This is actually a skirt and not an apron. While I was making it, I thought this skirt was going to be the absolute cutest skirt you have ever seen. Hawaiian print and ruffles? I mean how cute is that? I couldn’t wait to finish it and try it on. As soon as tied it around my waist, I looked in the mirror and thought “I look like I’m wearing a Hawaiian apron”. A very puffy Hawaiian apron. Everywhere I looked there were ruffles. I felt like I was being swallowed up by big pink Hawaiian print ruffles.
I admit I went a little overboard with the number of ruffles I put on this skirt. I though, the more the merrier! The pattern is actually designed to have a flounce not a ruffle, and for good reason. Sometimes a ruffle is just too much. I ended up trimming a few inches off and it seemed to help. The ruffle was originally 6 inches long. It made the proportions of the skirt look awkward. It was too much ruffle and not enough skirt. I trimmed the length of the ruffle so it didn’t look so full, and then ironed it to try and tame the fullness. After I put on a shirt and pair of cute shoes it didn’t look to bad. It’s starting to grow on me.
I used Simplicity pattern 8606. It’s a great pattern and very simple to make. You can see in the picture it is designed with a flounce. I opted for the ruffle and, well, you can see the difference in the photos. I would definitely make this skirt again. It’s very versatile, and can be worn year-round. It would be great for fall in a plaid fabric, maybe something like this. The pattern is similar to Mccalls 7606. I used it to make this skirt and added a double flounce. Can you tell I like ruffles?
I think I bought this fabric at Joann’s but I can’t remember. I found it in a random box in the storage closet. I was looking for something else and there it was, stuffed in a box with some books. Clearly, I haven’t unpacked everything from the move. I love the print and it’s perfect for summer. The colors and the pinup girl motif are great, and it makes me want to plan a trip to Hawaii. I think the fabric would make a great Hawaiian shirt. I wonder if I could convince my husband to wear it? On a side note, the history of the Hawaiian shirt is pretty interesting. The idea behind the brightly colored shirts didn’t exactly originate in Hawaii. It has a lot of Asian influences. You can read about it here.
I’m going on vacation to the Outer Banks before the end of the summer. I’m packing my Hawaiian apron, er, I mean skirt, and we will see how it goes. If I’m out for lunch and someone asks me for their check I’ll know it really does look like an apron!
If your interested in your own Hawaiian inspired skirt but aren’t into sewing, or just don’t have the time to make your own you can always shop the look below.
Thanks for reading. Happy Monday.
Photos by: Chloejane Photograpy + Film