My mom taught me much of what I know about all of the important things in life: cooking, baking, crafting, and gift-giving! She’s an expert at all of these things and is constantly making delicious home-cooked (and healthy!) meals, beautiful hand-knit or -crocheted accessories, or awe-inspiring hand-sewn quilts. She’s a true inspiration and she’s now ready to share some of her expertise with all of you. Enjoy her great idea for an easy-to-make gift for next holiday season; we’re posting it now so you can get a head start!

Marne (aka Alison’s mom): How fun to be guest blogging! Thanks for having me, Ali.

The holidays are over now, but I’m still enjoying the beautiful aprons that I made just in time to wear for my holiday baking. Alison gave me three cute Mary Engelbreit fabrics last year for Christmas, along with a Vanilla House pattern (Four Corners Apron – P132). I bought coordinating solid fabrics for the trim and backing, and found some fun contrasting buttons to accent the pockets.

After washing, drying and ironing the fabric so it wouldn’t shrink or bleed later, I followed the pattern directions for cutting and sewing. I made all three aprons together, which saved a little time (only had to find my scissors, remember how to turn a tube, and set up the ironing board once). The pattern was easy to follow and although I sewed off and on while doing other things, I’d estimate it took about two hours to finish one apron.

I thought I might need to adjust the size of the apron to make it small enough to fit, because aprons I’ve made from patterns before turned out way too big, but I found just shortening the neck strap did the trick. These fit nicely when tied in the back, and adjust to accommodate different sizes.

A handmade apron would make a welcome gift for someone who likes to cook or bake, and could be added to a gift bag or basket with potholders, colorful spatulas, a cookbook, some bread mix and jam – you get the idea!