Like magic, what you see above transforms from a simple fabric-wrapped package…

…into THREE gifts: a handmade apron, a cookbook and a pair of chopsticks as a cute little extra!

I call this little gift bundle The Apronook (apron + book = hee!). I put it together for my friend Connie who likes to cook (and loves sushi!). I initially just wanted sew her something with some sushi fabric that I’ve had in my stash for years now. But the project sort of took on a life of its own and became something else entirely. When you’re deep into crafting and the muse takes hold of your curls, you just have to go where it leads.

Remembering how Connie and I have spent many cooking sessions together, I thought an apron would be a thoughtful, quick gift to make. And quick it was! This thing, pockets and all, took just an hour to make.

I first drew a pattern on some grocery bags from my own apron. (Yes, my apron has pugs on it. It’s odd, but I love it!) Of course, you can free-hand this too and just cut around your existing apron with about ¼ inch all around, but I’m kind of er, anal, about sewing so I had to do a pattern.

I added about ¼ inch to the apron’s outline, knowing I would turn down that much as my hem. Then I just basically sewed a hem around the edges, taking care to tuck in a piece of hemmed fabric tacked to the front as a panel for pockets. I sewed a line down the middle of the flap to bisect it into two pockets on the front.

The project was over so quickly that my mind started to think about how else to stretch it to its crafty potential. Seeing how the apron was sushi-themed, I thought it would be great to wrap a book in it, and decided to test my theory with one of my own books from my cooking libraby.

I figured out how to wrap the book in the apron by positioning it so the waist ties are somewhere around its middle and can serve as a ribbon that ties everything together.

I tucked the top half of the apron over the book, and the bottom half thereafter.

I folded the right side over and pinned it to the folds under to anchor it. If you decide to do this, make sure to slip the pin’s point under the fabric to avoid ouchies!

Then I did the same to the left, and pinned to anchor as well.

After turning the book over, it looked like this, with the two waist ties sticking out from the middle, one on each side.

Then I tied those into a bow.

And thought, maybe, as a final touch and in keeping with the Asian food theme, it would be great to include some cute chopsticks. Isn’t that neat?

Think of all the crafty possibilities with other kinds of food-themed fabric, finished off in true culinary style with a wooden spoon or spatula slipped behind the bow. Or this can be a crafter’s apron too, especially if your friend works with paint, and include a new pair of scissors or a paintbrush for an artistic flair.

I hope this gives you ideas on the next crafty gift you can make for family or friends. A little handmade love goes a long way. Happy Apronookin’!