We get so many amazing Maven Makes sent to us that we want to share even more indepth versions of your makes and story with our community.
First up we’ve got Maria, a long-time friend of Mrs M and of course, the Maria Apron’s namesake. Maria Thomas is an exhibiting textile artist and lecturer and we bonded on the school run over our love of denim, a love of stitch and a loathing of cooking the tea.
Maria’s work focuses on rehousing everyday objects that have a specific association or meaning to her. Notions of motherhood, shopping lists, food wrappers and graphic packaging – offering assistance to domestic chores – are carefully sourced, cut out and stitched before being absorbed into the fabric by patchwork and quilting techniques. Shaping memories and experiences into her own visual language Maria’s work is a response to the events of her daily life.
Do you find yourself reaching for the Maria Wrap a lot?
Yes. I have two finished aprons that I use a lot, and several half done, waiting for their moment! The first one I made in a dark-denim chambray fabric, this is my mucky one that I wear for my dye and print classes. The other, I have made in the MM large indigo polka dot fabric and I wear it to give talks or when I’m teaching a less messy workshop like hand embroidery. I love that it’s effortless to wear, its large pockets and there’s no straps to tie.
How many have you made so far?
I’ve made around 15 aprons, some to wear and some as part of my textile art.
The Maria Apron was named after you! Why do you think that is?
Mrs M and I met on our local school run, gravitating towards each other through a joint love of fashion & textiles. We spent many a tea time musing over clothing design and avoiding the fish fingers. So when she announced that the apron was going to be one of her pattern collection I couldn’t have been more enthusiastic and offered to toile and test the pattern in its early stages, which I did with pleasure.
Any tips for a first-time Maria Apron maker?
Use a mid weight natural fabric like Chambray or linen. Always wash your fabric first to avoid shrinkage and defiantly toile the pattern in your size first. An old duvet cover is perfect for this, if you haven’t got any calico.
How have you personalised your Maven Pattern?
I have edged the straps and hem of my aprons in a self-made bias binding. Sometimes I appliqué a spoon or denim pocket taken from a pair of jeans to them instead of the original pocket. I’ve also used the apron pattern in various ways to create ‘Seven Sisters’, a piece of work inspired by my grandmothers and their sisters, who all wore aprons at one time or another.
Many thanks to Maria for being our first Maven Maker, and for being a constant source of inspiration and joy!
You can follow Maria on instagram HERE
Thank you to 
You will have cut one pair of TOP STRAPS (has a single notch) and a pair of UNDER STRAPS (has a double notch). The under strap is slightly narrower than the top strap so that the seams roll to the underneath and not show on the front and give a professional finish!
For each strap: Place one under strap and one top strap with RST and stitch together along the longest seam with a 6mm SA. (it doesn’t really matter if you stitch the other seam first, but do try to be consistent!)
Press the seam flat and then press SA towards the under strap.
With RST close the other seam and press flat.
Turn the strap through to RS.
Press the SA towards the facing and understitch. Gently press the armhole without stretching.
Lay your apron body on a flat surface and place the straps as in the photo above. Make sure you use the double notches (marked in pink) to get the correct strap to the correct back.
Use one pin to hold each strap in place.
Take the strap on the right and pin to the opposing front position.
Place the straps to the apron with RST (check your notches are still at the same end).
Place the strap right next to the facing – make sure it is at the 6mm stitchline point that you are concentrating your effort on (SEE THE RED ARROW ABOVE!). Pin to hold.
Wrap the facing around the end of the strap, so the SA and stitching will be to the wrong side of the finished apron.
Pin the facing to the body.
Place the front straps and apron body RST, slide the strap underneath the facing and keep the facing out of the way!
Nestle the front strap right up to the facing at the 6mm SA/stitchline point and pin or machine baste strap in position.
Wrap the facing tightly around the strap. Pin, keeping the SA and stitching on the same side as the facing so it will be to the inside of the finished garment. Repeat for the other front strap.
Use a 6mm SA and stitch across the front facing. Trim at each corner to reduce bulk.
