The First and Second Gooseberry Picking

Like everything else that grew while we were away, the gooseberries were ready to be picked. It wasn't until a couple of days ago that I actually made time to pick the sunripened ones and picked what I could until the sun went down behind the mountains.

Today I did a second picking, and decided to hull them before supper. Actually, with gooseberries, you most often times will hull both ends. When picking them, a short stem comes with it, and the deadened spring flower on the other side never drops off in growing season.

I checked the bush more more time tonight, and there are a few green ones left that I'll add to my bag (now in the freezer) for a small pie for later. I'll be sure to share the recipe at some point! It's so delicious, and I actually prefer to eat it cold.

On a side note, I'm wearing one of my Ginnie aprons today and had to smile at a recent conversation that I've had this summer (maybe it has happened twice, now that I think about it...). When something about sewing, etsy, or aprons get brought up, I'll casually mention that I love to sew aprons and have sold many online over the last 10 years or so. Some people think it's awesome, and other people just look at me funny and ask, "And do you actually wear one yourself?" :) That's not even a question, but they don't know that, so I reply with yes and let them know that I have about a half a dozen of them and will wear them when I'm in the kitchen or out harvesting something from the garden.

P.S. Just so you know: Thankfully, I have only shown up at the grocery store wearing an apron just once. I think. ;)

Yes, I'm Still Sewing!

On the occasion when I have time to think, (such as when I was on a two week vacation to Michigan recently!) I remember when blogging and sewing up items for my etsy shop was quite often. Indeed, this summer has already proven to be quite busy, eventful, and productive however.

And yes, I am still sewing. :) I've been blessed to be able to work for/with the same local bridal alteration business as last summer. One of the biggest projects was working on a bridal gown (took it from a size 10 to a size 0), though the business owner did the major stuff while I worked on smaller details. There was a flower girl dress to alter, as well as four out of seven bridesmaid dresses; I did all of those.

I don't have any professional pictures for you yet, but here are a few small snapshots that I took along the way using my "new" iPhone. Yes, I have been using one of my Dad's first cellphone's (a flip phone, mind you) and I told myself that I was allowed to buy an iPhone when I graduated from college. Per typica of me, I bought a used iPhone 6s, but it was in next to new condition and a beautiful rose gold color. 

Oh yes, you're not here to read about technology...ahem.

The flower girl dress was darling! I took the picture more for myself to remember the company name for the future. :)

Love being surrounded by beautiful textures, fabrics, lace, and tulle!

I put this gorgeous lace on the hem to make it a smidgen longer, and it gave the dress an overall completed look. 

The bride wanted a custom veil (finger tip length) and once we made it using fine tulle netting and a hair comb, I added the lace appliques to an otherwise simple veil.

Outside of bridal sewing, I have two aprons to make for some friends of mine who are getting married this summer. One of them I'll be attending next month up in Maine (can't wait!!) and she's planning a coffee shop themed kitchen. The fabric I found for her will work perfectly. I'll post pictures when it's finished.

If you were hoping to read that I'd be making aprons for the shop, don't lose heart! I have three fabrics on my sewing table that were just cut into aprons this evening. I'd sneak in a little sewing yet this evening, but alas, I'm out of bias tape. Quite rare for someone who has made hundreds of aprons, isn't it?

Well, toodles for now and I hope to be back writing more often in the next few weeks!

A Thankyou Gift

Sewing for Mrs. L. this summer was such a blessing for me. The fun chit-chats, good conversations and fellowship, countless cups of coffee or iced tea, "bonus day," and her passing on her bridal sewing skills and expertise have left me so, so grateful. A card saying "thankyou" could not suffice.

Would it be flowers, a plant, or an apron? It seemed like an apron would be the most practical since flowers would die within a few days and even the choicest greenhouses have next to nothing nice this time of year in the way of something that would come back next year (unless one would want fall flowers).

Using an apron pattern from Sew Liberated has been my go-to for making aprons as gifts. It is a little bit more stylish and modern than what I make and sell for etsy, but still lots of fun with it being reversible. Mrs. L likes cheerful things, but without being to wild and crazy, so this fabric by Free Spirit of spring colors and birds seemed like a good choice for the one side.

The other side I used some fabric that might look familiar if you've seen this apron in the shop. It didn't have a name on the selvage, and almost seems vintage, but really high quality, if that makes sense. Mrs. L. likes the color blue, so it seemed like a good choice.

I was able to get the apron finished and wrapped up to give to her on my last day of sewing for her. Looking forward to next summer to hopefully be able to sew for her again! In the meantime, there is much to be done as I seek to organize my life before classes officially start on Wednesday.

As I Promised

In the last couple of posts I've eluded to "the last apron" and this morning I finished the last apron made for the shop. It was fun to put together with vintage lace and rick rack. I even found a golden button from my stash. It certainly has an autumn-ish flavor to it, one that you haven't seen yet this summer. :)

But think of the pumpkin spice lattes, the apple picking and fresh donuts at the local orchard, nippy weather for plaid scarves, boots for jumping through autumn rain, potted mums on the front porch, or the smell of pie in the oven. This apron seems to embody all of the delights of an autumn in the country.

See it in the shop here. And one last reminder that the coupon code 15SALE will expire at 5pm on the 25th (that is tomorrow) if you're wanting to place an order and save money at the same time! ::wink::

1920s Vintage Apron Pattern

To confess, I comb through the ebay and etsy vintage patterns continually throughout the week. Not so much for something just to add to my pattern box, but for patterns that really stand out as unique and for something that I'd actually wear. Once a friend asked me about my sewing projects and I said yes, that way if no one else is interested, then I get to keep them all. :)

In the last couple of years I've been quite bored with what I'm seeing available for vintage apron patterns, but earlier this spring my heart fluttered at two that I had never seen before. Sadly, one got away before I could pay for it, but I was more than happy to purchase this one!

It's from a no-name company and one that I should do some more research on. Wonder what other treasures they produced nearly 100 years ago. But this pattern? Ladies, it has sleeves!  I can't tell you how many times I've been asked if I could make and sell aprons with sleeves. Thinking of my other apron patterns and modern patterns from the Big Four companies, no one puts sleeves on their aprons. But, why not?

It kind of makes sense if you think about it. The other practical thing about this apron? The back of the apron catches all the splatters when your back is turned from the stove.

 

On this particular apron I was happy to find two huge buttons from my stash for the back. I'm kind of lazy when it comes to knowledge about what my buttons are made of, but I'm guessing some kind of really high quality plastic like material. They are not light and flimsy, but then they aren't heavy like glass, or mother of pearl. 

The backs of these button are metal, however, which told me right away that they are vintage. The buttons are not functional to this particular apron, but if I make more aprons from this pattern in heavy fabrics, they'll most likely be working buttons. The pattern says you can do either or. Those are my kind of patterns; do what you feel like doing. :)

But here she is. All finished with one more confession: I had to slip it on before taking pictures, and it's a keeper of a pattern.

A Bit of Spring, Sewing, and Books

Since I've been home, I've spent a good part of my time outdoors and mostly in the morning hours while its still cool. Almost all of the roses are in bloom now (its so nice that they take over after the lilacs are done!) and we've been enjoy their many blossoms indoors, too. I'll save the introductions of some new English varieties for another day...

But I've also been enjoying the opportunity to sew again. The other day I was looking through old posts of aprons that I've sewn over the years and became really inspired. Not sure if it's a good or bad thing to be inspired by what you did a long time ago. Somehow I never tire of sewing aprons though. :) Just this morning I sewed up the above Tasha Tudor-inspired apron.

Before I came home from school last month, it was my plan to not read a single book this summer. Between heavy class work, and extra books to read (on top of heavy textbooks) I was DONE. Well, my resolve lasted for about a week. ;) To be fair though, it was a small vintage children's book by Anna Potter Wright called, "The Little Shepherd." It's such a sweet story and has several practical truths for grownup's, too! 

But speaking of books, I'm passing on these lovely Tasha Tudor books to anyone who loves her work, or simply is looking for some wholesome books for a child's library. They're both 1st editions from what I can tell, but they will easily go many more years of cherished reading.

You can find them in the shop this afternoon!

Popping in, Wearing Aprons

Tonight my youngest sister and I are trying a new-to-us recipe (thanks to Pinterest) using some all-natural bison that she bought. We both donned aprons and then it was my idea to get a picture to post for the blog. So yes, I really do wear aprons, not just make and sell them. :)

I'm wearing my favorite vintage original "Ethel" apron, and Molly is wearing a vintage original "Gracie" apron (same as the Grace style, but for ladies who wear an extra small/small).

Yay for sisters who like to cook with you and is catching onto the idea of wearing vintage aprons. ;)

Flora Bella

Well, I decided to take the time to sew up that last apron. And I'm glad I did.

You can't go wrong with a lovely linen by Moda or a whimsical music print, can you?

There are Roses in the Winter

Sceptical? Well, I'm sure in other parts of the world there are blooming roses in abundance, but you can bring a lovely Frosted Rose Apron to your kitchen! :)

Later this week I head back to the Carolina's for college and while there is one more apron "in the works" on my table, there is no guarantee that I'll make time to sew it up. And speaking of time for sewing, I ran out of time to sew up my 1950s dress. It will just have to wait until later this year. But it has been a pleasure to hear the sewing machine humming while I've been home.

Acorn Tops

Most often when I'm putting together an apron; working with the fabric and fun little extras that its name comes to me.

This one sports two unmatched buttons from my stash that resemble acorn tops. I thought they were fitting for an autumnish cotton calico, and thus it is named Acorn Tops up in my shop! :)

Midnight Winter Apron

At long last, there is a new apron in this shop this afternoon. See for yourself!

It reminds me of the carol "In The Bleak Midwinter." I found a lovely youtube video of the 
Choir of Kings College in Cambridge singing this.

A Bit of Sewing

Between working 40 hour work weeks, sorting through stuff to bring with me to college, teaching violin lessons, enjoying what Anne Bronte wrote in Agnes Grey, "the threefold luxury of solitude, a book, and pleasant weather" and what-not, I have been to doing some sewing in little bits of time scattered here and there. The idea of sitting at the sewing machine for hours on end is no longer a reality, but a marvel. ;)

I used up the last bit of some cheerful yellow calico and used my Anthro apron as a pattern base. Instead of lace I used rick rack. It's up in the shop tonight. Oh, and there is just a little over a week to take advantage of the free state-side shipping! :)

One Day, Three Aprons

Today was my day off this week (other than Sunday, which I always have off) and I decided to fire up the machines in the sewing room, pull out my apron patterns, grab the piles of fabric on my table, and start cutting out. My intention was to sew at least one apron for the shop today and leave the others for another day.

But as the saying goes, "there's no time like the present" I sat myself down and hardly got up all day. The radio was on and Charity (my Persian cat, if you're new to the blog) was sleeping on a quilt beside me, so I was in good company. Perhaps it helped spur me on by not stopping and to complete three aprons today. While I've done my share of sewing over the last 15 years, to my knowledge I have never completed three items from fabric yardage to garments in the space of one day. Here's the proof.

Now I'm off to fix a cup of tea and continue on in my newly-acquired vintage book of "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall."

Behold! She seweth!

After a three-month long break from sewing, the machines were up and running early this morning. I was hoping I'd remember how to thread the sewing machine, or sew in a straight line, or make something useful. ;)

Several months ago I spotted a sweet spring-like fabric that would make a lovely apron for the shop, but here we are on summer's eve and I only just finished it. Honesty prevailing, it really did feel good to feel the cotton fabric slip between my fingers, or aligning the vintage rick rack next to the other.

There are many more fabrics on my table that are calling my name, but if summer will be as busy as spring, I can't guarantee a shop full of aprons, but I'll do my best to do better than what I have been lately.

My friends, I present you with the apron I've called "The Tenderest of Spring" up in the shop today!

Waiting for the Forget-Me-Nots

Just the other day I noticed that the tips of my tulip and hyacinth bulbs are starting to poke through the seemingly barren stretch of garden. They give me hope that spring is on its way, and following will be the spring flora of late-blooming bulbs and the tender blue forget-me-nots.

Not long ago I discovered some vintage 35" wide yardage of a pretty calico that reminded me of the clusters of blooms that grow in one of my gardens. This week I made a couple aprons and might be able to squeeze one more out of what's left, but for now there is a Tasha Tudor style and a 1950s style with scallops.

A Wordless Sunday Post

Coming Soon!

What is black and white, with red all over?

An apron, of course! :) If you've been a blog reader for awhile, you will recognize this fabric and apron style. It seems to be a "signature" style over at Peasant Cottage, and unfortunately the fabric is very hard to come by since it's out of print.

Last week I snagged some yardage (okay, all that could be possibly sold…) of it and it came in the mail today. I will probably keep an apron for myself or use it for a gift, but the other one will go up in the shop.

Oh, and just a heads up, I'll be hosting an apron giveaway in the not to distant future. It's been awhile since I've done one of those...

Have a happy Wednesday!

Fabric!

This week I found some fabrics so I can actually sew something! My fabric stash is deplorably low (unless you want to count scraps that would easily make 3 quilt tops and nothing else...) and therefore the silent "absence" of sewing news on my blog or items in the shop.



 

 

I saw this fabric at Hobby Lobby and thought it'd be perfect for some Tasha Tudor aprons. Now I can't decide which of the two vintage laces to use. There is enough fabric for two, so maybe one of each?

You should read the caption on the zipper packaging. It made me laugh since you wouldn't find that on a modern zipper package! ;)

Then take a look at this black watch plaid houndstooth that I found only this morning. There is easily enough for me to use a vintage skirt pattern. This 1940s one seems like it will fit the bill, unless I use this modern pattern for a vintage-inspired look.

Who else is on a sewing kick this week?

Thinking of Springtime

With such a title as that, you'd think I'd be tiresome of the cold weather and snow but in reality I'm loving the crisp nights and the crunching of snow under ones boots. :)

 

But it is equally true that my Dad and I are in the beginning stages of planning our garden. Perhaps that's what inspired me to pull out the rest of the yellow calico fabric and make another apron with it.

 

It's certainly a cheery apron and it's up in the shop this morning!

Wearing My Ginnie

Tonight I'm fixing dinner, and while I was waiting for my water to boil, I ran outside to grab a couple shots as proof that Cheri does indeed wear aprons and not just sells them. :) 





"Cute As A Button" nail polish by Essie, if you were wondering. ;)

 

Once a customer was worried that her apron wouldn't match her clothes. I don't remember my response, but now I would say to such a customer that with all the hodge podge of mixing patterns, textures, florals, plaids, and stripes these days, not to many people will care if it goes with what you're wearing. :)

 

Stuffed shells, a spinach salad with cranberries and sugared pecans & a poppy seed dressing, and a five cheese garlic bread will be served tonight.

 

To bad my silver isn't polished and the cloth napkins remain unpressed, otherwise I might have been tempted to bring them out! ;)