Sense & Sensibility…

Today, I made THE cutest thing ever!  It’s the Girl’s Edwardian Apron from Sense & Sensibility. 

I’ve admired the patterns at Sense & Sensibility for a couple years now – drooled over the dresses and wished I could make one.  But I am NO seamstress and the thought of just an apron was challenging enough!  Now, I’ve sewn curtains for bare windows in my house before but these were nothing more than large pieces of fabric with simple hems.  I’ve really only sewn one thing before – a bag.  It took me way out of my comfort zone but turned out awesome.  I use it everyday. 

I was so excited to get this apron pattern.  Finally, a real chance to see if I could sew a wearable garment.  As a beginner sewer, the e-class was a God-send!  I also got the e-pattern in pdf format.  The beauty of the e-pattern is instant download and always being able to print another pattern if yours gets lost or worn out.  The e-class contains pdf slides, an audio file to go along with the slides and video segments to demonstrate the trickier parts. 

I cannot tell you, how simple the e-class made this project for me.  Anything I didn’t understand from the slides was clearly explained in the videos.  I learned several new things about sewing and I can’t wait to start another Sense & Sensibility pattern!  I highly recommend their patterns and classes! 

First, I printed out the pages of the pattern and taped them together.  Then I cut out all the pieces and made copies for sizes 8 and 4.  I pinned my fabric, cut it out and was ready to sew.  The instructions for the sewing were extremely clear – even for my novice self.  I found my first time working with bias tape to be a pleasant one.  What a great tool!  (all you seamstresses are probably laughing right now!)

So you wanna see my aprons??

I used fabric that I already had and just let the girls pick out what they wanted from that.  I made matching head scarves to go with each apron. 

 

The head scarf is nothing more than a 12 x 12 square folded on the diagonal with matching binding down the open sides.  I continued the binding for about another 15 inches to make the tie ends. 

 

I just can’t get over how adorable this pattern is!  Here’s a close up of Maggie in her apron and scarf. 

The total cost of the pattern and class is $24.95.  If you’re fairly new to sewing, I would suggest getting the e-class.  If you’re an established seamstress, the class would probably make things clearer for you but would not be necessary.  I do feel much more confident now about sewing dresses for the girls and perhaps some things for me too?

 

 

 

 

 

Not able to leave well enough alone, I decided to bind the entire bottom of the apron instead of hemming it.  I like the look of the red up against the patterns all the way around.  It just seems to finish it off. 

I have one more apron to make before I move on to another pattern, but I’m already thinking about the Pinafore & Pantaloons pattern, the Girl’s Romantic Era dress and the Elegant Ladie’s Closet pattern (for myself).

I am in love with Sense & Sensibility!