I am the proud owner of a sewing table (will miracles never cease?). ME, the me that was once proud to open beer bottles with her teeth … SEWS! Not well mind you, but I do sew. I digress, back to the table, this table was my great-grandmothers, her daughter, my great-aunt had it until her passing on Good Friday and my lovely cousin gave it to ME! I am thrilled to pieces with it. Thanks Lorraine!
While I was in the shower this morning, Georgia pulled the table and the machine into the kitchen and begged me to sew her a dog. I couldn’t find the brown cashmere sweater that I had planned to turn into a dog, so I talked her into a craft apron instead.
These old jeans of Sam’s were handy.
I intended to follow the instructions in this magazine ‘sew simple‘.
Right from the get-go, I had to break the rules.
The instructions are for an adult sized apron, using adult sized jeans. The length would have made it an ankle length garment. Basically, I just started cutting.
An old dress of Lizzy’s is going to be the waistband and ties.
I gave up on the instructions completely when I got the to the waistband. With the changed dimensions, it just wasn’t working.
I just folded, cut, ironed and pinned until it looked like it was going to work. This was my first ‘attached’ waistband and it was a FREAKIN’ HUGE wee bit of a disaster. The top stitch missed the denim (DUH) on the top seam, so I ended up zigzaging over the waistband twice. Once to make sure it was attached and once to make it look better (not sure that worked).
This also about the time I stopped taking step-by-step photos. I was to busy swearing and sweating. Hayley finally reminded me, “MOM … it’s for Georgia, she won’t care about your sewing!”. I freakin’ know that Hayley … BUT, I CARE!!
I’ve said it before and I will say it again, “I sew like a drunk driver!”
In the magazine photo, the pockets and belt loops were removed and sewn on intact. My machine even with a brand new denim needle just wouldn’t go through all those layers of fabric neatly. I ended up cutting all the folded seams off the pockets and belt loops and zigzagging them onto the skirt, along with a cute little heart.
It was right about this stage I considered taking a Valium. The STRESS. If only I could follow instructions. What is it about sewing and instructions?! Or is it me?
Oh well, not so bad in the end. A wee bit messy, but I’ve heard practice makes perfect.
Of course, ‘Georgia, Georgia quite contrary’ had to be forced into the apron for photos. Miserable cuss!
To the moon Georgia, to the moon!
MK xo
If you’ve enjoyed this post, please subscribe to my feed.
May 29th, 2009 at 16:19
The apron is sooooo cute, though, that I’m sure it’s well worth the effort =)
[Reply]
May 29th, 2009 at 20:09
It’s freakin’ adorable! I’m the same way with sewing. I can’t follow instructions for my life, so I always end up making it up. Somewhere between reading, processing, and applying my brain fritzes out.
Madeline’s last blog post..The Best Seat In (Or Out) Of The House
[Reply]
May 29th, 2009 at 20:57
I personally don’t think you give yourself enouogh credit!
I could not open a book and look at the pattern and sew such
an adorable apron. Very cute…..Love the table!
Cindi
[Reply]
May 29th, 2009 at 22:04
You totally should have just made one for yourself… Roo’s the same way. Little ingrates!
Naomi’s last blog post..Excuse Me
[Reply]
May 30th, 2009 at 00:41
It is fantastic, but the valium away for more important occasions!!
[Reply]
May 30th, 2009 at 01:45
Oh my gosh – so dang cute! I’ve always wanted to learn how to sew. It’s taken me years to get over the fact that the boys in my 7th grade Home Economics class had a fight with MY bag of stuffing and I got a bad grade on my pillow because it wasn’t puffy enough. I still wonder why I didn’t just tell the teacher what happened. (Maybe I’m still not over it.)
I think the floral dress fabric definitely kicks it up a notch!
[Reply]
May 30th, 2009 at 07:25
Okay, so amongst all the swearing & sweating..you did notice that you tiny mess of a child has adult size scissors on her child size body with her child size apron and child size brain that will want to run, right? Just kidding – sure you did.. I hope you did.. You did, right? haha LOOKS GREAT! I have to make some now!
[Reply]
May 30th, 2009 at 12:34
It came out very cute! I would love to just pick up some fabric and create something, but I have a hard time remembering how to do the basic stuff on my sewing machine. Half the time(ok..most of the time) I dont even know where to begin.
Thanks for sharing.
Carey’s last blog post..
[Reply]
May 30th, 2009 at 14:56
Don’t you love how that happens. You spend all afternoon (week, month, year) making something SO ADORABLE for your kid, and then she doesn’t even want to look at it.
I think it’s super cute, and am ready to try one of my own, even without directions-that’s what makes it so much more fun!
[Reply]
May 30th, 2009 at 17:33
I have a terrible, terrible time following directions myself! Gets me all the time. ;)
I will, however, be very sad when my children stop wanting me to make things for them. sigh.
[Reply]
May 31st, 2009 at 09:43
long time no read! u are such an artiste! i like the one u made more than the magazine apron! neat idea!
[Reply]
May 31st, 2009 at 10:00
I also bought a sewing machine lately something I thought I would never do! Who am I suzy home maker?!?! but it looks to me like you are nine steps ahead. How in the world did you make such a cute apron. I love it and I think you may have inspired me to dust off the sewing machine and try again!
[Reply]
May 31st, 2009 at 12:37
Such a cute apron. This might have to be on my list. Just finished a superhero cape for my niece the other day. She put the thing on and was wound up the rest of the day.
[Reply]
May 31st, 2009 at 13:52
OH..I think you should put the full pocket on and sew inside the hem of the pockets.. It looks like that may be how they did it, the edges won’t be sewn down, but they look that way on that picture. You could also put on a heavy sewing needle – green top one. Although, your zigzag is adorable!!! Just telling you in case you wanted to try the other way. Did you see H’s outfits on facebook that I made?
[Reply]
June 1st, 2009 at 00:19
It is insane to me how unbelievably crafty you are! I turned on Mom’s sewing machine for the first time to make a soother clip and just about lost my hand! All my husband (who’s mother is a professional seamstress) could say was, “Good thing you handle those gas pedals better than that! Why don’t you move over I can do it.”
Anyways, I think I’ll leave the fabulous sewing to you. Do you take orders?
[Reply]
June 1st, 2009 at 00:19
It is insane to me how unbelievably crafty you are! I turned on Mom’s sewing machine for the first time to make a soother clip and just about lost my hand! All my husband (who’s mother is a professional seamstress) could say was, “Good thing you handle those gas pedals better than that! Why don’t you move over I can do it.”
Anyways, I think I’ll leave the fabulous sewing to you. Do you take orders?
[Reply]
June 1st, 2009 at 02:13
what a great job, it is just beautiful.
[Reply]
June 1st, 2009 at 02:17
you always make such lovely things, wish I was this talented.
lovely pictures too :)
[Reply]
June 1st, 2009 at 03:06
thanks for the sharing .Thanks for the info on the plugins. That’s what makes bloggers so great, you all share so freely.
[Reply]
June 1st, 2009 at 15:04
I love it! I sew the same as you – I start with following the directions but by the end have, more often than not, made up something on the way when I couldn’t understand the instructions. It is fabulous! And, you are brave to give your daughter such big scissors! My little one likes to cut her own hair.
Beth’s last blog post..Fabric & Pattern Testing
[Reply]
June 1st, 2009 at 17:15
Tell your inner perfectionist to take a hike, cuz that looks GREAT!!! Apparently you’re a good problem solver (stupid jeans needles are never good enough!), and very creative (I love the heart and the pretty fabric for the waist band). Anyway… well done!
I want a dedicated sewing table! I hate hauling the darn thing in and out of the closet!
[Reply]
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:52
Creative way to re-use an old pair of jeans. The apron is great. Georgia’s cute even though she gave a hard time for the photo shoot.
[Reply]
June 2nd, 2009 at 14:30
How adorable! I’m always looking for things do to with old blue jeans. Have you tried to make the purse? Blue jeans are great for recycling because they are so sturdy, have building pockets, and are always fashionable!
[Reply]
June 2nd, 2009 at 15:03
I think it’s precious! You did a great job!
[Reply]
June 2nd, 2009 at 15:54
That is too cute for words! The model and the apron.
debbie’s last blog post..Where to Find Parenting Advice
[Reply]
June 4th, 2009 at 07:17
I’ve done the same this mothers day. I know it’s hardly a man’s task, but I’ve known how to sew since I was 12 or so. Now I know that no gift is more precious than the one you’ve put your hart into making, so with this in mind I’ve decided to give my mum something that’ll remind her her son loves her, every times she uses it or looks at it.
The one I made was much simpler, and the only decorations I put in was a pair of dolphins (she loves them).
Pozycjonowanie’s last blog post..Hotel Góry Stołowe
[Reply]
June 4th, 2009 at 09:11
I always love reading your post. That was a cutie apron you made.
[Reply]
June 4th, 2009 at 12:33
i love it! so cute :) have to try this myself. thanx :)
[Reply]
June 6th, 2009 at 00:26
Is this your first time to use a sewing machine? That’s okay… I think everyone always do bad on their first time. Practice makes perfect dear! :)
[Reply]
June 6th, 2009 at 14:13
@Online Printing, Are you serious? I think she did is pretty well and I like that apron. In fact it suits very well.
[Reply]
June 8th, 2009 at 12:25
are there any sewing classes for 11-12 yr. olds in Miami-Dade in Florida? and if there is then tell me where it is
Wine Cheese Baskets’s last blog post..Wine- boost up every occasion
[Reply]
June 10th, 2009 at 08:47
That’s a really good idea! My Mum was always great at sewing and coming up with ways to use old bits of material.
[Reply]
June 10th, 2009 at 22:25
I am always a fan of this site.
This is where i can get good tips and ideas.
I have tried this one but i was using my old blouse in making the apron.
For the Jeans i made it into a shoulder bag.
Georginia Henovis’s last blog post..Wedding Photography
[Reply]
June 11th, 2009 at 00:09
this post really hit the spot! i remember my mom doing the same thing for me when i was little.
I might make one for my niece just for traditions sake! :)
thank you for the detailed post!
Giselle’s last blog post..Kefir Agua Or Kéfir de Agua And Water Kefir Grains
[Reply]
June 12th, 2009 at 00:45
That’s a nice skirt or apron? I love her wearing that!
Fat Loss System
[Reply]
June 12th, 2009 at 11:08
completely adorable! i love this
[Reply]
June 15th, 2009 at 08:42
This is really great! You give me some refreshing idea of what to do with my old jeans. :)
Backlinks
[Reply]
June 17th, 2009 at 23:22
The apron looks wonderful. You are an inspiration to me as well to be more creative in my sewing (or lack thereof). Great job though. Better than I could have done.
Juicy couture handbags’s last blog post..New Juicy Couture Park Equestrian Bag
[Reply]
June 17th, 2009 at 23:23
I am inspired by your design. I love the idea and I wish I had that same kind of talent. Keep up the good work with your sewing. You will only get better.
Juicy couture handbags’s last blog post..New Juicy Couture Park Equestrian Bag
[Reply]
June 18th, 2009 at 08:48
Very creative work indeed.
@ Online Printing – If you think that stitching is a first time, well, that’s just ridiculous. She did a great sewing job!
[Reply]
June 18th, 2009 at 21:21
Nice job! You are using scrap jeans to sew another one. I’m proud of you and you are actually showing sign of saving earth like recycling. But would it be dangerous to put knife over there?
baby shower invitations wording’s last blog post..Classic Pooh Baby Shower Invitations Ideas
[Reply]
June 19th, 2009 at 02:25
It’s adorable! I’m the same way with sewing. I can’t follow instructions for my life, so I always end up making it up. Somewhere between reading, processing, and applying my brain fritzes out.
[Reply]
June 19th, 2009 at 16:10
My sewing skills go as far as brownie badges! Looking at those scissors on there, reminds me of my 4 year old girl from the other day. she stared out the morning with lovely long blonde curls, and by lunchtime she had chopped the lot off! I could have cried :(
Suzanne
franchises’s last blog post..PFU Recruitment
[Reply]
June 20th, 2009 at 08:39
a good idea once. I will try it out. thanks.. :)
[Reply]
June 20th, 2009 at 12:51
This is an ingenious idea. You should think about selling these – I for one would be interested in buying for my site.
[Reply]
June 21st, 2009 at 12:25
I guess the big question is do you still open beer with your teeth? Can’t wait to see the photos from the cruise.
[Reply]
June 22nd, 2009 at 08:56
Excellent sewing! Now that’s what I call skills. Your creation looked good to Georgia though. Anyway, practice makes perfect. You see, you created something pretty though not gained enough skills yet. You have a future in designing!
[Reply]
June 23rd, 2009 at 03:52
once again, great work
[Reply]
June 23rd, 2009 at 12:37
that design could have been a very trendy skirt!
[Reply]
June 24th, 2009 at 19:28
Thanks for sharing. That is a wonderful idea, very cute and functional.
[Reply]
June 25th, 2009 at 18:23
I’ve said it before and I will say it again, “I sew like a drunk driver!
You’re too hard on yourself. Actually, we share the same problem when it comes to following instructions. But just like what you’ve said “practice makes perfect.” And don’t you worry because the apron is really adorable. It’s very cute and funky! Don’t you think it will make a perfect gift for any person who loves to stay in the kitchen?
[Reply]
June 26th, 2009 at 20:25
There are lot many things that you can create with a torn pair of jeans but that apron is something that only females would think and I really love what you have created.
[Reply]
June 29th, 2009 at 02:46
This one is lovely. I wish I am also that creative to make such wonderful craft ideas. Pics are also lovely, thanks for sharing.
Thess
DVD Movie Copier
[Reply]
June 29th, 2009 at 13:07
what talent! your daughter look gorgeous in it.
[Reply]
June 30th, 2009 at 18:39
So beautiful, but i have not enougth time to do that.
[Reply]
July 1st, 2009 at 20:31
great idea! very resourceful!
mrbrrown’s last blog post..Stainless Steel Espresso Cups
[Reply]
July 6th, 2009 at 12:04
Good idea would never have thought of something like this.
[Reply]
July 14th, 2009 at 23:37
The result is not really bad. It seems you follow the instruction correctly because it look similar with the instruction photo.
Ruri’s last blog post..Managing CFD Risks When Trading
[Reply]
July 16th, 2009 at 23:38
I love this craft apron.. I feel frustrating when it comes to sewing, I really like and admire people who can saw their own things. My Mom actually do our curtains and she’s good at it..
[Reply]
July 20th, 2009 at 05:00
Well done with the apron, I wish my sewing skills were this good!
[Reply]
August 4th, 2009 at 07:38
Well done with the apron, I wish my sewing skills were this good!
[Reply]
August 11th, 2009 at 13:30
Many times I wish I had someone who knew how to sew…dang button alway poppin off for no good reason. LOL.
Watches Reviews
[Reply]
October 13th, 2009 at 09:03
Georgia looks so adorable! you actually di quite well you know!
[Reply]