how-to: Make your own custom lap apron for $20
(pink flowers optional)
Published by Cara February 3rd, 2008 in accessories, cold weather riding, how-to.
What do you get when you take a 60-inch round vinyl tablecloth, some scrap fleece material, a piece of nylon strap, some velcro, and several large stainless metal washers? If you guessed a homemade lap apron, you’re right!
I live in the desert, and despite popular belief it can get pretty darn cold in New Mexico. Our winters do not last long, but they are long enough to ruin prime scooting time. I was having a dilemma because I would like to be able to ride my scooter in the winter, but I freeze. I checked out the lap apron by Corazzo and the scooter skirt but I just couldn’t bring myself to spend the money. So, I decided to embark on a little creative journey to make my own inexpensive lap apron.I was thinking about some handlebar mitts fellow Scoodido, Elaine, made for her Vino 125. She used a checkered vinyl tablecloth. She was ready for cold weather (or maybe a barbecue).With Elaine’s project as my inspiration, I purchased a $3 flannel-backed vinyl tablecloth. It is hot pink with giant flowers. It looks like, well, a tablecloth. I had some fleece I purchased last year to make something or the other, some nylon strap, and velcro. I purchased several large stainless metal washers to round out my parts list.
I took the table cloth and folded one end over so that it would be long enough to go from my waist to the tops of my shoes. After some thought I decided I would use some nylon strap and velcro for the closure on my lap apron. To add some extra bulk and warmth, I wanted to line the inside with fleece. I bought the washers to sew into the bottom of the apron to give it some weight so it wouldn’t flap in the wind.
I dusted off my inherited (thanks, Mom!) 1973 Sears, Roebuck, and Co. Kenmore sewing machine. Firstly, I sewed the flap down so I could insert the nylon strap through it like a drawstring. Then I took my fleece and cut it to the size of the altered tablecloth. I sewed the fleece down around the edges leaving 3 small openings at the bottom to insert a washer into. The tablecloth already had a finished edge and the fleece didn’t ravel so I didn’t bother to finish the edge of the fleece. Can you tell I didn’t do very well in middle school home economics? The final touches were to add a D ring to one end of the nylon strap and velcro to the other end. I can loop the strap through the D ring and and stick the nylon strap to another piece of velcro attached to the waist of the lap apron. I sewed the metal washers into place at the bottom edge.
It DOES look warm, by golly, Cara!
Love it, Cara! The pattern is so very *you* and it matches your seat cover nicely. Now I’m extra-bummed that we missed the ride on Saturday - I can’t wait to see it in person!! Does it work well? Are you happy with it? Are you going to start your own business now?
Lisa in Abq
Cara - the moment I heard about your project I *had* to see it. I think it’s great! It’s fun and practical, and anyone can use any tablecloth they want. Some fabric stores sell tablecloth fabric by the yard, so if readers can’t find a tablecloth they like, they can go to their local fabric shop and see what they have in stock. That will probably be a little pricier, but they’ll have more options.
I look forward to hearing a report on how well it works through the season!
C
Cara- I am very impressed with your ingenuity! Your scooter skirt is adorable and matches your jacket so well. Do you have any photos of the process? I am tempted to make one myself…..I might go for a more autumnal look…..
And the visibility factor is amazing
PEEP! PEEP!
I’m so impressed! That is just gorgeous! Good job!
Wooooooooah!! Brilliant!
Nice job, I love to see people do things themselves. Way to save some money!!!
Susan,
No, I don’t have any photos of the step-by-step process.
I kind of fly by the seat of my pants when I make stuff and I do not have enough fore thought to take pictures. Ha. I can try to make a diagram or step-by-step instructions if you would like. Let me know.
I love it! It is so cool!