Diva Dolly Apron

 This actually was my niece's Christmas present, I made a "set" for my sister (Banana) and her daughter (BellaBoo), but it turned out so cute I thought I'd share it with you.

I'm sure you have seen the "flirty" aprons around the web, maybe even contemplated spending the $30-50 on them, but they are really incredibly simple to make, and even a novice seamstress can come away with something adorable.  (You will have to beg the pardon of my grumpy daughter in the photos - she just found out we weren't keeping the apron she was trying on.)  

First, choose a fabric that is washable! No silks, brocades, or satin's here, you want this to be adorable and FUNCTIONAL.  I chose polka-dot and zebra print because it really fits my sister and her daughter, but choose whatever you like.  I think (its been since November sorry!) I got two yards of the polka dot for both of them and a half yard of the zebra print - as I couldn't find any ribbon I liked, so I made my own.  

Next, get a rough estimate on the size of their chest.  Remember as an apron you'll want it to be snug enough to not get in the way, but big enough to cover most of their shirt.  I measured my own and subtracted a few inches since my sister's smaller than me!  I measured She-she and added a few since her cousin is older than her. Make sure to leave an extra half inch for sewing up the edges!

Third, use a piece of paper or a scrap of left over material or newsprint, and, folding it in half, draw a half a heart.  Draw a line down from the outer edge at a softer angle. Wall-ah you have your bodice.  If a heart doesn't fit your mood you can do a square, a circle, or whatever your heart (haha) does desire.  Once cut simply sew around the edges.  Clip any corners to keep it from puckering.  Set aside.

Fourth cut a large square (I measured to about my knees and took off about 3 inches for my sister.) I have seen many different styles of "skirts" before, everything from upside down hearts, to multiple layers, have fun and get creative with it.  I simply did a square then folded it in half and rounded it out.

The "gathering" is probably the most difficult part of this and really isn't difficult.  Using your sewing machine on the widest stitch possible do a quick straight stitch across the top - DO NOT knot it on the ends.  Find your center point and grabbing one thread gently pull it, supporting the cloth as it gathers.  You want these to be relatively similar, I found it best to "guide it" with my fingers, pinching where I wanted the pleat, and pulling where I wanted it smoother.  Compare the size to the bodice to ensure you're not gathering it too tightly.  When you have it the way you want it "lock it in" by sewing over it with a tighter stitch.  Again check the "fit" and then sew the top and the skirt together.  

Then you will want to add your ribbon for the waist.  Since I made my own ribbon I doubled it over and stitched it together then flipped it and hand stitched (like making a long skinny pillow without the stuffing.) If you have ribbon you can sew it on however you like, I've seen it behind, I've seen it in front, I've seen it attached to both sides, I've seen it long enough that you tie the bow in the front.  I chose a back button because I wanted it functional, and didn't want froo-froo in the way of the cookies and cakes!  Then using the same ribbon sew on the top.  Embellish with anything you want - I did an iron on patch that said "Diva in training."

Any decorations you do will be adorable, and it made BellaBoo and Boo happy. :)