Tuesday, April 15, 2008

An Elegant Linen Apron

I'm in love with my new linen apron. Why? Because it's slim, elegant, practical, and I made it from a thrift store find in about half an hour.


I took one of those so-nineties dresses that has a straight skirt with slits in the side seams, and tabs or ties at the waist to shape the torso. I cut off the blouse part and was left with the front and back skirts still sewn together at the sides. I turned them inside out, and stitched the sides and bottom together. Turning it right side out, I now had a double-layer skirt with an opening at the top. I pressed the edges and corners, then cut out and sewed on a waistband long enough to tie in back.


My apron is two layers thick (wonderful for gardening and messy cooking). It cost $3 and is made from quality linen.


And it looks great with a skirt or the odd pair of jeans!

18 comments:

Davene said...

I would say it looks great on you, with your long and lean figure! You did a beautiful job with it--and you make whipping up an apron like that sound like the easiest thing in the world. :)

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, that is genius! Why have I never thought of that?! I've always taken notice of those pretty discarded linen dresses at the thrift shops... Thanks for the great idea.

YayaOrchid said...

That is so clever, the way you thought of making it a double layer apron by sewing the front and back together! And it looks great to boot!

Giles does take fantastic photos! The one with you holding the plate reminds me of the pics Martha Stewart uses on almost all her products. Very pristine and chic! You do look very nice in the apron, Anna. I'm thinking the dress would have been very pretty on you also. I love linen also.

cindy kay said...

Very nice, and what a great idea. I have a linen skirt I could do this with!

Anonymous said...

I just popped over to say I love the calmness that exhudes from your site. It is such a delightful thing.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Anna, that is using your noodle! :)
I just found a lovely linen dress, sage with pale roses, and bought it to cut up for cloth napkins.
Great minds, you know. ;)
Now I'll have to be on the lookout for an apron-in-waiting to go with.

You always have the best, simple, ideas.

Robin in Ca.

Baleboosteh said...

What a fantastic idea!

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

That is a great ideas!

It reminds me of the stories I've read of how women of generations past transformed the old into the new.

laurel said...

Aaahh, natural linen is my favorite of all textiles. I love how you have repurposed a dated dress...making something fresh and new, yet classic. You have a gift, Anna, you have a gift...(me, shaking head in disbelief) :)

Candace said...

I second gracelaced. Wonderful idea, now if I hadn't thrown out all of those "pre-babies" linen dresses.

Gina said...

The waistband is beautiful with it, and speaking of beautiful, you certainly look so in that last picture.
God's given you a gift of the ability to visualize spatial patterns(so difficult for me, even when the pattern instructs you).

Sweet Woodruff said...

I always say I'm going to make something with good clothes found at the thrift store but never get to it. Thanks for the lovely idea.

I have been wanting to find a big denim dress and cut it up to make a pirate costume for my nephew. You have motivated me.

Anonymous said...

That's beautiful and clever. Your sewing is inspiring.

Rachel Marie said...

Oh if I had half of your cleverness!

Melissa said...

Fabulous Ana, absolutely fabulous!

Many Blessings,
M.

rhonda jean said...

Absolutely fabulous. You can't beat a linen apron. They get better as they age.

Rmomof3 said...

Wow! I want one! Absolutely beautiful!
I love visiting here and seeing all the latest projects ( and of course all the beautiful photos)!
Sweet blessings!
Renee

Amy said...

You are soooo smart! I wish I was a tall and slender gal so I could pull that look off!

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