I bought a new sewing machine about 6 months ago and FINALLY pulled it out to learn how to use it. My previous sewing machine is an Elna circa the 1950s. My new one is computerized and I think I should have had a few hours of pilot’s training and a pilot’s license to “fly” it!
Once I got the hang of it, I pulled out my stash of fabrics and went looking for ideas to make out of them. I wanted to make an apron out of my “Chocolate Love” fabric collection. I found the most delightful pattern on Susan Branch’s blog site. LINK TO PATTERN HERE Susan has graciously allowed her pattern to be used for personal use only and her instructions are very clear and easy to follow.
This project is not for a beginning level, I would say it has a medium to advanced level complexity. I created my own bias tape to use with it, and my bias tape folder makes it wider than the 1/4″ that was called for, so I ironed the tape flat and stitched it down. Here’s the link for instructions to create your own bias tape out of any fabric: LINK TO BIAS TAPE INSTRUCTIONS
I am going to be making more retro-style aprons in the future and I’ll post them when I do. They’re easy, quick and delightful projects to make for gifts. For those of you that love quilting, a quilt pattern block can be a beautiful apron top. If you’re also a digital crafter, you can make some wonderful goodies such as recipe cards, matching food packaging for home made cookies and treats and create your own elegant gift baskets.
Here’s a free pattern for a place mat and napkin combination using my Deja’ Brew Collection fabrics, but with a little imagination any of these patterns can be used with any fabric combination. So if you’re a fabric-a-holic like I am pull your sewing machine out and see what beautiful creations you can put together out of the fabrics you already own! LINK TO PLACE MAT PATTERN HERE.
AJ it is so cute… just love the colors and your fabric.. Have really missed seeing you around the diff places
Hi Audrey
your fabric is great and just love the apron. Where can I get your material?? I’ve been wanting to make an apron for a long time… Another thing on my list of things to do.
The best thing to do is go to Studio E Fabric’s website and find out the name of the collection you like. Then if you put my name and the collection name into google, you can often find it online. You might also go to your local fabric shop and ask for it. If they don’t have it send them to Studio E’s website 🙂 Maybe they’ll carry it!
thanks I’ll do that
Great apron. Glad you finally got to give the sewing machine a try. Before you know it you’ll be ready for one of the ones we saw at the quilt market. LOL
Oh yeah wasn’t the fabric fantastic to work with? If Studio E keeps making that quality fabric they’re going to become very well known.
Hi Audrey Jeannne…Just stopping by, saw the apron and your comments, wanted compliment you, love the fabric you used! We love that fabric because no matter your shape, it gives you a figure! 🙂 Have a wonderful day! Susan Branch
Meant to say, love that PATTERN, but you get it! 🙂
beautiful how do you get the pattern for the place mat set?
Thank you so much for doing all the work it took to create the pattern. It was easy to follow and use. I’ll be making more for Christmas gifts 🙂
ooops! I added the link to the post now, I didn’t realize I had forgotten it!
Looks great!