{free pattern} Run, Gingerbread Men, Run

What’s better for the Christmas holiday baking than a gingerbread man? Designed by Cathy Gaubert, this adorable apron is featured (on the cover, even!) in John Q. Adam’s book, Pretty in Patchwork:Holiday (Lark Crafts). If you want to give it a try before you buy the book, you can download the pattern for the gingerbread men embroidered apron as a pdf file. You’ll need to get this template, too, for the men and the writing. The half-apron style is made extra stylish with its nifty asymmetrical pocket, appliqued gingerbread men and embroidered writing.

Pretty in Patchwork: Holiday is available through Zinio as a download only (the book will be released next August). Adams includes more than 30 beginner to intermediate projects to celebrate the season. There are pillows, bunting, tree skirts, ornaments and includes several quilts (from full-size to lap-size to a baby quilt). It also includes a cute little gingerbread man apron.

{free pattern} Reversible Scalloped Apron

There’s something about scallops that makes this apron just a touch more feminine and fun. I love that it has a big pocket and it’s reversible. So much goodness in one little package. The tutorial, with downloadable pattern pieces, is available at Warehouse Fabrics.

This would be a great fall apron made out of this fabric from Riley Blake. It’s one of my current favorites!

Review: New Indygo Junction Apron Patterns

Indygo Junction patterns has been making all manner of apron patterns for several years now and continue to offer new styles. Two recent releases include the One-Yard Overlap Apron and the All-Day Apron. I tried out both patterns and then brought them into the office to show off. We all had our different opinions on the styles, but having been the one to sew them, I can tell you they both patterns worked out well.

The All-Day Apron ($11.99 retail) is a delightfully feminine style with full coverage in the front with coverage around the sides, tying in a big bow at the back. The fit was perfect on this style (size 10-12) and would work well for smaller and slightly larger sizes. I loved the accent fabric used along the arms and for the ruffle. I used the same fabric for the bias trim around the neck (rather than purchased bias tape).

It went together in about an hour and a half, including the cutting, and would be an appropriate pattern for someone with experience using commercial primers. The instructions are brief and there are only three images to help you along. I prefer images to words and struggled just slightly at figuring out how to get the trim to work–it’s sewn right to wrong side, turned then topstitched to the apron body.

I particularly liked the way the ties were made. I used a rolled hem foot for the raw edges, then it instructs you “finish one end of tie by stitching a 1/4″ seam RST.” Turn and press point. It gives a nice end to the tie and one I will use often.

The One-Yard Overlap Apron ($11.99) is their newest release and is a simple one piece style that ties from the front section and around to the back to secure it. I found the waist ties to be too low for me and had to move them northward. Where the ties land depends on your body shape, so be sure to try it on first and use an extra length of bias tape to experiment with tie location.

The apron came together quickly, less than a half-hour to sew it together, but another 30 minutes to make and sew on the bias tape. Be careful around the corner, stretching the bias tape to get it to lay nicely.

This apron offers ample front coverage with little side coverage.

For more information on these two aprons or to check out the dozen other styles, visit Indygo Junction. Patterns can be purchased at your local independent quilt and fabric retailer or online.