Choosing Fabric for an Apron II

I am in the process of redoing my Etsy store in order to give it a more consistent look.

Also, my photography skills and equipment are both much better, which can't hurt.



In doing this I must remake some of my apron patterns. 

This, of course, causes me to have to look for fabrics {what a tragedy} and make quick fabric decisions.

For this entire project I am wanting my fabrics to be a bit more modern and a bit less whimsical.  I think doing this will give my shop a consistent look.



For all of my aprons, I use 100% cotton in a quilting weight.

Translated: The cotton is a little bit stiffer and a light-to-medium weight, making it perfect for an apron. If you are new to sewing and unfamiliar with quilting weight cotton, visit a quilt shop and feel the fabric.
 
Another HUGE benefit for using quilting weight cotton is the enormous variety of available fabric choices.  Cupcakes, skulls, animals, kitchen gadgets, holiday themes - you name it – anything you could possibly want.

Here’s a sampling:



So, how do you begin to choose a fabric for an apron project with so many choices?

I think the easiest thing to do is have either a color or theme in mind.  Christmas and Halloween would be good examples of holiday themes.

I had a color in mind – orange.  When I found the fabric for this apron I knew I wanted something that was modern and had orangish tones.  This fabric met both needs.
For the yoke and collar I was looking for something that would keep the apron from looking whimsical.

I actually had a different design in mind, but when I found this geometric fabric, I knew it would work with the the large floral.

 
I also knew I wanted the fabric to have a large design.  The Retro Chic Apron Pattern has a large panel which is ideally suited for big designs.

I don’t always get it right.  I forgot to consider the mannequin that I use in my pictures.  It’s black – and there is a lot of black in this apron.

 
I had to use this slip-on sleeve I made in order to get the apron to stand out.  It works for now, but I will probably remake the apron in a different fabric.

Translated:  I will have to go fabric shopping, again.