Skull Happy Cocktail Apron

40's and 50's housewife fashion is tragically adorable. Sitting at home by myself this past weekend, yards of black and silver skull fabric hanging out in my craft box and no internet to speak of, I was compelled to sew a gothic cocktail apron.

What could be better than spooking-out such a nostalgically happy fashion statement? You just need 1/2 a yard to a full yard of excess fabric (depending how how big and how many pockets you want). Holiday prints are always for sale, even if they aren't always on-sale.

And cocktail aprons=super easy sewing projects. Great for beginners looking to make something neat!

I found my pattern over at pattern bee and adapted the lengths to suit my tastes, but if you don't like the style or despise pockets you could try out this step-by-step tutorial or go to eHow for an entire series of videos. I made the body and trim of my apron from plain black cotton I had lying about, and did the pockets in my silver-skull fabric.

I don't really remember the measurements other than that I cut the apron 26" wide and gathered the top under the waistband to about 20" -- I mostly just cut it to feel, laying it out and testing as I went. The borders/trim/waistband/ties are all about 1 1/2" wide. I cut my waistband and the ties long enough to tie in the back or wrap around and tie comfortably in the front.

Not very precise, I know.

Now I just need to make a vintage dress and tulle petticoat to wear with high heels around the kitchen while baking creepy cupcakes. ;)