The bundle came with an e-pattern and an e-class. Like most patterns, yardage guidelines are included, this one for sizes 2-14. Mrs. Chancey encourages the use of binding made from the fabric chosen for the apron, and the yardage guidelines include that amount as well. For those who do not wish to make their own binding, she includes separate yardage amounts for fabric and purchased double fold bias tape. Because I never turn down a challenge, I purchased enough material to make our own binding tape.
After a trip to Hobby Lobby, where the calicos were 30% off, we returned home to begin. First I had to piece together the pdf pattern pages. Using my paper trimmer normally reserved for scrapbooking, I trimmed each page so they would align and then taped them together. This was extremely tedious and I had to call it a day after that step. 
Thankfully, the next step wasn’t nearly so tedious and I finished cutting out the pattern pieces, pinning them to the fabric, and cutting the fabric in about a half an hour. Because I wanted to avoid printing and piecing together the pattern pages, I cut out the larger size apron first, then the smaller size, so I could reuse the pattern pieces. She suggests tracing the pattern onto interfacing and cutting from that, but that seemed a little too much work to me, so when I make this again in a larger size, I will have to reprint and re-piece.
The next step is to either cut and sew the binding tape or begin sewing the apron itself. Although I’ve never made my own binding tape, I found her instructions, both written and verbal, very easy to follow and was pleased with the results. The only trouble I had was in the length needed on the larger apron. Initially, I thought I had made enough, but came up short as I was finishing the straps. Later I received an email that she had made an error and she sent out corrected length guidelines. It did not affect the smaller apron, and I am very pleased with the results of the fabric binding on that one.
The e-class, which consists of a Power Point presentation, an MP3 file, and links to video clips, is very helpful. Mrs. Chancey’s voice is pleasant and encouraging, providing explanations for steps not detailed in the pattern instructions. Because I am not a seasoned seamstress, I appreciated those extra details and reminders, such as reminding me to take out the pins as I sew and iron after each step. I could hear my mom in her instructions. For the first apron I relied on the e-class heavily, watching and listening for each step. Because of this, I took about 12 hours, working 1 to 2 hours at a time, to complete the first apron. The second one took only about 6 hours, spread over 3 days.
The actual sewing steps are primarily straight seams, with two spots that require gathering. The process was simple enough that my 7 year old sewed several of her seams on her own.
While I’m still undecided on the electronic format vs. the physical pattern, I am beginning to see the benefits. As I write this, I’m sitting at my in-laws home, 5 hours from our house. Mags wants to make a scaled-down version of the apron for an Elsie doll for her friend’s birthday gift. Although I don’t have my machine with me, I can print off the scaled down pattern and get the process started here. The e-pattern is definitely more flexible and convenient that the preprinted version.
While I may not switch entirely to making all our clothes by hand, I had fun making these and am curious about some of the other patterns available from Sense and Sensibility. Hmm, more visits to the fabric store may be coming up…
What we liked:
- The pockets are deep enough to fill with all the little things that my mini keepers at home need.
- The style is very feminine and flattering while still not making my girls look older than they are.
- The finished apron is sturdy enough that I don’t mind them wearing them while helping me in the kitchen, even if it means washing it after each cooking adventure.
What I would change:
- The straps a little too wide to tie in a bow, which is what Mags prefers. However, because we tie a simple knot, she is able to put it on and off without assistance.
- A little more instruction on binding the straps, especially mitering the corners, would have been nice.
The details:
Print pattern: $12.95
E-pattern: $7.95
Class and pattern bundle: $24.95
