Sunday, February 27, 2011

Clothespin Apron

I felt the need to be creative because I've not sewn much in a while except some alterations and hemming for other folks.  What could I do?  What could I do?  I wanted something quick, and easy, to satisfy my need for instant gratification.  I've done potholders and coasters, I needed something different.  While looking at various potholders, I saw a link for 50 different aprons.  I thought...puh-leeze...how many ways can there be?  Well.  I think I found a new hobby.  Making aprons - they are so cute!  And there are so many styles, and they are so useful, and some are plain, and some are frilly, and oh, boy!  

After reading instructions and looking at styles, I actually had everything to make a clothespin apron.  I thought that was just a style.  It wasn't until later, when I went back to the site to look at other aprons that I discovered that's what it really was meant for - you put clothespins in the big pocket (the whole apron is one big pocket) and hang clothes out to dry on a line.  

I made this apron before realizing that.  Yes, I own a clothespin apron, and I do not own a solar dryer OR clothespins!  LOL  But the apron is adorable.  

The lighter sage green fabric is a reproduction vintage 1894 William Morris, the darker fabric is a Hoffman, I believe.  Don't know, it was a fat quarter.    


I didn't photograph as I went along, but its pretty basic.  I didn't follow any directions really, just looked at pictures and made my own with what I had. 

Cut two pieces of fabric:

15 X 12 inches (I'm short, you can make it longer if necessary)

Cut a J shape out of the top fabric - I guesstimated about 4 inches across and 7-8 inches long.  I used the edge of a dessert plate to get the rounded curve. 

Sew double-sided bias tape on the pocket trim. 

Lay the top cut-out piece on top of the other fabric - both fabrics RIGHT side up.  Sew the double-sided bias tape all the way around, finishing all edges except the waist-band. 

Cut 3 inch strips from the under-fabric, I cut 3 strips that totalled 66 inches long.  Sew together in one long strip. Iron in half, lengthwise, then open, and iron each edge to the middle crease line (it will look like double-sided bias tape when done). 

Center on the back of the apron waist, then pin in place. Sew down the full length of the tie, including the waist, so that flap will be down.

Fold over the waist towards the front, pin in place, then sew the full length of the tie and across the waistband to the other end.

It's done! 

Here I am, wearing it.