Keep Smiling

Keep Smiling

Thursday, November 1, 2012

I Love Making Aprons


I just had so much fun,
playing around with my sewing machine, 
and creating these two aprons from a lovely sundress. 
This one was made from the back skirt of the dress.

I think that an apron should be as pretty from the back as it is from the front.
After all, when you're cooking at the stove, it's your backside that is seen.
Right?
Therefore I love big beautiful sashes that can be tried in lovely bows, 
or that can be just draped in the back.   
This is how I make them.  A large 7 inch wide by 45 inch long, 
piece of fabric will make one nice sash.
You will need two.

I cut a "V" at one end and then sewed it shut.


I turned it right side out, using a letter opener, 
or a knitting needle to get a crisp point on the end.


Next I ironed it flat. 



 And then I sewed a trim stitch all the way around.
This guarantees that it will stay flat.
Now because it is double, you will never see the wrong side of the fabric.
  I just like a sash that is full, right-sided,and a bit flouncy.

 


See what a pretty full bow it creates.

This is the apron that I created from the front of this dress. 
I was very happy that I had a stash of pretty lime green fabric in my cupboard.  
It went perfect with this cherry print. 


A close-up of the front.



And one last view of the sash.
There is plenty of fabric to tie a full and fluffy bow. 

Well, this is how I spent my afternoon.
I had a ball and my old love of sewing is returning. 

I do hope that your afternoon was a sweet one.

Stay happy,
Connie :)
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74 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Hi, it is so good to see you and thanks:)
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  2. So pretty! Love the cute cherry pattern :)
    Magie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Magie, I fell in love with the cherry pattern, too. I purchased the dress at the Goodwill and just had to turn it into aprons :)
      Every woman needs a pretty apron :)
      Have a wonderful weekend and thanks so much for stopping by.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  3. Hi Connie,

    I have been known to bake up a few dozen muffins in an afternoon, but sew such a pretty apron in one sitting...takes the cake! Kudos to you; absolutely love the cherries! How charming can you get?!

    Poppy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Poppy, Baking muffins sounds very tempting . . . I have just the right apron for the job, LOL. Truth is these two aprons are going into my Shabby French Market inventory :)
      Thanks so much for the sweet visit.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  4. Love that fabric--you do a beautiful job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much!!!
      That makes my day:)
      Connie

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  5. How clever! What a nice way to repurpose a sundress. The cherry pattern would go perfectly with my cherry print kitchen curtains! I like the rick rack on the half apron pocket, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm happy that you like them . . . the cherry print is of course what attracted me to the dress. It has a very 1950's feel, don't you think?
      Have a great day.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  6. Fab apron Connie, great fabric combo......love the bright, cheery colours.
    Hope we get a good crop of cherries this year instead of the birds!!
    WIll have to keep my eye out at the oppy for a suitable dress......I do like a nice apron or two or three or more!!

    Hope you have a great weekend,

    CLaire x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Claire, thank so much for stopping by . . . I am happy that I could inspire a new project for you :)
      Have a great day.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  7. Connie, That apron is fabulous. I would love to look so pretty wearing it. Smiles, Susie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Susie, Thank you for the sweet comment . . . I'm praying that you will be safe in the storm.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  8. It really came out beautiful! Nice job on the sewing and matching fabric

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Daniela, and thank you so much.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  9. Hi Connie
    Thanks for dropping by my blog, I've just been having a nosy around yours and have been delighted by all the lovely ideas here. Just live your blog
    X Michelle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting.

      Your blogging sister, Connie

      Delete
  10. Replies
    1. Hi Beth, thank you so much . . . you're a sweetheart:)
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  11. Both are very cute and I do love your idea of a full, flouncy bow in the back. I like that cherry print fabric and the contrasting green bow and trim. The second apron is especially attractive. Aprons are fun to look at; the colors and contrasts and fabrics are like eye candy. Can you believe I don't even own one apron? Guess I'm not much of a cook! I'd probably never wear one even if I did have one. But I do adore looking at them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sara, if you ever put on a pretty apron . . . you will be hooked. There is something so Betty Crockery about them. Who knows it might every turn you into a cook :)
      Have a marvelous day,
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  12. Very cute, and the prints are bright and cheerful. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for sharing love your post! Thanks for stopping in Joann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Joann, thank you for stopping by . . . I wish I could have had a plate of cookies and a pot of tea waiting for your visit.
      Have a great day and do come again:)
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  14. How wonderful that you're getting into sewing again. I love your beautiful aprons, and I think that depending on an apron's pattern it can make an excellent layering item for daywear.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Melaine, I think that you are right about layering an apron into your look . . . it brings a bit of Betty Crocker into the wardrobe. You have such a talent for pulling it all together . . . I would love to see what you do with aprons :)
      Keep living life to the fullest.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  15. Lovely fabric! I'm hoping to start dressmaking again soon too. Best wishes, Pj x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Pj, I'm happy to have you visit. The joy of sewing . . . I love it.
      Happy to hear the you are back at it:)
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  16. They're lovely, the cherry print and the green go so well together.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting . . . little Blue Mouse.
      You know you are the only mouse I allow in my house :)
      Thanks for the sweet comment.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  17. what pretty aprons! i believe aprons should be pretty! i wear one everyday (i cook everyday for a house full) aprons really save my clothes, i coordinate my aprons with my clothes as part of the outfit for the day.
    your fabric is so happy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I can just see you in your kitchen in a pretty new apron each day. They do save your clothes . . . and why not look pretty, too :) Thanks for the sweet comment. I am happy that your like my cherry aprons . . . I think that the fabric has a bit of a 1950's flair.
      Have a happy day and keep smiling :)
      Your blogging sister, Connie

      Delete
  18. Very pretty, Connie! I love that you got two aprons from one sundress. Such a pretty fabric, too. Great job and I love the ties.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kathy, and thank you so much. I am very happy that you like them :)
      Have a great day, Connie :)

      Delete
  19. Lovely and a really good idea the double sided ties.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! thanks so much for stopping by . . . glad to hear that you like my aprons.
      Have a wonderful week, Connie :)

      Delete
  20. Replies
    1. Thank you for saying so . . . it warms my heart :)
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  21. Hi Connie. thanks for stopping by my blog and your lovely comments!
    I have a bit of a thing for aprons too and these are so clever, really good idea for recycling an old dress. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Francesca, You have no idea how excited I get when I have a new follower . . . Now and then I'll squeal with excitement and my poor husband will come running to see what is wrong :) Thank you for following. I am looking forward to becoming very good blogging friends.
      Your newest blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  22. I must find time to visit your blog more often,you are such a inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Mary, That is such a sweet thing to say . . . I am delighted if I can be an inspiration :)
      You have brightened my cloudy day.
      Thank you,
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  23. Very nice Connie you are very clever.Love Jill xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jill, and thanks so much. Around here we say, clever, clever like a toilet lever, that's me, LOL
      Have a great day.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  24. Hi Connie,

    Oh, I love BOTH of these aprons!!! I wanted to let you know that I'm going to kind of busy the next couple of weeks and may be MIA from blogland. I have a Arts and Crafts Sales next weekend (but will post photos of my booth) and I'm also trying to get my little condo up for sale. My realtor told me to get rid of the clutter..... really? You're talking to a crafter that has stuff all over the place!!!! Anyway, I just wanted to let you know.

    Hugs,
    Kay

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kay, I would hate to be told to clear my house. We have lived here almost 30 years and who knows what we might find. Has anyone found Jimmy Hoffa yet? . . . Like I said, who knows what we might find, LOL
      Sounds like you are planning a move. That will be a new adventure:)
      Take care of yourself and I'll see you when you get time again for blogging.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  25. LOVE the aprons, I'm such a sucker for cherries. You do beautiful sewing work!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Cindy, and thanks so much . . . it was a fun project and something that I'll sell, whenever I get a booth. My daughter is trying to talk me into selling on etsy, but I really know nothing about it.
      Have a great week and thanks so much for stopping by.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  26. Ooh they are so lovely Connie. You give me such inspiration.
    Patricia x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Cindy, and thanks so much . . . it was a fun project and something that I'll sell, whenever I get a booth. My daughter is trying to talk me into selling on etsy, but I really know nothing about it.
      Have a great week and thanks so much for stopping by.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  27. Hi Connie

    I'm an apron gal myself! Love this girly girl one!!!

    Leann

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi Leann, I am very happy that you like my aprons, they were a lot of fun to make:)
    Have a wonderful week.
    Your blogging sister, Connie :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Great job on the Apron. It's so country and cute. :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Replies
    1. Hi Kathy, Thanks so much . . . I am delighted that you like them.
      Connie :)

      Delete
  31. Good Morning Connie!
    What a darling, and cheerful apron. How clever of you to fashion it out of an old sundress.
    Next time I'm at the thrift store, I need to find a cute sundress **giggle**!

    Thanks for taking the time to put together the pictures and hints on making an apron.
    Inspires me to get my sewing machine out, and sew a bit.

    Warm Fall Wishes...
    K.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kerin, Thank you for the lovely comment. I do hope that you find a sundress and make an apron, or two, like I did. One for you and one for a gift :)
      Have a lovely evening and thank you for visiting
      Your blogging sister, Connie

      Delete
  32. You are one smart cookie!! I never thought of using a dress for an apron! Now this opens up a whole new world to me...Thank you!!

    Carol

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    Replies
    1. Hi Carol, I think that we are both excited and interested in any new idea of re-purposing old items into new treasures. You are the Queen and I am just starting to see the possibilities. It is fun to go thrifting with a mindset on re-purposing. I love this new adventure :)
      Your blogging sister, Connie

      Delete
  33. Hi Connie, Thanks for stopping by my blog, you have some great ideas and fun things. So nice to meet a new blogger friend. I was thinking while you are waiting to open your dream shop or booth why don't you open an online Etsy shop in the meantime. Much easier than a on hands booth or store. Just sharng a thought with you:) Love the apron you created from a re-purposed dress, very resourceful. Have a great week and I will be back for another visit!
    Hugs Marilou

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Marilou, I am very excited to hear from you and excited to talk to someone about Etsy. I have no idea how it works. My daughter has been telling me that this is what I need to do, so I have been thinking about . . . I guess I need to do some research and find out how to market in Etsy. I would love any suggestions or helpful information.
      Thank you so much for following my little site. I feel honored to have you as a follower.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  34. Connie,
    I luv how your aprons turned out! way to cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, and thank you! I had a good time making them :)
      Your blogging sister, Connie

      Delete
  35. I love this repurposing...I must look out for some lovely things that I could have a go at this...I spend enough time in op shops I think it couldn't be too hard.
    Thanks for sharing . xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Bron, I am very happy to be of some inspiration . . . you will love re-purposing. Once you get started . . . the ideas will start rolling around in your head, and it is so much fun.
      Thanks for visiting . . . I wish that I could offer you a cup of tea and a cookie.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  36. Bonjour Connie!!
    J`ai une bonne nouvelle pour vous dire j`ai vous ai donne le prix Liebster award !! :0)
    Visitez mon blog pour la prendre!! :0)

    Ah oui j`ai oubliée comment est jolie ce vetement que vous avait fait c`est supeeeeeeer!! :0)

    Bonne semaine!!
    xxx Maria xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bonjour Maria, Merci!
      Bonne journee, Connie :)

      Delete
  37. What a great idea....to turn a dress into aprons! I love it! They're so cute! What an inspiration! I've been eyeing some adorable dress like aprons in a fancy shmancy store but the prices are outrageous. This idea give me possibility. Thanks! :-)

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a sweet comment. And, for following my blog. I'll be following your blog too. It's wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, I am so happy that I could inspire you to make my new style of apron. Thanks you so very much for following.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete