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delia creates

review, sewing, women · April 21, 2016

Cross-Back Apron + Sewing Happiness Book Review

Cross-Back Apron + Sewing Happiness Book Review // www.deliacreates.com Cross-Back Apron + Sewing Happiness Book Review // www.deliacreates.com

I have been a sucker for full aprons since way back when I was still hoarding Martha Stewart Living magazines and collecting ripped out pages in an inspiration binder. When I was asked to sew something from Sanae Ishida’s new book, Sewing Happiness , it was no surprise to me that I gravitated right to this cross-back apron.

Cross-Back Apron + Sewing Happiness Book Review // www.deliacreates.comCross-Back Apron + Sewing Happiness Book Review // www.deliacreates.comCross-Back Apron + Sewing Happiness Book Review // www.deliacreates.com Cross-Back Apron + Sewing Happiness Book Review // www.deliacreates.com

Reminiscent of the Martha inspired aprons that I filed away years ago, I love it’s simple, yet gorgeously practical aesthetic.

Which pretty well describes most of the projects in the book.

Cross-Back Apron + Sewing Happiness Book Review // www.deliacreates.com Cross-Back Apron + Sewing Happiness Book Review // www.deliacreates.com

They are not without details, but they are delicate and understated….Simply beautiful!

In the beginning of the book, Sanae not only introduces you to her projects through pretty pictures, but she also weaves in a fascintaing story about how sewing healed her life. I cracked open her book, expecting to take just a few minutes to peruse the project list, but found myself many more minutes later captivated by the beautiful complexity of her story.

Cross-Back Apron + Sewing Happiness Book Review // www.deliacreates.com Cross-Back Apron + Sewing Happiness Book Review // www.deliacreates.com

I admit, I don’t often read the introductions in DIY books, but I was glad I took the time read this one. Her book reads almost like a memoir and sewing book rolled into one; and it is so elegantly, and authentically done.

She talks about the concept of wabi sabi, which is a Japanese term for finding beauty in imperfection. I love that. Sometimes it’s the imperfections that give a project that human, personal spark that make it more meaningful. Her book is definitely more than just a book full of tutorials. It’s an experience. You feel as if you are taking that healing sewing journey right along with her.Cross-Back Apron + Sewing Happiness Book Review // www.deliacreates.com

The fabric I used is this striped linen/cotton blend from Miss Matatabi. It’s excellent quality and lightweight, but still sturdy enough to hold up to multiple washings, scrunchings, hand wipings, etc.  It’s hard to see in pictures, but it has a lovely, understated shimmer and sheen to it. I love that it adds a bit of day time glam to this otherwise simple apron. 😉

Cross-Back Apron + Sewing Happiness Book Review // www.deliacreates.com

To break in my new apron, I made some of my favorite bread.

Cross-Back Apron + Sewing Happiness Book Review // www.deliacreates.comCross-Back Apron + Sewing Happiness Book Review // www.deliacreates.com Cross-Back Apron + Sewing Happiness Book Review // www.deliacreates.com

It’s my favorite, because a. it tastes good, but also because it’s pretty fool-proof to make; which is almost just as important. 😉

Cross-Back Apron + Sewing Happiness Book Review // www.deliacreates.com

You know what else is my favorite?

That I get to give away a copy of Sewing Happiness + $45 in coveted Miss Matatabi fabric to one lucky reader!!! 

Good right?

Cross-Back Apron + Sewing Happiness Book Review // www.deliacreates.com

Simply enter in the rafflecopter below. You must be a U.S. resident to enter. (So sorry international friends!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK!

Disclaimer: This book and fabric was gifted to me in exchange for this review. All opinions and content are honestly and genuinely my own! I feel honored to be able to be apart of Sanae’s tour to spread the word about her book and I always love me some fabric from Miss Matatabi. That needs no explanation. 😉 The winner is going to be one lucky sewist!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Annet M says

    April 21, 2016 at 5:45 PM

    I’ve never seen this style of apron before, without ties. I quite like it!!

    Reply
    • Delia says

      April 21, 2016 at 10:23 PM

      Isn’t it neat? It’s quite comfortable too.

      Reply
  2. kristin says

    April 21, 2016 at 9:56 PM

    aw so pretty, delia! i love these photos, and i agree about Sanae’s book. just beautifully written and photographed.

    Reply
  3. Anne Weil says

    April 22, 2016 at 7:26 AM

    I love this apron and your photos! Just gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Delia says

      April 22, 2016 at 12:28 PM

      Thank you Anne! <3

      Reply
  4. Charity says

    April 23, 2016 at 9:00 PM

    I love your photos! Gorgeous! As are you!
    I like the fabric you used for the apron… and what an interesting apron design!

    Reply
    • Delia says

      April 25, 2016 at 1:27 PM

      Aw thanks Charity! I know. I love it from a practical stand point especially. There are no ties to fuss with and it’s easy to fold and put in a drawer when not in use. And the way the shoulder straps lay, give great protective coverage. I can’t say enough good things!

      Reply
  5. Joy says

    April 25, 2016 at 1:48 PM

    Beautiful but very functional

    Reply
  6. Chris says

    April 29, 2016 at 10:46 AM

    THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!! because I am “big boned” (read as full breasted) I have a hard time using an apron that will fully cover all of me. This will solve that problem quite nicely. So Grateful

    Reply
    • Delia says

      May 2, 2016 at 12:22 PM

      Don’t thank me. Thank Sanae! 😉 She really did design a great apron, didn’t she?

      Reply
  7. Ellen says

    May 13, 2016 at 7:29 AM

    This is such a lovely book & heart-warming story! I need an apron like this for work, so will be adding it to my summer seeing list.

    Reply
    • Delia says

      May 13, 2016 at 9:40 AM

      It really is. Happy sewing! 😉

      Reply
  8. Beth says

    July 3, 2016 at 5:25 AM

    I am plus-size. In the book does the author include any instructions for making a larger size apron? These Japanese aprons are sometimes considered one size but that’s only true to a point. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Delia says

      July 6, 2016 at 2:10 PM

      Great question Beth. She lists sizing for S, M, L. I sewed up the size small and it’s still roomy. I think the fit is very forgiving for a broad range of sizes. I don’t see any plus size instructions but, I think that you could easily size this apron up by winging it. I would safety pin the straps in place before adding the casing, to get correct placement before sewing, but other than that, I think it would be easy. I hope that helps?

      Reply
  9. jess says

    July 6, 2016 at 1:24 PM

    I love this apron and the fabric too. While I wait for my book to arrive, can you tell me how many yards the apron took?

    Reply
    • Delia says

      July 6, 2016 at 2:05 PM

      Sure! You need 2 yards for all adult sizes. I hope that helps! <3

      Reply
      • Jess says

        July 7, 2016 at 1:43 PM

        Thanks! I was a fool and only ordered 1.5 m (I had to have that same gorgeous striped linen), but I’ll make it work just the same. ? You are so darling in your apron – I can’t wait to make mine!

        Reply
  10. Dani Gajdosik says

    December 27, 2020 at 10:55 AM

    Can I obtain the pattern only for this apron?

    Reply
    • Delia says

      December 30, 2020 at 3:34 PM

      You have to buy the book for this pattern, but my friend Adrianna from Hey June Patterns just came out with a similar free pattern that is really pretty.

      Reply

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