FROM COW TO WOW!

A few weeks ago the nursery director at my church showed me a bleached and tattered version of the apron on the left in the picture below. She asked if I could make something similar for our nursery volunteers to wear. As we talked, I realized how much fabric was needed for each of these smocks and knew that this would increase the cost. Keep in mind that our summer here has been brutal with daily temperatures over 100 degrees for the last 45 days! I knew I wouldn't want to wear two layers of fabric over my Sunday best when volunteering and neither would anyone else!

So, I took this piece of really hideous cowhide fabric (see below) and set out to make something that would cover most people while still being lightweight. The cowsmock, as I have come to call it, was born. You may think that because I make aprons, I wear these adorable aprons with heels and pearls. Actually, most of my personal aprons are the practice aprons from my (failed) attempts at pattern making. Nevertheless, I have to say that this apron/smock is hands-down the best style I have ever produced. It has great coverage and is lightweight on the swealtering Texas days!

Anyhoo, I knew the cowsmock style needed lots of tweaking before it was something to which I would want to attach my name. Below, is the front and back view of what the better dressed nursery worker will be wearing come Sunday morning!


Notice how the apron curves in at the waist; this style will flatter any size woman!

After wearing the cowsmock for the last two weeks to cook and clean in everyday, I realized that apron wearers everywhere needed a cute version of this apron. It is so practical and it doesn't cause me to sweat profusely. So, the apron below is now in my Etsy store and waiting for its new home. Notice that I have made a coordinating bias tape to give this apron a little bit of sass!

As the style progresses, you will notice that the next apron has been embellished with rickrack which now gives it both a modern and vintage flair!

Now, I will begin making a few aprons in this new style...but first I'm taking a short trip to a cool place!