Project #2: Vintage Apron

Recently, I came across an old pattern (Simplicity 6206) that included some cute vintage aprons. I've been wanting to make a sewing smock, so I decided to make Apron 2 (bottom right corner). I love how it has big pockets, which are going to be so useful for holding scissors, spools of thread, ribbons, etc. The fabric that I used has bright and cheery stripes, which remind me of different types of candy. I also put pale pink rick-rack on the top of the pockets.

One thing that this apron required that I had never done before was gather the fabric. This was done by making two lines of stitching at the top and then pulling the fabric down. I have to admit, it was pretty difficult! Everything was going along fine, until of course the thread broke when I was just about done. In any case, everything came together in the end, and I'm really proud of this apron.

Project #1:Green Skirt

I made this green skirt using one of my favorite patterns -- New Look 6843. I decided to go for the shorter, less-full version of the skirt to wear during the spring and summer. During my latest rendezvous to JoAnne's, I came across this green linen embroidered with white flowers, and I instantly loved it. Since it is linen, it does wrinkle pretty quickly, but the embroidery camouflages it nicely.I hemmed the skirt just above my knees, which was about two inches from the original pattern. One of the problems that I did have with this, however, was trying to find a zipper that matched the color of the fabric, but in the end I opted for the closest one that I could find. The zipper is in the back, so it doesn't' show anyway. The waistband from the pattern was also too short, so next time I plan on using the waistband for the next size up just to have a little leeway when I'm putting the hook in. All-in-all, though I love the patterns from this envelope, and it was a really simple skirt to make.

Later, I plan on making a clutch to go with the skirt from the excess fabric that I have left. I chose to match this skirt up with a white scoop-neck tee-shirt that I got from Lord and Taylor's, which isn't too dressy, and good for wearing out.

Next, I want to sew a vintage apron to use as a sewing smock and another skirt from this envelope using some fabric that I got from China. Until then, don't forget that I told you sew.