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Making aprons from pillowcases...!

I am making Aprons for various people for Christmas presents and I don't want to buy a big lot of material make them all the same nor spend a fortune on different materials. While I was op shopping the other day I saw some pretty pillow cases and thought to my self - that's the kind of material I need for my apron project, but is there enough to make an apron out of? So I bought a few - they were only a $1 each,

And here's what I did...



The pillow case that I loved with the blue and green flowers was really thin. So I bought a matching pillowcase and lined the apron with it. It just added a bit of weight that I thought would make it wear better.

 

After undoing all the seams of the pillow cases (the rip open very easily and then I just iron them flat into one great long piece of material) I cut off a strip on the long side to become the apron ties. Then I ironed it in half longways and then ironed the seams as well.

 

 I cut the remaining pillow case into three (almost ) equal lengths and then sewed them together as I was after a wide piece that I am going to gather into a nice full apron later.
 

With the right sides together I pinned the blue pillow case (also opened up and ironed flat) to the flower pillowcase and sewed three sides together.


Then I turned it in the right way so I have a giant envelope!


With the right sides out, I stitched all the way along the top of the apron with the longest straight stitch that I had on the machine. Then pulling on the back thread I gathered it in gently until it was the right width to fit from hip to hip. Once you have it right, knot the ends of the thread so it doesn't get bigger again.


Find the middle of both the apron and the tie. Pin the apron inside the waistband/tie starting at that middle point you found on both.


I started sewing the lower part of the tie at the end and kept sewing across the front of the waistband and all the way to the end of the tie. I did go back and forwards as I got to the apron part to strengthen it.


Then I used the same stitch along the top of the apron ties.
 

Then I sewed around the edges of the apron front, just to hold it all flat...
 

And pegged it on the line so I could photograph it!
 

Its very basic and simple but I think its quite lovely!
 

It would have been quicker to make this with a single pillowcase but I like the way the lining peeps out as you walk in this apron. Its a bit retro and the friend I had in mind for this one loves retro things so I really wanted to use this pattern!

If I had just cut the remaining material in half instead of thirds, I could have made a longer, less full apron. But this one works for the person I had made it for!

Patchwork aprons would be fun too if you find several pillow cases that go together. I could have put a pocket or some ric-rac on it as well but I didn't think of that before I had the lining on and the waistband pinned properly - So this one went with out! I think it would be better to do all that before you line it so all the stitching is hidden by the lining. Of course if the material is thick enough and you don't need a lining, then you can add embellishments at any time!

Score card:
Green-ness: 5/5 for making something out of things you already have or have bought from an op shop!
Frugal-ness: 5/5 for only paying a couple of dollars for a couple of Christmas presents that are chock full of fun and love!
Time cost: about an hour... It took me a while to get the waist band to sit right!
Skill level: Guessing and thinking ahead!
Fun-ness: A nice way to spend an hour in the morning sunshine!

Comments

africanaussie said…
OOh very clever, and it turned out beautifully.
Practical Frog said…
I love it! - I'm wondering if I have to give it away now....? - K x
Bmore Bungalow said…
How creative, nice job!
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