Church Lady Apron

Aprons have been around for a very long time.  When people started wearing clothes, they started wearing aprons.  Aprons protect everyday clothing from the slop and mess of life.  While aprons have been used in different industries and for different purposes throughout history, the apron has been and is a major player in the production and consumption of food.   Everyone in the food industry wears an apron, from the people in the processing plant to the servers at the restaurant.  Aprons aren't only for protection however, throughout history, aprons were also worn as outfit embellishments.  Nearly every traditional women's costume includes an apron.  Today, aprons are still worn for protection, but we also like them to be a little stylish; to make a statement; to add interest to our daily work.  

One of my favorite aprons is the Church Lady Apron, created by Mary Mulari.  Find the pattern HERE.  There are 2  reasons I love this apron.  First,  It is simple, but stunning and second, it versatile.  It is reversible so you have two aprons in one.  You can cook with one side and serve with the other (not messy) side.

I used fabrics from the Dreamin' Vintage collection by Jeni Baker for Art Gallery Fabrics.  I LOVE Jeni Baker's fabrics.

I am all about simplicity, so I have added a couple of design changes to this apron pattern that I want to share with you.  I only put one pocket on each side of the apron so I don't have the headache of trying to make the two pockets on one side even and not lopsided.  I use the pocket pattern that is included, but my pocket pattern has has a little trim at the top.  To make this pocket, you first, cut your pocket pattern out and then cut a strip of fabric that is longer than the pocket and 2-3 inches wide.

Sew the trim to the top of the pocket

 Lay the pocket lining on top of the pocket fabric so all of the sides and bottom match.

Pin the other side of the pocket trim to the pocket lining.

 It will look like this when pinned.

Match your pocket with the lining and finger press the top of the trim.  Pin and sew.  Turn the pocket right side out and press.  Top stitch the top of the pocket.  The rest of the pocket will be top stitched when you put it on the apron.

The next design change is in the neck strap. Sew your apron neck straps to the apron body.  Then, when you are sewing the apron together, leave the neck straps open.  This is in addition to the opening you will have to turn the apron right-side out after you've sewn the apron together.

 

Next, sew the neck strap together on one side and leave it open on the other side.

Third, press your seams so they match, top and bottom.  Press one side of the top neck piece under and lay it down on top the  then lay the unsewn piece on top of the sewn piece.

When you top-stitch your apron, start with the neck seam.  Top stitch the open seam down and then continue around the body of the apron with your top stitch.

Find the pattern and fabrics for this apron in my Run 'n Stitch Shop HERE


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11 Step Pillowcase Pattern

On November 1, 2013 I posted a pillow case pattern.  This year, I am posting another pattern that is almost exactly like that one, but steps 8-10 in this pattern will change the look of the case.  

  

Step 1

Choose your fabric-

You will need:

1/4 yard cuff fabric

3/4 yard pillow case fabric

1 to 2.5 inch strip of accent fabric

Step  2

Iron the accent strip of fabric in half with wrong sides together.  Lay the cuff fabric on a table right side up.  Lay the ironed accent strip strip on top of the right side of the cuff fabric, matching raw edges.  Lay the pillow case fabric on top of the accent fabric, and the cuff fabric, wrong side up, matching raw edges and pin.

Step 3:

Roll the pillow case fabric up so you can wrap the cuff fabric around it.

Step 4

Re-pin the raw edges of the roll together.  Be sure to use a lot of pins.

Step 5

Using a 1/4 inch seam, sew all 4 layers of fabric together.

Step 6

Pull the pillow case fabric out of the end of the roll.

Step 7

You will need to square-up your pillow case.  Fold you pillowcase in half with wrong sides together.  Lay your pillow case on a cutting board and arrange so the cuff edges match.  

Lay your ruler on the top of the pillow case with one line on the cuff edge.  

Using your rotary cutter, trim the excess fabric from the side and bottom of the pillow case.

Step 8

This is where this pillow case pattern is different that the last pattern I posted in November, 2013.  You will sew the pillow case  wrong sides together.  Be sure to place a pin on either side of the trim to keep the trim edges together.

Pin all around the raw edges on the side and bottom of the pillow case.

 Step 9
Sew your raw edges using a 1/8 inch seam.

Turn the pillow case and press the seam.

Step 10

Turn the pillow case inside out so that the rights sides of the case are together.  Place pins on each side of your trim again.  This helps the trim match at the seam line.  Sew a 1/4 inch seam around your seamed edge.  

 Step 11
Turn you pillow case right side out and press.

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