Apron for Mom

I got an e-mail from my mom a few weeks ago saying…”here’s a good gift idea for me!”  What she didn’t know was that I had already saved the image as a “gift for mom” idea. 

(photo: 36th Avenue)

Us daughters know our mother, ‘tis true.  Although she’s a cycling nut and it isn’t that hard to figure out she’d like a bike thing here or there.  She also suggested it in apron form, which makes much more sense as this isn’t my mom’s décor style.  Although, you have to be careful with a bike on your chest because… well, use your imagination.

So I got to work.  I realized the idea couldn’t come to fruition easily unless I had the right tools, so I broke down and bought a Silhouette machine.  And some heat transfer paper.  All for my mother!  (well, ok, so the machine was for me but you know…)

I now have a love-hate relationship with Heat Transfer paper.  I love that I can put tiny words and little bike details on an apron.  I hate that it took 10-15 minutes per image (the bike took even longer) to iron it on, and even then some of it is totally squished looking because it wasn’t adhered quite enough before I slowly and carefully peeled off the transfer paper.  I’m sure I just need more practice (especially since the first time, I forgot to mirror my words… duh moment!).

But let’s look at this apron some more, shall we???  I have made a few aprons in my life, and I don’t like the D-ring tops.  They always slip and I have to adjust constantly.  The knot at the back of the neck bugs me too- so I changed things up a bit and made it so it tied at the collar (one tie is 34”, the other is 24”ish).  Lucky for me, this upped the cuteness factor quite a bit!

I also love me some pockets on an apron, for holding who knows what, but I sometimes wish I had one on my aprons.  SO… pockets!

I used solid turquoise (Moda Bella solid) for the pocket, and topped it with the red polka dot (Bliss).  Both matched so well with the turquoise/white/red number I had on the bottom half of the apron (Michael Miller something).  I wanted to do more red dots as a ruffle on the bottom but wouldn’t you know, I ran out.  I had some red jumbo ric-rac on hand and used that instead.  I think I had 2 extra inches of ric-rac.  Sewing Serendipity.

You can’t have that cuteness in front without a big, floppy bow in the back!!  Each tie is an entire width of fabric.  Seriously long and floppy!  My mom is a cyclist, so she has a cute bottom- I’m sure she’ll appreciate even more attention on it :)  I love it.  I’m sure it can even wrap around to the front… I didn’t try that- my preg belly made it hard to try this on…

The whole thing is lined with some cheap white cotton I had.  I’m sure it will shrink a little more than the front… but that’s ok!  I always forget to pre-wash because I get too excited and jump into projects. 

I used an apron pattern I had, and then chopped it up and altered the heck out of it to get this here apron.  I used tips and measurements here and there from the Tie One On Me apron series at Craftiness is Not Optional.  I have the top, bottom, and pocket pieces in a size Medium if anyone wants me to scan it and send it to them. 

This is currently gracing our entire household on Alta while waiting to get to my mom.  Now I actually feel like cleaning the kitchen so the apron won’t be disappointed in my slovenly habits.  ha ha.