Apron Swap

I am part of the Flirty Apron Swap -- A vintage remake. We were tasked with finding vintage linens and to remake them into an apron for our "secret" partner. I began this Apron Swap knowing I had plenty of "vintage" items that I could use to create something wonderful. I knew this was going to be my favorite swap because I love creating with vintage fabrics and embroidery finds. I just had to wait to know who would be assigned to me and to learn what her likes/dislikes and favorite colors were going to be before I started sewing.

I was so excited to receive my email from Shawnee as to who I would be sewing for. I went immediately to her blog and began getting to know her and her family. Imagine my pleasure to know she was a Christian stay-at-home-mom of 3 little girls!!! Since I have 3 girls (not so little anymore I might add) I was excited as I began planning my apron.

I had a new stack of recently laundered and ironed tablecloths plus items I've had for awhile. I had a pretty half of a tablecloth I purchased at Canton and was anxious to use it in some manner. This small piece has looked so forlorn and disgusting when I pulled it out of the big cart, but a little bit of soaking and some time on the grass in the sunshine - it looked almost new! I dug deeper in my pile and came up with a damaged full tablecloth that I thought would look good on the reverse side. The two colors were complimentary and I wanted to create something that was a little more "elegant" for Miss Solidia!

I knew right away I did not want a gathered waistband (we moms have enough gathers around our waists!) and I had enough fabric with the two tablecloths to create a pleated apron. I also found a really pretty embroidered piece to place in the front of the apron to dress it up. My middle daughter, Emily, caught my excitement and she knitted two special dishcloths and I buttoned one of them onto the apron. The buttons were created to cover some of the more "loved" areas near the waistband. Here is the front and reverse side of the apron I made for Miss Solidia.

I finished the edge on one side with ruffled ribbon and the other side I used the original edge of the tablecloth. Once I completed my apron...there was still half the pink tablecloth left. I decided to use the rest of it to make aprons for two of her girls. I enjoyed creating matching aprons for the younger girls. There was just enough left to finish these two.

I also wanted to create an apron for her older daughter, but knew from my own "daughter" experience that older girls want to be just a "little different" than their younger sisters. I found another piece of a complimentary tablecloth that was also in bad shape and was able to cut a utility apron for the oldest. I used the other half of the embroidery piece I used on her mother's apron and another small piece of embroidery for the pockets.

All in all, I enjoyed creating aprons for this sweet family. I used every bit of the fabric from the tablecloths I started with. I cut around the holes and rust spots as best I could. There was very little left once all were sewn up.

Here are all the aprons ready for mailing. I created little book bags to put each individual apron in along with recipes that were age appropriate for each recipient. I gave all the bags to my husband to mail on Friday...but somehow one got left in the truck! YIKES!

We didn't find the lost book bag until the weekend, so he took it to work with him on Monday to send "quick" on Monday. I think all should arrive together by Tuesday!

This was definitely not part of my plan (and I was so worried the littlest one would feel left out if the package arrived and there was nothing for her)...but all should be well.

Since I already made "mother/daughter" aprons - don't think I'll enter the next swap! This was fun and I look forward to more swaps in the future!

I just received an email from Miss Solidia and one package has arrived and she is holding the gifts for the girls until the last one arrives. She said she will post pictures on her blog this weekend, so once I see them up I'll post a link so you can see my new blog friend and her lovely family!

Till next time,

debi

Flirty Apron Swap

Vintage Linen ReMix

I received my apron swap package this last weekend...too cute! My partner is Shelley at

Kitschy Aprons. She did an excellent job in making an apron for me using remix or vintage fabric!

The color was perfect (seeing as I love blue) and the sweet embroidery on the pocket was done by her late grandmother.

I loved the embroidered tea towel and plan to hang it in my kitchen to enjoy!

I should have taken a picture of the pretty wrapping...but I just tore right into it as soon as I realized what it was! Oh well...maybe next time I'll get a picture of the wrappings. I also received a wonderful recipe for LBJ Crab casserole. Can hardly wait to try it. I'll keep you posted once I make it, and let you know how wonderful it turned out.

Appears my only real problem was a daughter that thought SHE should have the apron. She tried it on and thought it fit her perfectly! Since she'll be getting married in May she's thinking it would be perfect in her new kitchen. She loved the flirty little skirt and the way it laid. Shelly did a great job - hopefully she sells the pattern, cause I'm thinking I'm going to have to make Stephanie one to ensure mine stays in my house!

She liked my tea towel also.

She was all ready to help serve Easter breakfast after the sunrise service. I'll just know I'm going to have to hide it in the future...she liked it all a little too much.

Thanks again, Shelley for my wonderful package. Check out her blog and her etsy shop. I just know you'll find something YOU like!

I'm still working on the apron for my partner. I'm hoping to have it finished today...but my bout with bronchitis and now this cough (hacking cough) gets me down, so the Dr. is calling in another prescription for me. But...FOR SURE, by Wednesday I'll have mine finished and in the mail.

Here's a sneak peak of the fabrics I picked for my partner. I love the colors and have enjoyed creating a new pattern idea. I have used every bit of this fabric (minus a very small piece that had some holes.) It has gone a long way and I'll post the results of my sewing later this week.

Thank you again Shelley...it was a great Easter surprise!