Custom Apron Show and Tell

I thought it would be fun to show how I created my latest custom apron. Pauline, my client, bookmarked my site when it was featured on Daily Candy in January. She contacted me in May and we met last Friday. She had a whole shopping bag full of clothes that the recipient (Deanna, getting married this summer) wore as a child. I was a little taken aback at first. Usually people give me kitchen textiles - but after a few minutes I saw how it could work.

I figured I could use some of my fabric, and use the clothing pieces as a border, pocket, ties and facings. One of the best pieces she gave me was a hand-embroidered bib. I put that on some gingham dress fabric for the pocket. I added a little pink flower - it needed a little accent, AND it covers a small stain - necessity really is the mother of invention! There was also a 1 piece pants jumper which became the border, and the ties. I accented the pocket and the sweetheart neckline with yellow ric-rac. This piece has really expanded my concept of what fabrics can be used for a custom piece, and I'm pretty pleased with the way it came out!


That crafty little flower accents the pink in the border, AND covers a tiny stain!

Iron on Tuesday

Maybe this is a funny way to introduce my experience at the Constructor Craft Fair, but this embroidery was an important key to that event. Sitting behind a table covered with my goods, next to a rack full of my goods, is not my idea of a good time. Some people are very interested, but most take a glance and keep walking. I understand this impulse, it's the reason I don't like garage sales and prefer the anonymity of thrift shopping. Having something to DO behind that table is really important, and it gives the craft show attenders a chance to see me at my needle. Working on embroidery is most satisfying to me when I am doing something that involves passive waiting: riding in the car, commuting, waiting in the doctors office, and waiting for customers.

My customers (made up mostly of women with expendable income between 40-55 with a few young stylish women thrown in, and of course the occasional husband) don't seem to attend craft fairs. Don't get me wrong, I do remember all 3 women, and especially the one husband who bought aprons from me, but the best part about the this fair was the other crafters. I sat behind Hesper from Subversive Seamstress Designs. She makes really cute bags from thrifted fabric and teaches art at a local high school. I also enjoyed meeting Cara from SewBettie. She likes to embroider and enjoyed seeing my Derby Girl jean jacket.

I did best with the vintage textiles I threw in at the last minute. Items from my stash that I didn't think I would use: a beautiful linen table cloth I couldn't bring myself to repurpose (sold to a girl who came by 3 or 4 times before finally taking the plunge - so cute!), a couple of sets of napkins, and some embroidered table cloths. I sat those nearest to me, probably because I don't feel much personal attachment to them as I do my aprons.

My friends who came by were much appreciated. Hellin' Wheels, a friend from Derby Lite came by before practice. My friend Sue (the first person to buy my most popular apron, the full Caroline) came and stayed for an hour or so - she always livens things up. Kristina came by before her family came over to have dinner and hear some jazz. And my friend Julie with her husband Wade and their son Ben came by late in the day also. I also enjoyed meeting Nancy, a person I had never met who READS MY BLOG! (sorry, it's the first time that's ever happend!) Marc dropped me off, took the kids to see Indiana Jones (recommended) and picked me up, so he's very much appreciated of course. It's surprisingly tiring to sit in a chair all day, and after the beer I had at about 7pm (thanks Julie!), I was pretty much ready for bed as soon as I got home!

This is some fabulous barkcloth I got on ebay last week. About 12 yards in perfect condition. I see some full aprons out of this one - and maybe some curtains too, isn't it cute?? Thanks to Johanna for that one.

Derby Dress

I made this dress last weekend from 2 large cotton sponsor t-shirts for Derby Lite. When we were recieving the shirts Hellin Wheels commented that Vivi Sewhot should be able to come up with a dress made from one of them. Hmmmm, good idea! Here are the pics I am putting together to submit to ReadyMade. I think it would make a great Do It Yourself for the mag.




It takes 2 sets of sleeves to make the skirt at the bottom, and the ric-rac is optional. You don't need a serger, just a machine with a zig-zag stitch. The nice hem at the bottom is the hem already present on the sleeve bottoms. I wore it to practice on Tuesday and it passed the functionality test. It stays in place and is very comfortable. I got a lot of nice comments, and a couple of requests from the D'Liters - that's what gave me the idea to present it to ReadyMade.

Derby Girl and Pom's Farm

I finished the Derby Lite girl on the back of my jacket! I'm especially pleased with the way the skates came out. Someone asked me what I would charge to recreate her, but honestly I don't think I could do it - she is most likely a one-off.

I have been pretty busy making product for the Constructor Craft Fair May 25th. Below is "Pom's Farm" - an apron I started yesterday. The fabulous fabric was given to me by Pominatrix, (a D'Liter) I'm not sure she realized just how much I LOVE this kind of pictorial barkcloth - when I saw it hanging it her kitchen I gasped - then she told me that she wanted to give me the remainder in her stash - I think I counted a total of 12 panels! The fabric was manufactured as curtains (the original side seams remain in the apron) and is the perfect width for aprons. I won't be using all of the fabric for aprons, I will save some for wristlets - and maybe even for my kitchen.


I love the way the black side panels become the back of the apron. I'll be attaching black ties with red topstitching.

This is one of those fabrics that goes so nicely with my label - I love it when that happens!

Progress!

Being between jobs leaves lots of time for embroidery - look how Viva (I've name her) is coming along! The face is a little funny, but at a distance it looks just fine, and I couldn't possibly get any more thread in that area - too bad that there is no erasing in embroidery!

The D'Liters have planned an outdoor skate for tomorrow morning, but alas, we are supposed to be getting snow flurries - arrgghh!! Haven't we suffered enough?? Apparently not! Please say a little warm weather prayer for us!

Derby Lite Girl - Work in Progress

I finally found the image that goes with the Derby Lite logo for my jean jacket. The Derby Lite girl was created by a D'liter named Valerie of the Dolls (thanks Valerie!). It's a pretty ambitious project as I am going to be filling it all in (see the pink stripe in the helmet for where I have started). I'm using a split stitch for the outline - (the same stitch that Hillary at Wee Wonderfuls uses on her stitchettes - I recently ordered one for my friend Julia). I'll use some satin stitch (for the sock stripes) and an uneven satin stitch for most of the rest of the areas. I really like the look of the split stitch for the black outline, it has just the right weight and presence.

Maybe I look like I'm trying to be 16 again wearing a jean jacket with an embroidered emblem on the back, but that's exactly what Derby Lite has made me feel like. There is nothing quite like the feeling of being on skates with purpose - our practices are hard work, but so much fun. Yesterday we played derby soccer, which is basically just skating around in a circle kicking small soft soccer balls to each other and trying not to fall down while doing it!

We have all come so far in our skills since November (when Derby Lite was born) - it's a wonderful thing to see! If you are in the area and would like to see us skate, we are throwing a skating party at Lombard Roller rink (in Lombard IL) Sunday May 4th from 4-6. The party is a benefit for the American Cancer Society's upcoming Walk & Roll. Derby Lite will be skating 10 miles in the Walk & Roll May 18th. Email me if you'd like more information about the skating party May 4th - it's going to be a blast!

Art Institute Outing

April 2nd - Chicago Art Institute, originally uploaded by Viteen.

We made it to the Chicago Art Institute today! We went for the Edward Hopper - Winslow Homer show. The Hopper paintings are just dazzling. I had only seen Nighthawks in person, and to see so many today was fantastic. I'm afraid my museum stamina is not very strong, so after spending an hour looking at the Hopper works, I didn't have too much more energy for Homer. Marc had already been through the exhibit when he did a piece on the show for Chicago Tonight, the local program he works on (he's a producer, focusing on the arts), so he wasn't too disappointed. Francesca didn't seem to mind either. We did stop by and visit American Gothic before we left. We had it pretty much to ourselves - a very nice experience! Did you know that that painting helped bring ric-rac back into fashion? (it was ever out??) I know there are lot's of factoids about that painting, but that's one of my favorites!

Indians Yesterday and Today

Found this Bureau of Indian Affairs booklet here today. We were planning to see the Edward Hopper/Winslow Homer exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago. We forgot that Tuesday is freeday - the line to get in was at least 45 people. We're going to try again tomorrow! I'm glad it worked out that way now, it was so nice to visit this shop, and it's owner. The design of this cover is pretty fascinating. The old with the new - the type at the bottom is what caught my eye. I'm also taken with the back cover - probably because of my most recent freelance job:
I was assisting a book cover designer - a really fun gig. I'm looking forward to doing more work like that in the future.

Hoping to post some images from our trip to the
Art Institute of Chicago tomorrow!

Derby Lite Skating Apron

It was just a matter of time until 2 of my favorite things came together!

I found an image on flickr of a derby girl wearing an apron, showing off panty shorts with something printed on them. I'll have to have something PG on mine - possibly my derby name "Screamin' Mimi" or maybe S+M for short - wait a minute, that's not PG!!

I'm pretty pleased with the way the embroidery came out. I created the DL logo from the full logo designed by Coco Bang Bang - formerly of The Double Crossers (with the Windy City Rollers).

I'll be wearing the skating apron to practice tomorrow, so I'll be sure to have my picture taken wearing it in full derby gear!

First Day of Spring!

It's sunny this morning, and hang the weatherman who says we are getting 3-5 inches of snow tonight! I say spring is coming!

I'm updating my Apron Site today and I came across this wine cozy while looking for new images for the Custom section of the site. I created it for the same gal who received this apron for her wedding last June. Now that I think about it, the mini apron was a gift for the groom, who is a wine lover.

I'm on a break from freelancing right now, and enjoying the time off. Derby Lite is skating twice a week now, Tuesday evenings and Sunday afternoons. I don't think I have been this fit since I rowed crew in college (that's me 4th from the right). Click on the picture to see the full size image - and the exertion/fear in my face - I was probably thinking about "crabbing" - catching my oar in the water and getting whacked with it!


I hope it's feels like spring is coming where ever you are - snow tonight or not, it's coming soon!

Little Red Hen is Finished!

I finished "Little Red Hen" - the custom apron I have been working on. I'm really pleased with the way it came out. The time I put into it was more than I had planned on, but I enjoyed working on it and I did most of the embroidery on the train, which for some reason is more enjoyable - why is that? Maybe because it feels like free time. Another benefit is that embroidering on the train is very relaxing - a good thing since I'm on my way to and from work.

The four chicks on the apron stand for the 4 children of the woman who will be receiving the apron. I like the way the portraits of the animals came out. Here's where "google image search" really comes in handy! After I find good images I take them into illustrator and draw outlines - get them about the same size - then print them out onto cardstock and make stencils.


I had a couple of weeks to complete this apron (I got the commission at the same time I got the order for the PIE aprons) and I managed my time well. I like to do a little bit everyday - cut out all of the bodies, cut out all of the ties, make all of the pockets, etc. I never felt overwhelmed. With the Little Red Hen apron I embroidered the bib first (after I cut out the body), then moved on to the Hen pocket and chicks. I made them, pinned them down, and planned out the remainder of the embroidery. Once I finished that I sewed the hen and chicks in place, and finally constructed the apron. I'm looking forward to hearing from Molly, who commissioned the apron for her mom.

It looks like my freelance job might be ending for a while, so it's a good thing I got over to Sew Particular this week. I had an interesting meeting with the owner yesterday. I look forward to what might come of it...

PIE Aprons Done!

I finished the aprons for PIE, the upscale pie shop in Chicago. Dara, one of the owners, contacted me after seeing the Daily Candy post in mid-January. The PIE folks want to have aprons to sell in the store, and possibly for the employees to wear as well. The black apron was my 3rd and most successful attempt. They really liked the blue and brown one below too - but we all felt the black one will sell better. The inspiration for the black apron came from a lunch bag I made for myself a few weeks ago. I made a simple square pillowcase bag, then made a tab closure - "wow! - that would make a cute apron detail!" I usually like buttons and tabs to actually function, but a functioning button tab on an apron would just be distracting, it's not like you really have anything in an apron pocket that's going to fall out!

This week I'll be seeing Vivian at Sew Particular in Oak Park about the possibility of them making some aprons for me. I'm so curious to talk to her, and see what she thinks of my aprons, and the possibility of having them made in her shop.



I made good progress on the "Little Red Hen" apron this week also. The embroidery work on that one is a little more time-intensive than I planned for, but I am excited about it - it's a fun project - and that makes the extra time worth it to me. Below is a shot of the embroidery on the bib. The red copy is easier to read than it appears here. The hen is asking for help with the wheat - below the animals (dog, cat, duck) will be saying NOT I! and the hen's chicks will be eating bread crumbs.

In Progress

I got a custom order request from a gal named Molly. She wondered if I might be interested in making an apron that tells a story? Well yes I would! This is the story of the little red hen. She's trying to get some help with the wheat: who will help me plant the seeds? harvest? grind the wheat? bake the bread? All entreaties are met with a "Not I" from the duck, the cat, and the dog.

Who gets to eat the bread?? Only the hen and her 4 chicks (Molly and her siblings).

The hen will be a pocket, I think the remainder of the elements will be embroidered. The duck, cat, and dog are not concepted yet - but I think they will appear as little head shots in boxes opposite the hen. They will be saying "NOT I!" in unison.

This is a far cry from what I did yesterday - I was in a parade with my roller derby club "Derby Lite". Unfortunately I was a little busy yesterday (I met with the people at PIE to review the aprons I made for them in the morning) and just totally spaced my skates! I ended up walking with the group - which worked out nicely since I was able to get these fun photos! Also, TerminAda and I swapped her skates for my fat babies after the parade, and 5 of us skated back through the parade back to the staging area - so I got to skate after all!

The best banner in the parade! Poppy Z Fite, one of the Derby Liters made it. That's Dyna-Mo and TerminAda carrying it.

OK, Ready Now!

I just updated Practically Necessary tonight! I spent most of the weekend photographing the new aprons, and preparing the Illustrator files (that's how my site was created - with pages in Illustrator imported into Dreamweaver as jpegs. In Dreamweaver I just add all of the hotspots (links). Updating the site can be a little cumbersome, but I can do it myself, and I'm pretty happy with the results.

I really wanted to get the new Who's Counting apron on the index page - I was so focussed on getting it just right, that I failed to notice that two of the aprons on the home page have black pockets! A little design redundancy - still, I like all of those images for the homepage, so I'll leave it for now.

New Styles - Almost Ready!

This "calorie" fabric is a reproduction of a print I have on a vintage hankie - it's exactly the same, though the colors are a little different. Seemed like perfect apron fabric!


The original batch of Kitty-kitty aprons (there were 6) all sold. I think this black and white fabric does the trick for version 2. It's tricky to find a print that goes well with the ric-rac (not too big, not too small).

So many people have asked me if I have cherry fabric - I finally found one I really like! This one has such a pretty gray background with lemons, and lemony drinks - Perfect for summer entertaining! I embroidered cherries on the pockets–it's available without them too. I think I need to find a spot on the site to point out that I can embroider on almost any apron I offer. A few people have emailed and asked about embroidery on other styles - that's how the monograms on Barbara Ann and Libby came about.

Folks Dance

I have finally caught up with the orders I received from the Daily Candy post. We all recovered from the nasty virus that is going around, so I have had a little time to get some new aprons working. Part of the fun with each new apron is designing the page for the website. Each apron page is a little different, designed to highlight whatever is special about that style. I love the border on this gray fabric. I only have enough fabric to make two of these - I wish I had more so the page would have a longer life, but I love this apron so I want to get it out there!

Next on the agenda is to finish the aprons I am designing for a pie shop called PIE in downtown Chicago. They would like aprons to sell in the shop, and possibly aprons for the employees to wear. I have a couple of cute half aprons, but I still need to design a full apron for a man to wear. I went to Vogue fabric yesterday and found a beautiful butterscotch color cotton with a little heft to it - I think it will work nicely for that one. Will post those designs soon.

Evelyn's Order

Practically Necessary was featured in the Chicago Edition of Daily Candy last Wednesday - Wonderful news! The wrinkle was that I came down with the worst cold that day - and it just got worse and worse. I was sitting at my computer Wednesday morning (most of the orders came in berfore noon) with just enough energy to monitor the orders and update my site as the one-of-a-kinds sold. By the weekend the ENTIRE family had come down with it - it was almost funny (but felt so AWFUL!)

A gal named Evelyn ordered 3 of my favorite aprons - I was so delighted when I found the "E" hankie in my collection in include in her order - I hope she loves it!

I let most of my customers know what happened, and everyone was just fine with waiting a few extra days for their order. Today the kids are still recovering so I'm getting some orders finished and ready to ship. I can't work tonight though... it's DERBY NIGHT!

Derby Lite Embroidery

Here's the Derby Lite logo (thanks to Coco BangBang for designing it) I just finished embroidering on my jean jacket. Rollerskating with this great group of women has been the best thing to happen to me in a long time - we are all having so much fun! Thanks so much to my friend Queen B, a former Windy City Roller (she skated with The Fury) who started Derby Lite.

I'm still undecided on my Derby Name - but I think I'm going with "Screamin' Mimi" - I'm such a screamer!

Here I am at Derby practice - working on my skills!

I might get really ambitious and embroider another image on top of the logo - a akating gal, or a winged skate - not sure yet.

Emily's Pillow

I made a pillow and pillowcase for Emma, a good friend of my son Leo. Emma has an American Girl doll named Emily.

That's the quilt I made for Emma's doll Emily last year. (pictured here with MY Emily!)


I used vintage pillow ticking to make the pillow, and I hand embroidered the case. I had so much fun embroidering the pillowcase, that I started another project I'll be ready to show off in just a few days - it's an embroidery of the logo from my Roller Derby group on the back of my favorite Levi's jean jacket - roller skating has made me feel so great - and I'm pretty sure wearing my jean jacket adorned with embroidery will REALLY take me back!