THE PROCESS

I used pattern paper to sketch out my apron design before copying the pattern down onto the fabric. Another helpful use of the pattern paper was being able to view the apron on my body before cutting into the limited fabric that I had.

Apron Dimensions: Height = 34″, 1/2 Waistband = 21″

Then, I make 1/4 folds along each edge of the apron, stitching along the edge in one go, and backstitching at the end to provide a stronger and longer-lasting connection. To attach the straps to the apron, I used box stitches, which were difficult to perfect, given the small surface area the strap provided to operate on (I’ve included a picture of one of the better ones below).

Strap Length: = 1/2 Waistband = 21″ each

This marked the completion of the beginner-level apron, but I decided that since I’d be utilizing this apron a lot throughout the semester, it was worth it to add a few pockets out of more durable material. I found some faux leather and decided that it would be a great addition to my apron. I followed the instruction video included on the homework assignment, and I’ve included some photos of that process below.

Pocket Dimensions: Heigth = 6″, Depth = 6″

REFLECTION:

If I’m honest, when Douglas mentioned that sewing was going to take a lot of patience, I just assumed that something he had to say so that we wouldn’t feel bad about making mistakes. I, unfortunately, witnessed first-hand how much patience is required to not only learn how to sew proficiently but even just learn a skill in such a short amount of time.

The box stitches and the faux leather material were my two biggest stressors for this project. The box stitches were difficult due to the size of the available strap ribbon, given that I had to navigate a sufficient box stitch in a pretty small area. With practice, my later box stitches came out better than my first couple of attempts, so if I were to create another apron, I’d be more confident in my ability to produce more consistent box stitches for the straps.

The faux leather was difficult to work with given its thickness. I learned that the sewing machine, as wonderful as it is, has a very hard time pushing through thick material that has been layered. When making the 3 pockets for my apron, I had to make folds to the point where I was slotting 4 layers of fabric/material under the foot and since the machine wouldn’t push it through I had to drag it.

I’d like to improve my tactics with pin placement, to allow for more precise and consistent measurements on my stitches, given that I had some trouble with that on this project. Overall, I was very proud of my ability to pick up this new skill and persevere past the obstacles that the sewing machines posed throughout the process!

COST ESTIMATE:

Raw Materials: 

• 1-yard fabric ~ $2 ($20/10 yards)
• 3-yards thread ~ $0.03 ($9/400 yards)
• 1/4″ 3-yard thin strap ~ $0.54 ($18/100 yards)
• 0.0833333 square yards faux leather ~ $0.56 ($10/1.5 square yards)
  • = $3.13

Labor:

• ~6.5 hours (at minimum wage @ $7.25) = $47.13

Overhead (Machine Time):

• 4 hours = (Estimate) $20

Total = $70.26

Although this is pretty expensive for an apron, now that I’ve completed one, I’m more familiar with the design process and I’m confident that I could complete the task in a reasonably shorter time.