A Simple Apron & Birthday Gift!

Do you like this version? Hemmed sides, less seam binding?

Or this version? Finishing all edges with seam binding & added pocket.

Today I needed a birthday gift for a 6 year old girl's party tonight (totally forgot about it - do you ever do that or is it just me?) and didn't have to run to Target for my usual $10-$15 kiddo gift. Plus, Mommy had just treated herself to a couple new things at Anthroplogie and Ann Taylor (I am worth it, I keep telling myself...) so I needed to save a couple bucks somewhere!

So, I decided to make an apron as a birthday gift. I remembered these aprons we made last fall for our other sister in Denver. (There are 3 of us sisters.) She was planning a Ratatouille themed birthday party for her daughter and wanted simple aprons as the kid's party favors. She asked her sisters in Arizona to help her out. We had to make a bunch and they had to cost hardly anything.

Required:
22"x22" fabric - twill, print cotton, scrap from stash, whatever you wish (more if you want to add a pocket)
1-2 Pkg. Seam Binding (1 pkg. is 3 yards)
(2 1/4 yd required for hemmed version , 4 1/4 yd for the finished on all edges with seam binding version")

I made this "pattern" (probably, no, for sure, not to scale at all) quickly after making several aprons. Really we free-handed it, using another kiddo apron as a guide. Does this guide make sense? It is really finished measurements. If you plan to do the hemmed version, using less seam binding, cut overall width and length 1.5 inches larger. My daughter, the model, is 5 1/2 years old. Adjust your size up or down if needed but I think there is plenty of room to grow with it. My 7 year old has an apron the same size. We made them this size for the birthday party and that was for 3 year olds. it is really a versatile size.

We were making several for the birthday party and used the rotary cutter and mat to cut lots at a time.

If hemming (and we were for these - we couldn't use so much seam binding - it wasn't in the budget) turn under a double 1/4" hem on top, bottom and sides. Press and straight stitch.

Use the seam binding as the neck; the neck opening measures about 15" from point to point where it is attached, covering the curve and then as the ties. Pin in place and straight stitch. The seam binding will bend around the curve easily. Just make sure you catch both sides of the binding in your stitch!

We made 10, 12, I don't remember. I do know we ran out of red and had to finish with some purple I had in my stash.

And the version I made for the birthday girl. She is not a girly girl so I thought this funky graphic flower print from my stash I picked up on clearance at IKEA would be perfect.

What I did differently for this one:
*I cut to the finished size & used multiple scraps of seam binding from my stash to finish all edges
*I cut the bottom edge to curve
* I added a pocket to the bottom 6" or so and stitched down 3 straight seams to make 4 pockets. (Ok, I actually didn't measure this. I just cut it the same width as the apron and I think it is about 6". The gift is wrapped or I would measure it!

And really, Presentation is Everything. Recently at Ross, I had picked up a 5 pk of glittery body splash spray ($5 for 5 sprays) to use as an easy add-on to birthday gifts. I rolled up the apron, tucked the orange splash in the pocket, and tied it with a ribbon.

So, I am going to say this gift cost me $1.00 because I really don't count using stuff from my stash! But seriously, isn't it better than another set of Polly Pockets?

Project #10 Boutique Style Baby Blanket

Molly and I needed to catch up on some baby gifts and also make some items for a charity auction basket so we dug into our stash and made a couple of these blankets, some burp cloths and bibs. This is a pretty easy project yet has quite a "Wow" factor! Sarah, this one's for you! Instructions for making the blankie you admired last night. (I told you there would be shout out for you on the Tuesday's blog!)

Fabric required:
Baby Satin or Pajama Satin (Washable - not prom dress satin, if you will!)
Minkie or Baby Chenille

Cut satin to 35"x40"
Cut Minkie/Chenille to 30"x35"

Lay wrong sides together, minkie centered over satin.

Carefully fold satin over minkie and fold under a scant 1/4 inch hem and pin as you go.

Fold and miter your corners. This part is a tiny bit tricky, just takes a bit of practice! Even if this is not done perfectly, it is really OK. My favorite baby blankie, we will call it "Hugga" for the purposes of this blog, had messed up corners. It was my favorite place to stroke and rub for comfort. Hugga now sleeps with Lindsay. Messed up corners and all.

Me Pinning. Note the "I Voted Today" Sticker.

Topstitch close to the edge of the satin.

Do a pivot turn and stitch your corners. Start the next side.

Fold, roll, and tie with a fabulous bow. Now you have a very impressive gift. Who wouldn't want one of these?

Baby Z trying it out - just to make sure it was baby approved!

And Baby K rolling on the floor of the sewing room/her bedroom with her Elephant "Tangles."

Today's lunch. Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Dr. Pepper - nothing like an ice cold Dr. Pepper! Not a fruit or vegetable in sight. A Grilled Cheese Sandwich made with real plastic cheese (Today it was velveeta, generic Kroger Velveeta to be exact, Kraft singles could work, whatever plastic cheese you prefer.) This is actually the best way to make one. I promise. I have a fridge full of expensive fancy cheeses. We like them - they have their place. But for grilled cheese? Plastic is the way to go! Tastes just like one from Sonic. Or Red Robin.