My Artisan Apron
When I had two small (ish) boys and worked from home in a little studio just off the kitchen, most days I found myself getting distracted by all the chores and housework and not really getting much work done. After much thinking I realised that if I had a work uniform I would feel and look like I was at work. So I designed and made my Artisan Apron and it is so lovely and pale and clean and embroidered and special that I don't clean the house or brush the dog instead of working because I don't want to spoil my pinny!

I made my (first) Artisan Apron in 2012 and you can see from the middle picture below as time has gone on I've added a lot of embroidered sayings and motto's such as 'she believed she could and so she did' and badges and bits of lace and buttons. Now when I put on my apron in the morning I feel creative and inspired and ready for work. And when I take it off I feel 'off duty' and that is a simply marvellous feeling.

My Artisan Apron is inspired by a vintage pinny and has curved seams, pockets and a cross-over back. The curved and cross-over shape of the back pieces allow the apron to expand and flare out to allow for a wider variety of sizes to wear it. It is comfortable to wear and not that tricky to make either.

I was asked many times if I had a pattern, so in 2013 we released the first single size version and have since add eight grades to cover many sizes as well as a version for children. You can buy the patterns in my Etsy shop.

Making your Artisan Apron
The apron has been made and worn by ladies of many sizes and you can see lots examples on my Instagram feed if you search for #janetclareartisanapron. Here are some links to additional hints and tips videos and also some frequently asked questions.

Hints and Tips Videos
We have posted a few 'hints and tips' videos in an Artisan Apron Playlist on my YouTube channel. These videos give you a bit more visual guidance on some the key steps in the making process. The first video on alterations is a really good one to watch before you start anything!

Frequently Asked Questions
There are a number of questions that we are often asked – hopefully you will find the answer to yours below or in one of the videos. If not, please drop us a line at questions@janetclare.co.uk and we will do our best to help.

> Should I make a toile or mock up?
The apron shape, open style at the sides and crossover design which flares out very naturally is remarkably forgiving, it always surprises us and our customers when they try on the apron at shows! It is a loose fitting garment and this is why each grade covers an approximate range of sizes.

That said, if you want to be sure of the fit or are considering making some minor adjustments then please make a toile out of inexpensive fabric first as you would with any dress making pattern.

> What sizes does the pattern cover?
The curved and cross-over shape of the back pieces allow the apron to expand and flare out to allow each size in the pattern to cover a range of dress sizes. The chart below provides approximate sizing guidance.

> How much fabric do I need?
My apron is full lined, so you need fabric for the outside and the lining, nominally around 2m of each. However, it depends on the size and whether your fabric is plain or patterned and directional. The table below provides a guide.

For example to make a 3XL size using 45” wide patterned fabric for the apron and 60” wide plain fabric for the lining, you need 3m for the apron and 2m for the lining.

> What type of fabric should I use?
For my original Artisan Apron, I used an expensive medium weight cream linen to make the outside and for similar you can look here at The Cloth House, London (fab shop and walking distance from Liberty!). Beware, it was about £38/meter! This was lined with a much more reasonably priced 100% cotton.

However, I have made several aprons in my own Moda fabric lines, so Moda 100% cotton does work very well for the outer and lining.

We have also recently sourced some medium weight ivory colour linen and a 100% cotton yellow striped lining so you can make an apron similar in style to my original. Take a look in my Etsy shop for these and my Moda fabrics.

> Are there easy pattern adjustments I can make?
There are a number of simple adjustments that can be made to the pattern, just take care to consider the curved shaping.

• Remove the bust darts to allow for a fuller figure
• Add length to shoulders to lower the neckline
• Add width to the centre front by pinning pattern further away from the fabric fold to increase the size and width of neckline
• If you have narrow shoulders, or to reduce the size remove a little width from the centre front by placing the pattern off the folded fabric to narrow the neckline
• Decrease (or increase) the 1cm / 1/2 inch seam allowance for finer adjustments at the shoulders and apron edges