Hostess Aprons

Hi Size MD I love old retro looking prints

I am new to sewing, but want to make aprons. I'm a little scared at having to make TWO; wish it were just for one, but I figure I'll give it a go.

Okay, I don't like floral, pastels, or pink. I love bright, bold, vibrant colors. My faves are eggplant purple, red and white, red and aqua, but others are great, too as long as it's not too pastel-y or floral. Nothing holiday related AT ALL unless it is Thanksgiving. I love the retro 50's housewife themed fabrics and food-themed fabrics, but other is okay, too. Unfortunately, I am a very large apple-shaped woman with a 50inch waist. So please make the apron ties extra long, but the apron itself doesn't have to be huge.

I found a free "suzy homemaker apron" pattern here, in case it would be helpful to anyone:
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=2309.msg15734 Just scroll down the page; you don't have to log in. Would this be an acceptable pattern to use? Are we making just the waist and below ones, or the full body ones? This pattern is adaptable to either, I think.

I've had an enjoyable time today finding these other free apron patterns/instructions online, in case others in this swap might find them useful.

free butcher style apron pattern:
http://etherwork.net/ejmtph/sew/apron.html

here's free instructions for making an apron out of dish towels:
http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel1138&catid=cat414

how to recycle an old skirt (or cheap thrift store buy):
http://www.shasta.com/suesgoodco/newcivilians/womenswear/aprons.htm

retro kitchen apron instructions:
http://www.craftygal.com/archives/402/table402.htm

clean sweep apron:
http://organizedhome.com/content-7.html

Purplemorgan, sorry I didn't respond to you earlier - I think by definition Hostess aprons are half-size (the ones that tie at the waist). They are more adjustable than the full aprons, because I find those to be too long in the torso for short, small people like me. Thank you for sharing all the great patterns! Don't be scared, making aprons is one of the simpler projects a beginner can undertake. They don't have to be a perfect shape so there's room for error and creativity.

I also love retro/vintage styles - especially the fifties. I don't like childish characters but most other prints are OK. I'm eccentric so guitars, pinups or skulls and the like would also make me happy. Holiday patterns are OK.

I am changing the sign-up date to give people a couple more days to change their minds if they want.

I'm so excited for this swap! Aprons are so fun to make and to receive:) My size would probably be L or XL as my waist 37 inches. I posted on my blog about a really easy apron I made not too long ago at www.raeshadrz.blogspot.com - I used 3 different fat quarters and it turned out really cool. As for me - I LOVE vintage - from any era pretty much. Purple and green are my favorite colors. I don't really like pastel colors. I don't mind holidays (any holiday) as long as they not too cutesy.

VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!!!! REMINISCE sent me a CHILD'S apron!!!!!! I posted my waist size above, and imagine my disappoint to pull out a brown floral apron with NINE INCH WAIST TIES!! The apron itself is 12inches by 20inches. 12 inches long!!!!! THIS IS AN APRON FOR A CHILD!!! Combined waist total is 38inches, and that's with the ties fully extended and not tied!!!!! WHAT ADULT COULD WEAR THIS??????? Reminisce has no email to send to, but I am hoping she will read this so she knows EXACTLY why she will NOT be getting a rating of 5. This is totally ridiculous. She didn't read anything on here after signing up. I think she just happened to have a child's apron she wanted to get rid of.

Purple Morgan, I am extremely saddened by your email and post to my blog, No, in fact I did not see all of your posts that you needed extra long straps. I also have been going through a lot here and had a mix up when those went out. However, that apron fits me perfectly - it is not a childs. I will be happy to send you another or just mail you a check - as I think you would be happier purchasing one than one I could make you. I am extremely hurt by your comments... I made a mistake... mailed the wrong one... I will be withdrawing from swapbot as well as my blog. :(

Purplemorgan and Reminisce, I am sorry both of you had an unpleasant experience during this swap. It is the polite thing to do to post your preferences and to check your partner's preferences before you send out a swap - Swapbot lets us do this to accomomdate all the different personalities, religions, allergies, etc. so everybody should not feel like they are sending something to a complete stranger.

Purplemorgan, I am sorry your partner did not look at your preferences.

****PUBLIC APOLOGY**** I am sorry for my bluntness. I over reacted. I was very sick the day I received the apron and was so excited as I opened the package. And then I was overcome with anger. It was a very bad day for me. I am sorry I took it out on Reminisce. I have a severe form of a disease that causes me to over react sometimes. I have also sent an email apology to Reminisce.

It was, afterall, only an apron. It's really not a big deal, certainly not life or death or worth my over reaction. Even though it was WAY too small for most adults to wear (22 inches around the waist after tying the smallest bow I could), it was only a piece of fabric. I am sorry I over reacted so strongly.

Would someone start a new apron swap? I love aprons!