Monday, February 21, 2011

UCreate with Me Apron...Vintage Style

I am a frequent viewer over at the Ucreate with me blog/website.  This month their are hosting an apron sew along.  I have never sewn an apron.  I own a lot of aprons, but never took a fancy to sew one...until Miss Keren from Free Pretty Things...sent me the link and prompted me along.  Not one to play by the rules or the trends, I wanted something that reflected me and my style.  Something that no one else had.  Bring on the vintage linens.

Photo courtesy UCreate

The due date for this apron is February 26th...but I am giving you all the sneak peak.  
Here is the link to Ucreate and the cute little pattern they provided via Sugar Bee creations.  I however, just went off her pictures and provided my own dimensions and pattern.  Basic bib apron idea.  You can use the provided pattern for her exact measurements.  Because I am petite, rarely does a pattern fit.  Maybe that's why I sew so much.
 When I started to go through my usual supplies of tablecloths and tea towels  I came up blank.  Too busy and nothing new.  Then I remembered my stash of pillowcases, most I snatched up at estate sales for a few cents be cause of holes and stains.  The only part I wanted (the embroidery and trim) were still in good shape.    


I cut each end of the pillow case off with a rotary cutter at the 5 inch mark depending on the embroidery.  Then I made sure to cut the back in half to center the embroidered part for full width.  In other words, I didn't cut my pillow case in half at the seam, instead I opened it up and cut it at the back after centering the embroidered part.  A gathering stitch was placed along the top and stitched to the skirt portion of the apron in staggered rows of ruffles.


Oh the fun of using someones work for something new.  Look at the trims and stitches.  I took full advantage of the contrast and layers.


Not all vintage...I did throw in a new Moda print to tie it all together.  A snap is hidden under the covered button at the neck.


For the backside of the apron I used the remnant of one of the pillowcase.


The bib part is a sweet little pillowcase with yellow trim.  I took full advantage of this and matched the Moda fabric to it.  


I went back and forth with whether or not to sew the ruffles down along the edge of the apron.  In the end I decided I liked the flowing effect it had detached better.


The Sugar Bee pattern was really simple and I needed to add that vintage flair and femininity.  I think you could easily alter any bib apron and get the same effect.  Let your imagination run...I had fun when I did.  Of course I would probably change a few things that I added in how I put them on, but over all I really like how it came out.


I would have made the ties longer and had the bow come around front for a more feminine look.  Well, there's always next time.  I'll let you know when these post over at Ucreate.

I forgot to add that I am linking this up to Sewing Christmas over at Renee's Sewn with Grace.  Pop over and see all the great projects.





24 comments:

Lori Holt said...

Renee...
It's adorable!
I think you did a fantastic job. I love working with vintage linens too and I think the way that you put them together is just perfect...love the ruffles!
xx
lori

Scrap for Joy said...

A work of art Renee! I love all of the layers...beautiful! I need to take a look at all of my vintage pillow cases and dresser scarves and think outside the box! Your blog is always so inspiring!
Have a great Monday
xoxo
Joyce

Musings from Kim K. said...

Your apron is so very very YOU! I love your vintage adaptations. As much as I love to craft, I've never sewed and I'm always in awe of those who can. Have a wonderful Monday!

PS. Yesterday's snow storm really did a number but my University is open today. Rats. I was hoping to play in my craft room today.

Sentimentally Me said...

ABSOLUTELY DARLING!!!!

★Carol★ said...

I love how your apron turned out, especially that sunny yellow fabric that you used!

Sewn With Grace said...

This is just the prettiest apron I think I've ever seen! I love it!

trish said...

Oh how adorable!!! :o)

Beverly said...

I too, love making things from vintage linens. Your apron is adorable and the recipient of that gift is a lucky lady.

Anonymous said...

That is so creative. You did a beautiful job. Such a feminine apron.

Betty said...

Renee!! Your apron turned out beautiful!! I have never been to that site. I can't wait to visit and try that apron pattern.

Georgia Peachez said...

That's so stinkin' fabulous you should submit it to Apronology magazine. I'm certain they would publish it in their next issue!
xo, suzy

donna said...

Renee I love your idea of using vintage pillow cases for a apron. Cute Cute
Hugs
donna

Free Pretty Things For You said...

Omgosh How in the world did i miss this!!
This will be my next Pretty DIY feature!!! :D
So HAPPY d you did it!!!!!

suezie said...

This is soooooo darn cute! Great job you did too - love it. TFS. Blessings

Beedeebabee said...

OMG, I just love this!!! xo Paulette

Prudently Painted Vintage said...

So loving your take on this! I did one too! Wasn't this a fun project?!

http://prudentlypaintedvintage.blogspot.com

Mommie T said...

I'm in love with your apron! Wonderful job!!

Jayna Rae said...

Your apron was my favorite one that she featured. It is just WAY too awesome.

Unknown said...

Hi Renee. This is just so stinkin' cute!!! It kills me how creative you girls are. I would have never thought of that. I just love the whole idea and it's so cotton pickin cute (forgive the pun, I just couldn't resist).

Hugs...Tracy :)

Sara vs. Sarah said...

What I great idea! I have a drawer full of towels that might be remade into aprons!

Amy DeCesare said...

Just fabulous!!! I have a load of pillowcases, and I think this is what I want to do with some of them. Love your choices, particularly the fabric for the tie and the basket on the bib!

~Damita's Pretty Wrap~ said...

Your apron is soo cute!! I'd love to try to make one! I'm going to follow you!! would love if you'd follow me back :) Thanks have a great day!

Unknown said...

Wow, u did a great job - Love it! I did a little post on it @ my new blog, http://www.adoreindie.com/2011/03/vintage-apron-by-my-vintage-mending.html

quiltjude said...

Oh I do love your aprons, hope you get time to take a peek at a couple I made, I just love re-cycling, :)