My Process

Prior Experience: none

I have a small amount of hand stitching/sewing experience because of my parents, I rip my clothes often, and generally have to find my own DIY way of making them last longer. I know my grandma used to sew, and owned a machine, and a whole store but she never taught me anything. Therefore, I was pretty excited when I was given the task of actually using a sewing machine.

Step 0: Become Acquainted 

I had this seemingly brilliant idea to take different patterns of scraps of fabric to create the shape of a heart. I thought it would look so cute and original. Then I would try sewing it onto my soon to exist apron. Little did I know what I was doing.  This would ultimately serve as my only practice before actually doing anything for my apron. In class, we experienced so many problems with the machines and I left not feeling very confident in my skills at all. In the picture below, you can see the mismatched mess I started. Ultimately, I didn’t end up using the collage because of an accident that occurred, spoiling the fabric, and deeming it useless. However, it wasn’t a complete waste of time because it helped me become much more comfortable with the sewing machine, the parts, and all its quirks.

Step 1: The Basics

I didn’t start from a sketch or an outline or any of the sorts. I just immediately used a ruler to try to measure the approximate length of fabric that work for my body. I made sure to reference my body often and used my best judgment. I think directly using the chalk on the fabric may not have been the most accurate way to measure and create lines. I did like using the scissors in the OEDK, they were very sharp and easy to use. Looking back on when I first started, I wish I had been much more attentive to the curve at the top of the apron because I ran into problems with it later being that the apron hung forward a lot, leaving a gap between my chest and the fabric.

   

Another thing I realized quickly was that I would rather have brought in my own iron to help secure the fabric folds than utilize the pins. I personally felt like they were a bit difficult to use sometimes as the fabric was fighting against the pin position.

Step 2: A Strapping Young Woman

When I went into OEDK, only the thinner, smaller white pieces of fabric were available. Instead of making my own straps out of scrap fabric, I just tried getting creative. I made the mistake of cutting the neckstrap too short ( after it was way too long). I attempted to hand stitch in a rectangular pattern so that the other end would be secure. It worked out great. For my side straps, I wanted them to be thicker, so I ended up twisting/braiding two pieces together and sewing them down the middle. It’s subtle but I am pretty proud of it considering the difficulty I had with using the sewing machine.

Step 3: Additional Things

The last few things I did were add on my two green pockets and my blue connectors between my apron and the neck strap. The connectors helped solve the big gap problem and I think it looks pleasing to the eye, giving my apron some style. I even wanted to embroider a panda onto my apron so I would never be alone. I was going to follow this video. I even drew out the outline of it ( if you’re curious, it’s in the bigger pocket on left). Sadly, the fabric was way too thin and it didn’t work out. I even tried one last time to create some kind of heart to put on the apron but failed miserably, it was more difficult than I imagined for such a small shape.

 

Cost Estimate:

(*Based on the Joann’s Fabrics website_

*blue fabric: ~$9.99/yard

*green fabric: ~ $11.99/yard

thread and strap fabric:~ $6.99 ( uncertain)

Machine Time: 6 hours

Labor at the Texas minimum rate of $7.25/hr

Total Cost: [(9.99 x 2 ) + (11.99 x 0.25)] + 6.99 + (6 x 7.25) = $73.46

Thanks for reading!