Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Bistro Apron and a Finshed Sweater

 It was Allie's birthday this week, and I decided to make her a couple of bistro aprons as part of her gift.  She cooks at a restaurant, and likes the long half aprons.  Since they're pretty casual at her job, I took out some fun fabrics I knew she'd like.

Fabric: Alexander Henry's "Las Señoritas"

These are a cinch to make, and you can easily get one from a yard of fabric.  The finished size is  29.5 inches wide and 34.5 inches long, so cut a rectangle a little bigger than this, fold narrow hems all the way around, and top stitch them down.  Also cut two 1.5 inch wide strips the length of the apron, fold in half along the length of the strips, and then fold and press the long raw edges toward the center and top stitch.  Attach a tie at each top corner, reinforcing each one by sewing an "x" over the spot where the tie meets the apron.   You can add an optional 9X9" pocket at the top.  Press nicely, and you're done.  I'm glad to get some of these fun fabrics out of the drawer and into the light of day.


Fabric: Alexander Henry, "Los novios"


I also finally finished my Top-Down Raglan Sweater, knit from a bag of Noro Kureyon that I treated myself to. 



I got a little carried away by the buttons for this project.  I had stashed a bunch of these bee buttons, and when I began this sweater, I decided to see how many I could use.  Because of all the buttons, the finishing, with the button band and buttonhole reinforcement, took a little while.



This yarn has long lovely color changes, but I cannibalized a few skeins to concentrate the light and dark colors in the most flattering places.  In our cool summer weather, this sweater is my new jacket substitute.

9 comments:

sophie said...

I think all those bee buttons give your cardigan an extra something. I can't imagine knitting all those buttonholes though--kudos to you.

Love the bistro aprons, too. Great, fun fabrics that will make everyone in the kitchen smile.

floribunda said...

ooh -- great colors on that sweater, and there's nothing better than fabulous buttons! We're heading up to the fog of Point Arena this weekend so I'll have to remember to pack sweaters...

Debra Dixon said...

You got off easy on the aprons! Brent likes his lined for stability (and to flip when one side gets too messy & he can't change aprons) and he likes a top edge he can roll down over the ties for a waistband look. And, the pocket has to be at the middle of his hand. Mind you, he's not picky!

The last one I made him was too "fruity" so I've slacked off aprons. He really can't wear the fun ones anyway. But, he does wear fun chef hats.

Love your sweater but then, I love all of your sweaters!

beth said...

Laughing at Debra's comment! ;) Love your sweater...still wish I knew how to knit...but don't have the patience to learn now.
The aprons are GREAT! My daughter may like something similar. I'll have to show them to her.

Rian said...

Cute aprons! And I love your runner/rug. The sweater is gorgeous! I envy your talent. I don't knit, but even if I did I can't wear sweaters in my climate.

allie aller said...

Your daughter just oozes style!
And the sweater is indeed lovely. Nice work... ;-)

Magpie Sue said...

That sweater looks like you! I'd have picked it out as yours in a heartbeat. It's lovely. :- )

dee said...

Beautiful sweater but I'm loving those bistro aprons so much.

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