”ta da!!”. I just love new construction techniques.
- I like the color combo which was inspired by the bird print that my friend likes so much. This is definitely not a color combination that I am used to working with so it took quite a bit of mental massaging to keep going and know that it would look good when finished.
- There is a secret addition to this pattern that I made. I added in-seam pockets between the second and third panels of the apron! My friend specifically asked that the pattern be a full body apron and have pockets. So after racking my brain for a few days I thought “a ha”. Only thing is that I had never done an in-seam pocket, let alone made significant additions or changes to a sewn pattern. So when I actually pulled it off it was probably the biggest “TA DA!!!” moment of the sewing process.
Bad:
- Figuring out the proper size. Yes, this apron pattern has sizes but no measurements to tell you how to determine which you are. Does it use modern sizing or vintage sizing as the name would imply. Either way I knew I would need the biggest size to err on the side of caution because both me and the recipient are quite boodyilicious.
- The 1/4″ seams they asked for were to big and were not covered by the double-fold bias tape when it was applied. I even double checked the pattern to make sure it didn’t require Extra-wide double fold bias tape and it didn’t. So I sewed the seams at 1/8″ and the applied the bias tape and sewed over it again. Unless she is making all her craft sales in quarters and putting them in the pockets of her apron, I think the seams should be fine. Just need to make sure you sew at the VERY edge of the tape so that you capture the most fabric.
- I did notice that one of the seams for the side ties had come loose so I repaired it and then reinforced the ties my sewing another line of stitching right outside the edge of the bias tape. I highly recommend this to add stability.
Ugly:
- Sewn binding is an unforgiving mistress that points out every flaw you make along the way. It may actually be IMPOSSIBLE to sew this stuff straight. I tried people, I TRIED and still it looked a little drunken at the end. Oh well, if you are looking that close at my friend’s body you may want to buy her a drink 🙂
Christmas Sparkle Apron
Fabric: Christmas Fabric from Micheal Levine
Inspiration: Kwik Sew 2311
Size: N/A
Modifications: Deleted single pockets and added one long pocket unevenly divided into two.
Enjoyment Factor: 7
Time: 1 day
I was not much into the idea of the traditional Christmas color combo of red and green. In fact, I kinda don’t like those colors together when they are put on your body, so I had to break it up with some gold and a more sophisticated print fabric to liven it up.
Good:
- This was kind of a nostalgic moment for me because I made this same apron pattern as one of my first ever sewn object in last year. It went much faster than the 4 weeks it took last time 🙂
- I added a bigger panel style pocket instead of the tiny hand pockets so that it had more uses than holding change. Plus the xmas panel was too beautiful to cut up.
- Used the label method in Last Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts. It was simple, fun, and effective. I will definitely be using it again on future projects.
- Super fast.
Bad
- Same binding tape issues as above.
Ugly
- Nada
37 comments
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December 14, 2007 at 10:42 am
amanda
I am totally jealous of your sewing skills. Those aprons are stunning. I sew like a 2nd grader (no offense to 2nd graders out there) and could use to improve my skills.
I voted for Elijah – you’re in the lead!
December 14, 2007 at 12:39 pm
terri
Those aprons are wonderful, and I just love the photos! Very cute.
December 14, 2007 at 12:54 pm
liz K.
That pink apron is so cute, I could just scream. Squee!
December 14, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Carolyn
Oh cute, cute, cute aprons. Aren’t you the multi-craftinista these days !!!
Incidently, you are cute too !!! I’ve added Lint Knitter to my blogroll.
Happy Holidays,
Carolyn
December 14, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Melissa
So cute!
December 14, 2007 at 2:36 pm
sulafaye
You have outdone yourself indeed! These aprons are darling to the point of squealing (I see Liz K. already beat me to that, though!). Please do tell of your friend’s delighted reactions. And then come teach me how to be amazing like you!
December 14, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Debora
What adorable aprons! I love the Springtime in Craft land Apron, because of the curved edges and I love pink!!!! They are wonderful!
December 14, 2007 at 3:57 pm
seedless grape
Wow–both aprons are great, but I LOVE that summer in the city apron! The color combo and the panels are terrific! I’m sure your friend will be thrilled when she sees it.
December 14, 2007 at 5:12 pm
nettiec
They look so great. Especially the first one, I love the colors and styling of that one.
December 14, 2007 at 5:21 pm
AverageJaneCrafter
The vintage apron is AMAZING! Such fantastic fabric combinations and great details. The pockets ROCK! Great work! 🙂
December 14, 2007 at 11:26 pm
karine
I like that vintage apron. Maybe I should make a few…
December 15, 2007 at 10:23 am
gold
Those aprons are just to cute!!They are going to just love them.
December 15, 2007 at 11:35 am
Lucy
Your aprons are so sassy! I love them. I have that vintage pattern. Thanks for the info on the sizes. Your color choices are phenomenal.
December 15, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Michelle
Oh my goodness. I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are soooo talented! Beautiful!
December 15, 2007 at 5:02 pm
margaux
they are awesome!!!! i love them. Fantastic job… makes me wanna go cook something 😉
December 16, 2007 at 3:01 pm
allena
lovely aprons! Your pix are so cute too
December 16, 2007 at 3:45 pm
Bonnie
Your aprons are lovely! I love the addition of the pockets. I have also made this apron and love the pattern. In fact, I spent today making 4 aprons for Christmas gifts!
December 17, 2007 at 4:55 am
whitknits
I am so jealous of your sewing abilities! Those aprons looks fantastic. I especially love that pink and blue one, it’s lovely…and the pockets! Wow.
December 17, 2007 at 10:29 am
Brook
I loved your tutorial, colors and information. I have posted your link to my sewing aprons group so that I may share your blog with other apron lovers around the world.
December 18, 2007 at 11:04 am
katie
i love your blog here. i ahve not visited for a while, but i am going to add you to my list of bloggy friends so i can check in more often!
December 18, 2007 at 6:37 pm
crimsonpurl
Your aprons are just adorable! Especially the 1st one!
You are so ready to burn in the kitchen during the holidays!
December 19, 2007 at 6:26 am
Jennifer
Awesome!! I especially love the addition of the pockets on the Spring apron. I’ve been wanting to try that pattern (a black and white oilcloth version sounds yummy LOL!) I just might have to tackle it soon. You’re making me want to sew, sew, sew!!
December 19, 2007 at 12:37 pm
Rachel
That is ADORABLE! I love vintage aprons–too cute!
December 28, 2007 at 6:35 pm
kelp!
O!M!G! I love everything about that pink-and-blue apron! The shape, bias tape, and pockets are all awesome. Your friend is going to rock those craft fairs!
December 29, 2007 at 6:09 am
toya
love your aprons very very cute
December 29, 2007 at 10:33 am
Sew,Mama,Sew! Blog » » December 29 ~ Happy Recipients
[…] of this apron from a McCall’s pattern. Learn more about the apron on Monique’s blog, The Lint Knitter, and be sure to take a look around for some of Monique’s year-end creative […]
December 29, 2007 at 10:40 am
beewswithoutborders
love the aprons!! Great colors, great sewing!
December 29, 2007 at 11:32 am
Lindsey
found you off of sew mama sew,
VERY awesome aprons!! i’m a complete novice at sewing (pretty much know how to turn the thing on) and am uber-jealous of your skills! i’m happy to know that even pro’s get a little scared at picking out color combos! thanks for the blog!
December 29, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Heather K.
I have been wondering about making plus size aprons. So many of the patterns I find for aprons seem so tiny. Your first apron looks like it would work beautifully on a gal with curves like myself. Thank you for modelling it, too. It really helps to see it on a real person rather than a picture of the finished product alone. You’ve got skills lady.
December 29, 2007 at 5:22 pm
Anna H.
(found you through sew, mama, sew)
wow, those look great – Mad sewing skills!
December 29, 2007 at 6:57 pm
dangermom
That springtime apron is the most gorgeous apron I have EVER SEEN. I’m speechless with admiration.
December 29, 2007 at 7:53 pm
mama k
LOVE the aprons! The first one is especially stellar.
December 31, 2007 at 2:21 am
Dorte
The aprons are soooo lovely! Especially the first one – I am so impressed by the cut, the pockets, the bias binding – wonderful work. Congrats!
December 31, 2007 at 8:00 pm
The Best of the Best 2007 « The Lint Knitter
[…] Creating an inseam pocket – which I used on my Springtime in Craftland Apron […]
January 2, 2008 at 3:35 pm
alhana tierra-skye
I love your stuff! I got your comment and yes, we do have a lot in common. What a creator Goddess you are! I look forward to having more contact with you. Blessed be, ATS
January 2, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Junie
Love that turquoise and pink apron — gorgeous combo! I need to post a photo of the apron I recently finished — lots of (handmade) bias tape trim, too, and I decided to sew it using a zig-zag stitch, which is a little more forgiving (and interesting) in appearance. But I have to go buy this pattern now — just too cute. And your idea for adding pockets is a MUST!
June 3, 2009 at 9:01 pm
My Apron « Of Chickens and Gardens and things…
[…] 4, 2009 at 12:29 pm (Crafty Stuff) I used this picture – https://knitlint.wordpress.com/2007/12/14/finished-object-aprons-aplenty and this one – http://www.flickr.com/photos/childfreetrophywife/2220507239 to design my […]