Thursday, May 2, 2013

Sew an Apron from a Vintage Skirt & Collar


A bit "romantic" isn't it?


An apron fashioned from a linen 80s skirt,
a vintage crocheted collar,
an embellished lace piece salvaged from a 90s knit top
(remember those days?)
and a few additional yards of scrap lace.


A couple of months ago, I began working through a stack of vintage linens, stitching with Sew Thrifty a Find--a Singer Tiny Tailor that I thrifted for only $10. . . .The stack is getting smaller. . . .and I've grown to love the "little green machine". . . .


I've almost exhausted the pile of linens--all but a few scrap pieces and a bunch of crocheted collars. . . .I'd laid all aside for a time while I took care of planting a garden and other Springtime "chores". . . .one of which being cleaning out closets. . . .That's how I ran across my Mom's white linen skirt from the 1980s. . . .the fabric was beautiful. . . .the hem was of cotton eyelet lace and tucks. . . .



 As I looked at her skirt again for the first time in a couple of years, I thought how it reminded me of Downton Abbey. . . .a touch of Victorian. . . .

Hmmmmmm. . . .

I needed an apron from that era.
Should I use Mom's skirt for it?
I glanced at the linens pile and saw the other pieces needed. . . .
a collar and that beautiful lace piece I'd kept for years,
knowing that one day there would be a use for it.

Gathering all up, I headed for the sewing room.. . . .Just a short break from closet cleaning. . . .

First thing, the elastic was removed from the back of the skirt.
Measuring 4 1/2" from the side seam, I tore the skirt on each side. . . .Then serged the edge and stitched it under.

The left-over piece from the back formed the lower part of the bib. . . .

Turning the hem of that piece with the scallop side out, 
I was able to utilize the tucks in the center. . . .
a little extra detail.

The crocheted collar worked out beautifully. . . .I simply stitched them in all in place.

and, added the embellished lace piece. . . .

For tie ends, I measured twill tape long enough to make a pretty bow in back,
securing to the apron with large vintage buttons.

The skirt already had slit pockets at the side. . . .No need to add more.

The hem seemed a little plain once the bib was finished. . . .Digging in a box of lace, I found a couple of possibilities. . .

Much better. . . .


In less than two hours, the Victorian era mannequin was wearing her new apron. . . .


I'll be eyeing those lace collars a little differently from now on. . . .Never quite knew what to do with them. . . .I doubt that I'll be buying any, though. . . .Out of curiosity, I counted mine. . . .Eleven was the number. . . .Too bad I only found one linen skirt. . . .
So far. . . .
 
There are more closets and tubs to sort through. . . .No telling what treasures I'll find!
It will be a TREASURE HUNT!
Much more fun than cleaning out closets. . . .


. . .from my farmhouse to yours. . .

20 comments:

Old Time Cindy said...

Dru,
That is so beautiful and meaningful since the skirt was your Mom's. You're brilliant if that took you less than 2 hours to make. I'd still be working on it after 2 days. I've considered making some aprons from some prairie skirts I have...someday.
Farmhouse hugs,
Cindy

Curtains in My Tree said...

that is a gorgeous apron I think I would wear it to church over a white dress, I would probably get some weird looks, from gals who don't appreciate vintage clothing

you did a good job on putting it together

Heide at ApronHistory said...

Love it!

Eggs In My Pocket said...

So lovely and elegant! How clever and creative of you!

Brenda Pruitt said...

Oh, the front is so pretty!
Brenda

Kassandra said...

OMG Dru, this apron is simply a dream! You did a great job with the pieces you had on hand, specially that beautiful skirt from your Mom... I´m sewing a victorian-like apron from an old linen sheet, and I was thinking a lot about how to embellish it (my first option was a French style transfer) but your post reminded me I do have a lace collar like yours somewhere in my own closets... so now I´ll probably copycat your idea ;)
Keep on working on so inspiring projects, I´ll be coming back often to take a peek.
Hugs,
K.

Ruffles and Relics said...

That is truly gorgeous!

Dewena said...

What a beautiful piece of workmanship! It's so nice that you incorporated so many pieces of vintage textiles with your mother's skirt. I too, at one time, had one of those crocheted bodices. I had no idea what to do with it and can't imagine where it is now, but if I ever come across it I'll try a simplified version. The green Singer is charming!

Junkchiccottage said...

Dru,
How beautiful is this apron?! I love that you used your mom's skirt. What a beautiful apron with beautiful memories. Loved this post.
Kris

Debra@CommonGround said...

love your beautiful creation!

Betty@SouthernGrace said...

It is beautiful :) I would surely wear it on Downton Abbey..

SouthernHeart said...

What a wonderful apron - definitely too pretty to actually use! I love that you did it with your Mom's old skirt and other vintage items. I also love your manequin! Would love to find one here.

Blessings,
Dianne
www.sweetjourneyhome.com

cynthia lee designs said...

Love the apron...very pretty!!
hugs,
Cindy

Old Time Cindy said...

So appreciative that ya took the time to join the Old Time Party with such a pretty piece.
Farmhouse hugs,
Cindy

Sweet Magnolias Farm said...

Oh my gosh Dru ..the apron is just beautiful .. I love that you used salvaged clothing ~ linens & Lace from various time periods ..

Sew Beautiful !

Sara

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

You are just too handy here Dru. The apron is too pretty to ever cook in. Display it proudly!

Anonymous said...

Simply dreamy. Wish I was more patient with sewing. This is gorgeous.
Stopped by via Kathryn's.
xoxo's

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Very pretty! If an apron can look romantic, you've certainly captured that look!

The Charm of Home said...

Gorgeous!
Sherry

The Charm of Home said...

Gorgeous!
Sherry

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