Friday, April 23, 2010

1/4" Narrow Hemmer & Vintage-Styled Apron

Amazing. Simple. And, amazing - or did I already say that? Let me say it again - A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Constructing a little apron for my daughter's teacher I decided to see if I could try out the 6mm or 1/4" Narrow Hemmer foot to quickly hem the ruffle pieces prior to gathering the opposite edge.

I did a quick finger press twice over for the first inch or sew at the beginning of the seam - stitched normally for about 4 or 5 stitches then I lifted the presser foot, backed up the fabric and inserted the fold into the curve of the foot. Proceeding forward, I held the fabric like you see below and voila. This was even on a bias curve!



Look at that! A perfectly narrow 1/4" hem! I hemmed the ties, too, because it was so easy.

This fabric print is one of my all-time favorite Japanese imports. I purchased it about a year ago from a sweet gal on etsy and I've been saving it for the perfect project. SweetPea's teacher is currently focusing on Nursery Rhymes and Fairy Tales for the class curriculum so she asked if I would make her a couple of aprons to coordinate. Little Bo Peep fits in perfectly with that theme, don't you think? The turquoise polka dot was a vintage dress or skirt of some kind that had been painstakingly dissembled for repurposing later. That never happened until I found it amidst some vintage fabric finds - probably at an Estate Sale or something. All bias is from my own vintage personal stash, too. I get so much satisfaction of not only having just what I need on hand but when it is a perfect match, too - so fun!

OH, I nearly forgot -the pattern was also from my stashes of past vintage finds... a Simplicity 1358 Vintage Apron pattern sized Medium.

6 comments:

Amber said...

Very cute! I love vintage aprons, and that fabric is such a cute print!

Elizabeth said...

Wow! So cute, I am sure the teacher will be thrilled! Great job.

Christine said...

Once I discovered my narrow hemmer I couldn't believe what I had been missing lol. Beautiful aprons!

Laurie said...

Absolutely DARLING apron and the narrow hemmer is amazing!!!

Sharyn Sowell said...

That is the cutest apron ever!!! I love your sense of style. I don't get much chance to use the machine I got from you but I surely do love it and the fun things I can do with it. I would love to do a darling apron like this... I find myself thinking you are the most charming person every time I read your blog. Happy Springtime, hope it's the best ever for you & your family.

Alex&Christina said...

Ah I'm looking for a vintage apron pattern and just found your blog, if you want to sell it please contact me :) Christina.