Make it Simple - 8 Times

I got an order for 8 Anne aprons from Genevieve at Jewelbox Home. They are a give-away for a contest she had on her site. I made the 8 apron bodies, then completed one apron - I wanted to be sure I had all of the measurements right before cutting out everything. Once that one was complete and looked good, I did the rest of the cutting for the 7 remaining aprons. Today I am working on assembling 3 more.

3 pockets embroidered and ready for ric-rac.

I glue baste my ric-rac with Fabri-tac - I find it much easier and more accurate than sewing.

Sewn, turned, and finger-pressed. Finger pressing is one of the secrets to smooth pockets, or anything else that is turned (sewn inside out and turned right side out).

Close-up of the finished pocket.

1 down, 7 to go!

New "Vintage" Sweater!

UPDATE: Free Pattern Here!! This fabulous sweater arrived in the mail yesterday. My mom saw the vintage pattern on Vintage Knitting and thought it would be perfect for me. I love it - thanks mom!

It was knit with Ultra Alpaca (fine) by Berroco. It's surprisingly soft and I can wear it right on my skin. (If anyone is interested in the pattern please leave a comment and I will get the info from Rhiannon at Vintage Knitting.)

My mom has made me so many beautiful sweaters. She loves a challenge and I know that the nut does not fall very far from the tree in that regard! Making something new is so much fun, the whole time I am wondering how it might come out and it just seems to drive the whole creative process.

Which leads me to the subject I am just getting around to confronting - I need a new project. I am still having fun making aprons but I haven't felt compelled to design any new ones in a long time. When I look at my fabric I don't feel very inspired - and buying new fabric at this point doesn't even tempt me.

That being said I have been feeling surprisingly hopeful about the future and certain that 2009 will bring the professional growth I have been working toward. Hopefully it will also bring some new ideas to keep my sewing machine whirring!