Making the Apron for the Kyjov Kroj

I used black polished cotton for the apron. I selected a small stencil to use for the background design. Use fabric paint and follow the directions, you may need to wash the fabric first. Sarah and I have heard that in the Czech Republic young girls would embroider their aprons. They would start on the bottom row. This row is usually smaller, simpler designs. The next row, the designs get a little larger and more elaborate. I used iron-on embroidery transfers and transferred them to the fabric by tracing with white tracing paper. Only do a small area at a time because the white tracing design will rub off quickly. So far, I have only completed two rows of flowers on the apron but it is enough for Sarah to wear it. Our plans are to make the third row with Texas flowers: yellow roses, bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes. The horizonal lines are made by crocheting a simple chain stitch. The apron is tied with very simple flat cord. The ties of the apron are not designed to show, they are tucked in to the apron and covered with an elaborate ribbon belt.

As I finished the second row of flowers, I decided to put Sarah's initials worked in to the design. I traced an S and an M on to the fabric. When I removed the tracing paper I noticed the vine of the morning glory formed a C but this was perfect because Sarah's middle name is Christine.

Sarah has really learned a lot about the costume by helping me finish it. She loves to show it off and talk about it.