Thursday 3 July 2008

The Emmeline Apron



Well I'd read reviews, I'd listened to podcasts and I'd gazed at the photos. I'd also bought the pattern and left it sitting in my sewing box for far too long.
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But earlier this week I finally dug out some fabric to make Sew Liberated's Emmeline Apron. I then spent one evening pinning and cutting out, one evening basting gathers and finally, today, a happy morning sewing (all this whilst watching Wimbledon - either live or the day's highlights. I get so much done when there is good sport on the tv - I may even finish a whole quilt during the Olympics next month...).
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The pattern was great - straightforward to follow, and it seemed to come together remarkably quickly. It does use an incredible amount of thread, however. I used an entire 100m reel of Guttermans - so if you are going to make it, don't start with half a reel!
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I found it hard to choose the fabrics. You need three: front, back and the contrasting fabric for the ties and binding. It was this third fabric I found tricky as it has to look good with both the front and back fabrics. In the end I settled for some lusciously bright Michael Miller Water Lily fabric that had been a late night impulse buy from Repro Depot, Kaffe Fassett's paperweight in brown and orange, and some yellow cotton with polka dots that I had left over from the binding for my quilt.
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Next time I wouldn't bother with top stitching the edge of the apron or the waist ties - maybe its the temperamental tension on my sewing machine, but I think that just pressing often looks flatter than topstitching. That's the only thing I'd change though. It's such a wonderful apron.

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I finished it about 5 minutes before I had to go and pick up C & O from school. I couldn't bear to take it off, so wore it to pick them up. C was mortified and O was enchanted at their Mum wearing an apron in the playground. Fortunately, C forgave me enough to agree to take these photos of me wearing my apron this evening.

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I may never take it off now.

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8 comments:

  1. The flower print is very pretty - I'm not surprised you wanted to keep it on.

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  2. YESSSSSS! Am so proud of your child embarassing moment, well done you!! Bet there were lots of envious looks from other secret apron wearers as well.
    What can I say, it's FABULOUS! fabric reminds me of something Barbara would have worn in The Good Life (that is a compliment, by the way!!)love it, love it. Although Wimbledon would have driven me to the alcohol cabinet,not the sewing machine ...;)x

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  3. Love it! This is the apron that I would like to make for myself. I'm trying to imagine wearing it in the playground though! I don't think I'd survive the verbal assault!

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  4. I have a hat that I knitted which the children do not allow me to wear in the playground - handy when I want them to tidy up...or else...!
    Love the pinny!

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  5. Lovely! I think the Kaffe side is my favorite--I have always loved that print.

    What do the "girls" think? I imagine it would be great to wear while gathering eggs!

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  6. it's gorgeous, love your fabric choices, and I think a very stylish addition to the playground I must say!

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  7. Love that apron! Will you teach me to sew? Maybe via a correspondence course?

    Ann

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  8. Great fabrics.
    Greets from the midlands

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Even though I often do not have the time to reply to everybody, I really appreciate all your comments so much - thank you for taking the time to read my blog and share your thoughts on what I've written.