Cut Up Those Curtains! (Apron)

Browsing through local thrift stores has been a hobby of mine this summer. I find myself perusing the "home" section more and more. I love looking through the curtain sets; sometimes you can find really great fabric for a great value! I happened upon this fabric and couldn't resist. I decided to cut up these curtains to make an apron for my friend's wedding gift. You can make one too! Here's how to create your own adorable curtain apron:

1. Find cute curtains and cut them up: I suggest looking at thrift stores or garage sales. Sometimes the curtains will come in a set with coordinating fabric; if not, purchase one yard of coordinating fabric for the ties. I cut the main panel for this apron to be 29'' x 24''. Make sure to hem three edges (the bottom 29" and the both shorter sides). Some parts may be hemmed already!

2. Make the waistband: Cut the coordinating fabric to make a waistband. The waistband will have to be at least one inch longer than the length of the main panel. The waistband shown here measured 30'' x 6''. Cut the waistband to the desired length. Iron it in half with the long sides together and right sides together. Stitch 1/4'' seam along the long side opposite the fold. Pull the fabric right side out and press flat with an iron.

3. Finish the waistband: You should have two unfinished short edges remaining on the waistband. Tuck the raw edges inside the waistband (1/4'') and press flat.

4. Attach the waistband: Pin the waistband in place with the long finished edges along both sides of the apron. Secure the waistband by topstitching.

5. Make the ties: Cut two ties for this apron using the coordinating fabric. My ties measured 20.5'' x 6''. The width has to be the width of the waistband. After you cut the two pieces iron them in half with long sides together and right sides together. Stitch around two sides leaving one short side open to pull the fabric through. Pull the fabric right side out and press. There should be one raw edge remaining on each tie. Make a small pleat on each short raw edge of the tie.

6. Attach the ties: Insert the pleated raw edge of the tie into the short edge of the waistband. Topstitch to secure in place. Repeat with the other ties.

7. Put a pocket on it: Cut a pocket (or two) of any shape to add detail to your apron. This pocket measures 6" x 6". Fold under any raw edges. Press with an iron. Pin the pocket into place and topstich three sides.

8. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy your new curtain apron! Or wrap it up in pretty paper to give as a wedding gift :).