Cross-Back Apron from Sewing Happiness

You're not often confronted with your "apron situation". I recently was, and the end result was a little embarrassing. For some reason, the only aprons I own are kitschy and weird throwbacks to a time when women suspended a lot of weird things in jello. Ten years ago I used to find it funny to pick up, say, a mustard yellow floor length apron with white lace trim at the thrift store (70's pioneer chic), and wear this at Thanksgiving to amuse my friends. But recently I was baking up a storm and covered in flour (as you do), and when I pulled out my sad, stained, thrift store collection of aprons I knew it was time for a change. While aprons aren't really the sort of thing you'd think to spend money on, they are the PERFECT thing to make when you have a spare hour or two.  For that reason, I was very excited to tackle the cross-back apron project from Sanae Ishida's new book Sewing Happiness (I reviewed it here earlier in the week).

The design is a traditional Japanese style, and it is simple and utilitarian in the best possible way. Essentially just a  large rectangle of fabric with shoulder ties, it crosses in the back because of the how the straps are sewn on.

It's a great design for bench pressing rolling pins.

Or stirring imaginary stews.

Or juggling nectarines.

Miss Matatabi generously donated some fabric for this post and because I wanted a sturdy apron (no more of this frilly pioneer nonsense), I chose this medium weight cotton/linen canvas. I fell in love with the hand painted strips and metallic accents and decided to have fun with stripe direction.

I also let the little sliver of purple selvage peek out, just for giggles.

Needless to say the directions were easy to follow and I had this baby done in an hour or two. I love how functional this is while still having a little style, and I won't be at all be embarrassed to wear it when I have company over. It also folds up perfectly which is very appealing to anyone with mild OCD.

Now for the giveaway! A lucky winner will take home a $45 gift certificate to the amazing Miss Matatabi Etsy shop, home to the finest Japanese fabrics around. Simply leave a comment below and let me know what you'd make with your fabric! I'll announce the winner in next week's blog round-up!
a Rafflecopter giveaway