Aprons
I see so many cute aprons online that I just had to try to make one this year. Since my sister-in-law is soon to be wedded, I thought she would enjoy having one (and she seems like the kind of gal who would actually wear one while cooking). I made this apron using this tutorial. It turned out really well and I was inspired to do more. This picture is of me wearing it, sans waist (baby) so it doesn’t quite do it justice.
For weeks, I have been pondering how to make the perfect pregnancy apron. One that still cute, but not gigantic. Pregnancy necessitates the use of an apron like no other season in life–your belly is bigger than your arms can comfortably reach, so it bumps into counter tops, absorbs water from the sink, gets grease splattered on it, and catches dribbles of taste testing gone awry. I decided to try an empire-waist apron and just winged it. I probably could have found a pattern or some instructions, but I used the skills I gained making the other apron. It turned out pretty well, and I am very pleased.
The gathers at the waist give it a lot of room to grow, especially in the middle. This kind of detailing is hard to capture in a photograph. Anyway, if you are wanting to make one for yourself, I can share the measurements I used, just let me know. One of my other favorite things about this apron is how cute it looks hanging on my refrigerator; it matches my kitchen perfectly!
January 8th, 2008 at 11:26 am
ooooo, that prego apron is super cute! I’d love to have the measurements that you used and how you went about putting it together. I wear aprons all the time, because I’m possibly the messiest cook ever, but I am starting to notice that they don’t fit as well now.
January 8th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Sure, Rachel. Basically, I followed the half apron tutorial I linked to in the post, except I didn’t line it because I didn’t want to use the extra fabric, made the skirt a lot longer and wider, and I added a top piece.
For the top portion, I cut a piece that was 10 inches on top, 22 inches on the bottom and 8.5 inches on the sides, making a trapezoid-type shape for the bodice. Make sense? You can mess with your size and cut it down a little more if you want. Fold the top and sides in twice, about 1/4 inch each, iron and make a nice, small hem. Sew.
Ties: 26 inches long, 4 inches wide. I sewed these by folding them right sides together, hemming and turning inside out.
I sewed the waistband pretty much according to the other tutorial, and sewed them on the bottom piece the same way she did on the other, just without the lining.
Waistband: 29 inches long, 5 inches wide
Bottom: 30 inches across, 26 inches long (if you don’t want to make a separate piece on the bottom, if you do, I made it 23 inches long and added a 6 inch wide portion and folded it in half and sewed it on). Hem sides and bottom. Along the top portion, do two long stitches side by side without back stitching. Pull on the bottom stitch to gather. If you want more gathers, make your bottom piece wider than 30 inches. You will gather it until it is the same size as your top piece (22 inches). I kept more gathers in the middle since that’s where I’ll be growing. Sew onto waistband (or I guess you could sew it directly to the top portion without a wasitband for simplicity).
Does that make sense? Those are really basic instructions, designed to supplement the tutorial. Let me know if you have any questions, I’d be happy to help you out. You can email me directly if you have my email. Happy sewing!
January 8th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
aah! I just finished an apron a couple days ago and was gearing up for a big apron post. We must be drinking the same water…. or something. I even went shopping for apron fabric last night (but didn’t buy anything). Jeremy and my mom both gave me apron patterns in December, so I’ve got to get busy. Both of your are super cute, and I’m both impressed and inspired. Well, gotta go sew!
P.S. Happy Anniversary!
January 10th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Getting your shirt wet on the kitchen sink from a protuding belly truly annoying. What a great idea to avoid this Rachel! And the apron turned out very cute.
January 10th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Oh wow! Your apron looks so nice. Not only is the Empire waist perfect for bellys that are growing, but they are so “in” right now. I really like the half waist one, it’s a really cute print. I was just thinkin for the half apron you could probably even find material at the ” Reminants” bend. I know i’m always suprised at the nice ones i find in walmarts bends. Good Job!