7.21.2008

How to make an art apron

The crayon roll has been a hit at church lately (except for the fact that I should have made another one, because there is always a fight in the pew for who gets to hold it). So, when I was out perusing the shops this weekend and came across the idea for a crayon holder apron, I knew my daughter would love to have one at home for her art projects. And I had just the fabric to do it with. 

 
Do you notice how shiny the fabric is? That is because I was finally able to put to use a product that Pink and Polka Dot turned me onto: 

Iron-on Vinyl

I love this product. It is made by the same company that makes Heat N Bond. I have only been able to find it at Joanne's, and it can be pricey ($9 for a 2 yard roll). But I happened to catch it when it was half off so I picked up a couple of rolls. It gives the fabric a smooth shiny finish, almost like oilcloth, except easier to maneuver because it is thinner

Another great benefit of using this product is that while oilcloth can be hard to find and typically comes in limited patterns, now I can use any fabric my heart desires to create wipe-able cloth. Baby bibs are another project that I want to try.
 
And no, I am not the new Iron-on Vinyl company spokeswoman (but I would be interested if they are looking...)
  
What was I talking about? Oh yes, the apron.

I began with 3 rectangles:
- 6 X 16 1/2"
- 8 X 16 1/2"
- 3 X 44"
 

After cutting my rectangles, I folded the pocket piece (6 X 16 1/2") in half lengthwise, and pinned it to the bottom edge of the larger rectangle, folded side facing up. 


Starting 1 1/4" from the right side, I began sewing the sections 1" apart. This will give you 16 openings with 1 1/4" on each end. 


To finish the edges, I used a double fold bias tape around the sides and bottom. 


I wanted to create a gathered look, but was worried how the vinylized cloth would look if I tried to ruffle it. Luckily, using a basting stitch (an extra-long stitch) I was able to pull the thread and create a gathered waist just like I would with any other fabric (finished width: 12"). 


Taking my 3 X 44" piece, I ironed the long edges in and then in half to create the sash. (notice that I did not use the vinyl on my sash, because I wanted it to be easy to tie). 


After pinning the sash by folding it over the top of the skirt, I stitched it down and continued to sew along the edges of the rest of the sash.

 
My budding artist loves her new apron. And since she has been showing maturity with her art supplies, I inserted miniature markers into each slot, but they are perfectly sized for crayons as well. 


Now I want a vinylized apron for myself!  

19 comments:

ugagirl30 said...

I gave you an award. Come by and pick it up.

Sara said...

fantastic idea!

Anonymous said...

This is amazing! You are so creative!

ReminisceHeirlooms said...

This is wonderful. Where did you buy the vinyl?

{It's a family affair} said...

please sell these..ok just to me if necessary! I will be in touch about aaoth...catching up on life today!

Lacy said...

So cute. I want to be able to come home and whip stuff out so magically like you do. I have to plan to learn to sew, find fabric, remember how to sew, study your blog, count the markers and maybe have a start in 3 months of preperation!!! Wheww. I just love how efficient you are. Super cute!

Krista said...

SO cute but useful at the same time!! Okay . . . so what would you do for a boy? . . . something that could hold markers/crayons but still be 'boyish'? Blake and Beau want one . . . but not in 'apron form'! =)

Tara said...

So FUN! I love this idea! I wish my kids were a bit younger - where were you about 5 years ago! Lol!

You come up with the cutest ideas! :)

Jenny and the Princess Peonies said...

Fabulous! I wanted to make one of these but I thought it would just get dirty! Problem solved!

Also - guess what opened today?!!!http://www.heatherbaileystore.com/

Have fun drooling.....I know I did.

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Another terrific idea! I have never heard of iron on vinyl - I can see heaps of uses for it.

Anonymous said...

I love it! I think I will be heading out to find some iron on vinyl for myself. So see, you are a spokesperson after all! My daughter would love one of these! Plus, I think these would make great birthday party gifts with some crayons and a coloring book. Thanks for the tutorial!

Threeundertwo said...

Brilliant! I'm going to go find some of this to make an apron for myself for washing dishes. I'm messy.

Mikki said...

you are a whiz!! Fabulous apron. My girls would love one I'm sure.

aimee said...

i'd have to have three so my girls wouldn't fight over it!

Cassie said...

This looks like such a great idea! My girls would love this. And I am definately checking out the iron on vinyl. Thanks for the tip.

Bloggers said...

That is so neat. I would love to have one of those.

Michelle said...

That is just lovely ;) thanks for being so clever and making it.

saffiertje said...

awesome idea!!! i am off going to make my dd 's one!
thanx!

Leah said...

Ok, so, I have totally made these because of your awesome tutorial! How fun! I even made the boy one too! They were so fun to make. And I agree, that iron on vinyl is amazing! Thanks for such a great tutorial. Keep it up!