Terry Cloth Kismet

For my first order from my apron update last week Janice M. ordered the Irene, and Genevieve aprons. I also included a vintage apron with her order (after finding out whether she preferred a half or full practical, or a half fun/sexy. She went with a half practical). I went through my stash and picked out the apron I thought she would like (kicking myself for not taking a picture of it!). It was a full gathered/waistband apron made from and unusual crest fabric. It turns out that the crest looked a little like her family crest - a very nice coincidence, or as I told her, further proof that I have a spooky sixth sense when it comes to matching the textile to the person!

Janice also asked if I had any terrycloth aprons, which I don't. Vintage terrycloth aprons are usually made from hand towels and were popular in the 60s and 70s. I have never found a really nice one still in good condition. I think the terrycloth apron was usually used for the really dirty work, and terrycloth doesn't age as well as woven cotton. After getting Janice's email my daughter and I went out to do some thrift shopping, and what should I find but a lovely terrycloth apron with a wonderful rooster on the front in beautiful gently-used condition!* Put something out in the universe, and someone just might find it and pick it up!

*it's not made from a handtowel, and looks like it was made from a kit.

Symbolic Goodbye to Winter

Yes, it's about 17 degrees outside, but for me winter is over when I put away the flannel Martha Stewart sheets. I got this set at a deep discount about 10 years ago. Every November when I'm excited for the change of season I take them out of storage and put them on our bed. I love scenic fabric, and this one is terrific - but it's almost St. Patrick's Day and I am ready for spring - so see you next year!

Textile Wash Day, and some FUN NEWS!

Aprons and other kitchen textiles fresh from the dryer and ready for pressing.

I wash my kitchen textiles (aprons, kitchen towels) about once a month. To avoid all of the ties getting tangled up with each other, each apron gets it's ties done in a slip knot. I dry the aprons and towels together for about 25 minutes, taking them out of the dryer when they are still just a little bit damp - this makes pressing go much faster. Some of the aprons can be just hand pressed, but I iron all of the ties. I just can't wear an apron with folded, wrinkled ties.


I store my textiles in two orange crates next to the fridge. The aprons have their own shelf, and there's a spot for the cloth napkins and kitchen towels.

FUN NEWS!

I sent Gabrielle at designmom a link to the spring update for Practically Necessary last week. She wrote a post about it, and Sunday I received my first order from someone who saw the post - Thanks Gabrielle!

Orphan Pockets

I have a small bin of pockets, and pocket parts. These are all pockets I made while I was designing something that just didn't quite work. Some are from Christmas aprons, one is a Bev pocket that I just didn't remember right, and a couple didn't pass inspection by employee #1. I've only used 1 pocket from this stash after the fact, but I hold onto them anyway. You just never know!

Practically Necessary Updated!

I just finished updating PN with lots of new styles, and a clearer focus (I hope!). Please check it out and let me know what you think (and report any bugs or misspellings!). I'm hoping that Jenny fits the bill as "the new Caroline".

Fabric and buckle detail from Jenny.

The fabric has a similar quality - vertical stripes, dark in color, small print. The Jenny fabric also comes out of the dryer looking great, and has a very nice drape. Irene is also new and the fabric is fantastic: the print is adorable, and the soft hand and nice drape make for a very nice apron.

Irene

When I saw the fabric at TROY I recognized it immediately from a child's apron I have in my collection - it's a very good reproduction.

Vintage Child's Apron

Derby Lite is skating in the Forest Park St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday. Yesterday I spent the afternoon with Queen B working on the Giant Rollerskate of World Domination:
Yes, it's a bit of a gearshift to go from sewing sparkly pink vinyl to working on a new apron, but I'm versatile and I love a really BIG project!