Weekend Sewing: More Than 40 Projects and Ideas for Inspired Stitching by Heather Ross by ABRAMS

Weekend Sewing: More Than 40 Projects and Ideas for Inspired Stitching by Heather Ross

s u n d a y- d i n n e r h o s t e s s a p r o n My good friend Laura, a brilliant engineer and über-mom, often has friends over for dinner and always has a spare apron waiting. Her kitchen is filled with beautiful pottery, old Sunset

Apron’s length: 20"

Magazine cookbooks and clippings, and ingenious tools to make cooking fun. Preparing dinner is a group effort at her house, and there’s always a snack and a glass of wine to hold while you stir the paella or an interesting bit of news whis-

1 yard of woven fabric, preferably in a bold print (or 1 1/8 yard fabric if you don’t want contrasting ties)

pered in your ear while you toss a salad. I’ve found that once

/8 yard of contrasting fabric for ties (optional)

I’ve tied on one of her aprons, it’s difficult to feel like anything

Point turner

less than a part of her family.

Water-soluble fabricmarking pen

Cut Patterns Trace (see page 149) the pattern, and cut out the pieces as shown in the cutting diagram on page 24. You will have: 1 Apron Skirt, 1 Waistband, 1 Waistband Facing, 2 Waistband Ties, and 2 Tie Facings. Finish Apron’s Side Edges Turn one of the Apron’s short edges 1/8" to the wrong side, and press the fold. Turn this edge again 1/8" to the wrong side, and press and edge-stitch (see page 155) the edge in place. Repeat the process on the other short edge. Hem Apron Hem the Apron’s bottom edge by turning it 1/8" to the wrong side and pressing it, then turning it again to the wrong side, this time 5", and pressing and edgestitching the hem in place.

Sunday-Dinner Hostess Apron pattern (see pullout pattern sheet at back of book)

These aprons are lovely made from any woven, mid-weight linen or cotton fabric, especially a fabric with a bold print that will help hide stains. You might also try a contrasting fabric for the waistband or waistband facing for added kick, or you might add a pocket long enough for a tasting spoon.

Gather Apron’s Top Edge Gather the Apron’s top edge by, first, machine-stitching ¼" from the edge with a long basting stitch (see page 153). Then pull on your needle thread to gather (see page 153) this edge so that it measures approximately 24". Distribute the gathers evenly across the edge, and press the gathers flat.