cookin' up something pretty

This year my mom asked for only two things, a new apron and a bunt cake pan.  She made the comment to me once that she will probably wind up getting three of each (since she told me two sisters and I the same two things she wanted)!  She asked specifically for a Vera Bradley apron and, both of my sisters wound up buying it for her.  I knew this was going to happen so what did I do?  I made her one!  Now, it's no Vera Bradley...but it is made with love for my momma!
I am going to show you how I made the skirt for my moms apron.  As I told you before, I do not do well with patterns so, I always have to make something twice before I can tell you how I did it.  I whipped one up for myself and wanted to share it with you.

(for reference, on my project fabric 1 = orange plaid, fabric 2 = brown floral.  Feel free to do whatever patterns or colors you want)

You will need:
2 rectangles of fabric 1 approximately 20" x 13" (Hold a measuring tape up to you and see if you need it larger or smaller...use what works best for you!)
1 rectangle of fabric 2 approximately 6" x  60" (You will fold the rectangle in half giving you a 3" band, if you want a different size, adjust to your liking)  The fabric I used was only 45", so I cut another 15" and sewed them together
Sewing machine
Coordinating thread
Any embellishments you like (I used my no sew flowers and minimal sewing flowers)  I also added a little ruffle to the bottom, I will show you that tomorrow, this tutorial is for a SUPER simple apron.

Also optional - If you want to customize the apron a little more with pockets or painting with a stencil maybe, do this to one of the rectangles of fabric one before you sew them together.

Lay the two pieces of fabric one down with the pattern facing each other.  Sew around the bottom and two sides, leaving the top open to turn it right side out.  Turn the rectangle right side out

Take the large rectangle of fabric two and iron it in half long ways as well as ironing a hem on each side.  You don't have to iron it but, it makes it a million times easier then trying to make sure you have it pinned perfectly in place the whole time.

Take the right side out  rectangle of fabric one and place it between fabric two.  Be sure to center it so that you have the same amount of fabric on either side of the rectangle of fabric one.  Pin the fabrics together

Sew the rectangle of fabric two closed, going straight down the strip of fabric.  This will close the band and attach your skirt.

And there you have it!!  A sweet and simple apron perfect for everything!  Now, add your embellishments as you wish.  Remember, I will show you how to add the ruffle tomorrow.  I LOVE my apron with my cute little flowers!


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