More birds! More clouds! More chambray!
Yep, all my favorites, in one reversible Emmeline Apron from Sew Liberated. The pattern is an oldie but goodie. I was drawn to the apron right away when Kristin posted her version (vintage skirt as top post alert!) – and now, almost three years later, it made its way on to my project list. I made mine for my sister, too, but my neighbor was kind enough to model for me and keep me out of the photos, which was very much appreciated. I owe you some baked goods, neighbor!
The pattern has some nice, feminine features – a gathered bodice, a skirt with darts, and nice long ties that you can wear in the front or back. And reversible is always a plus in my book – especially for something that’s bound to get pretty dirty.
This was an easy sew – maybe a little time consuming since you’re essentially making two aprons, and there is a good amount of bias cutting for the straps, but it was fun to put together. I skipped hand-sewing the bias binding for the straps, but if you want it to look extra neat and tidy, you should take the time to do it by hand. The only tricky part for me was positioning the ties between the two skirt pieces – they need to be placed just so to extend out straight and just below the waistband piece, and it took me a bit of trial and error to get there. Luckily that spot is pretty hidden once the apron is tied on, so if it doesn’t line up exactly, no one will be the wiser.
The print is Fly by Night from Bonnie Christine’s Sweet as Honey line from Art Gallery Fabrics. There are a few prints in this line that really tempted me – I especially love the little deer. But I ended up with the birds (as I often do), and paired them with another Andover chambray (Espresso this time). The bands and ties are a yellow crosshatch (Bluebird Park Linen Texture in Sunrise). You need quite a bit (1.75 yards) of the contrast fabric to accommodate those long ties, but you’ll have a lot of it left over.
I’m kind of enjoying the thought that this won’t be outgrown in a few months like almost everything else I make. Perhaps more sewing for grown-ups is in order…
probablyactually.wordpress.com 
This is so cute, Gail (and so is your neighbor.) 😉 I love it. Your sister’s a lucky lady to be receiving it! It’d be hard to give that one away. Just perfect.
I made this one a few years ago for a good friend. I LOVE the pattern and keep meaning to pull it back out to make one for myself but keep forgetting. I think I will put it back on my list!
this is so beautiful, i may have to make one! xox
oh thank you!! you made it easy with your beautiful fabric!
Everything you make is so beautiful! I am needing a new apron, and this one just looks too fabulous. Did it come from sew liberated, the book or website? As always, your fabric choices are just to die for and the sewing impeccable. Much love!
(hope Lila had a fun birthday party!!)
thanks so much!! and it was a lovely birthday, thank you! the apron is a stand-alone pattern, you can find it here.
So sweet! I really need to make an apron.
I’ve been wanting to make an apron for a long time, and I’ve had my eye on this pattern for just as long! Loved seeing your version!
I like it a lot. I like the fabrics and colours you chose. I’d immediately sew one for myself (I like a lot of the details like the gathered bodice and the nice straps) but 12 $ for an apron isn’t so cheap. Let’s see when I won’t be able to resist. 😉
birds! clouds! chambray! i love it. and haha thanks for linking to my “vintage” post. that was one of the first ones where i learned the power of styling photos and i didn’t even do it – laura did! 😉
they’re gorgeous! truly perfect 🙂
thea.
(spoonfulzine)