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Comment by Paula Deming on 12th mo. 10, 2012 at 12:23pm

I've been very interested in this conversation, because I would like to make an apron. My sewing skills are rusty, and my patience is very low. I tend to look pregnant if my clothes don't have a waist, so I think I'll end up with the surplice apron.

Isabelle, taking notes from you... if/when I make the surplice apron in white, I will add a lining. Sounds like I should avoid white, though. :)  

...What's a klingon, and would my husband know what one is? ;D

 

Comment by Barbara Smith on 12th mo. 10, 2012 at 11:57am

I made the Country Dress from King's Daughter's for myself without any modification of the pattern and it was way too big, baggy, waist too low (though I have a long waist) etc. I tucked and snipped and finally came up with a dress for my teenage daughter. That taught me that I really needed to carefully take ALL of my measurements, make up a muslin copy of the dress (at least the top), and come up with a pattern that really fits me. That way I can make several dresses and be confident that I have a good pattern. I had avoided all this, being by nature kind of the hurry up and get it done type, and the results were less than perfect. As long as I am going to have only a few dresses to wear anyway they really should be a good fit and comfortable etc. I had no idea how to do all this so I got the booklets "Preparing a Cape Dress" and "Sewing a Cape Dress" from Christian Light and followed their very detailed and clear instructions. And after a couple days devoted to JUST the pattern I had a good pattern to use. Those booklets are good to read no matter which pattern you are going to use. I used the Country Dress pattern again and added a cape to it using the instructions in the booklets. This was a learning experience for me even though I am a very experienced seamstress.

I will post a photo of my dress when it is done, just for fun. (After I wash out the cat pee...!!!!)

I really like the canning apron over the dress. It looks very simple and can either be worn with or without the ties. I made a couple of barn aprons for the girls as well from that pattern.

Barb

Comment by Isabel Penraeth on 12th mo. 9, 2012 at 11:53pm

I also had difficult turning the edges of the canning apron. I noticed the plain women north of me just squared the pattern instead of leaving it rounded, avoiding that issue. I have also made the surplice apron. It is (relatively) easy (made of cotton) and I liked it. My husband doesn't prefer it because it sort of sticks over my shoulder and he thinks it makes me look like a Klingon or something. Also, in white over a dark dress, the overlap of the two white pieces of the surplice is noticeable as a white diamond sort of thing . . .

Comment by Zaley Warkentin on 12th mo. 9, 2012 at 9:13pm

Hey Barbara! I don't remember having any issues with the apron pattern...I have another one cut out to do next week, so I'll pay attention and let you know :) I think when I did the turning under I ironed it down each little bit at at a time, first 1/4 inch down all the way round, then the other 1/4 inch so the raw edge is hidden, then sew...it takes patience and a lot of 'easing in'! I'll get a photo of the dress by its self...I did have difficulty with the dress pattern, it's a tad confusing...I think I should have taken the next size up though, as mine fits a bit small in the shoulders, and the cape seems too small...I'm  a bit thin for my height, so the bust and waist measurements were fine, but the frame was wrong...hmm...

Comment by Zaley Warkentin on 12th mo. 9, 2012 at 9:04pm

Hi Tina! I did see the Surplus Apron, it's on my list for the next time I order patterns...right now I'm working on editing a dress pattern from King's Daughters...I'm not skilled at changing existing patterns, but we'll see how it turns out :) I'm trying to teach myself these skills by trial and error at the moment....

Comment by Barbara Smith on 12th mo. 9, 2012 at 9:03pm

Zaley - I have now made that canning apron three times and even that is not easy. The edges of the neck and armholes didn't easily turn under!! Required much manipulation and tugging. Did you find that as well?
Very nice job.Do you have a photo of the dress without the pinafore? I have considered that 3-piece pattern and wonder what it looks like on a real person?
Barb

Comment by Tina M Pinzone on 12th mo. 9, 2012 at 3:35pm

Thank you for sharing the links with me! I have the same apron pattern, I just haven't tried it yet. I like the dress pattern you got as well, but I can't get my measurements to match up with their size chart :(. Did you see their surplus apron? I thought it had a Quaker 'feel' to it, with the front crossing over. Reminded me somewhat of a shawl. What are you planning on sewing next?

Comment by Zaley Warkentin on 12th mo. 9, 2012 at 1:42pm

Thank you Friends! :)

Comment by Chris Beauchamp on 12th mo. 4, 2012 at 10:34am

Its perfect Zaley.   Compliments on having done it entirely on a treadle machine.  It looks very comfortable and colors you chose are very suitable.  Wear it in good health always.

Comment by Ray Lovegrove on 11th mo. 30, 2012 at 3:02am

That looks wonderful. Blessings to you!

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