I got my apron

I received a fabulous package in the mail today. It was such a surprise to open the package and see poinsettia fabric - I thought it was something I had ordered and I know I didn't order any poinsettia fabric.



See - isn't this lovely? I thought - awwww - it's an apron and my partner made me a poinsettia apron and wrapped it up with gold ric rac (very cool and sparkly). I read her note and it said she hand sewed the sequins onto the apron. I looked and didn't see any but thought - oh - they must be on the pockets or something.

I unwrapped my package and THIS is what I saw:


NOOOOOOO - it's not a poinsettia apron it is a sparkly, blingy, I'm going to blind my enemies with my fancy apron apron. Isn't it fabulous? I'm in love with it. Lucy and Lola both oooohed and ahhhhed over it. The fabulous Christy created this apron and also sent a lovely bracelet to go along with the apron.

Thank you Christy!

The apron is wonderful - I can't wait to pick my kid up from school in it! I absolutely wear aprons to my kids school too - mostly smocks when I volunteer but this is too good not to wear out for others to admire.

Everyone - get yourself an apron if you don't have one. They are a must have! They make you smile - at least - they make me smile.

Spreading apron love - Beth

Almost Done - Holiday Hostess Apron Swap

Well, I'm almost done with my Holiday Hostess Apron. It will be mailed out on Monday. The bottom half is from a pattern Sharon posted on her blog. The wrap top is from a pattern I have for a dress / shirt (can do either) but have never used. I'm notorious for (1) not following directions (wonder where my 6-year-old gets that from) as well as (2) trying out new things and (3) 'winging' it.

My partner liked red. She also said she would like a full apron. Some full aprons I love and fit great - others not so great. So - I wanted to give my partner the option of having a full or half apron. The bottom half can be worn alone. The top can be put on if she chooses. I really wish I owned a bedazzler right now. I think the wrap top is screaming for bling! Must find something fun to add to the top.

Any suggestions? A poinsettia pin perhaps?

The other thing I like about this apron is it can be used for multiple holidays. Christmas, Valentine's Day, Redhead Day, Lief Erikson Day, etc.

Happy Scrap Swap and My THQ Bag

I joined the Happy Scrap Swap co-hosted by Abbie and Katherine. By joining you were also entered to win a prize.


I won a prize form Abbie! She sent me a fabulous purse. I love it! The colors are so bright and happy. There are pockets inside - I adore pockets. I can't wait to use it! Could I possible use any more exclamation points in this post?

Anyway - Abbie - where did you purchase the zipper pulls that say THQ? I didn't get a good shot of that for the post - perhaps because it is pitch black here in New England - but I love them and want my own. Please share your source!


Oh - and - she is also one of my partners for the Happy Scrap Swap. Above are the scraps she sent. I can't wait to get my other bag of scraps so I can get sewing. I love some of the fabrics to pieces already. The blue one at the bottom with the circles and wavy lines - oh so 1960s. So many ideas! So many exclamation points!

Later, Beth

I voted and won!

I took part in Shawnee's Summer Flirty Apron Swap. Once the swap was over all of the aprons were put to a vote to see whose apron was the best interpretation of someone's dream summer vacation. You could win a prize by (A) sewing the winning apron or (B) being a voter that was picked at random thanking you for voting. My apron didn't win but I did - just for voting. I love exercising my right to vote!

And, to make a good day better, I also won a swap from Abbie who is also giving away a quilt right now. Go visit her blog for a chance to win a beautiful quilt that has a wonderful story behind it.

Swaps - books and aprons

We have received a bunch of great swap packages here over the past two weeks.


SWAP ONE
Lola received her One Good Book Swap package from Leo and his mom Katy in the U.K. She was so excited to have something just for her. Her sister sat next to her saying "I'm so jealous." Was quite funny - for me.

There were two fabulous books in the box - The Princess and the Pea by Lauren Child and Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go To Sleep by Joyce Dunbar. The illustrations in The Princess and the Pea aren't illustrations at all - they are cut out figures in small dioramas that have been photographed - really very cool.


And - what else does a little girl need but her very own princess with a blanket and a pea! As well as a Velveteen Rabbit to go with the Dunbar book. While we were on vacation at Cape Cod we read the Velveteen Rabbit (it was one of the books at the house we rented) and the children, after we read the book, saw a real rabbit in the yard and were convinced that it was the Velveteen Rabbit.

The best thing about the dolls is that Katy made them. She's having a close-out sale in her Etsy shop. Get one of her dolls before they sell out. They are awesome.

To be honest - we looked at everything before we read the note. I saw the pea (a green felted ball) and thought - what is this? Must be in the box by accident. Then - I read the note and got it! So cool. The gifts were great and we read the books right after we finished reading the note from Katy.


The next day Lola told me she had peed on the floor. I ran over to see where. The little angel stood there with her hands behind her back and slowly brought the one forward and said - no mommy - this pea is on the floor. And there she was holding up the green felted pea. She's one smart cookie - knows how to get her mommy to come running.


SWAP TWO


Lucy also received her One Good Book Swap package from Elsaysha and her mom Shannon. Lucy and Elsaysha had a lot of the same likes so it was easy for me to shop for her - mailing it was another story, but I digress. Lucy had one of her friends over when she found the box by the front door. I don't know if I can post pictures of her friend so I didn't but the faces they made when opening the box and pulling items out were priceless. I think her friend was more excited than she was.

She received a rainbow fairy book, a fairy craft book (we'll be using it tomorrow since my kids don't have school - if you are in the U.S.A. - go vote!) and a bag full of arts and craft supplies in addition to some gummies that the kids wolfed down.

SWAP THREE
I received my Hot Mama Apron from Patty. I love the apron. The fabric is fabulous, the ruffle is so ruffly and the pocket - perfect. And - it's reversible. So cool!!! She also sent me coffee, tea, candy, and knitted me my very own coffee cozy. The coffee cozy is going to get its own post. I love it.

SWAP FOUR
I made my hot mama apron for Harley. The other goodies I sent Harley were a book, a magazine with an article about coffee, Peet's Coffee (it was mentioned in the article), some bookmarks, a dish towel, and a coffee wallet.

SWAPS FIVE AND SIX
Were just mailed out today. Lucy & Lola's packages for their book swap partners. Life kept getting in the way. It took me forever to pack these up and get them to the post office. And, as I was finally taking the boxes to the car this morning I noticed some of the things for the one box had been taken out - by my three-year-old. So, I had to send two packages to Elsaysha - I wasn't about to untape the box. And, I have never sent a box off to the U.K. before. The form they had me fill-out was huge. "...And make sure you mark box 17, and don't forget to date and sign it..." My goodness! But that box should be at Leo's house in approximately six to ten days. Let's hope the shipping gods are good to my boxes and that everyone receives their goodies quickly.

Now - off to sew some more. My first craft show will be Wednesday. Wish me luck! Beth

Happy Scrap Swap

The Handmade Quilt-er, Abbie, and Handmade-O-Holic, Katherine, are co-hosting a Happy Scrap Swap. Visit either of their blogs to find out the details. Sign-ups end November 3rd!

I'm a joiner.

Let's see. I joined another apron swap. Shawnee is hosting the Holiday Hostess Apron Swap. It should be fun!

I also joined The Apronista - an on-line social network for Apron lovers (check out snazzy new button on the right - my page has nothing on it yet but I'm there).

And - I signed-up for four different craft fairs (three in November, one in December). EEK. Must go and sew. Nine days left until the first craft fair.

I'm in the newspaper!

Here's the link to a story that a local reporter wrote about me / aprons!

Online apron club makes connections across the country, The Daily News (Newburyport)

Whoo hoo!

Hot Drinks for Hot Mama's Apron

The apron is done!

I used the Lorelei pattern from A is for Apron. I was trying to figure out if I should visit Staples or Kinko's to have the pattern enlarged when I saw a post on the Sew Mama Sew forum about a software program called Rapid Resizer. All I have to say is this product rocks. There is a two week free trial. I scanned in my image and had to adjust it a few times before it was just about spot-on. The only negative I can say about Rapid Resizer is that it asks in inches how tall or wide you want your final product to be. This particular apron needed to be made 400% larger. Thankfully, a few pieces were small and listed measurements. All I had to do was print out a page with a piece that measured a certain amount, check to make sure it was more or less correct (6 7/8 is 7 inches to me) and voila - I could print out a whole pattern.

And, I made bias tape for the first time. The making of it was actually very easy. It was only after I made it that I realized that it was smaller than 1/4 inch bias tape (what is smaller - 1/8?). Soooooooo - live and learn and buy a new larger bias tape maker tomorrow. After I do I'll post a how-to. Really, if I can do it late at night anyone can do it.

But, I really like that it is small and doesn't take away from the apron. I was kind-of afraid of the large coffee cups but I think it turned out alright. I can ship it off tomorrow as I already have all the extras just waiting here in my sewing room to go in a box for my partner!

Hot Drinks for Hot Mama's Apron Swap Fabric

My Hot Drinks for Hot Mama's swap partner said she liked turquoise.

Could there possibly be turquoise coffee fabric?

By George - there is. And - it just arrived from an on-line shop out of Orchard Park, NY. The coffee cups are larger than I thought they would be! I had one pattern in mind but seeing the size of the cups - I now must reevaluate that choice....what apron pattern would look best? Must look through apron book once I get back from the beach.

Vintage Halloween Swap and Some Cake

Heidi organized a Vintage Halloween Swap. My partner, Carla, sent me some fabulous stuff.

Pumpkin girl, as I am calling her until my children give her a better name, is the absolute, hands-down favorite. My three-year-old took her down from where I perched her and sat her in many locations in my home before deciding that this step was the perfect place for her. (Ignore the dust on the stairs - I do.)

I also now have a cool picture to hang on the wall and the best smelling candle ever. It is a Trick or Treat scented Yankee Candle . Every time I smell it my teeth hurt - it smells just like candy corn. I haven't had candy corn in years...

To switch gears - Today my mom left to go back to New Jersey. Each child picked out a cake and decorated it last night. Each with a smile face. The three-year-old's creation is the yellow face, the six-year-old's is the blue face. They were so proud of decorating a cake for their Mema by themselves. Who needs a bakery to write We'll miss you when you have tubes of icing and an operatic serenade good-bye before the cake made up by your grandchildren? (I had suggested singing happy un-birthday but the un-rehearsed version of the opera We will miss you Mema in a soprano voice won.)

The location of the secret rebel base

Well, not really. But, I will tell you the location of the vacation apron I created for Marcel over at Aunt Pitty Pat's.

Ireland.

I read Marcel's info to my mom. Marcel described herself as a short, round Granny and my mom said that was what she was. So - I had the perfect model for the apron (thanks mom!). And - my mom picked out the fabric. I took her with me (to multiple fabric shops while she was visiting) and asked her to find something that screamed Ireland. My mom said the cottages and landscape made her think of the Irish Countryside. Perhaps, where the little people lived.

I used a store bought pattern for this one. And - I must say - there are some things I'd change if I made it again. Like - the waistband.

What you can't tell about this apron from the picture is that the pockets are huge! Like - you could fit a few small dogs - or a lot of gold - in each one. I'm thinking about modifying the pattern to create kangaroo pouches for my daughters. They are constantly pretending to be different animals and like to carry dolls around in their skivvies. A pouch would do wonders for... Oh - I digress...Back to the apron...

To complete this vacation to Ireland package I sent some rainbow ric rac. And - what do we hope to find at the end of the rainbow? Gold of course. A very nice leprechaun included a pot of gold at the end of Marcel's rainbow as well as a worry stone from Ireland.

Flirty Apron Swap - 2

I volunteered to be an Apron Angel for Flirty Apron Swap. There were some women that had signed-up to create aprons for others but have been displaced due to hurricane's. I had such a blast sewing this apron. I even purchased a pattern for this one. Then - I borrowed the A is for Apron book from my library and found a very similar pattern in the book. (Must enlarge a bunch of those patterns. I'm sure I'm going to use one for my Hot Drinks for Hot Mama's Apron Swap!)

Anyway - below is a photo of the materials I used. Where do you think the dream vacation is (the apron swap theme was a place you wished you had gone on summer vacation)? I'll post a photo of the finished apron (and the location) once I know the package has been received.

Swapping

I received my apron from my swap partner. One of my dream vacations was to go on a cruise to Alaska. She sent her great-aunt on a mission during her yearly Alaska visit to find fabric and a gift for me. The fabric is so pretty - and as my partner's son says - looks like turtles. And - she sewed this with a broken hand. Talk about a dedicated swapper! She sent me a fabulous pair of earrings that were made by a local Alaskan artisan and - the best part - a recipe for Moose Meatballs.

I laughed very hard when I read it because - I hit a moose. Actually, a bull moose hit my SUV last summer (he was fine - he got up and ran back into the woods). Ever since then I have been called Mommy the Moose Master (or - as my daughter says Mommy the Moose Masher!). So - Heather N. thank you so much!

AND - one of my swaps is ready to be mailed tomorrow. Lori - here's a sneak peek before I seal your box in tape...
I have two other things to do for two other swaps that will be done tonight - now that I have bias tape and that my oil burner is now working (thank you Simmons Plumbing & HVAC).

Back to sewing...

Another Apron Swap

I sent my apron out to my partner on time. While looking to see if my name had been added to the aprons sent list (it's not there yet) I noticed another apron swap was listed on the blog. Val over at Yarni Gras is hosting her first apron swap. Hot Drinks for Hot Mamas is the theme. I have lots of coffee fabric - I seem to have a fabric addiction as well as a real addiction to coffee. I'm hoping for a coffee lover! For all the details visit her blog!

Apron Advice Requested

Well, I finally finished my apron. Well, kind-of. I need to embellish it.

The Flirty Apron Swap this time around is for aprons of where you wished you had gone on vacation. My partner wanted to go on a vacation to the VT Teddy Bear factory. I think I have accomplished the bear aspect. This apron is supposed to be about embellishing the apron - but I don't want it to look too busy.

I bought a few red barn buttons (red barns are all over VT - plus - one is so large it looks like a covered bridge - definitely something you would see the Green Mountain State) and thought about sewing one onto each side. Then maybe include a towel to be hung from one button and maybe a removable pocket / potholder for the other?

Any suggestions? Comments? Advice for moms that stay up until one a.m. sewing aprons when their second child will be starting their first day of school in just mere hours and I should be ummm sleeping?

One Good Book Swap and a Giveaway

Jill over at Life with Nature Girl is hosting her first swap. It is called - One Good Book Swap. It is a book swap for children. So, if you have children and would like to swap books - and goodies to go along with the book - click over to her blog. You'll find all the details there.

AND

Bean from Coyote Craft just created a hot pad tutorial for Sew Mama Sew's Sewing for Home month. She is giving two of the hot pads away. Click on over to her blog to leave a reply for a chance to win.

Fall Swap Goodies

I was so excited to find a box outside my house earlier this week from Lori, my Fall Swap partner. Now - the deadline to mail these is September 30th. I'm still shopping / sewing stuff for her soooooooo, don't expect mine too soon.

Lori sent me so many great things! A table runner, a basket with tons of festive ribbon on the handles, soap, cashews, a starbuck's gift card, blank note cards, and blocks. Now, when my mother saw the blocks she said it was nice of you to send something with my name on it. My nickname is Boo Boo, or Boo for those that think two syllables are too much. I'll post how I received that moniker another time. They are fabulous - and sparkly. (Did you make them? I love them.)

This great sign.

The decoration my children like the most, besides the blocks, is this pumpkin. I put it in the t.v. room, by the t.v. and my little one exclaimed oohs and ahhs when she saw it and wanted to know what it was for. Guess you can tell I don't decorate much. Really, for Christmas we have a tree with predominantly Star Trek ornaments on it. And my tree is the kind with the lights already on it. I feel like such a curmudgeon.

My favorite is my very own Too Silly Sisters bracelet! I have given a bunch of Lori's bracelets as gifts to Lucy's friends and everyone loves them. It's nice to finally have something for me.

Thank you so much Lori! I think I'm going to have to purchase more pumpkins now to decorate the homestead.

Winning Streak and Swap

The stars must be aligned in my favor because I won something else. Most Friday's Sew Mama Sew has 'Free Fabric Friday.' Where for commenting or using the forum you are entered into a drawing to win a free yard of fabric. I won! I am so playing the lottery tomorrow. If I vanish from blogging you'll know I won - big.


Anyway. My husband walked in the door after work with the mail and a box. It was my Fall Fabric Swap! So exciting. I believe I mentioned in my sign-up questionnaire that I did not like pastels. I'm more of an autumnal gal. Terri sent me fabric (I love the rich colors!), some notions (the kids have already demanded that I give them the cat buttons), stickers and a pin cushion - with pins in it. I feel so lucky.


The pin cushion is so awesome! I love it and can't wait to use it next to my machine. While sewing with my new very autumnal, not at all pastel fabric. Thanks Terri!

Mailed!

On Saturday I finally made it to the post office to mail my Fall Fabric Swap package as well as my reusable grocery bags to the ladies that won the giveaway. The one package should be there as soon as today. The others - well - anywhere from five to ten days I think. Both are international packages. I'm hoping they get them sooner rather than later.


My fabric partner said she liked pinks and purples and made girl's clothes. I'm hoping she likes the selection I sent her. The red one all the way on the right with the pink roses has sequins on it - nothing like a little sparkle to brighten up a girl's wardrobe! And the bottom one is reversible (in my opinion). The other side is predominantly pink.

Now I can focus on my next swaps. Anyone have any ideas for Vintage Fall or Halloween stuff?