Taffeta and toile apron...

I have been planning on making some cute aprons forever, but somewhere between kid's homework, a music ministry, and laundry, I got behind. Yesterday's beautiful sunny weather gave me a burst of energy and I spent Saturday making 40 cloth napkins, 8 placemats, a double table runner, and finishing the apron I started last summer. Ok, so I went a little overboard with the apron! Let me say I love sewing! I do have some background in clothing and costume design as my multi-talented mom was also a clothing designer for a while. Her label, Anita Carole, was geared mostly to high-end clients who would have her do an entire wardrobe. I worked some for her, but also did around 30 Elizabethan costumes for Madrigal dinners plus lots of evening gowns and everyday wear. Unfortunately, I just don't have a lot of time to do it these days.

About the apron...I prewashed the fabric, as always to allow for any shrinkage. I cut a top and bottom out of the toile--no pattern, I just went by my measurements. I doubled the taffeta and gathered a strip for the bottom ruffle, and a smaller one for the neckline. The top is lined as is the band around the middle which also forms the tie at the back.

My 11-year-old was the photographer, so I think I'm looking a little blurry, but you get the idea!