Wednesday, October 24, 2012

~TURN AN OLD SKIRT INTO A FRENCH FARMHOUSE APRON~

 By now you all know I love to shop at thrift stores.  I'm amazed at the things people give away and I've found some truly incredible finds over the years.  
Some of my favorite things to hunt down for my booth space are white cotton and/or linen tops and skirts.  All they usually need are a quick dunk in the washing machine to come out better than new...nothing sweeter and more comfy than gently washed natural fiber clothing...swoon...........................
Last week while shopping at one of our neighborhood thrifts I found a tattered, all cotton skirt, by GUESS for $1.99.  I love how it looked and decided it was worth bringing home.  My plan was to make a Christmas Tree Skirt out of it, but after studying it decided it wouldn't be full enough.  Sooo...my next idea was to use it to help fashion a new Tattered Apron.  Last Spring I made about fifteen of them and I've wanted to get back to stitching up a few more.
Here's what I did...

The skirt had a zipper and I cut it out and split the seam.  I removed the lining and trimmed down the waist area to just above the top ruffle.  After cutting out the top portion of the apron and serging the edges I sewed the lightly gathered skirt piece to the bottom.
Because the skirt was already tattered (raw seams) it was PERFECT for the ruffled flounce!  After a frayed pocket and a couple of ruffles were attached the apron started taking form.  Neck and side ties were added and a couple of vintage buttons and wahhhh-lahhhhh...DONE!
I may go back and remove the last ruffle as the apron is a wee bit longer than I'd like for it to be...perfect for someone tall but not so perfect for someone like me who is only 5'4...  Or~just might leave it as-is!  Haven't decided whether or not to sell this one yet...MAYBE!

So...the next time you think about making an apron why don't you skip the fabric stores and look for something at the thrift.  Lots of great skirts (especially the full ones) that give you more than enough fabric to design something lovely.  
(Cheaper tan new fabric, too!). 

Happy Wednesday!

Love to you...
 

10 comments:

Eya Ayambem said...

Job well done. I will try changing some of my old full skirts into aprons too and see how it goes.

Lululiz said...

You have such a great eye for bargains, and magic fingers when it comes to upcycling them.

Joolz said...

Yes don't the lovely cotton skirts make great aprons! I love yours!

Anonymous said...

What a pretty apron Rebecca! This would be so fun to wear for a tea or even the upcoming holidays!

bee blessed
mary

Laura Smith said...

Thanks for the idea. I have a white skirt that is past its prime!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Lovely, Rebecca! Finding something at the thrift store is a great idea. I made a ruffled skirt out of three different skirts I found at the thrift store. Saved a lot of ruffling. : )

Okio B Designs said...

Swoon! Love it! I haven't tried to work with clothes too much but this is so inspiring!

Jeanine

Sherri B. said...

You are a clever girl!! Now I am wondering just how many great pieces I've overlooked...Thanks for a super idea! xo

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Gorgeous! I love reusing beautiful cotton ruffle skirts. I recently used a pink tulle skirt I found at the thrift to cover a vanity stool. Your pictures are always so perfect!

CArol

Anonymous said...

Rebecca, that is a stunning apron! I love the pocket...very creative!

Blessings for more bright ideas,
Marianne xo

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