Keeping It Real Sewing: Apron Tutorial, Part One

I taught myself to sew by using books. This was a very frustrating process. Books don't necessarily tell you what mistakes you can make. I made lots and lots and lots of mistakes. I ruined lots of fabric. Nice fabric. Most books don't tell you to try it first in muslin if you are unsure ... a much more cost effective way to make mistakes.

I'm not a giver-upper. I'm very, very stubborn. But I can tell you that I was very aggravated. There was so much I didn't know. But I learned. All from making my own (sometimes disasterous) mistakes.

With the tutorials that I am about to start offering here I'm assuming that you don't know much. So, if you do, (and likely a lot of you do... and probably much more than I do) please forgive the basic way I'm introducing things.

I'm calling this "Keeping It Real Sewing" because I'm going to tell you all the mistakes I made. Some of them are pretty funny... and pretty goofy. But this is part of my whole philosophy, really.

My very basic belief when I started Bari J. as a business, was that "If someone else can do it, so can I." Mistakes will and have been made... I can't even count how many. And I don't mean just sewing mistakes.

Here is Part I of my first tutorial... A very simple, flat front utility apron. The only part that can be counted as tricky is the ruffle. And I included it because I had been so scared of doing them... until I found out how easy they are.

Please offer feedback so that I can make these really easy to use. Have fun!

~Bari

Download apron20tutorial20part20i..pdf

Comments

[pam]

1.

Thanks Bari, I have been wanting to start sewing for a long time but I have been afraid of making mistakes. I never thought of using muslin as my practice projects. Perfect. I am downloading your tutorial and can't wait for more. Keep them coming!
-pam

[Jennifer in California]

2.

Hi Bari,
I am just not a sewer... I've tried and tried, but it's not in my blood. I even bought a super dandy machine (my 2nd one actually- an upgrade from the first, oh and tons of nifty sewing books) and darn it, just don't have it in my blood. I wish I did. But I do enjoy your posts and pics and I will save your tutorial in case I ever give it another try. Thanks for the daily inspiration!
Jennifer

[Sandy]

3.

Thanks for all the helpful tips. It sure saves some of us from making the same mistakes you did. Books just assume you totally know these things!

[Sandy]

4.

How fun! I love tutorials. I learned sewing in jr. high but never liked to make clothes as they never fit right. An apron will fit anyone so I might give it a try. Quilts also don't have to fit a body so that's right up my alley.

[Sandy]

5.

How fun! I love tutorials. I learned sewing in jr. high but never liked to make clothes as they never fit right. An apron will fit anyone so I might give it a try. Quilts also don't have to fit a body so that's right up my alley.

[Laurie]

6.

Love this! Thanks! CUTE APRON!

[melissa@yummygoods]

7.

awesome!

[melissa@yummygoods]

8.

awesome!

[frenchgardenhouse]

9.

What a great idea Bari! I know lots of girls (and guys) who don't know how to, but really want to learn how to sew. It's a life long joy to be able to. You can pretty much make anything you want.

Lidy

[Bethany]

10.

K, Bari, this is gonna be my "keep it real" comment moment ;)
First off...I think the info is straightforward and VERY helpful (not to mention totally funny and relatable)
Second, the apron is sooo cute...great job on that!
And third, I think I have made every mistake you mentioned and wayyyyy more during my 25+ yrs sewing and YES I too have ruined so many gorgeous pieces of fabric
:( I wish I had had your helpful tutorials to assist me. Had some great guidance/advice from my mom and Grams but did I listen all the time...NOPE! Always easier to take advice from a friend, right??

[kalurah]

11.

oh. oh.
oh, my!
I just.....don't know what to say!
what a wonderful thing to share with all your blog girlfriends.
I am so excited to make one of these for myself!
what kinda changes you think I'd have to make for my daughter? (size 6)

[Colette]

12.

Very good!

I was already planning an apron, but was a little mystified as to measurements, so I tried yours and they were perfect. Thank you.

[bejeweled]

13.

I can't sew .. sewing machines seize up and burst into flames just by me looking at them :)

But if I ever decide to give it another try I will definitely refer to your tutorial. Learning to sew from a book is hard!

[Josh]

14.

Hello it was an absolute pleasure to come across, and read your blog. You really have some interesting information that I will have to share with my wife. If your ever looking for fabrics Lauren & I would be more than willing to help. Just let us know. Have a great evening.

Josh & Lauren
www.trendyfabrics.com

[Josh]

15.

Hello it was an absolute pleasure to come across, and read your blog. You really have some interesting information that I will have to share with my wife. If your ever looking for fabrics Lauren & I would be more than willing to help. Just let us know. Have a great evening.

Josh & Lauren
www.trendyfabrics.com

[hazel~crochetamommy]

16.

made an apron using your tutorial. im almost a beginner sewing level. turned out great. thanks for offering it, and for free. here is a pic: http://fav.me/d5qcf4z

[Charlotte]

17.

This is such a fab tutorial, I think i'll give it a go! i'll let you know how it turns out - I might even blog about it :)