These past two weeks I have been working together with Callum to create my workshop apron.

While I have had some previous sewing experience from creating my own mask during COVID-19 due to the mask shortage, I never sewed anything to this scale before. While I was initially overwhelmed, the support I received from Callum, the TAs and, some practice I had on scrap fabric resulted in becoming very fun! Eventually, I gained the confidence to attempt the intermediate level of this project.

fabric selection and Pattern MAKING:

My first job was creating a design/pattern. I based my pattern off of the provided one, and added some small adjustments, such as curving the sides.

Next, I selected the fabric. I ended up choosing the red and white flannel print, with red fabric for the pockets. I then took my own measurements, and selected the small size of the provided pattern to utilize. I then drew the pattern on some butcher paper, utilizing the measurements I had as well as adding a 1″ to each edge to create a 1/2″ seam. After trying the butcher pattern on myself, I decided to curve the chest part of the apron to make it more flattering too. I then pinned the paper pattern on top of my fabric, and cut out the pattern using fabric scissors.

sewing the seams:

The seams were then folded over, using both a ruler and the checkers on the fabric as a guide, and pinned in place to use as a guide for sewing. The seams were then sewed with a burgundy thread. During this process, I experienced a couple of technical difficulties. Errors included my needle becoming bent, preventing me from continuing a stitch, and snapping my thread by constantly threading it in the wrong direction. I am glad this occurred though because from this experience I was able to learn how to replace a needle on a sewing machine, and how to properly thread a machine.

I also had trouble of the thread in the top needle constantly unthreading. However, after Callum showed me an additional part of the sewing machine that helped prevent the needle slipping out, and recommended that I keep a longer tail of the top thread, the issue rarely occurred after.

ADDING STRAPS:

My next step was adding straps! These ended up being quite difficult as it was hard to accurately go over the box stitches to reinforce the straps to the apron itself. After doing the straps and trying on the apron, I found it to be too wide for me.

 

Callum recommended that I fold over the fabric attached to the top of the apron to make it fit better. I followed their advice and found it helped a lot with making the apron more comfortable and flattering.

adding the pockets:

The next step in my project was to create the pockets! I ended up using red fabric scraps that I found matched well with the apron! However, some of it was used to practice sewing, so I used a seam ripper to be able to use the pieces. Unfortunately, the holes from the previous stitches are still present on the fabric, but it isn’t too noticeable. I should have used a different piece of scrap fabric but ultimately I am still happy with my choice.

In addition, I had many issues with keeping the seams of the pockets even, as the fabric itself wasn’t cut evenly. Next time I would attempt to use a rotary cutter instead of fabric scissors to keep the edges cleaner.

adding A CUTE PATCH:

The final step was adding a heart patch! I used some maroon felt square which I cut into a heart. I then used the machine to sew it onto the apron. While it was a bit difficult to follow the heart shape, using the techniques I practiced prior to the whole apron helped significantly. The most important technique was lifting the foot while keeping the needle in. This helped me keep the tight curves of the shape!

 

and now…

After many hours, my apron is done! I am very proud of the results! If I had to do this project again, I would go slower with my sewing machine to keep my stitches straighter, iron down my pinning instead of solely pinning, and using a rotary cutter rather than fabric scissors to keep my cut fabric more consistent.