I like a bit of cute occasionally.
I also like Spring.
I adore Tulips and my favourite colour combination is soft green, blush pink and white.

Please let me reveal to you ‘The Darling’

It’s my first apron (although I prefer the word Pinny) of 2011 and will lead the way in a rather kitsch, cute and darling year of apron making I believe. It is easy to make, comfy to wear and can be thrown in to the wash at a moments notice should you need to freshen it up.

It brings Springtime to your wardrobe whilst protecting your favourite skinny jeans from being splattered.

Thank you, Darling!

What you will need for this project:

• For the apron: Piece of fabric cut into an apron shape (refer to how-to photo) measuring approximately 50cm height x approximately 60cm in width at the widest part
• Frill: Strip of fabric measuring 10cm x 260cm (two pieces of fabric can be sewn together for this if necessary)
• Waistband: Contrasting fabric measuring 50cm width x 15cm height
• Ties (x 2) : In the same fabric as the waistband, 10cm height   x 60cm length
• Pocket: In the same fabric as the waistband and ties, 15cm height x 14cm width with rounded bottoms, refer to how-to photo
• Bias Binding: 20mm x 3.5m (approx) – Colour to match according to your chosen fabric
• Pins
• Thread to match your fabric
• Sewing Machine
• Scissors

• Cut out your apron shape in your chosen fabric
• Cut the fabric for the frill, sewing two strips of fabric together if necessary to achieve the 260cm length
• Measure out a length of binding also measuring 260cm
• Iron the binding in half to allow for a clean edge

• Pin the ironed binding to the fabric frill
• Machine the binding in place
• To create the gathered effect for the frill, machine two parallel rows of stitching just under the raw edge of the fabric, approximately 1cm apart

• Pull the two top threads of the stitched rows (one from each row) and gently pull the fabric along the thread, creating a gathered effect as you pull
• When you are happy with the frill you have created and the frill looks even, wrap the ends of the thread around a pin and secure to the fabric leaving you with a pin at either end.
• Pin the raw edge of the frill to the raw edge of the apron so that the correct sides of the fabrics are face to face. Make sure that when you pin the frill on, the pins sit just under the two rows of stitching.

• Machine the frill in place to the apron whilst removing all pins as you go
• Cut out a pocket shape in contrasting fabric to the apron and frill
• Pin the binding all the way around the pocket and then machine on
• Set the pocket to one side for the time being

• To make the pleats along the top raw edge of the apron, measure in approximately 11cm from either side and fold in the two pleats which should measure around 1.5cm each. Pin the pleats in place ready for stitching.
• Measure out the contrasting fabric along the top of the apron for the waistband.
• When the fabric has been cut to the correct size, fold two flaps of fabric over, measuring 1cm, along the length of the waistband – then iron in place (do not machine up)
• Along the width edge of the waistband , do the same as above, but this time machine the edge up, creating a hem
• Finally, fold the fabric waistband in half (length ways with the fabric pattern facing out) and iron flat

• Cut out the two strips of fabric for the apron ties
• Fold in half length ways, so the correct side of the fabric is facing in
• Machine together the side and just one end, leaving you with just one end open
• Turn the apron tie back the correct way (you may need a pen to help you push it through!) and iron flat
• Repeat with the other apron tie
• Place the non-stitched ends of the ties between the fabric waistband at either end, approximately 2cm in
• Pin in place and then machine together using a small stitch

• The bottom of the waistband will still be open at this stage, but don’ worry as next it is time to attach the waistband to the apron
• Pin in place all the way along the top raw edge of the apron, then machine the waistband to the apron
• Pin the pocket you made earlier to the apron, ensuring it is in the correct place for you
• When you are happy with the pockets positioning, carefully machine the pocket on to the apron, using the stitching from the existing binding as guide.

• Iron the apron, stand back and admire your first Springtime project of 2011.

It’s just darling.

It’s The Darling.

I love you and thank you so very much for stopping by today. See you tomorrow.

Cherry x

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Cherry Menlove

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2. How To Make A Cushion Cover With A Zip
3. How To Make A Picnic Blanket
4. How – To Make a Fabric Drawstring Herb Bag
5. How To Make An Applique Springtime Teapot with Free Pattern

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