Aprons are where it's at....

I've had a hankering to sew myself an apron for a while now, but I just had no idea how to go about it.  I knew that I didn't want it to have a ton of frills and lace and poof, but going about making it was something that I just couldn't figure out.  Straps and ties and waist positioning, let alone getting the optimum length.  It was a little daunting.

But the other day, I just went for it. I set about making my first apron...I knew that I wanted it to be reminiscent of Meg's gorgeous Emmeline Apron, but you know me and patterns. I just can't follow them. So, I grabbed an empire waist dress that I liked the cut of and decided to model the apron after that.  Minus the sleeves and the back... Plus a waist strap.  Completely haphazard and un-patterned .... just the way I like it.

See....it is daunting!

I had some extra sheets left over from my adventures in rug making and a few packages of bias tape.  I knew that I wanted it to be reversible like Meg's and that I wanted the tie to be able to tie on either the front or the back.

Unfortunately, the first one that I made was a bit on the small tip.

I guess I misjudged my own girth.

You see, I am what you would call a "substantial" sized girl.  I am 5ft 8inches and weigh (as my husband puts it)...."A BUCK FORTY" (translation for those of you not versed in REDNECK-ese is 140lbs give or take).. Complete with a butt and hips, my torso is on the long side and I have a really small chest.

I am woman, hear me ROAR!

So, my first apron pattern was an exercise in learning my shape.

I didn't give myself enough length on the waist ties so I was not able to tie it in the front as I had hoped.

And the chest was too big and low cut.

 I wasn't too keen on the squared off bottom either.

But I LOVED the color combination and the length was perfect in the dress part.... It was a start, and at least I got the gist of what it all entailed.

So, the next day, I used the first apron as a template for the new one and tweaked what I needed to to get it just right.

And I did....almost.

I rounded out the dress curves and added a few inches to the width of the skirt to allow for my hips.

I really fell in love with the green sheet contrasted with the purple and the floral sheet on the other side.

I raised the empire waist to give myself more coverage for my ample barely-B-bosom.
(hee hee hee)!!!!

And, my most favorite part was the fact that I made the ties long enough this time, so that I could tie it in the front...OR the back.

I made one other one using a combination of the two patterns for my twinnie and I am working on a tutorial for yet another design using two pillowcases, but for now I am just happy to get out into the garden with my sweet apron now that all of that snow has finally left.

I'll show you more on the garden soon, It's changing day by day.

Lots of hugs, Julia.