Do you ever just feel like making something quick and fun and maybe a little whimsical? Something that isn’t going to task your brain too much, but which is nevertheless rewarding?
That’s how I was feeling a few days ago. I just was not ready to start a big new project, of which I have (too) many lined up in my head. In addition, propped in my sewing room, looking at me forlornly, were a few piles of fabric, leftovers from things I had sewn this past summer. For the life of me, I cannot throw away any decent length of fabric left over from something I have made. I always think I’ll need it for something. That is rarely the case, but for once I decided to do something about it. I decided to make some aprons.
Seriously, who doesn’t love an apron? They can be all-business or whimsical, pretty or frilly, plain or busy, colorful or monotone, practical or impractical. The list goes on. Fortunately I had three apron patterns already available to me, one from the 1950s, one from the 1970s and one more recent one, perhaps from the last 10 years or so, shown in order below.
In order to make my leftover fabric go as far as possible, and to make this apron project fit my criteria for fast and fun and frugal, I went with the simple chef’s apron (View F) on the pattern directly above. The only change I made to the look of it was to construct contrasting ties and pockets. Not only did I like the idea of adding color and whimsy to my aprons, but this change gave me the ability to use up shorter pieces of fabric.
The first one I made from excess fabric from dresses I made for my granddaughters this past Spring and Summer.
The second apron used fabric left over from a ribbon-embellished tunic I made for myself, also in the Summer. The ties and pockets used zigzag-patterned fabric I had on hand to use for “baby tote bags” I have made over the years as gifts.
After making two aprons, I was having so much fun, I thought I would look and see what other apron-appropriate fabrics I could find stored away. I came across a “vegetable” print which is from the 1980s or ‘90s, given to me by a sewing/quilting friend. I had one yard which was perfect for the main part of the apron. I stitched this one up in a flash, having perfected a few time-saving techniques in the first two aprons.
Now I’m ready to approach some more serious sewing! But what fun to create three distinct looks from one simple-to-make pattern. My friends and family had better watch out – they may be getting aprons for Christmas…
fiftydresses 