Yellow Double Shirt Apron

After several attempts to add the collar to the apron, I came up with this look. Combining 2 contrasting shirts, along with the lace trim, offers some interesting details. I liked how the reversed collars are still "buttoned down".
Adding the large pocket makes this a very practical apron. Enjoy!

www.californiaapron.esty.com

Striped Dress Shirt (Back) Apron

Using the shirt back offers another style of apron, featuring the back pleat. The striped shirt, with an oxford blue pocket makes a nice, neat combination. This apron is featured in Apronology, coming out next week! Look for it Feb 1st, 2010!!!

Blue Oxford Dress Shirt Apron

This Blue Oxford shirt was made into a very nice apron, with trim and lace added for detail. I like the lace on the curved hem giving it another inch of length, and a frilly touch. The large cuff pocket was added, made from another striped shirt. Look for this apron featured in Apron.ology magazine coming out Feb 1, 2010!

Giraffe Print Apron

Wild animal prints are popular all over the world. This giraffe print apron was sold to a customer in Norway. She said bought this apron for her friend who loved giraffes.

H Back Design Apron

For a change, I made this full apron designed with an H back. The back has a button closure. I added 3 buttonholes for adjustment. The accent fabrics give this some contrast.

Cow Print Apron

Lately, I've had more sales with the animal prints. There's just something about the cow, giraffe and leopard print that people like. This cow print apron is sturdy and lined, making it very durable.

Collared Apron

Here's a new twist, keeping the collar on the shirt apron. This is a work in progress, we'll see if this works.

Tiny Apron

This tiny apron for a little girl has frills and lots of pink. It is reversible and fun for playing "dress up".

Black Bling Apron

I made this apron for a hair stylist who wanted something different from the plain black aprons she was wearing. She liked bling and this satin apron looks great, and works hard. The trim sparkles!

Half Apron, sleeve cuffs

This was a fun apron to make, using sleeves from 3 dress shirts. The sleeve has a nice flare design for the skirt. I combined blue cotton prints and lined it with a silky fabric, giving it fullness and durability.

www.californiaapron.etsy.com

Striped Shirt Back Apron

There are a few dress shirt backs, that can be made into a beautiful apron, and this is one of them. The pleated back gives fullness which is just the right size and look. Ruffled lace extends the length adding a nice touch.

www.californiaapron.etsy.com

Embellishing day

Today I'm working on embellishing, and this apron has inspired me to use a string of blue beads and shiny silver trim. I'm not quite finished, and will likely add more details before its complete. Embellishing is the fun part of making and apron, and I'm progressively adding more trim/detail/pattern to my aprons as time goes on. "It's all in the details"

Natalie's Apron

My nephew asked me to make an apron for his friend, Natalie, for her birthday. She loves handmade things and lives in beautiful Northern Michigan, and this blue striped shirt seemed perfect. I like the homespun look and the pocket (plaid shirt cuff) adds contrast. The trim and lace adds dimension and interest. Happy Birthday Natalie!

Polka Dot Apron

This apron was designed for a hair stylist who liked black and was looking for something different. Black and white dots, with red rickrack bring back the 50's look. A curved hem gives this apron a little softness.

My favorite apron, with the silk flower pin, is just the right size and weight. The white silky fabric makes it a joy to wear! Here's an example of a very pretty, yet hardworking apron.

www.californiaapron.etsy.com

Tuxedo shirt combined with plaid gives this apron a mixed up look. The white crisp tuxedo pleats are contrasted with dark plaid. The large pocket and silky lining make this apron very functional.
www.californiaapron.etsy.com

Double plaid apron

Using 2 plaid shirts, this apron has a patchwork look. The trim and lace give it an interesting and feminine touch. I made another apron from the dark plaid, which will be featured tomorrow!

Aloha Shirt Apron

This apron was made from a blue Hawaiian shirt and dolled up with lace and trim. The lining makes it durable and fun to wear.

Cowboy shirt apron

Here's an apron that features pearl snaps! The plaid shirt has cowboy cut design with two covered pockets. And like how the pockets stood out and really didn't need anything else.

www.californiaapron.etsy.com

Pottery Apron

When my sister Cil began her pottery class, she sent me these beautiful handmade porcelain buttons, which I use to embellish my aprons. In order to keep the buttons coming, I made her this pottery apron, designed to cover well while sitting at the pottery wheel. I hope to feature more of her beautiful buttons!

Blue Oxford Dress Shirt (back) Apron

Each dress shirt offers an opportunity to make 2 aprons, from the shirt front and back. I designed this apron from the shirt back because I like the pleat and loop feature. Adding lace along the yoke and on the pocket gives a little frilly touch. There's something about blue oxford that I just can't resist.

This apron is available on my website californiaapron.etsy.com

Today is New Year's Day and we enjoyed a traditional Japanese feast, prepared by my mother-in-law, which is as delicious as it looks. I made an apron for her that is simple and elegant which needed no embellishments.

I've enjoyed making aprons as handmade gifts for family and friends. Recently, I found beautiful men's dress shirts and created the aprons shown in the picture above.