Right, it's matchy matchy time (when is it not? 😉)!

Freya has been a keen "helper" in the kitchen, so I wanted to make us some matching aprons. Truth be told, I've been thinking about making myself some cross-back Japanese style aprons for a while, particularly since seeing all the lovely versions of the Tessuti Apron (it's a free pattern, downloadable here https://www.tessuti-shop.com/products/tessuti-apron-pattern-one-size), but I was too lazy to tweak the pattern as it is drafted in one size.

Then two things changed. First, just before Christmas, Hey June Handmade brought out their brand new Allspice Apron pattern, in 5 sizes (https://www.heyjunehandmade.com/product/allspice-apron/). Given my very positive experience using Hey June Handmade patterns (an example of the Cheyenne top here https://www.minerva.com/posts/1008334), I was keen to try this. Second, this amazing Art Gallery (who else?) chambray came along, and straightaway I had visions of matching aprons. It was perfect - although I would've quite liked a plain linen cross back apron myself, I wanted something a little less plain for Freya. This was just the right balance of classy and interesting.

Having now tried the AGF rayon, jersey and chambray, I will go as far as saying that I am positively addicted to their fabrics! This one is, once again, of the highest quality, with a cool, patchwork type print and the perfect weight.

I cut an XS in the Allspice Apron for me. This was a straightforward sew. The only changes I made was shortening the body and the straps by 1 inch each, and "upgraded" the pocket so that it matched the print well. I made the bias tape from self-fabric, and really enjoyed following the way this is attached. I had never seen this method before, and it worked a treat.

For Freya's apron, I spent a bit of time thinking about how best to make it match mine, whilst still allowing good growing room. I want this to last us both a few years! I started off with this tutorial from the Thread blog (https://blog.fabrics-store.com/2015/03/23/linen-aprons-for-the-whole-family/), and made a few changes:
1) I pieced the front and back together, to eliminate the side seam. This is so that it mimics the AllSpice style, and also saves me from having to pattern match!
2) I curved the front neckline.
3) I added poppers at the front for the shoulders, and allowed length in the built-in straps for 2 sets of poppers as a grow-with-me feature. I added interfacing for the poppers.
4) Although I really wanted to round off the back hem, I decided to leave it square, and did a double folded wide hem this time rather than using the bias tape. This will allow flexibility in terms of length, again as a grow-with-me feature.
5) Speaking of bias tape, the above meant that I needed to apply that in 3 strips, rather than one, very long, strip. I used a bias binding from my stash for this one, to add a bit of colour. I like that this also had a patchwork effect, with complementary colours.
6) I also used French seams for the shoulders (1/8 followed by 1/4), in the same way as my version (though the stitchings were 1/4 and 1/2).
7) I drafted the pockets in the same style as the AllSpice for the centre front.

And that was it. Not too challenging, right? I adore the finished aprons! We already enjoyed some baking sessions this afternoon!

Alice from Queen of Darts (www.queenofdarts.com)

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