Aprons make the perfect gifts!

Speaking of aprons, I thought I'd show the 5 I made last Christmas. One for Mom, one for Mom Pat, one for Brenna (sister-in-law), one for Grandpa Jim, and one for Mike (brother in law).

I used a different view from the vintage reprint Simpicity 3544 (PR review). I found the waistband to be odd, but it works.


This pretty plum print on ivory in the center was for my mother-in-law Pat. I used a vintage linen shower curtain for that apron, and I think it's my favorite. Check out the cool pockets and trim!




This orange and blue apron is for Brenna, my (almost) sister-in-law. Very vibrant colors, but I liked how they looked together.
I was worried the colors would be too extreme, but I really think they worked well. The crossover back with buttons makes this apron take a moment to put on, but the fit is very secure. I added extra buttonholes on the straps of all the aprons, so the recipients could adjust the size for best possible fit.






















Finally, the blue apron for my mom. I love the little flower applique. Mom's not the girliest girl, but I think she appreciates little decorations like this.
I also think the contrasting red ruffle and bias binding on the pocket really make it pop.

So you can see that 3 aprons from the same pattern can look very different with fabric choices, and a variety of embellishments.




















Next up, men's aprons!


My husband was kind enough to model McCall's 5366 (PR review). This is a water resistant rubber backed fabric perfect for outdoor grilling, for my Father in law.


The green checked cotton is underlined for durability. The shamrock applique is because hubby and his brother both have very high Irish pride. :)
I like this pattern enough that I know I'll make more, even for some of the ladies in the family since this is such a very practical apron!



Well, short post tonight, it's late. Had a very long day with my little one's last day of pre-school. Isn't she adorable in her "graduation" photo?
Grandparents came to watch the little show they put on, and everyone else is worn out and asleep.

My turn!

I won the Apron Sewing contest on PR!

Well, technically, I won the random drawing. But hey, I got a lot of votes, and I had recently made an awesome apron that I feel was a serious winner, so I feel great about it.
I get 5 Kwik Sew patterns, what a great prize! I'm very excited, and also having a hard time narrowing my list down to 5. Kwik Sew is probably my second favorite pattern company ever, so this is just a fabulous prize.

Here is the apron I made a few months ago, that I really feel could have won the votes if I had done it for the contest:

I know, I look super stuck up in that picture. :( Well, it shows the apron nicely. It is Simplicity 3544 (my Pattern Review here), a vintage reprint of 3 1940's and 1950's aprons.

And here is the apron I won the random drawing with:

This is Simplicity 2319, my Pattern Review. A really simple full body adjustable apron pattern. I spruced it up a bit with some appliques, ruffles, and contrasting fabrics. I have made this previously in the child size for Liz, and it's a great basic apron pattern.

I'm going to give this blue and red one to my mom for a late Mother's Day gift. I think the fit will be good, and they are colors she likes. She also wants one that is easier to put on than the one I made her last year. :)


So it has been a long time since I've posted anything, but in light of my many recent sewing projects, I thought I should start again.
I've decided to start sharing my sewing experiences, and other things as well. I don't have any followers yet, but maybe as I get better, there will be more things of interest here.
I'll try and post some of my recent projects int he next few days.