Apron or tool belt or whatever

This is the “Oh shit! I need a gift” solution: a great little apron or tool belt for your domestic diva friend. It’s pretty quick. Here is what you need:

Trusty measuring stick
Magic pen (invisible ink)
Good scissors
Cotton fabric
Sewing machine
Ribbon, bias tape, or twill tape (for the tie)
An Iron

Okie dokie. So, first pick out a good fabric. I like to shop in the fabric section of thrift stores. You can get really great vintage fabric, and every once in a while you will find a vacuum seal cast cover that you can give to a friend who broke their hand. Win win, you get fabric, they can shower, and they don't smell bad!
Wash, iron, and cut the fabric to a rectangle that is 17”w by 23”long. Don’t use janky scissors. You are giving this as a gift so try to keep it classy. I used my lovely yardstick and a fabric pen. Fabric pens are great. You write with it and the ink disappears in about 3-4 hours…perfect for giving your number out at the bar.
Next, move your computer and all other “office” stuff to the floor of your apartment, and drag your sewing machine out from the bookshelf that it lives on. Be sure to leave the computer on Pandora, and move your speaker wires so that you don’t trip on them and hit your head on the door.
Note: If you are using a fabric that has a pattern or design, cut two pieces the same size. Put right sides together and sew along all 4 edges, leaving just enough room on one side to turn right side out (pretend you are making a pillow).
IRON.
Sew around all for corners again (only on the right side this time).
IRON.
Fold up the bottom portion about 7”.
IRON.
Sew along the edges with a zigzag stitch so that it looks “fancy”. Or if you are from Ballard, just get out the stitch witch and screw sewing all-together.
IRON.
Now you need to make little sections for your big pocket. The sizes are up to you. I like to pick sizes that line up with the foot of my sewing machine so that I get a straight stitch line.
IRON.
Now it is time to sew on the tie. I attach the tie to the front because it looks better and makes a nice flat front for the apron. Sew a little rectangle, then go back over and do a zigzag stitch in both directions. This should be strong enough to hold.

Now, go fill it up with some crap and it’s the perfect gift!