Sew a Vintage-Style Apron with Chronicle Books (VIDEO)

We're excited to share a new video series, a CraftFoxes exclusive courtesy of the folks at Chronicle Books! In this first installment of the video series Get Crafty with Chronicle, you'll learn to sew a ruffle onto a vintage-style apron. Just check out the free apron pattern to get started.

The sewing pattern comes from the book, "Sewing Made Simple: The Definitive Guide to Hand and Machine Sewing" by Tessa Evelegh. Wouldn't this vintage apron make a great holiday gift for someone on your list?

Meet the Host
In this fun new video series, the people who are normally behind the scenes at Chronicle take their turn in front of the camera, as the hosts of a crafty how-to video! In this installment, Kate Breiting Schmitz, Business Manager for Chronicle Books, shows viewers how to add a ruffle to a vintage-style apron. We've asked her a few questions about her crafty background and what she thought about being in front of the camera.

Kate, how did you get started sewing?
I don’t actually remember learning how to sew — my mother must have taught me when I was a kid, but I can’t really recall when, so I must have been pretty young. My mom is an amazing quilter; she is always showing me new things she picks up at quilting festivals and workshops that she goes to; she’s started to make amazing quilted landscapes with lots of applique recently. My most prized possession is a quilted wall hanging that she made for me when I moved into my first apartment — people always exclaim over it when they come to visit me.

Were you excited to host a video and be part of Get Crafty with Chronicle?
I was so nervous! Normally I’m the behind-the-scenes numbers girl, so this was definitely outside of my comfort zone. But the director and crew made it into a super fun experience.

Were you more inspired to "get crafty" after seeing the book/project?
Absolutely — I was in a little bit of a crafting rut, so diving into "Sewing Made Simple" reminded me of some fun techniques that I had forgotten about (ruffles make everything better, right?). I’ve even started to knit a little again, after watching some of our other fun Get Crafty with Chronicle videos.

After you watch the video, make sure to check out the free apron pattern as well as the book "Sewing Made Simple" and get ready to get crafty with Chronicle.

Stay tuned for the next video in the series. It's all about felting knits, and we'll also announce a fun contest for our readers!