Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Susannah Tombs on 1st mo. 11, 2013 at 8:52am

I can't help with this, but I'd like to make an apron for a friend for her indoor gardening jobs: it needs pockets, and the front should be absorbent - cotton or linen, but it should have some waterproof backing. Must be easy to wash. Any ideas? Susie

Permalink Reply by Tina M Pinzone on 1st mo. 11, 2013 at 9:39am

Hi Amanda, 

What a wonderful idea! I would love to sew along with you! Though I don't know if you are an expert sewer? I'm not! lol. But, I must get back into sewing now that I'm plain. I can't afford the prices of most ready made dresses and aprons that I like. I don't mean to speak for Zaley, I just happen to know she got her pattern from Friends patterns, I happen to have the same one, but haven't tackled it. I did read on here that others had trouble with this pattern, but I'm willing to give it a go if you are and I'm sure Zaley would share her wisdom with us as well, she has the kindest heart! My only downfall and if it causes you to want to decline sewing with me, please know I completely understand and hold no ill feelings-my health. I have severe Fibromyalgia and a history of Lupus, so I have good days and bad and never know when I will have either. But, this is just the type of thing the doctor orders. So, pray about it my Friend and let me know...

Permalink Reply by Amanda Manouvrier on 1st mo. 11, 2013 at 9:58am

I would love to sew along with you Tina - we will all inevitably have days when we can't do any sewing and I also am not an expert seamstress. I am in the UK and I have not heard of Friends patterns. I will try and source a pattern from them - of course, for anyone who wants to join with this, we don't have to all be making the same pattern. I just thought it would be a good starting point because a) we can all use a good apron and b) it might be really useful for those who are plain/going plain.

 

Susie, I don't know of a good gardening apron pattern - but heavyduty cotton backed with something waterproof would sound like a good idea. I'm sure we can find something we can adapt.

Permalink Reply by Amanda Manouvrier on 1st mo. 11, 2013 at 10:13am

Susie - look at www.friendspatterns.net then go to Womens' Patterns and then look for the kitchen/canning apron. This is the one (I think) that Zaley has made, and to which Tina is referring. I am thinking of making this one too. Would this not be adaptable for your gardening friend? Pocket could be changed. Just a thought. 
 
Susannah Tombs said:

I can't help with this, but I'd like to make an apron for a friend for her indoor gardening jobs: it needs pockets, and the front should be absorbent - cotton or linen, but it should have some waterproof backing. Must be easy to wash. Any ideas? Susie

Permalink Reply by Zaley Warkentin on 1st mo. 12, 2013 at 9:41am

Hi Amanda! The kitchen Apron is from Friends pattern company, and is fairly easy. There is also optional pockets you can put on. The very easiest apron to make is kind that ties around your waist. (Half-apron)  :)

Permalink Reply by Barbara Smith on 1st mo. 17, 2013 at 8:15am

Okay folks I think I have some helpful tips from my professional seamstress daughter on those apron issues. I showed her the pesky curves on the apron. She told me to fold the edge over twice as I was doing to sew it. Then pin it and iron it. Then, where the curve is tightest and obviously is not going to be flat without wrinkling, like at the top and bottom of the arm holes, at the bottom edge of the neck opening, and at the top of the back opening, cut little slits (just in the turned under part, not all the way through the apron) right to the edge of the apron. So from the edge you would hem, where the stitches would go, to the edge of the apron. Make a little slit every inch or so (probably 3-4 as you go around the bottom of the armhole for example). Then pin down around the slits to hold them flat and stitch the entire hem sewing right across those now open slits when you come to them.

I hope this is clear. Let me know if you have any questions.

Barb

Permalink Reply by Beverly on 2nd mo. 7, 2013 at 11:40pm

The Friends Pattern apron is so nice and practical. I have made several over the years. I usually don't add the ties in the back, it's just easier for me.

Another nice apron pattern is from Amelia's Aprons.

http://ameliasaprons.com/store/products/amish-apron-pattern/

It is easy to make and covers very well. 

Permalink Reply by Barbara Smith on 2nd mo. 8, 2013 at 8:14am

Beverly - Thanks for the link for the apron pattern. I looked through her aprons and I especially liked the Edwardian apron - simple plain lines but has some shape. I have been looking for a pattern that is more shaped than the Friend's Patterns canning apron, but not too ornate. This one is lovely. I followed the link to the site where you can purchase that apron and here it is, though the photo on Amelia's site is a better picture of the apron.


http://sensibility.com/blog/category/patterns/edwardian-era/


I'll try it and let you know how it goes.

Barb

Permalink Reply by Barbara Smith on 2nd mo. 8, 2013 at 8:14am

Beverly - Thanks for the link for the apron pattern. I looked through her aprons and I especially liked the Edwardian apron - simple plain lines but has some shape. I have been looking for a pattern that is more shaped than the Friend's Patterns canning apron, but not too ornate. This one is lovely. I followed the link to the site where you can purchase that apron and here it is, though the photo on Amelia's site is a better picture of the apron.


http://sensibility.com/blog/category/patterns/edwardian-era/


I'll try it and let you know how it goes.

Barb

Permalink Reply by Tina M Pinzone on 2nd mo. 8, 2013 at 10:22am

Hi Barb,

        I so hate to say this, because I truly love Sensibility, and though I only have one of her patterns, it is the highest quality I have ever seen and her instructions are so detailed and clear. However, that being said, I have heard that on this particular apron the straps do tend to slip off the shoulders and cause an annoyance . I'm thinking that you could probably put a small bar across the straps, like in the back of the canning apron from Friends, and that should solve the problem. I'm up for sewing whatever you chose my friend. I found a site called ameliasaprons.com (she actually sells the Edwardian apron's done) she has a pattern for a cute twist on an Amish apron, a mother daughter and doll apron with a ruffle, that is really cute and a nice cobbler apron pattern. Try to take a look, let me know what you think! :)

Blessings,

Tina

Barbara Smith said:

Beverly - Thanks for the link for the apron pattern. I looked through her aprons and I especially liked the Edwardian apron - simple plain lines but has some shape. I have been looking for a pattern that is more shaped than the Friend's Patterns canning apron, but not too ornate. This one is lovely. I followed the link to the site where you can purchase that apron and here it is, though the photo on Amelia's site is a better picture of the apron.


http://sensibility.com/blog/category/patterns/edwardian-era/


I'll try it and let you know how it goes.

Barb