Light to medium weight cotton. ***I would highly recommend using coordinating fabrics from one collection for that "boutique" look***

I used City Dogs in Orange and Stripes in Orange from Lightening Bugs and Other Mysteries by Heather Ross for Free Spirit (this fabric is no longer being produced, but still available at some online shops, see this post: Where To Find: Heather Ross - Part 3 - Lightening Bugs & Other Mysteries)

::Notions::

1/4 inch elastic band, optional interfacing

::Did finished project look like photo?::

Yes!!

::How were the instructions?::

Very, very easy to follow with many helpful diagrams. The diagrams were most helpful when getting through the potentially confusing parts of construction. I actually never felt "stuck" at any time when putting this together.

::Construction notes::

Everything went together very easily. Most challenging: Gathering the (optional) ruffle for the bottom of the apron. I don't think the ruffle is optional, though, as it really makes the apron look finished and professional.

::Any changes?::

No.

::Likes/Dislikes::

I really like how professional this apron looks after it's all put together. With well-coordinated fabrics you really can't go wrong!

::Recommend it?::

Yes! A great project for beginning sewers who are ready to tackle gathers as well as an easy project for advanced sewers who could whip this out in no time.

::Conclusion::

A really nice project for gifts and charity auctions or just to wow people with your skill!

Pattern is available for purchase at the following online shops:

The Fabric Shopper is signing off for the long holiday weekend (I have a 2-year-old birthday party/Easter brunch to prepare for -yikes!) I'm leaving you with some lovely spring-like and Easter projects from around the blogoshere.

Next week I will be working on making some improvements to the site and introducing some new features. I will probably be posting sporadically about sales and such while I work on the technical stuff behind the scenes. What to expect? A faster loading site (cross fingers!), a shop directory categorized by country and types of fabric, a message board to post what you're looking for to see if myself or others have seen it and where (and other discussions can be posted as well) and some surprises! In the next few weeks expect to see some new types of posts, as well, featuring tutorials, pattern reviews, fabric in use and more. Don't worry, the posts I currently do won't be going anywhere! If you have any thoughts or ideas, please feel free to leave them in the comments.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!