After Christmas comes down, I always crave that calm, quiet winter feeling. Not red and green anymore — just soft blues, whites, and cozy textures. I realized I didn’t have an apron that fit that in-between season, so instead of buying one, I decided to make my own using materials I already had on hand.
This project wasn’t about perfection. It was about using what I had, experimenting, and leaning into that homemade, slightly imperfect charm.
Using What I Had
I went through my old clothes and found a few pieces that worked perfectly together:
A very light blue plaid fabric (from old clothing) A baby blue sweatshirt-type material A long, light blue scarf with white polka dots Some leftover white fabric for detail A few cream and neutral buttons
All the colors stayed in that soft winter palette, which was exactly what I wanted.
Building the Apron Base
I cut the bottom portion of the apron out of the light blue plaid fabric. For the top portion, I used the baby blue sweatshirt material, which added a softer, cozier texture.
Once those two main pieces were cut, I sewed them together to create the basic apron shape.
Adding a Border Accent
I wanted something to help transition between the plaid and the solid blue and give the apron a little more personality. I took the long polka-dot scarf and cut it lengthwise into a strip. After ironing it flat, I used it as a border accent around the apron.
I sewed this strip on, and it instantly pulled everything together. The polka dots added just enough interest without overpowering the rest of the apron.
Apron Ties & Details
For the ties, I made simple fabric strings and sewed them directly onto the front of the apron. I did this both at the waist and at the top. I actually really liked how this looked — it created a soft visual transition from the plaid bottom to the light blue top instead of hiding everything in seams.
To add a little more function, I cut out a small pocket from the baby blue sweatshirt material and sewed it onto the plaid section of the apron.
A Simple Snowflake Design
To bring in that winter feeling, I added a snowflake detail at the top of the apron.
I used white fabric and drew a very simple snowflake shape — nothing complicated. I cut it out so it was made of narrow piece, then sewed it onto the light blue top section using light blue thread.
I didn’t finish the edges. I just sewed down the middle of the snowflake and left the edges raw. I’m not sure how well it will hold up in the wash over time, but honestly, I kind of like the rough, handmade look. It feels cozy and real.
To finish it off, I added:
One cream button in the center of the snowflake Two buttons where the apron ties attach, just for extra detail
And then… I called it done.
Final Thoughts
This apron definitely isn’t perfect. It’s a little rough around the edges, very homemade, and probably won’t win any sewing awards — but it has its own kind of cuteness. It feels cozy, wintery, and personal, which is exactly what I wanted for after Christmas.
I love projects like this because they remind me that handmade doesn’t have to mean flawless. Sometimes it just means warm, useful, and made with what you already have.
—Your Seasonal Crafter
Dandychandee 