There's More to Life Than Aprons

There are so many wonderful people out in blog-land who freely share their ideas, recipes, patterns, stories, photography and in general, inspiration. I enjoy reading my favorites and I'm always discovering new ones to add to my list. But I also feel a bit of regret with each lovely blog I read. I regret that I haven't been adding to my blog on a regular basis. I decided some of the cause of that was that I don't find or make wonderful new aprons every day. So, even though this started as a blog specifically about aprons, I think that I will enjoy it more if I don't limit myself. If you have been kind enough to stop by and read some of my posts, I hope this decision will not disappoint you. My goal is to keep some record of my crafty life and perhaps I can return the kindness of so many bloggers and offer some inspiration. Here's just a bit of vintage loveliness that I recently acquired.

I'm Still Breathing

I know, it's been forever since I've added anything on here. I don't have any new aprons to show. My sewing room is a disaster with very little room to work. But I have been working on a couple of quilt tops. One is this fun Pinwheel Sampler Quilt Along with Rachel on her blog 'P.S. I Quilt'. Since I have a soft spot for Pinwheel blocks, I couldn't resist jumping in to play with a wonderful bunch of quilters. Here are my blocks finished so far.

The other is a row by row round robin quilt in one of my swap-bot groups. Each of the 11 people participating will send to each of the others a 6"x44" decorated strip in their chosen theme. I'm hoping with both of these projects to be using up some of my fabric stash. In the first round my partner had chosen her theme to be for her 4 year old son. Here's what I sent off for them.

Hopefully I will update soon on these projects and get some more aprons to show.

McCall's 1778

I have been wanting this pattern since the first time I saw it. Now I can finally make it for myself. I love the V-back and the scalloped side button closing. Wonderful details. Now to choose a fabric...this could take a while.

Also Not Aprons

Here are some of my art dolls. that I have made to swap. These were first inspired and named for Dot. Check out her blog for Dotee dolls and more.

Not Aprons♦♦

I just thought I might show a few things I've been making for swaps that are not aprons. Swap-bot and FlickR are just chock full of incredibly talented people who generously share ideas and inspiration. First, thanks to Jen Segrest for her great tutorial for these bottlecap pincushions. Be sure to check out all of her FlickR tutorials. These are the ones I made.




Next are these great little bags called Kidlets from Jennifer Casa. Quick to make with endless possibilities.


Next time Dotee dolls.

More of my Aprons

All of these are from McCall 1105 pattern.

My Pattern

I have been working on my own apron pattern to get exactly the look I want. My first attempt is the black & white apron. I was pretty happy with that. I made a couple of adjustments and tried different necklines and pockets. After one final change, I made the pink cupcake apron. I am very happy with the results. The apron is a one size fits most and the pattern fits on 1 yard of fabric! Three different necklines and any pocket design I can dream up, gives me the variation I love. I then went on to make the same in a child's size so that I can have Mommy & Me sets. I made my first draft (the blue and white apron), but I don't have a little girl to try it on. I think I'll try the library and hope some little girl will be my model.

I Hope She Got This

This is the apron I sent to my partner for the Hittin' the Trail cowboy apron swap. I truly hope it was received but I never heard anything from my partner. I was so pleased with the finished apron, I really hated to part with it. I'm glad I took so many pictures.

A Few More New Aprons

These are going to my craft show tomorrow. Any that don't sell will be listed on Etsy.

Long Time No Blog

What a busy summer! I have been sewing aprons, just not taking time to blog about them. Well, it's my favorite time of year and here are a few new aprons to go along with all the beautiful foliage here in New England.