Happy Monday my friends! Did any of you spend the weekend working in your garden? Today I want to share how to Create A Vintage Tablecloth Garden Smock.
Create A Vintage Tablecloth Garden Smock
Since we ripped out the 30-year-old landscaping from our garden beds last year at Storybook Cottage I have slowly but surely been adding in new plants and flowers.
I’ve been wanting a simple smock/apron to wear while gardening and finally had a chance to create one this past week.
I did not use a pattern for this apron. I knew I wanted a loose and easy shape that would work well with all the bending, lifting and twisting that can go on while doing yard work.
Japanese Utility Apron
A quick perusal on Pinterest and I decided a Japanese Utility apron would be just the thing.
It’s basically just a large rectangle with straps.
These smocks/aprons are generally made out of linen.
Easy To Do
I didn’t have any linen on hand but I did have a vintage tablecloth that my cousin Lynn had sent me a few months ago. She had found it at an estate sale and even though it had “issues” (a rather large torn section) she knew I could do something with it.
I cut a straight line across the fabric right below the tear. Before sewing, the rectangle of fabric measuring 45” x 32” (114.3 cm x 81.28 cm). The top of the apron received a 2” (5.08 cm) hem and each side of the apron received a 1” (2.54 cm) hem. The bottom of the apron did not need hemming as the finished tablecloth edge was used. After sewing, the new rectangle of fabric measuring 43” x 30” (109.22 cm x 76.2 cm).
Crisscross
On either side of the tear, there was enough fabric that I could create two straps. Each strap measured 25” x 4” (63.5 cm x 10. 16 cm). I folded each strip in half (right sides together) and sewed one bottom seam and a side seam. (This makes a tube of sorts.) The fabric was then turned right side out and pressed down with a hot iron to create a strap.
I wanted the finished straps to be crisscross in style. So the first strap was pinned at one edge of the smock/apron and then pinned a second time at 25” inches in from the edge. (This makes more sense when the fabric is laying flat.) Then the step was repeated with the second strap on the other edge of the apron.
Each end of the strap was sewn onto the upper edge of the apron in a square with a criss-cross pattern (as shown below) for added durability.
You can also see that I added some additional vintage flair to the top edge with a bit of cotton lace and rick rack. But you can eliminate the lace and trim if you want a cleaner looking apron.
Scraps of Lace
A few extra scraps of material were turned into pockets. Vintage pom-pom trim and half of a Battenberg doily were added to the tops of the pockets for a bit of fun.
The pockets were then sewn on with a coordinating thread color using the zig-zag stitch as it is a good choice for pockets that may hold heavy items.
The pockets are all odd shapes and sizes but I think that adds to the charm of the smock.
The best part of all is that when the smock gets dirty it is completely machine washable.
I’m hoping that this smock will extend the life of my clothing as well.
( J Crew artist t-shirt from a few years ago and Max jeans found at Marshalls.)
The Outtakes
Now since it’s Monday you may need a laugh.
The Fashionista was my photographer and when the wind came up she said, “Work it Beyonce!”
So I did.
Does anyone else wear bare feet as often as they can?
#countrygirl
May your week be filled with flowers,
Laura
I love this idea for an apron! It looks so easy…easy enough that I might try making one! (I'm not the best seamstress) I also never wear shoes in the house…or in the garden for that matter. My neighbors always look at me funny cause in Italy I guess not many people walk around barefoot lol. #americangirl
I have pinned a dozen of those aprons. It's very cute!!
That is too cute for the garden, Laura!, although I would most definitely wear it inside. The added trim ought to give it more reinforcement at the stress points too, to make it last longer. Adorable.
Darling project! Looks perfect for working in the garden.
Judy
You're just too darn cute and I think that apron is too cute to wear in the garden!! I get DIRTY. Don't you?
cute.. love the little lace and pom pom detail.
I am always the first to wander about bare feet.
The model just steals the show! LOVE it Laura, and you are just GORGEOUS!
You are so infinitely clever! I love the way you repurposed that tablecloth into something you could wear to show the Queen your garden, should she happen to drop by!
9th day of rain in a row here…but finally we're scheduled for some sun tomorrow.
Way too cute for gardening! I would wear this out to town. It's adorable. You are so talented!
You are just too cute! Love the photos! And the apron is really lovely… pretty amazing way to upcycle a vintage tablecloth! 🙂 ~Rhonda
You look so wonderful and the apron is so cute!
Have a nice day
I love your apron, how cute is that, but you are even cuter. Love the pics and seeing your great smile.
TOTALLY, 100 percent, adorable! I think even this non-seamstress MIGHT be able to pull that off! I really love it, Laura. Beautiful work.
So cute, Laura. And the apron is really cute too. Love your ice cream chair ! Great idea!
I love your new apron. I'm always looking for ways to reuse stained or damaged fabrics that still have life in them.
Your apron is so perfect! I love the idea of not having any apron strings to bother with. They are always coming untied and drag on the floor when they are hanging.
Great job modeling! 😀
I'm in love with the apron. And of course, your carefree self. Fabulous photos!
Such a beautiful use for an old tablecloth! I have to agree, it's so cute I would hate to get it dirty in the garden. I am always barefoot, I even kick my shoes off in church. God doesn't mind 😉
Oh I love it! You sure do know how to work it. lol! I am terrible at going barefoot in the garden. If I was to flip my foot like that it would not be so pretty and clean. I often garden in flip flops and when I take them off my feet are filthy. 🙂
hugs,
Jann
That is perfect Laura! I love the shape of it. Thanks for joining Home Sweet Home!
Cute cute smock. You haven't seen me gardening. I am dirty from head to toe! You are very creative and smart.