Stash Happy Applique

Stash Happy Applique by Cynthia Shaffer (Lark Crafts, 2012) features 25 unique project ideas and offers techniques for each. There is a basics section to help the novice sewers get up to speed.

Then the fun really begins, with projects that range from embellished store-bought items (like cute Mary Jane shoes) to 100% original creations. Even the motifs offer lots of variety, including kid’s drawings, coffee cups, and pretty paisley. How-to photography, templates, and tips speed crafters along their way.

Ask for Stash Happy: Applique at your favorite independent quilt and fabric retailer.

An Amelia Bedelia Costume Apron Tutorial

Amanda at the ‘Who Are You Calling Crafty’? blog put together a simple, no-sew child’s apron tutorial as a school project for her daughter, the Princess!  For the sewists among us, it wouldn’t be too difficult to replace a few stitches for the hot glue she uses.  This is a cute idea for Amelia Bedelia fans.  Check it out. Fabric for this project can be purchased at your local independent quilt and fabric retailer.

Scandinavian Designs in Red and White!

Scandinavian Designs in Red and White is a beautiful book filled with 55 craft and sewing projects for your home. There are projects for the kitchen, home dec, and gifts from the heart – complete with patterns. My favorite is the gardening apron pictured below. Find this book at your local independent quilt and fabric retailer.

It’s Apron Day at Pink Chalk Studios

Pink Chalk Studio, the blog arm of Pink Chalk Fabrics has been doing a sew-along and not just any-ol’-sew-along. This is Week 34 in a months-long process to get readers to try out the patterns in their super cute One-Yard Wonders book.

This week is a double feature of aprons–the Mini Craft & Tool Apron and the Convertible Craft Apron. Both require only a yard of fabric each and they share some great tips on making the aprons extra functional (tape measure ribbon!) and how to use laminates. Check out their blog for more info and subscribe to keep up with their fantastic projects.

The Start of a Collection

What is it about aprons that makes us cling to, fall in love with and cherish them? I developed a serious crush on vintage styles back in 2003 when, looking through the vintage sewing books at the local university library, I stumbled into Roxa Wright’s 1953 classic, How to Make Aprons.

Ms. Wright included styles for every household task, variations on a theme like I’ve never seen: dressmaking, vacuum-cleaning, gardening, washing, baby-bathing, infant-feeding, wood-carrying and hair-washing.Each task has an apron pattern designed specifically for it. Who knew there was a style specifically for mending-while-you-iron? I was in awe of these and the styles we are all familiar with: patchwork and necktie aprons, ruffled and smocked aprons.

That book started an adoration with aprons that has yet to fade and for nearly a decade I’ve collected finished aprons and apron patterns, mostly of the vintage (or reproduction) variety. The ruffled pinafores and daintily embroidered hostess aprons are my favorites, but it doesn’t stop me from buying up patterns of styles I may only enjoy as cover art.

I’m happy to say that a quick search of the web found not only the original book (on Amazon for only $137?!), but it was released as a reprint this year by Bramcost Publications. If you love aprons, especially the vintage kitsch, this is one to add to your collection.

Where did your love of aprons begin?

Five Star Apron – For the Love of Hand Stitching by Jan Constantine

The perfect accessory for five-star chefs is this traditional blue gingham apron with five striking red appliqued stars on the bodice. This apron is from Jan Constantine’s new book ‘For the Love of Hand Stitching’, published by Stash Books for C&T Publishing. It features 21 projects to applique’ and embroider.

Find this book and other great sewing and craft books at your local independent quilt and fabric retailer.