I’m so excited to finally be writing this post about a project from Ayumi’s new book, Patchwork Please. I’m just so tickled for her to have this book out and be part of the sew along. I remember when she announced she had a book coming and I was itching to get my hands on it right away. And it does not disappoint. Just one cute project after another, all in that adorable Zakka style that Ayumi has such a great grasp of.
If you don’t know about it yet, there is a sew along just starting for the whole book. Which means you can make each sweet project right along with a bunch of other people…and of course there are awesome prizes and giveaways along the way. (Keep reading for details about the giveaways!) Sigh. I love sew alongs! You can catch up on the details of the blog hop/sew along in the Flickr Group (where you can also add your pictures!)
As you can see, my project for the sew along is the uber cute Polka Dot Cafe Apron. The concept is fairly simple, a simple mid thigh apron with a patchwork pocket and ties. But of course, the apron is made in the details.By far, the most work is making the patchwork blocks for the pockets. I believe that these finish at 6″ square…so that is a LOT of tiny pieces in those blocks. And as is the case for most Zakka projects there is a lot of fussy cutting going on to make each and every piece unique.
The main base of my apron is made from Essex Linen in Leather (just the color name, not actual leather). I carefully copied the templates so that I would be able to fussy cut my pieces as necessary. One thing I did to try to make things easier was cut my triangles from a square rather than cutting each triangle separately. A small thing, but it saves time.
Learn from my mistakes. Since these pieces are essentially all fussy cut, you use a nice little template to get just the right piece of the fabric. However, you need to pay attention to the orientation of the templates. Doh. The two pieces above are cut from the same template. However, the left square does not work because the squares in the blocks are oriented on point. I needed the one on the right side to use correctly in the block and have the image turned the correct way.
As I said before, each of the three blocks is quite small when finished. Also, all these pieces are cut on the bias. All of that adds up to a block that is easy to distort out of shape. I think perhaps I might try paper piecing this block in sections for more stability and accuracy. I made the three blocks and two of them turned out the same size as each and the third was a bit larger. Ironically the larger one was the ONE that was the correct size. It’s not a huge deal in this particular project, but the perfectionist in me wants my blocks to be the same size for construction purposes. I think that they are all really pretty darn awesome though.
As with any binding these days, I used my trusty clover clips to hold the binding in place while I hand sewed it. I love these guys! I got mine on amazon at one point for a great deal. I use them all of the time since I bought them though so it’s one of those items I would actually pay full price for.
The apron construction was simple once those three blocks were made. Those blocks are definitely where the bulk of my time went in making this. I followed all of the directions as written with the exception that I sewed down the pocket and subdivided it into three small pockets instead of one large one. Just more practical for how I use it. I also added some hand stitching around the center of each block instead of machine sewing around the little blocks.
Definitely a fun project that has just the right balance of detail and simplicity. Go ahead and use those special fabrics for this. You will be glad you did. It doesn’t use up very much fabric for a small block and you get to really make a feature of them. Picking the fabrics was one of my favorite parts of this project!
That turned out great! Love it.
I love the fabrics and colours you've chosen. Thanks for the tips because I still have to start mine! This summer to have fun I'm following the Flickr group for Patchwork, Please Sew Along! And, of course, I'm going to play like mad with my wonderful daughters!
what a beautiful apron! oh my-i just love it! we've been gardening and swimming and hiking and camping and have more plans to do more! thanks for the giveaway!
For fun this summer I'm doing a zakka sew along and some painting. Your apron looks great. I'm going to make a skirt instead because I never wear aprons. Thanks for the giveaway!
Oh my gosh, the apron you made is TOO cute….
I just got a new job, so no vacation for me this summer. Very thankful to be working again, just trying to make the most of my weekends!! Thank you for the chance to win!!
Tami
tamiquilts(at)att(dot)net
Love the apron!
Hand embroidery on the beach WILL be happening this summer.
I'm very pregnant so my fun means staying inside with the AC cranked and getting as much sewing as I can done before the little one comes to steal my free time
Super cute! I wish I had time to jump in!
I love the changes you made to the pattern – your hand stitching is adorable! I hunted for this book on my local shop hop and no one had it (they were probably all sold out) so now I have to wait for the mail man to deliver 🙂 In the mean time I'm working on the Wild Olive summer hexagon embroidery project; it's really fun and cute.
I'm going to Washington D.C. and just hanging out! Also teaching summer school.
Sewing and going to the beach! Love the apron…good job!
What a cute project!
For fun this summer I'm taking the kids to the pool, alot!
What a beautiful apron! The kids are still in school here at the moment but as soon as school breaks up I'm just planning on spending as much time with my daughters as possible!
Going to head out in a couple of days for a Californian road trip
I'm going to be a tourist at home in Vancouver, BC, spending time with friends, at the beach, biking, eating on Restaurant patios … Thank you for the giveaway!
Your apron is adorable. I have some of the same fabrics. I'll be gardening AND quilting this summer.
I love your apron! This is my favorite project from the book that I've seen so far. I'm exploring all the local parks we have in Seattle one by one this summer. My goal is to find some new trails to go hiking and walking on. 🙂
Your apron is just beautiful. You always have the best novelty fabrics. I don't have much planned for summer but to drive out to Notre Dame. We are visiting my niece and 7 children. (Ages 16 to 1 year old twins today.) Isn't that your neck of the woods? I would die to meet you and hope that just a little of your talent could rub off on me.
I have BOTH my sons home this summer. I wasn't supposed to have either one. That is my 'fun' this summer. I do get to go play with vintage sewing machines in Sept (before fall is officially here). Fun!
I'm already having summer fun with this sew along! Also, we're enjoying baseball, swimming and lots of music, plus family picnics and reuntions.
I like your idea of making the pocket 3 sections. I am having fun this summer using FaceTime with my best friend as we make the PP projects! It's almost like she is in the room with me,
I'll have fun at our summer cottage on lake erie!!
Love your apron! My summer plans hopefully include finishing the quilt I started for my grandparents!
We are on a road trip in the Pacific Northwest, Washington, Oregon area. Home in another week and back to my sewing machine. 🙂
Very cute. Busy planning a girlfriend Europe trip for this fall!!
Cute apron! We are getting a pontoon and plan on spending the weekends on the lake.
Oh your apron is too cute! Your pieced blocks are darling and the star of the apron, awesome job! My fun this summer will be babysitting my grandson when he's in town or when I'm able to travel to him for a visit. I also have several classes each month and enjoy them with my girlfriend and when not in class, sewing at her house.
Thank you, Aurifil, Form & Fabric and Pellon for a super giveaway and a chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
I love your pieced blocks…they turned out amazing! This summer I'm hoping to get a couple UFOs completed and start a couple new projects…as long as my sewing machine continues to work! (It's been at the repair shop three times since January for the same exact problem – I'm hoping it works – otherwise, I need a NEW machine!) And I'd love to take a trip to the coast – just my hubby and me for a cool R & R!
Such a cute apron. I love the patchwork that is incorporated into it!
Oh I love this apron! Just perfect! I love spending more time with the kids this summer, just splashing at the pool in a mini pool tub is just pure happiness.
I'm looking forward to watching my daughter at the beach (Lake Ontario).
Lots of pool time this summer, and squeezing in sewing for baby when I can!
Please tell me you're in a fabric store and not your house for these photos, or I will die of jealousy. I just paddle boarded for the first time, and plan to do it many more times this summer.
Plan to spend as much time as possible at the beach – first summer with a beach 5 mins away 🙂
What am I doing… to have fun…?? Finished up WIPs!
Quilt camp at QBL!
We are preparing for a Baltic cruise and then I am going to Fat Quarterly Retreat!
I want to get to the beach … Ocean City, MD!
Susie
legato1958@aol.com
Lots of outdoor time to entertain myself this summer – biking, running, tennis, hopefully some kayaking. And a little bit of sewing inside, or course. Thanks!
This was a fun project. My plans for the summer are participating in this sew along and a turn and burn drive to new Mexico to surprise a friend I am even gifting her the baby books quilt when I get there. it's a 22 hour drive but worth it to see the look on her face. 🙂
Wonderful apron and giveaway too!! I am having my Granddaughters for the summer, and they love to sew sooo we are sewing sewing together!!!
Love the fussy cutting. I've been visiting the fabric store too often and playing with my kiddos…
quilt retreat. Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi, beatiful apron! great idea for present, I have to this too! WArm regard from Poland
It's the middle of winter here in freezing cold Melbourne, so I'm snuggled inside doing some hand stitching. Thank you for a brilliant giveaway.
LOVE THIS! For fun? Went to my 30th college reunion this past weekend.
This is my first time visiting your blog – but I will be back! Looking forward to a family trip to Maine in July for big fun.
I love this! Summer fun? I'm learning how to sew!
Lately, I have been babysitting grandbabies! Forgot it wears me out! Zakka 2.0 is keeping me busy! This one I am doing for me! I would be awesome to win, I love your goodies!