Friday, July 22, 2011

"Anthropologie" Knock-Off Apron






Okay, Anthropologie is one of my favorite stores but I have never actually bought anything because I know I can go home and make something similar or better. In this case I fell in love with this "Sewing Basket Kid's Apron" that was online ($24.00).  Why should cute things be only for kids, I was bound and determined to make my own version of this apron.



Materials:

I used what I had around the sewing room which included:

-Fabric Central Jellies Roll (Natural Mediterranean)
   or 12 (2 1/2" x 45" strips of fabric)
-Fabric Central Fat Quarters (set of five, matching) of the five fat quarters you only use two.
-2 yds. Rick Rack and Ribbon in coordinating colors
-Iron
-Sewing Machine or Serger
You can find these small Jellies at JoAnn's
Using 12 strips ( 2 1/2" x 42") from the Jelly Roll, lay out your design for your apron. 
After you decide on your twelve strips, press each strip. 

Sew all of the strips (lengthwise) together so that you begin to have one large piece of fabric.
I wanted a finished look in the back so I used my Serger. After adding each strip of fabric I press the seam in one direction (towards the bottom of the apron).
One large piece 22"x 42".

Lay out the rick rack and ribbon to your liking, sew on.

Press and finish side edges and hem bottom.

Finished piece with added trim. 
Find the center of the top of your apron, pin. Then baste the top of the apron so that you can bring in the gathers. 
Pick out one of the fat quarters to make your tie straps. Press. 

Cut three 4 1/2" x 21" strips from the fat quarter.

Sew together strips short ends together into a long strip. 

Find the center of the strip and mark. 
Match center pins on apron and strip. Gather so that the ends of the apron are 10" away from the center pin. Basically gather until you have the apron measuring 20" total. 
Once you have the gather even, sew. (*note: I find when sewing gathers it is easier to stop when the needle is down and lift the foot at times to make sure you have even gathers)
After sewing, press up and remove basted thread. 

Begin finishing the tie strip by pressing in seams and folding in half.  
After folding in half and pressed, pin and sew tie straps in place. 
Now you have the bottom portion of the apron complete.  
Pick out a second fat quarter to be the top part of your apron. 
From the fat quarter I cut a 12 1/2" x 12 1/2" square. 
Using some of the left over from the tie strips I added the boarder to the top of the square. 

Next sew on rick rack or ribbon trim.
With the same fabric for apron body, I cut two strips for neck strap 4"x WOF (width of fabric).
I got excited and forgot to take pictures of finishing the neck straps. (sorry!) Then you attach the straps to the top of the apron square. 
Finish the sides of the apron square so that you have a completed top. 
Center the apron top and then the bottom and then pin together so that you have it centered before you sew together. 




I used an extra strip from the jellies to make this little rosette with a leaf and vintage button to top off the apron. 
And Voila! You have your very own "Antropologie" knock-off Apron. It will be perfect for baking something delicious or to wear when you are being a wonderful hostess. 


4 comments:

  1. Such a cute apron!!! I love the fabrics and the ric rac (of course)! You did a great tutorial too!
    Thanks so much for linking up to Think Pink Sundays! :)

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  2. Thanks so much Beverly! I did figure out how to add your button too.

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  3. very cute! I love all the different fabrics and the apron style is adorable! Great job:)

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