Busy

It's that time of year in which I don't sleep. I sew.

Last January a friend of mine requested an apron. And I -- can't believe I'm going to confess this -- put it on the backburner until now. It was totally an accident. You know how it goes, "I'll start that just as soon as I finish this order." Then the next invoice comes and you don't do it, but you say, "I'll start that just as soon as the pool closes." Then the weather gets chill and you're still not even started, you gasp, "Oh gosh, I have to do my Halloween costumes, first." Next thing you know, the gal turns 40 and you're faced with a deadline.

Good things happen when I'm under deadline, that's all I'm saying.

Delantal de Sandia

Squeeze a little Betty Draper into your daily grind with this endearing accessory. I'm not sure an apron this cute is necessary when exercising your creative prowess in the kitchen, but if you're going to wear one, why not pick a cute one? Sewn from a sturdy cotton twill fabric, the apron is designed with a fitted bodice, but an adjustable waist tie and neck tie that ensures a good fit around your middle and neck. Machine-washable for when you spill Watermelon Margaritas down the front.

Just Add Butter

Nothing cures a sewing slump like a fresh apron assembled for a friend. But sometimes I have a hard time letting them go.

Book Review: Sew Liberated

I know you've seen Meg McElwee's book on shelves. It's the fun and much talked about, SEW liberated. As it self proclaims it has 20 projects that are meant to be stylish and not church-bazaar-ish. I finally had a chance to read through and scour the pictures. It's made for some thoughtful planning on my end and some project list building that will keep me busy well into next fall.

I would describe this book as a resource for the beginning sewing enthusiast who is looking for cool things to make while practicing all-important skills. On a whole the projects are fun and McElwee's whimsical sense of style is evident in her fabric choices and pattern flourishes.

The Teacup Corset Apron pattern is darling -- even if it smacks of Simplicity 2932. And while I'm a big fan of the looks of the Blossom Blouse, it is a straight up a rip off of Simplicity 3835. Repeat sentiments of the Petit Artiste Smock. I'm just saying...

Most original project is the camera bag. Namely because I can't imagine doing that for myself. But, now that I think about it, it's a great idea. (Nothing says, "steal me" like my gigantic Canon gear bag.)

Finally, if you want to make things easier on yourself... and you're thinking of making a little chef's hat, please buy Simplicity 3650. Lest you think this is a Simplicity ad, it's not. I'm just thinking that when a Simplicity pattern is on sale for 99-cents, you should pick it up, and just check this book out from the library for use as good fabric choice ideas.

Art Aprons For Kids

This colored pencil apron is perhaps the easiest pattern, ever. It's really just layers of fat quarts but has a knack for keeping creative fingers busy. I've been using them as birthday and Christmas gifts for all the budding artists in our lives. I've been filling the Aprons with everything from flashcards to playdough to 6 colored pencils and a small pad of paper.

Approximate Measurements:
8"x22", plus apron strings
Will fit most children sizes 2T-5T, shown tied on an adult sized dress form.

Real Men Cook

I just finished four chef sets for auction at a school fundraiser. (Auctions make me nervous, what if no one bids!?!??!) Before I sent the four little sets away I asked the boys to show them off.

The aprons are very high quality home dec weight "homespun" that resemble gingham. The hats are trouser weight poplin. I made my bias trim, as always, and I used a fairly heavy cotton. The result was that all the corners and stitches laid really flat and I love them.


This is an apron pattern I whipped up on my own (though you really can't take credit for something this simple) and the chef hat is from Simplicity 3650. I have used the pattern many times, but only for the chef's hat. Some day I'll branch out and make the cowgirl outfit... I hope.

I employed my cover stitch (on the serger) liberally on this project. I'm so pleased with the results. It sped things up from a production stand point and I like the finish on the hat -- see the picture. I also used my ruffler foot to create the gather in the hat this time. In the past I've just gathered it by hand. I LOVE my ruffler. Use it every chance I get, now.


Stay tuned because I finished Cooper's Halloween costume. It's a riot. I just need to photograph him in it. Also, up to my neck in another project, also for Halloween. Hot pink jacquard. That's all I'm saying.

A Little Preview: April 4

The rumors are true, I'm having a little show with a few of my artist friends on April 4. Here is a preview of some of the items I'm showing...

Mini Me Aprons: Jillaroo, too and x-mas mini

I made these mini aprons to match these aprons.These are headed to an area art market. I've got to sew at least one thing a day to get ready for it. I've never done anything like this -- actually sold anything -- so it will be a learning experience. If nothing else I will bash my stash.

Mini Me Aprons

I made two more aprons. These were for a pair of sisters (my cousins). One is a tween and the other 2. Here I am pictured (being remarkably silly at that) in one of the aprons because my Aunt -- who is my husband's age -- asked me to pose with her youngest daughter.


The aprons were the same Butterick pattern, but just another version, as the Christmas apron and Jillaroo apron I made earlier this week. I love these because they are completely reversible. They are a little flouncy and not the type of apron I personally would like to wear (because I have me some child bearin' hips).

Overlock Project: 2 Aprons

I know what you're thinking... does she even sew anymore. Well, I have been slowing down because I've taken a break to get acquainted with my new Bernina Overlock/Coverstitch Server. (It's wonderful.)

I took a few mastery classes and I've been trying to practice everything we learned in class. Now I'm really starting to understand where I can use it to improve my sewing projects. I just finished two aprons and to attach the ruffle I used an overlock stitch (but no cutting edge). I also put my ruffler foot to use. Those are useful, but I'm still learning how to judge how gathered to make pieces and still work with a pattern.

The fabrics are pretty old, not sure what some of them are. The red is a moda (I think) and I think it's called Little Christmas. I have no idea where the cowboy fabric came from, but it was about $1 a yard (I kept the tag). The Christmas print is an Alexander Henry and it was $1 a yard at Hancock Fabric in Idaho Falls. I'm telling you those small towns clearance fabrics that are absolutely gobbled up around here.

These are headed to an area art market. I've got to sew at least one thing a day to get ready for it. I've never done anything like this -- actually sold anything -- so it will be a learning experience. If nothing else I will bash my stash.

Stylist Apron: II

I've decided to revisit the zippered pocket on an apron idea. This time I extended the pocket all the way across the apron. (I used a 22" zipper.)

Rock Star Stylist Apron with Zippered Pocket

I created this hot number for my stylist who complained that her aprons always catch hair in the pockets. That's gross! So, I designed a pocket with a zipper on the bottom. When it gets filled up, she can just unzip, dump out the unwanted, and zip it back up. Used a strange black vinyl that I found in the remnant bin and some fancy trim.
(The hammered brass clasp was from a notions grab bag at the local fabric store!)

How To Go Insane, A Tutorial

Start with a 74-cent vinyl tablecloth. Draw crude pattern for mini-sized apron and trace it 10 times on tablecloth. If you’re lazy, line up the bottom hem of each apron with the finished edge of the tablecloth – one less edge to finish for you.

Cut out all 10 aprons and prepare to sew them. Helps if everyone else in the house is sleeping. Nothing fancy, just fold over the vinyl (it’s a little like working with paper) and sew down on a ¼” seam. (ps – don’t finish the “arm holes”.) Don’t punch through the vinyl too much or you’ll just have a perforated piece of vinyl that rips easily along your exquisite seam.

Now for the bias tape. If you’re really smart you’ll miscalculate and cute and sew 1400 inches when you only need 700! Thank you very much Coach Seely, Coach Sarus, Coach Roberts, Coach Ricks (crappy math teachers – oh wait, that’s right they were COACHES). Cut your bias tape, run it through the bias tape maker (awesome invention), and iron.


Assemble all your favorite supplies, copious amounts of bias tape, finished-edge aprons, pins, measuring tape, and scissors. I used 70 inches of tape for each apron. So, measure the tape into 70 inch lengths and cut. Then pin to the aprons.


Now it’s time to sew. I made ½ inch bias tape so I had a pretty slim piece of tape going under the presser foot. To improve my margin of error, I shifted the needle over to the edge, rather than trying to line it up. Zip, zip, zip that tape through the machine and before you know it, you’ll have a little bitty apron.


A review of the measurements. The tape needed for the head space alone is about 20 inches of tape, plus about 6 inches across the top of the bib of apron (my kid’s head is 21 inches around… and so is mine). This makes for a fairly low hanging apron. But, if you thread the waist apron strings through it, it makes for a nifty little fit.


I drew my pattern. I started by measuring my little toddler from knees to nipples – if you will – and them measured him from elbow to elbow at the waist. Then I meandered a nice little curve from the widest point of the “elbow to elbow” measurement to a narrow little bib that was only about 6 inches across.

The estimated cost of these aprons was only about a quarter! That's 25 cents, folks. Canvas versions retail at places like Michaels and Hobby Lobby for $4.99.

Sono Occupata!

Birthday apron(s) is complete. Looks like two aprons; but it is one! That's right, I made it reversible.


The round pocket says, "Sono Occupata." Italian for, "I'm busy."



ps -- used scraps from fall Four Season's Quilt Swap

Bermuda Babe Apron, Amy Butler Pattern