About six years ago, I sewed a quilt, and the quality was actually decent. That being said, apparently, I remembered absolutely nothing from that experience, and essentially ended up starting this project with virtually no memory on how to sew. Given this re-realization of my lack of recollection on how to sew, I decided to take the “beginner” track. It goes without saying that this project taught me a lot, but I’ll say it anyways.

Prior to beginning the physical part of the project, I sketched out a design, and that is attached below.

Pardon my awful perception of dimensions

This sketch was done based on bodily measurements and personal wishes regarding the apron, such as a higher neckline and halter-esque shape. Why? Sheer preference. I like it that way. Initially, the measurements were slightly different and done entirely on a guess; however, I made adjustments to the numbers where necessary upon measurement, so I promise none of those are lucky guesses.

As outlined in the assignment procedure, I created a pattern for the apron’s base, pinned it to the less-straight side of the fabric (image attached below), and cut as closely as I could to it, which, needless to say, wasn’t phenomenal, but that’s what hemming is for.

The process was moving smoothly until I began sewing. At first, I believed this to be my fault, but after a short discussion with Prof. Bisesti, I learned that the machine I used is particularly prone to skipping, which is just fantastic. This being said, the more I worked with the machine, the more I became acclimated to it and learned how to properly, so by the time I reached the last edge, the seam looked decent (instead of vile).

Interestingly, the X boxes used on the straps were also easier to sew, as those were done after I had hemmed the main portion of the apron, so I was used to it and knew to move almost excessively slowly. Below are images of the best and the worst X boxes.

The first that I sewed on the non-square-like side (at the intersection between the angled and straight sections of the apron) is obviously the worst, clearly depicting my most crucial shortcomings as an artist, but I learned from that and was able to make all the rest better.

Upon ironing the edges, my apron is not bad, overall. It has its flaws, but I love it for just that – it shows me that even with some machine-induced mistakes, I can often reverse them if needed, and even if I don’t, the product is operative, and even kind of cute.

Overall, this project was definitely a learning experience – one that I hope will actually force me to remember how to sew. Beyond reaping the joy and nostalgia of recalling a past hobby, this project taught me to not fear starting something, as I am particularly prone to hesitating or even not starting out of fear of failure. This forced me to step out of that comfort zone, and I am so happy I did just that.

final product + cringe pose :p