One of my favorite crafting/sewing/knitting blogs to look at is
Besides the pretty images and plethora of talent displayed on Alli’s blog, what really caught my attention was the OPB sew-a-long projects that she hosts. She picks one pattern to sew, and gathers people from all around the world to join in her sewing a new project in the time span of a few weeks. Currently, they are on their third week of sewing the Burdastyle Marie Skirt, but because I just got my sewing machine back from the shop and I don’t know how to sew pleats or zippers (yet) I decided to opt out of this project and maybe join the next time around. So as I was perusing through the Burdastyle website, I found a simple reversible apron that was first made at a sewing club in Australia (the one place I have no been and want to go SOO badly). So, I figured I’d take on the daunting task of learning how to sew something on my own (with just a pattern and directions in hand and no one to guide me). Well first of all, a little plug for Burdastyle, it’s basically a sewing website where people upload their patterns and projects. There are a number of FREE projects and some that cost money, but either way you will need to set up an account. And this apron I made happened to be a lovely free project! So first, I had to log in and click “Get It” and it places this apron into your “Shopping Cart” and then you are able to download the printable pattern.
The pattern consisted of 10 sheets of paper ( plus an instruction page). I taped them together and cut out two pieces, one for the apron and one for the pocket.
To make a reversible apron, you would cut out two pieces of (coordinating) fabrics per pattern. Note, that for the apron pattern, you will need to foldover your fabric on the straight side so that when you unfold it, it will be symmetrical and it makes for an easier cut! I actually decided to not do a reversible apron for this one, for time’s sake, but it’s a great idea!
Then cut out two pieces of fabric for your pockets. Again, I just cut out one piece since I didn’t make this a reversible apron.
First you will need to sew the top edge of your pocket. Then carefully pin the pocket to the center of the apron and sew the sides and bottoms of the pocket to the apron. Also, if you would like to create two pocket compartments, make sure to sew a line down the middle of the pocket as well.
And then finally you will need to pin the side ribbons/straps to the apron (and make sure the ribbon goes inside the two fabrics so that when you turn it out, the ribbon will be on the outside). Then you will sew along the sides and bottom of the apron. Leave an opening at the very top of the apron so you can flip it inside out from there.
The last step would be to pin the top ribbon to the top of the apron and stitch close the top of the apron + topstitch the sides and bottom of the apron to give it a cleaner, more professional look. And of course, take some photos of your finished product! 🙂
And then have a photo shoot with it too.
Whew, that was one heck of a project. I must admit, I did spend the better half of my Saturday night making this apron, but it’s only b/c I am super picky about having straight lines and centered pockets. Well, and I did take some breaks for food, water, catching up on blogs and TV. When I make this apron again I’m thinking it will only take about 2 hours from start to finish? That’s not too bad. That means I could crank out 8 in a day (considering 8 hours of sleep). Friends, don’t be alarmed if you receive one of these as a present one of these days. 🙂 Anyways, I actually packaged this apron up and sent it along to my future sister-in-law as a Bridal Shower present, since I am not able to attend her party. I hope she can make great use out of it and I really hope it doesn’t fall apart after only a few uses, heh.
Here are a few sewing tips I’ve learned along the way.
1) When cutting fabrics from templates or fabrics on top of each other, make sure to pin pin pin! Make sure you pin every few inches if possible and definitely the corners.
2) Make sure to always backstitch at the beginning AND end of each thread. This ensures that your thread is sturdy and will not come loose.
3) Always reinforce your stitches in areas where there may be a lot of pressure on the fabric, such as the top ribbon for this apron or straps for purses.
4) Have an ironing board handy for making those seams smoother.
5) And I said it above and I’ll say it again, topstitching (no matter how tedious it may seem) really adds a nice professional touch to most projects!
Lastly, I’d like to thank my MIL for introducing me to the world of sewing, Jieun for inspiring me to sew an apron so I could give it to you, Alli from One Pearl Button for introducing me to Burdastyle (I promise I will be joining one of your OPB sew-a-long projects soon), Amy Butler for making this beautiful fabric, and to the lovely lady who created the pattern for this apron in an easy to follow format and shared it. 🙂
LOVE the patterns you picked out!!! So cute!! I’m going to have to try and make one!!!
awesome job Sandy! love the apron 🙂
Yay! I have a sewing buddy! I got so excited when I saw your comment last night and checked your blog first thing this morning. We made a bunch of bobbins this weekend for the thread spools I bought. I had never even heard of a bobbin. It’s a fun word. haha
The apron looks so cute! I love the fabric. I think any of your friends would be so excited to get a cute apron like that for a gift. I’m going to check out those 2 sewing blogs now. Thanks for all the tips and information. I bought an apron pattern from Jo-Ann’s this weekend for $1.99. I was thinking of trying that project next and I think this post has convinced me.
i’m sure your future sister-in-law will love it. i see that the apron matches your cute koala. =)
yay! on to pillows, upholstery and clothing now!
I love the fabric you chose! This pattern seems pretty easy to make! A step up from little wallets and purses! 🙂
Love it, I might have to try my hand at this in the future.
It came out so well! I am extremely impressed!
Aw cute! Adorable fabric 🙂 It’s funny b/c my mom collects aprons ~ if you ever set up an etsy shop, let me know 🙂
It’s SO sweet, Sandy! Perfect Fabric choice! I am not sure I have the patience for this, but you did an amazing job!! xo
Love the fabric you picked Sandy! The apron looks like a dress in the front. Soon you will be able to make a real dress!
Wow, it looks beautiful!! I *love* that fabric – is it Amy Butler? I’m sure your future sister-in-law is going to adore it; who wouldn’t?
Beautiful photos, too!
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Thanks EVERYONE for the sweet and encouraging comments! The fabric is Amy Butler’s sky wall flower from the Faded China collection. I got it at the Fabric District in LA about a month ago! I am a HUGE HUGE fan of all things Amy Butler and hope to sew many more projects using her beautiful fabrics!
Great job! Its funny Im about to start some sewing projects next month. I have someone coming over to work on a pattern with me and to teach me how to use a sewing machine. Hopefully my projects will be as successful as yours was. I admit I in love with paper and fabric and Im so excited to finally have a reason to buy some pretty fabrics!
SUCCESS! Cute apron, i just realized how useful the front pockets are! Can’t wait to see wut else you’ll be sewing up!!
so cute!!! and of course its very aesthetically pleasing (nice color choices!!)
SO darling! You seriously are ridiculously talented—I couldn’t have made that if my life depended on it. Can’t wait to see your future projects! XO
Great apron!! I’m going to keep this post in mind and try it out when I get a chance!
really cute apron, looks like something you’d see on etsy!! you could totally open a shop on there with all the crafts you’ve been doing!!
ps your hair is getting so long!! 🙂
cute cute!! and even cuter is the model wearing it! 🙂
i love it! you did such an awesome job!!!! i’m not very good at following directions, hehe. i’ll need a private tutorial from you PLEASE!
Well done Sandy!! I could never attempt this, since I’m a horrible seamstress. It’s just adorable. I love girlie aprons. Now you should throw a fabulous dinner party so everyone can ooh and ahh over it 🙂 xo
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@Shannon – A dinner party, what a fabulous idea! Better yet is if I make aprons for all the girls and we wear them while cooking and prepping the food, hehe! =)
What a cute apron…I made my first apron in November. I’m new to sewing so I felt like it was quite an accomplishment. Thanks for the sewing tips and for stopping by. ♥
That is such a cute apron! I love the pattern on it! It’s amazing that you made that. Maybe you can consider opening up a clothing shop one day. I will totally shop there!
what a beautiful apron! (and very pretty blog 😉 thanks for the sewing tips, i’m really trying to learn and this is inspiring!
ohmygoodness. so cute! yours turned out so goooood! i love it! i am so excited to try it soon!
I love your fabric choices! Very nice.