The process

In the past two weeks, I have been enjoying all the work behind my workshop apron. Here you are, some of the crucial and fun moments.

One of the first steps was to draw the idea that I planned on a large brown paper and then I transferred it on my fabric, to start shaping it. I customised the apron based on my own measurements.  Additionally, I added 2 cm more to each edge in order to perform double-folded seams and provide a more finished look.

Using the sewing machine, I sewed the seams of the apron. Consequently, I added a neck detail and a pocket with the same pattern. It was the first time that I sewed something and I found it quite hard, especially trying to be precise in following a straight line.

 

Next, I added the neck strap and the two straps (3 cm each) to tie the apron. In order to secure all the straps to my apron, I box stitched the necessary ends to the apron so that it would not come apart with use.  I enjoyed so much personalizing the two straps with the same fabric that I used for the neck detail and the little pocket on the upper side of my apron.

The next step was to make a zip pocket, one of the hardest moment of this workshop. Using scraps of blue and white fabric, I cut 2 pieces of fabric that were a little over size in order to sew them from the inside. Before sewing them, I sewed the open light blue zip on one fabric piece and then I proceeded sewing the entire pocket. At this point, I sewed the remaining part of the open zip to the other side of the pocket. Finally, I closed the zip!

 

 

This is the final product! From now, I have a new work apron with a little pocket for pens and pencils (always useful) and one big zip-pocket for my phone and little notes!

After every sewing sessions, I cleaned up my area and set my labelled apron on the BIOE555 designated area

 

REFLECTION

I would definitely like to improve my skills in straightening and cleaning up my stiches lines and box stiches. It would be great to optimize the work time in order to be faster and precise, and I would really enjoy learning new techniques to add more details.

 

I definitely loved this experience!

 

COST ESTIMATES

Fabric (material): 1yd black fabric $3.44, ¼ yd colourful fabric $4.60, 1/2 yd light blue fabric $5.00, zip $1.00.

Thread (material): $2.00

Labor: 6h average 16$/h Houston (96$ total cost)

Sewing machine rental: (assuming that the machine needed to be rented) 15$/h (6h= 90$)

Energy cost: (18.5 cents/h) 6h= $1.11

Overhead (1h): $20

Total: $223.15