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DIY… Recipe Inspired Apron

in DIY Projects, Print On Fabric on

This project was a blast to make.

A couple of friends asked me to make a thank you gift for their friend Ann who has a food blog. The blog is called Cooking Dangerously. We threw around some ideas and decided that I would make an apron.  At first I was excited to make the apron, but that enthusiasm soon turned to fear.  Yes, this was a unique and super cool project. However, I was unnerved at the idea and had to wrap my head around HOW I was going to make a food/blog inspired apron.

I have wanted to try Lesley Riley’s Transfer Artist Paper for quite some time and this turned out to be the perfect opportunity.  I wanted to handwrite one of the Ann’s recipes on the apron and prayed that the TAP would do the trick.  I had a vision for this apron and hoped that using a new method would create something professional looking.

A few things before we get started..

  1. I chose to buy the apron – Normally, I like to sew everything for a project. However, buying the apron was an economical approach.  I bought a 3 pack on sale so had extra fabric to create a pocket AND  little bag to hold the apron. There was 1 apron left for a future project.
  2. Images – I wrote the recipe, but bought the utensil images online at Graphic River.  You can also check out the blog I Gotta Create  for great utensil graphics.
  3. Lesley Riley’s TAP – Have you heard of TAP?  Wow, I strongly suggest you check it out.  I was very skeptical on how well the paper would work. After I finished my apron I felt like I won an Emmy for “printing on fabric at home”.  This stuff rocks!
  4. Printing with Lesley Riley’s TAP – You will need an ink jet printer.  I come from a household of laser printers. Laser printers do not work with this paper.. This little project turned out to be an expensive adventure.

Materials Needed:

  1. Apron – homemade or store bought
  2. Lesley Riley’s Transfer Artist Paper
  3. Rotarty cutter and cutting mat
  4. Quilting ruler
  5. Disappearing ink pen
  6. Paper, paper scissors, pens
  7. Inkjet printer
  8. Images and handwritten recipe to transfer
  9. Sewing maching and related supplies
  10. Iron and ironing board

Alright, let’s get creative:

Create the pocket. You need to decide on the size of the pocket.  I wanted my pocket size to be large enough for Ann’s Fish Head Croquettes recipe and ingredients.  Measure your length and mark with a disappearing ink pen. Remember to leave at least an 1″  at the top edge for the seam allowance.

Turn and fold the top edge. Press with an iron. Place into sewing machine and topstitch.

Print out your images.  I suggest testing and printing on regular paper until you get the right size for your images. Remember that all words need to be mirrored.  Your printer should be able to print in reverse.  Unfortunately, my “new” printer did not. I reworked all the files in illustrator.

Place images face down onto fabric and press with a hot iron. No steam. Gently pull off at a corner and see if the image has transferred. If not, place down and press some more.

I wrote on the back of the paper to help with placement. Per the TAP instructions, I cut the words right down to size.

Place the finished pocket into your sewing machine and stitch down. That’s it. Super easy. There are so many options with this project –  you could use a family recipe or write a personal message. You could even add a pop of color with fabric, topstitching or binding at the edges.

Do you have a chef in your life? A special event coming up? How about attending or hosting a party at Thanksgiving or Christmas? This would make a great gift!

Here are a few pictures of my finished apron.. What do you think?

Happy Sewing!

Comments

  1. That is soooooo cute! I’m not sure I understand the TAP paper…is there a way to do this with a recipe that has already been written? I have my grandmother’s recipes in her handwriting and would love to put that on an apron!

    Reply

    • Hi – thanks for stopping by. This was a lot of fun to make. I wrote the recipe on regular paper, scanned it into the computer and then made the mirror image which I printed onto the TAP/ transfer artist paper. You could do the same – scan your grandmother’s recipes, reverse the image and print on the TAP. Then iron onto an apron. Check out the Leslie Riley website – you can find more information. It was very easy to use 🙂

      Reply

    • Thanks! Lol.. Are the knives too much?? Yes, dangerous.I’ve always thought my handwriting was like chicken scratch.. Nice to hear you could read it.

      Reply

  3. All I can say is wow! This fabulous apron will definitely protect me while I embark on my dangerous escapades. Thanks SO much – look forward to modelling it very soon!!

    Reply

    • I look forward to seeing a picture. The knives are definitely dangerous!! I’ve sent it out, so you should receive the package soon. 🙂

      Reply

  4. I love it! The pocket is amazing and such a nice touch 🙂 great work Marm. Now every food blog in the country will be contacting you to do specialized aprons for them;)

    Reply

    • Hi – thanks for stopping by. I would love to see photographs of your completed apron!

      Reply

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