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Patchwork Please! Sew Along – The polka-dot-cafe apron

I was recently introduced to the term “zakka” and I was so intrigued that I bought the book, Patchwork, Please!: Colorful Zakka Projects to Stitch and Give by Ayumi Takahashi.

patchwork please book

Zakka refers to objects that can improve your home, life, or appearance.  This book includes plenty of small, yet practical, projects that embody the Zakka philosophy.

The Patchwork Please Zakka Sew Along is happening now and I have been happy just looking at all of the beautiful creations that everyone else has made.  But when I saw this week’s project (the adorable cafe apron) and when I just happened to pull a 1/2 yard of the recommended cotton twill out of a random box of fabric, I knew I had to join!

cafe apron book page

I love my new apron!  It’s cute enough on the table, but it’s even cuter on my daughter, Sara…

sara apron

The patchwork pockets are what makes this apron so practical:

patchwork apron

I used bits of my Marmalade stash (by Bonnie & Camille for Moda) for the pockets.  I love the striped accents, especially the pocket binding!

patchwork apron

Here’s a few of the changes that I made to the pattern:

I did not use the patchwork templates given.  I cut over-sized squares (cut in half diagonally) for my side triangles.  This allowed me to trim down the block to the perfect size of 6 1/2″:

apron square trimming

I used a cotton lining for the pockets that I added lightweight interfacing to.  I think I would not use any interfacing next time.  The added weight is not necessary.

I decided to line my apron with another Bonnie & Camille fabric rather than turn under all of the apron’s edges.  I think this was actually faster than the original method.  Plus, it’s fun to have a pretty, reversible side!

reversible apron

Now I’m ready for the kitchen!  Although, this is so cute I might want to wear it all the time.

patchwork apron

I still have enough cotton twill to make another apron, but I think I might skip straight to the next project in the Patchwork Please! Zakka Sew Along – the Diamond Patchwork Placemat.  Hmmm, we’ll see!

reversible half apron

Julie Siggy-1

 

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11 Comments

  1. You can’t go wrong with Marmalade and I love your improvements, sometimes other ways make life easier for us! I do it all the time. Thanks for the heads up ; )

  2. Very nice. I need to finish my apron off and your idea of backing it with fabric rather than turning under each seam is brilliant for its simplicity and effectiveness. You’re a star – as is your apron!

  3. What a cute model! And of course, a beautiful apron. Maybe you should make one for each of your daughters? 😉

  4. Julie,
    The apron is adorable. My daughter may be getting one for Christmas. Couldn’t that count as Christmas, this month? I looking for ideas to make for our boutique at our quilt show June 2014. I think these just might sell. Of course, it’s always a guess as to what will and will not sell. Thanks for another fantastic post. BTW – Each week the folks at StitchThis! ask a quirky question. This week is to name a quilting/craft blog you follow/like. I posted about your blog and gave many reasons I really like your blog – from cute ideas to great, clear tutorials and on to once a week links to ideas, great deals, and tips, etc and your enthusiasm for quilting always is evident.

  5. I love your version of it! The combination of colors makes it really cute. Thanks for sharing and keeping up this blog.

  6. This could not be prettier!!! I bet your daughter loves wearing it – she looks just adorable in it!!! You are my idol for figuring out how to NOT end up with cut-off points. I knew I was onto something, but should have made those squares larger. A+++++

  7. oops, forgot to let you know that I am having a giveaway on my blog and would love for you to hop over and take a peek if you get a chance.

    Thanks,
    Tanya

  8. Love your darling new apron Julie! It turned out so cute!! I have been in the process of making some new aprons too and will post a pic of them on my blog when I get them done. They are fun to make and wear!

    Tanya

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