'A is for Apron' inspired Aprons

I was ecstatic to get this book on a variety of aprons for my birthday recently.  I chose a few to make as birthday gifts for my daughters.  My only complaint is that the patterns are meant to be enlarged 400%, which is difficult and expensive here.  Had there been a grid, I could have reproduced them with a marker and some grid-lined paper. 

The first one is called 'Marie Antoinette' very appropriately.  I used remnant fabric that I had used for this particular daughter's prom dresses in the past.  That made it really meaningful for her.

The one thing I changed in the pattern was to keep the main fabric separate from the backing fabric.  It's the only fabric that is washable (kind of dumb to make an apron that you can't wash, eh?)  So I wanted it to be separate, so my daughter can at least hand wash that part and use the apron.   She loved it!

The other apron I made from this book is called 'Waldorf.'  I didn't use the actual pattern; I hadn't gone to the printing shop yet to have any of the patterns enlarged.  Instead I measured the pattern and multiplied the result by 4 (since it is to be enlarged by 400%) and I free-handed the scallops.  I also used wider bias tape than the pattern recommended.  I like the look of wide outlines.  I also added pink ric-rack in the seams as I stitched the bias tape in.  It punched up the outline.

It turned out great as well.  Can't wait to try some of the patterns I did manage to enlarge.  Stay tuned...

Mornu, Nathalie.  A is for Apron; 25 Fresh and Flirty Designs. Lark Books, 2008.