I’m getting fancy this year. I was wracking my brain trying to figure out what to knit for Feebs’s advent calendar. I simply couldn’t find something that I thought she would love. One night, we were baking a cake and she put on her apron. Her apron has her name stitched onto it, and she loves it, but it was bought for her when she was 6. To say she is outgrowing it, is an understatement. So I will make her a new one for 25th day. While searching for a pattern, I also came across the cutest pattern for fabric book marks. I thought this was a really adorable idea for three of the days. These items must be complete by November 28 to give me enough time to put her calendar together. I put it up on the morning of December 1 each year.
Apron-
Pattern: Made Everyday- Easy Apron
Pattern notes: I am only using the pattern template because there are no pattern instructions. I scaled down the print size to 75%. I am choosing to make this double sided and won’t need a facing. I will sew the front and back together and use the bias tape to edge the whole thing and make the ties. I have to figure out the pocket placement and ensure that everything is measured and even before sewing it down. I’ve never sewn patch pockets before, so wish me luck.
Fabric: I bought fabric when we were in Oahu to make her a dress. It is a super cute pink fabric with black kitties on it. When we got home, I bought a black and white polka dot fabric for contrast. I cut out the dress pattern, but never made it. The kitty print will be the main side and the polka dot will be the back. I’m adding polka dot fabric on the front for the pockets. Because I had already cut this fabric for the dress, I will have to attach two halves of the pink fabric so that it is long enough to make the apron. Pattern placement is important on the front because of that seam.
Notions/ accessories:
- Black and white polka dot double fold bias tape for the edging and ties
- Pink thread
- Black thread
- Fabric for a name tag?
Outstanding questions:
- What is the best way to make the neck strap(s)?
- Is interfacing necessary anywhere?
- Placement of pockets?
- Do I want to make a name tag?
Book marks-
Pattern: A Place Between the Trees- Make Your Own Fabric Bookmarks
Fabric: It will be the same as the apron. I will make one polka dot, one kitty, and one with both. I have printed out some heart templates in hopes of making one with two hearts attached with ribbon, and possibly one larger heart. The 3rd will be a standard long rectangle.
Notions/ accessories:
- Tags with her initials
- Gromets
- Ties
- Black ribbon
- Black thread
- Pink thread
- Interfacing
Outstanding questions:
- What is the best way to notch the edges of a heart in order for it lay flat once turned right side out?
- Is interfacing necessary?
- How to keep the ribbon from fraying over time?
- What is the best way to make a fabric tag?
I am not going to lie about being slightly intimidated by these projects. Sewing hasn’t been something that I have had a lot of confidence about. I am also a little surprised that I making an apron with no real pattern. I mean, no, it’s not a super complex thing to make, but I will have to measure and place and problem solve. I really hope that everything comes out as good as what is in my head. I am going to go slow and be careful. I want her to love them and use them. I’m going to make a list of tasks for each project in hopes that it is less overwhelming and keeps me on track. I have to say, I am pretty excited to get started.
Loves,
M
Mrs. Collins Makes Stuff 