How Long Does it Take...

You may remember that I did a workshop on getting the most out of my Overlocker blogged about here. I decided I should put those skills to use before I forget them again.  I thought the gathering would be a useful technique, one I would most likely be using many times in the future.   First, what to make; where could I use some gathering?  This is where I started.

I chose to practice this technique on bias cut fabric (my sample from the workshop was stitched on fabric cut following the grain line). It seems to me there is little/no difference between the two.  I have used the gathering on a frill here and as you can see it works very well.  I also used the technique at the waist.

This apron is the end result of my practice session.   I didn't have a pattern.  I wanted to use the measurements from one I have which belonged to my mother but alas, it is no-where to be found so I designed my own.  To get a vintage feel I used a cotton gingham and ric-rac  I'm very happy with how this apron turned out and I will definitely use this technique again.

Who knew one small garment could take so long to finish.  When I started I thought it would be a quick couple of hours sewing, but NO.....!  Five days later and I have finally finished.   Do you have times when something small and simple seems to take forever?  Or is it just me?