Monday, April 25, 2011

Garden Apron/Tool Belt


I have been sewing a number of projects for gifts but I snuck in some time over the weekend to sew up this gardening apron/tool belt for myself.  I seem to always be sticking things in my back pockets when I am gardening - from garden tools to seed packets to my phone and keys - so it seemed like a good idea for me to have someplace to hold everything while working in the garden.  I have to admit, though, that the idea was more than a little inspired by the fabric (Suburbia by Caleb Gray) and wanting to have a project to use it for.


The basic design is pretty simple - the pocket has the quilting cotton on the outside and canvas on the inside, and the body of the apron is also made of canvas.  The pocket is attached to the body with bias tape, and then the main canvas piece is folded down to create a waistband (and a spot to attach the ties).  I added some non-essential details to the basic design, including making the ties out of two layered fabrics, and putting a bit of decorative trim in at the waistband (just a folded piece of fabric).  I am really happy with how it turned out!

UPDATE: Since it sounds like a number of folks may want to make something similar, here are the dimensions of mine in case it is helpful: it's 25" wide and 10.5" tall, the pockets are 7" tall and I sewed the divisions between the pockets at the midpoint (12.5") and then 4.5" from the midpoint on either side (eg at 8" and 17") - this creates two narrower pockets and two wider pockets.  But really I just eyeballed it and thought about what would be helpful to me, so you can of course do whatever you think makes sense!


Having a fun new apron/tool belt made me excited to dive into the task of weeding our (small but weedy) front garden - here's the pile of weeds from my gardening session today.  I found that I actually liked to wear the apron in back so that it didn't get bunched up while I was kneeling/bending over.  It worked great to hold all my stuff and is now well broken in and dirty!

Have you made any fun projects for yourself lately?

5 comments:

  1. I love your tool belt! I am so glad you posted this, because I was trying to think of something I can make for my MIL (an obsessive gardener)...she is very picky, lol.

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  2. I am in love with all the Suburbia fabric! I wondered what rationalization I could use on DH to get some of it and now I know! I am going to need a garden apron and this fabric is obviously perfect! Thanks for sharing!

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  3. Oh man, I totally love this! I just may have to make one for myself-- it looks super handy to have in the garden, and we're so ready to get out and get our hands dirty. Our community garden opens up next week, and I can't wait to get out there! I love the details you added-- especially the folded fabric under the band, and the 2-tone ties. So creative!

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