Christmas has just been and gone. Coming from a large family and having friends with ever increasing families I had a lot of Christmas presents to organise. It can be hard coming up with unique present ideas for such a lot of people so I like to plan ahead. In the months leading up to the big day I start my gift list. What have they asked for, what do they need, what are they into? Having these questions in mind really helps me focus and avoids any 'panic buying'.
When I finish my Christmas shopping I sit back and finally take a breath. The wrapping paper has barely made it to the recycling bin before the onslaught of birthdays begins. January and February are two busy months for me. Don't get the wrong impression I love buying people gifts, seeing their reaction when you get it right and they beam with delight at your gift. Being a crafty person what I really love is when I get to make the gift.
One of my close friends loves vintage, crafting and DIY so as you can imagine I have a lot of fun buying for her. Last year she filled her garden with vintage crates, a cast iron bath, old chimney pots and planted fruit, veg and an assortment of pretty flowers. I chose a vintage cast iron watering can for her Christmas present and for her birthday I decided to keep the garden theme going. I bought her a pair of gardening gloves, secateurs, Soap and Glory hand products (to keep her green fingers tip top) and have been busy making her a pretty gardening apron to keep all these bits and pieces handy.
Sewing machine, thread and pins
Iron and ironing board for pressing
Thick woven fabric (for main fabric and waist ties)
Floral fabric (for pocket and binding). I used Cath Kidston's Provence Rose in green
First, cut out your fabric (apron, pocket and waist ties). I made this working to a UK size 8/10. These measurements are approximate.
Main Fabric
Apron 25"/64cm x 32"/82cm (includes seam allowance)
Ties x 2 = 37"/94cm x 3"/8cm (includes a 1" seam allowance on long edge)
Floral Fabric
Pocket 14"/36cm x 10"/26cm (includes a 1" seam allowance all around)
Binding 24"/61cm x 2"/5cm
Step 1
To prepare the apron fold over 4" at the top [this will hide seam and ties later]. Fold over 14" at the bottom almost folding in half, [this is to make the main pocket] and press.
Press a 1" seam allowance down both sides.
Step 2
Prepare the floral pocket as this is the first thing that needs sewing onto the apron.
With the wrong side facing press under the raw edges by about half an inch, then press the remaining seam allowance.
Fold the pocket in half and press.
Sew all around the seam with a matching thread.
Main Fabric
Apron 25"/64cm x 32"/82cm (includes seam allowance)
Ties x 2 = 37"/94cm x 3"/8cm (includes a 1" seam allowance on long edge)
Floral Fabric
Pocket 14"/36cm x 10"/26cm (includes a 1" seam allowance all around)
Binding 24"/61cm x 2"/5cm
Step 1
To prepare the apron fold over 4" at the top [this will hide seam and ties later]. Fold over 14" at the bottom almost folding in half, [this is to make the main pocket] and press.
Press a 1" seam allowance down both sides.
Step 2
Prepare the floral pocket as this is the first thing that needs sewing onto the apron.
With the wrong side facing press under the raw edges by about half an inch, then press the remaining seam allowance.
Fold the pocket in half and press.
Sew all around the seam with a matching thread.
Pin the pocket, right side facing, to the right side of the centre of the front of the apron.
Attach the pocket to the apron by sewing down both sides and along the bottom (leave the top open). Also sew down the centre of the pocket to create two separate pockets.
Step 3
To make the binding press the fabric in half, then fold the raw edges in right up to the fold and press. Pin this in place at the top of the main apron pocket (main pocket) covering the raw edge.
Sew the binding to the top of the main pocket.
Step 4
To make the binding press the fabric in half, then fold the raw edges in right up to the fold and press. Pin this in place at the top of the main apron pocket (main pocket) covering the raw edge.
Sew the binding to the top of the main pocket.
The binding and floral pocket are both sewn in place.
Step 4
Turn apron wrong side out, pin and sew down each side seam from bottom to top, leaving a gap at the top of approx 3" [this is to leave room to tidy up the exposed seam when you turn it right side out].
Step 5
Make two ties. Press the fabric in half then fold the raw edges in right up to the fold and press. Tidy each end by tucking in the raw edges and press [you only need to do this to the end of each tie that will be showing].
Sew the long side and end in place.
Step 6
To finish get the apron and turn it out so the right side is facing. Time to tidy up the sides...
Tuck in the raw edges and press.
Insert approx 3" of the tie into the top of both gaps.
Pin everything into place and sew both sides closed.
Sew the long side and end in place.
Step 6
To finish get the apron and turn it out so the right side is facing. Time to tidy up the sides...
Tuck in the raw edges and press.
Insert approx 3" of the tie into the top of both gaps.
Pin everything into place and sew both sides closed.
Sew along the full length of the top of the apron to neaten [approx 1cm in] and voila you're finished!
Have fun xxx
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