Quick! June's nearly done give-away

I can't believe I forgot about the monthly give-away for June.

Up for grabs is a mystery apron. It could be one that I've made, or it could be one that I've picked up at a sale.

To enter, leave a comment and tell me what is your favorite color in the whole wide world.

Drawing ends Monday at noon. Good luck!

Better late than never give-away

It seems like I promised a give-away and then promptly forgot about it. Shame on me.

This one's going to be quick with the drawing to be held tomorrow, 5/31 (I'm trying to stick to the once a month thing).

Up for grabs, one very cute (if I do say so) cat themed apron. One side is cats of all different colors and the reverse is "Meow" in black on white.


The next goody is just a little something from the sewing room. It could be a spool of thread, a package of needles, or a whole box of stuff. I'm not sure yet, but don't let that keep you from entering.

Now, go leave a comment so we can put your name in the drawing.

Sew-a-thon results

I wish I had more to show you. I feel like I spent most of my time fussing with the serger or picking out stitches. I emptied two spools of thread and that made me feel like I accomplished a little bit.

This is the little quilt I made to practice free motion quilting. The good news is, it's not my machine that's the problem. It's me and I just need to practice.
Quilt along week 5 block. This is my least favorite block. It gave me ten kinds of fits. I also sewed up 5 more joining blocks for the Seeing Stars quilt. Now I've got one joining block for each star block and feel caught up.

I can't show you the apron I finished, because it's going to a friend and she might visit.

I drafted pattern from an apron I picked up and started sewing it together. It's nearly finished.

I didn't get to the baby blanket or the many other things I wanted to work on. Somehow 12 hours of sewing just isn't enough.

And the winner is...

I just want to thank everyone for entering the drawing and wish that I had an apron for each of you.

Here we go. All of the names piled in a bowl.

A grubby little boy hand reaching in the bowl.

A grubby little boy hand pulling out a name.

The grubby little boy picked this name.

Congratulations Schnauzermom! Send me your address and I'll get this in the mail.

Tax relief give-away

Do you have your taxes done? I don't.

Tax season is stressful for the best of us, never mind those of us that leave it until the very last nanosecond.

I thought I might have a give-away so that we can have something to look forward to in the coming crunch days. A light at the end of the tax tunnel perhaps.

So run and leave a comment to have your name entered in the drawing. One entry per person please. The winner's name will be announced on April 15th.

Oh, you want to know what the something is? Well, okay.

How about an apron?

I had this up on Etsy and it didn't sell in 4 months so it's out of here. This is Cream of the Crop, a reversible apron with a brightly colored vegetable print on one side and a more subdued blue on blue floral print on the other. I love this apron almost as much as my apple apron, but it needs a new home.



Now, go sign up.

A Rose for Monday

I ran across a set of dish towels my granny embroidered. Somehow I'm missing Wednesday.

It's cloudy and cool here today. The kind of weather that makes you want to curl up with a couple of cats, a blanket, and a good book. Unfortunately, I have class off and on all day and so snuggling with the cats will have to be postponed.

If you want to join Apronista, send me an email and I'll invite you or you can try here.

DH took my dressform and fixed her base. One day during the move from the guest room to the sewing room I shut the door a little too hard and she fell off her base. We knew it was only a matter of time before she'd have to be re-welded and I guess that was the day. It was quite comical to watch him trying to wrestle with her on the floor of the garage while trying to weld. He won the wrestling match and now she's back to being upright again.

Now that she's fixed, I dressed her in aprons and we had a photo shoot. She's a tempermental model though. I'd ask her to stand still and darned if she wouldn't turn just a little to the left or right.

Find more photos like this on The Apronista

What a week!

Boy, this week has been busy. I finally changed my header. I need to try again I think. LOL.

DH started his new job and loves it. I was so glad to see him excited Monday morning instead of grumping around about going to work. We're on day five and he still loves it. He went from working in a 34 degree room to being outside, working with his hands, and using his brain. It was big change and so worth the cut in pay to do it.

I found a new place to play and make friends. Go check it out. I haven't had a chance to do much over there yet, but hope to soon.

My new glasses came. When I picked out these frames I didn't realize that the hump from a broken nose a hundred years ago made the frames sit crooked. If I put them on and balance them just right they're straight. Oh well. Nobody ever sees me in my glasses anyway.

There hasn't been any time to craft lately. I started going through my scrap bag last night, sorting and decided to make up a few yo-yo's.

I've been to the post office and Danetta should be getting her box-o-junk soon.

A swing by the thrift store netted me another old apron and two McCoy planters.

I have been out bonding with my dirt and I'm still amazed at how digging in dirt lifts my spirits and can banish a bad mood.

Mom took me anniversary shopping this afternoon and I came home with three crepe myrtle (pink, red, and white), two regular and a dwarf.

I also came home with this beauty.

Every year, Mom buys me a rose for either our anniversary or my birthday. Every year she thinks she's getting a yellow rose and it ends up being something else. This year by golly, she knows it's yellow. It's a climing rose and I have the perfect place for it.

In other garden news, the grape vines are putting out leaves, the lilac is beginning to bloom, tulips are blooming, and the red bud is in full bloom.

I sometimes wonder what I've done since we bought this house. All I really have to do is walk around the yard and my question in answered. Part of the appeal of this house was the yard, but it didn't have any flowers, ornamental trees, or charm. I'm slowly getting there.

I'm wishing a happy, safe, and blessed weekend to each and every one of my dear readers.

Linen corner

I had a small spurt of decorating inspiration this morning.

With the wringer attached to the washtub, we now have a place for vintage aprons and a washboard. I'm not sure I'll have room for the ironing board, assuming I ever find it.

Sadly or gladly, depending on whether or not you're doing the laundry, I found another box with runners, doilies, embroidered items, and flour sacks. I found the rug beaters that started the whole search, but they'll be show-n-tell another time.

I had found 2 yards of blue ticking patterned fabric a while back. I washed it before noticing a couple of stained spots which didn't come out. Right now it's in a bucket being tea stained. I hope to make curtains out of it.

Latest acquisitions

The best bargain of the day. This Pyrex flask sells for anywhere between $145 and $160. We use them in chemistry lab and have a very real fear of breaking one and having to pay for it. I'm going to use it to root plants.

















Remember hankie babies? I had one when I was little.













6 yards of this fabric.













Dritz skirt marker. It looks brand new.


















A smock apron with huge pockets and buttons in the back.

Goodies I've found lately

I promised to share pictures of my most recent thrift shop finds. In addition to a denim jacket, a bag of lace/eyelet trim and two old aprons, here's a bit of what I found.

Butterfly quilt blocks to applique, $1.50. There are 27 of these and another 20 or so cut. One of these days I'm going to come across a whole quilt and not one I have to make myself. LOL.













A felt tree skirt that begs for embellishment, 25 cents. If you click on it please ignore the lint and thread on my floor. Obviously I should be cleaning house instead of posting here. :)













Five 100% wool sweaters, 50 cents each. I'm going to make a felt bag if it's the last thing I do.













An entire bag full of jar decorations, $1.00.
Valentine theme: two different hearts, LOVE, and a teddy bear.

















Halloween theme: black cat, ghost, jack-o-lantern, and witch.

















Fall theme: corn, leaf, scarecrow, and turkey.

















Easter theme: bunny, carrot, Easter egg, pot of tulips.

















Christmas theme: Santa, snowman, gingerbread man, and tree.

















An Atlas Strong Shoulder pint canning jar complete with zinc lid, 50 cents. The buttons are also a thrift shop find. I think those were a dime. There aren't very many yet.

















The thrift shop is changing. Someone new is doing the pricing and I've noticed that the deals aren't so good anymore. A 25 cent apron is costing 50 cents to a dollar now. A little bag of trim that use to be 50 cents is now up to a dollar or more. I know that doesn't seem like much, but I'm a tightwad.

Rumor has it that someone working there is getting first choice on stuff and she pays minimum price for it and then puts it up on Ebay. While I suppose there isn't anything wrong with it, it doesn't seem quite fair if you know what I mean.

It's going to be interesting to see how the shop does once all of the good deals are gone. One of the ladies that works there said that people don't seem to buy anything any more. I remarked that the prices had gone up and she agreed that things were priced too high and she had tried to tell them, but they think it's a good idea. Maybe, maybe not.

Handmade breakdown

The rosy glow of Christmas is nearly over at my house. Wrapping paper is picked up and I think I've found all of the bows that the cat got off with.

I took the handmade pledge this year and made a bunch of our gifts. I have to say, it sure beats fighting the crowds and is a lot more fun. I plan to do even more next year.

This year's handmade gifts included:
14 aprons
3 dolls
6 scarves
1 baby blanket
20 Morsbags
needle book
4 pairs of sleep pants

That's what...49 gifts...all handmade. Out of those 49, only one recipient was an ungrateful brat and one of my nephews was mad that I didn't make him an apron too.

Now, the bad news is that I didn't get pictures of most of this stuff. I'd think about it and then get distracted by something shiny and completely forget. I'll have to see if everyone will send me pictures of them using their handmade gifts.

My only regret is not starting a lot earlier. I need to start thinking about it in February or March at the latest and get a plan together and then get busy making gifts.

A day spent doing

Finished this apron. Cat print on one side, 'Meow' on the other. This one's on Etsy.















A primitive, needle-felted sheep. I'm trying to make a pull-toy. Isn't he ugly? I love him. He looks well-worn. I used black, brown, natural, and a bit of white roving.

I'd better get back to making little britches.

Aprons on Etsy

I talked it over with my mom and the apron I made for my sister just isn't going to fit her.

I listed two aprons just a bit ago, the one I made for sis and the blue/veggie print.

The ugliest apron ever

Okay, here's the ugliest apron ever. Ignore the grumpy looking old goat. He was ironing and I interrupted him. He wouldn't let me tie the apron so he's holding the strings in the back. This fabric has little snowmen all over it.

















Wait! Where did the grumpy guy go? I tripped over a cat and nearly fell. That's why he's smiling. Again, he wouldn't let me tie the strings. Men!

















I thought about sending a really pretty apron for the white elephant exchange and then decided that after 12 years of receiving half-burned candles and 20-year-old boxes of candy as gifts, an ugly apron was appropriate.

Did a little sewing

After my Friday posting binge, I got busy sewing on Saturday.

I finished my sister's, the chef-to-be, apron. It turned out pretty cute.

I'm worried it's not going to be enough coverage. This particular pattern is reported to fit size 4-24. I don't believe it. I'm tempted to get more of these fabrics and go with the Qwik Sew pattern that I know would cover well.

Anyway. Here's the recipe side.

















and the olive side.

















I started on the flannel sleep pants for the kids. If I had known how ridiculously easy this pattern was (Simplicity 3669), I would have cut out all four pairs at once. As it is, I only cut out one. These little britches were 35 minutes from the time I cut them out to hemming the last leg. It doesn't go much faster than that.



















I've decided I'm sizing impaired. I got both kids and measured them and came up with all kinds of odd stuff.

Caitlyn's size according to measurements: Height (size 6), waist (size 10), hips (size 7).

Sam's size according to measurements: Height (size 8), waist (size size 12), hips (size 7).

My scientific way of sizing was to take the three sizes and average them. I came out with a 10 for Sam and an 8 for Cait.

I had both kids try on the purple pants and they fit both in the waist and hips. The length was good for Sam, but Miss Shorty Britches needs about 4 inches cut off.

That doesn't look like much for all of the effort I put into yesterday.

Unfortunately, it's cold and the kids can't go out so they have cabin fever. I don't need them any sicker than they already are or I'd poke them out the door and wave as they headed for the treehouse. I broke up fights and separated kids most of the day. Definitely not how I like to spend my time.

Pictures as promised

All kinds of doll patterns.













Six yards of this one...













and six yards of this one. It's not really this purple in person.











Old red and white apron.














This one is going to Etsy. Veggies on one side and blue floral on the other.

I did it!

I actually did some sewing today.

Mom came and got the kids about noon, so I went in my little room, shut the door, and locked it.

I managed to get a reversible apron made. This one's going on Etsy. I think it's pretty cute. Once again, a new pattern and there was a learning curve. I'm a slow learner.

DH heard me talking about wanting a dress form so he's buying me one as a late birthday present. The one I want is cute, nothing that could actually be used as a dress form, more as a decoration. The best part, it's $35. I should have it sometime after Thanksgiving. While I would love to have a real dress form, I just can't see spending $100+ on one so I can hang an apron on it.

I think I'll name her Ingabo Mazel Barthena Zerilda, IMBZ (I'm busy) for short, after four of my grandmothers.

Boy am I glad my parents liked me and didn't name me after my grannies.

I spent a little time thrifting this morning and found a cute little red and white apron for a quarter and a bunch of patterns similar to the one that Sue sent me.

Fabric, boy did I find fabric. Six yards of homespun for $5 and another 6 yards for $6. One of them will make a really cute tree skirt.

Pictures of this mess tomorrow. Night all.

Green floral apron

I decided I was going at this apron the wrong way.

Why wad the apron up and throw it in the corner when the instructions are the problem?

I took those instructions and crammed them in a drawer and just did what I wanted with the apron.

It turned out okay. It could use some adjustments on the straps in the back, but otherwise, it's a cutie.

It looks better on a body. The inset at the bottom is ruffled and because I haven't ironed it yet, it hangs a little funny. I either need a dressform or a model.

Taking time to regroup

I'm having a bad crafting day and finally turned off the light and shut the door. It's time to regroup.

I'm still plugging away on the apron. I'm not terribly bright sometimes, but somebody goofier than me wrote those instructions.

I swear, I've alternated between tearing my hair out, taking out stitches, and stomping. At one point I wadded the whole mess up and threw it in the corner.

I'll get it sorted out, just not today.

I decided that since I can't seem to sew, I'd torture the wool dress instead. Right now it's in the washer with hot water. I hope to get it cut and into a bag this week.

I've been working on a few ideas for Etsy. We'll see if those work out when I'm done regrouping.

Not a total loss

Yesterday wasn't a total loss. I did manage to get a few things done, but not nearly enough.

This little doll is made of spools. It's amazing what kind of stuff I have to craft with when I start looking.

My granny made me one of these when I was little. I loved my little spool doll. I wonder what ever happened to her? I mainly did this just to see if I could remember how she went together. I might do some of these for the girlies that are too little for aprons.


















I finished this child-sized scarf in chocolate brown.


















I need to get a list made up for the nieces and nephews so I can see where I'm at in the gift making. I'm going to be an aunt again somewhere around December 11th. Gosh! That will be number 25.

Today I finally got my next apron cut out. It's a new pattern and I'm having to think about it too much. I think it's going to be really pretty if I can get over this mental block I'm having.