Don't forget your pinny

Technically a pinny is more of a sleeveless dress than an apron but it sounds so such more of a homely word than apron, doesn't it? And my mum calls her apron a pinny so it must be right.

So, I've made a pinny! I took a break from making Christmas presents for my nearest and dearest and decided to try making something new. I looked at how the apron I already own was made and copied it. Joining the straps to the main body was a bit tricky as I had seams on top of seams which gets a bit bulky. But otherwise, not as difficult to make as I thought it would be. I recommend you have a go!

The fabric was an remnant from a local shop. Fabric remnant bin diving is rapidly become my favourite pastime. You can find some gorgeous pieces at bargain prices, that's another recommendation from me!

Back to Christmas, I made my first stocking too. Didn't go exactly to plan but you can't tell so I won't point it out. Still, you live and learn and with sewing I'm on a steep learning curve! For the stocking I used fat quarters (fabric measuring a quarter of a metre by a quarter of a metre). There's a fantastic quilting shop near me which sells copious amounts of beautiful fabric, and by buying quarters rather than metres of fabric, it keeps the costs down and means I can have more variety of pattern and weight.

So there, you go, two recommendations and a top tip from me. Not bad for a chilly Sunday afternoon! I'm off to watch It's a Wonderful Life and feel a warm glow inside.

Comments

[Kirsty]

Loving both of them (and my mum says 'pinny', too, so it's clearly the correct word...).

Assuming the stocking will be filled with handmade presents and the apron used when baking yet more of them, I'd say your Nigellahood is mere weeks away!

x

[SarahLP]

Two beautiful projects, I am very envious of your skills not only in sewing but also choosing gorgeous fabrics! My most-local fabric seller is actually the charity shop so my choice is rather limited.. but funky finds can be had sometimes!

[the green gal]

Kirsty - Nigellahood, you do flatter me! I've just discovered how easy it is to make crumble in a food processor (kindly donated by my brother) so will be baking a lot of apple crumbles from now on...

Sarah - You are too kind by a long way but seeing as you're such a talented missy yourself I'll take it as a BIG compliment! I am a sucker for fabric, it's where all my spare cash goes. If I ever become totally penniless I'll be the old lady who lived in a fabric shoe!