Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Sewing Bee #3: Hostess Apron pattern & tutorial

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One of the most useful accessories a homemaker can own is a good apron.  I like mine to have good deep pockets—they come in so handy while cleaning house.  Below is the pattern for a hostess or half-apron I drafted for a sewing class I taught. (Thanks to Lulu for modeling it and a dress I made from a vintage pattern)

apronpieces

Cut out the pieces to the measurements as shown. (The seam allowances are included – 5/8 in allowed)

For the skirt piece, cut it out as shown, then round the outside (selvage edges) edges. You can do this by taking a dinner plate and tracing the edge with a pencil then cutting on the line.

Sew a rolled hem all the way around the sides and bottom of the apron.  Set aside.

Pocket Preparation and Placement:

Fold top of pocket over (to the inside) 1 inch and press. Cut a piece of bias tape the width of the pocket and pin an inch below the folded top edge. Stitch in place. Fold under and press remaining sides 1/4 inch.

Place pocket 5 1/2 inches down from top edge and 8 1/2 inches in from side edge. Back stitch at the top sides of the pocket for reinforcement and sew around sides and bottom.

aprondetail3

Gather top edge of skirt to 16 inches wide and set aside.

For the waistband:

Sew the two waistband pieces together—matching the 4 1/2 inch ends together. (You should have a piece close to the 30” long) Fold it in half lengthwise RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER. The wrong sides of the fabric will be to the outside. Stitch as shown below, leaving 16” in the middle open. Turn the piece inside out and press.

apron detail

Next, pin the gathered edge (right sides together!) to one side of the opening and sew in place. Sew the remaining side by hand, using a blind stitch or whatever suits you.

apron detail2

Press and Enjoy!

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Here are a few ideas for posts for our sewing bee:

  • Tutorials: these can be for anything from how to put in a zipper to how to make your own pattern. These can be for clothing and accessories, for things for your home (curtains, tablecloths, bedspreads, throw pillows) or how to fix and repair things.
  • Resources: websites and companies where you have purchased patterns, supplies and materials. Give us a review of different ones.
  • Book Reviews: There are scores of sewing books out there and it is always nice to read a review about one from a lady who has used it.
  • Favorite Patterns
  • Also, if you know of a great tutorial online, share the link here
  • In short, anything you’d like to share!

Guidelines for sharing in the Sewing Bee:

  • Join by using the link widget below. Submit your link and it will show up in the list at the bottom.
  • Grab a button from the sidebar to the right and place it in your Sewing Bee post. (If for some reason you are unable to get the button, please place a link back to this) This is so others can join in the fun too!
  • If you do not have a blog but would like to share something for the Sewing Bee, write it, email it to me (withallofthyheart@gmail.com) and I’ll post it as a guest post. (Be sure and send a photo of yourself too!)
  • As a courtesy to others, please make sure all of the posts submitted here are God-honoring. Keep it classy ladies ;)

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6 comments:

  1. Would love to join in the Sewing Bee...but no link to join in??

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    1. Angie: Is the Simply Linked widget not showing up at the bottom of the post?

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  2. I found your blog via the link-up over at Raising Homemakers. This is a really delightful tutorial. I know how to sew, but my sewing machine hasn't been used in years...yes, Years...However, as part of being more frugal, I want to sew more stuff. Oh, yes, every house should have at least one apron :) :) Your tutorial is really sweet :) :) Thank you :) :) Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather :)

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    1. Thank you for stopping by and your encouraging comments ;)

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  3. A very cute apron! I just noticed that you have an Etsy shop! So do I!:) So I went over and added you to my circle and I also added you to my favorites and I pinned that beautiful smocked dress to one of my boards! I hope that you find some extra traffic to your shop! Blessings!

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