After my successful Medieval-esque Black and Orange Polka Skirt, it's time to fix the mistake on my First Black and Orange PolkaDot Skirt attempt. This shortchanged thrift fabric will now become a whimsical apron!
It should seem simple enough to take apart the mismatched skirt panel to reuse as the bib portion. However despite the pattern pinching limited fabric that led to the distorted skirt, my construction methods were sound and even meticulous. It took a day to seam rip the running back stitches! Although the fun tulle hem ruffle was going, the waistband would remain the same. I trimmed the two remaining skirt panels into a more rectangular rather than a-line shape before re-gathering them as the apron skirt. Again needing to reuse every inch of this autumnity material, that cut sliver was folded and stitched down to became the apron neck strap. Keeping the same liner also from the original thrift grab bag with this precious black and orange polka dot likewise meant there was room for two interior skirt pockets and two more pockets hidden at the bib top.
My top piece was very scientifically measured with a scrap piece of paper to get the shape needed. Finishing all my seams and attaching the two pieces together by hand took another night. Not only did I want a tight running back stitch, but in all my black stitching, I went around every orange polka dot. It just looked neater and cleaner than having stitch lines going thru the dots and calling attention to themselves. After reinforcing the waistband with top stitching on the bib, voila my little apron is complete! Obviously the possibilities for embellishment on a black and orange polka apron are pretty endless – from bat trim and black lace to Halloween gingham ribbon or bold orange rick rack. It's certainly tempting, however, making this apron too elaborate reinforces why I've never actually made aprons previously. I've always been baffled at the mid-century patterns that call for such elegant and fancy aprons because there entire purpose is to get dirty! This will not be used in the kitchen and I have old clothes for paint splatter. This apron will probably only be used during sewing time or as a fun pinafore accent to a family friendly October occasion like watching the kids bob for apples. It's practical, but too darn cute!
Though a practical item, this apron has inspired me to do more fun sewing projects. There's only a small patch of this material remaining, but it would be perfect for a cuff or collar on a black or orange blouse. Had I more of this black and orange polka fabric, I may have done the waistband as a tie instead of the skirt's original hook and eye closure. The bib top probably would have been completely fitted and more flattering, too. If you look closely at this whimsical weekend make, I'm sure it might be a little wonky or fudged in some places. However, I also would not change a thing about this apron. Not only is this the best use of such delightful but dead stock fabric, but this is a simple, anyone can do sewing accomplishment.
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