That Apron

The lovely Elizabeth from Sew 18th Century won my apron giveaway a while back. Here is a lovely photo of her wearing it...

It is very cute on her don't you think? And it survived a very long journey too. :)

Apron giveaway - and the winner is...

I entered the number of posts, let it select a number, then went back and counted down to the fifth post, and it was...
Sew 18th Century!!
Email me your postal address, poppet, and I'll get it in the post. I may have to add a picture of that quilt with your repro fabric in it from the V&A too! :) maryannec(at)xtra(dot)co(dot)nz
I will have to do this again soon, once the pressure to make another apron mounts up to action point. But that will be after my Lonely Heart project is done and dusted....

Giveaway 50+ followers: Apron happiness and distraction

I promised myself to do a giveaway when I got 50 followers and I've just topped it. Thank you so much to you all for tuning in to my erratic outpourings.
So, time for a giveaway!! Remember this apron:

It is now finished with an assortment of mismatched gold and pearl vintage buttons and looks very pretty! And I will post it to anyone, anywhere in the world. I love the idea of my handiwork being worn in a place I've never been. Not that this means I'd discount my lovely local followers!
Open to followers, if blogger is not your friend and you have to post anonymously anyway just let me know that, and extra entries for sharing on Facebook, linking to your blog or joining up a friend (all of which you'll need to let me know about, too)
I'm away from the internet until 1 Jan so I will leave it open until then.
Merry Christmas everyone! xo

More Apron Happiness!

Just spent a weekend on a quilting retreat, but the closest thing to quilting I did was make these little Christmas stockings, because they have a bit of batting in them:

Dupion silk and Christmas fabric offcuts, all kinds of pretty sparkly trims, brought together to make these cuties. They now have choccies in them and are all bagged up for market!

No childish giggling please about this photo! It is Lesley (female) making her very own stocking. The stocking bug spread around our table, and quite a few more went home than arrived!

And there was a hat and some bags in a bag, but the best fun I had (besides the wonderful company!) was making two Christmas "posh pinnies." I can't stop myself, so many aprons in my soul that need to be made real.  

My beautiful soul sister* Sandra modelling #1: olive green and dark red cotton with a red/green shot organza frill, contrast fabric top cadged from Lesley (who has the most amazing array of Christmas fabrics I've ever seen!!) and an organza rose corsage.

Sandra having a look at the bottom of apron #2. Red/gold cotton with a gorgeous sleigh motif border fabric, cadged from Sandra, with organza trim, and a holly corsage.
The corsages have brooch pins on the back so they can come off for laundering, although because of this clever touch on the one the Embroidenator made me a few years back, I lost it! But she lost the one off hers too so we are even.
They need a bit of work - sewing the red jewel buttons on properly, putting brooch backs on labels etc.
*Sandra and I are constantly discovering how much we have in common. Our stashes are about 60% the same with a strong red bias, and this weekend we both like rieslings and gewurtztraminers over sauv blanc. I am convinced she is really my (slightly) older sister who was swapped at birth and am going to have to speak firmly to the Embroidenator about this... 

Apron happiness

Aprons make me happy. I love how they keep my clothes from being covered in flour and icing sugar when I am baking. I love how I can make them pretty and clever and creative while still being really practical. I love the big pocket that I can use to put change in at a fair. I love how when I put one on, I am 'in uniform' without being in uniform. They are the ultimate working garment.
I've made a few lately, and thought it time I shared them here:

I made this one as a commission for a lass who works in a cafe, and needs to wear black. She wanted a retro vibe, pretty apron and this is what I came up with. I love the shape so much, I made another similar style one in some retro style fabrics I've accumulated. Just because I could:

It's probably easier to see the style in this one. I love the sweetheart neckline. It needs bows and buttons. More more more!!!

And this one is for me. I need a new apron, one that is pretty and eye catching for when I am working a fair stall, but practical and easy to wash too. This one perfectly fulfils all the design specs. And it is nice to finally find a use for the poppy buttons I bought years ago!
Are you an apron wearer too? I would love to hear about your favourite, and/or what you like in an apron. Pretty, practical, or both, the ultimate combination?