Apron Challenge: September

September for most folks means heading back to school.  And we're no exception.  Both kids like their teachers and enjoy riding the bus with the new neighbors.  Since we're only just starting the third week of classes, homework's been light but already my son has been home sick one day with the start of a head cold.  Sheesh!

However, September is also my anniversary month.  So not only does it mark off another milestone year for the kids', my husband and I have a reason to celebrate as well.  Last year I did a post filled with photos from the wedding and sentimental memories.  But let's get back to the apron.

A few months ago my sister recovered her bridesmaids dress from the back rack of her attic storage and allowed me to cut off the bottom 18" of the skirt.  This is re-purposing at it's finest!

I made a simple gathered apron and added a scattering of rhinestones and daisies.  Even though it was a September wedding, I insisted that daisies be used in the arrangements.  On our first date, Hank brought me a bouquet of daisies.  This was the first time anyone had ever given me flowers, and it made a lasting impression. 

Instead of having the typical long ties in the back of the apron, I made a large bow to mimic the "big butt bow" I had on my wedding dress.  Incidentally, my mother and I debated about taking it off my dress, but decided that it was slightly hidden by my long veil and seemed appropriate.  Here, I used a rhinestone buckle to secure the center of the bow.  And the waistband has a snap closure under the bow.

So I guess this apron goes into the "one for show" category.  Polyester taffeta and rhinestones don't lend themselves very well to bacon grease and bread flour.  But then this was a sentimental sewing project from the start.

 

And keeping that in mind, I couldn't resist trying on my headpiece again.

I'll let my cookie jar owl model it for you while I explain...this crown was purchased in 1965 by my mother for her wedding.  I wore it when I was married.  Both my sister and I wore it for our First Communions, as did my daughter for hers.  The veil is adjusted for each occasion, longer for the brides and shorter for the little girls.  Hopefully it will get worn again, and the tradition will continue!

Well, if you've been sewing along with me, you know that this is the final month of the Apron Challenge.  I can't believe we've gone through a full year already!  Next time maybe hot pads?  Tote bags?  Knitted socks of the Month?!  Too many possibilities.  But I suspect I'll take a break for a while and get a few more of my projects in order.  Be sure to check out the Apron Challenge Tab at the top of the blog for photos from each month.  Thank you to everyone who participated, posted photos and kept me inspired this past year! 

Apron Challenge: August

Some of you might know that when I'm not strolling through the pasture, adoring my little lambies, I organize a pin-up contest for the Symco Shakedown.  During the second weekend of August, hundreds of traditionally built hot rods and customs descend upon the crossroads town of Symco, Wisconsin.  Two days full of cars, swap, rockabilly music and mini-bike drags.  And kicking off the Saturday morning line up is a pin-up contest showcasing the classic glamour of the 1940s and 50s.  Seems to me like the perfect occasion for an apron...

So this month I channeled my inner rockabilly pin-up and decided on a small black apron with black lace ruffled trim.  I used the Miss Symco logo to make a patch pocket.  This should come in handy when I'm backstage handing out bobby pins, directing photographers, tallying scores and answering frantic, last minute cell phone calls.

The pin-up contest is a lot of work.  When I was first approached about organizing this, my thought was, "Put some pretty girls on stage...the audience applauds for a winner...there you go!"  It's not quite that simple.  Our top twelve winners are featured in a calendar so immediately following the show, the girls have their photos taken on the grounds.  And this year I've added a calendar signing with the 2012 girls, and a rehearsal with this year's thirty contestants.  It's a lot prep; lining up contestants, sponsors, judges, photographers, an emcee, a band to play between the rounds and backstage volunteers.  But I've made a lot of friends along the way, and everyone seems to have a great time!

So Peepshow, my '50 Ford Shoebox, is ready for the weekend.  Hank and I drive separately.  He tows the camper, and I'm loaded down with crinolines and shoes.  She still doesn't have an interior, but I did have time (in between lambing and baling hay) to sew up a new seat cover.  It's black and very boring, but will have to do until I can find upholstery to match those swanky pink sun visors I made.

Admittedly, a car is the best accessory ever!

I'll be sure to take some photos of the car show and the pin-up contest to share next time.  If you're interested in a few photos from past years, check out the Symco Shakedown website or the Miss Symco website. 

Apron Challenge: July

Or perhaps I should title this post, Apron Challenge: Gone Glamping.  I have to admit that I only recently heard this term being used, and it took me a while before I figured it out.  I think I do it.

This is a shot of our '68 Scotty Sportsman which we always pull behind the Chevy.

And this is my July apron.

I used a novelty print from Alexander Henry's line, "This Land is Your Land."  Originally I had planned to use it for curtains and throw pillows in the camper, but decided it was a bit overpowering for such a small space.  Along the bottom border, I used iron-on transfers (printed from my computer) of a 'Happy Camper' clip art.  And huge purple rick rack is tucked in above and below the border.

But let's get back to talking about that camper.  The apron colors match perfectly (almost like I planned it that way) - aqua and white. 

I purchased these chair frames from Saving Grace last summer.  After a heavy coat of tung oil, I added the striped canvas and made the matching awning.  The camper still needs a paint job to freshen up the outside, but at least the interior is done.

When we bought it, someone had 'redecorated' the walls and ceiling with red and black sponge painting.  It was ghastly.  My daughter and I primed and painted the interior white.  Luckily, both the floor and copper light fixture were original and untouched.  And when we pulled the icky contact paper off the table, that was also in perfect condition. 

The table drops down, flush with the bottom of the seat, to make a twin bed.  Both our kids get to sleep here, head to foot.  So far they are little enough, but pretty soon they'll be outside in a tent.

The kitchen includes a small sink and two-burner gas stove which runs off a propane tank.  The large hole underneath had been fitted for a little dorm fridge.  We're looking for something more appropriate to fill that space.

All the cushions were in their original upholstery.  Yuk.  So I recovered them with a retro bark cloth.  This back couch area pulls out into a double bed.

And there had been a heater in this small cupboard, but it was removed before we bought it.  Hank retro-fitted a cutting board on top for extra food prep space, and below is more storage.  And for the nights that get a bit chilly, we crank up the Coleman lantern to heat the camper.  By the time everyone is in their jammies, it's nice and toasty!

So now I can tie on my new apron, serve up perfect hamburgers on my pastel Melmac dishes (colors match the cushions exactly, btw), and tend to melted-marshmellow-burned fingers from our vintage Red Cross Emergency Kit.  Is that glamping?

Apron Challenge: June

For June I sewed up a simple apron to pay homage to the chicken.  To recognize the unsung hero of the barnyard.  To show appreciation for our feathered friends who announce the breaking of dawn and provide us with sustenance.  Everyone knows that June is Dairy Month.  Why don't we have Egg Month?  Why are chickens just an after thought?!

Plus, I was getting frustrated with collecting eggs in my shirt hem.  Okay, that was mostly the reason for this apron.


Only half the time do I remember to take the egg basket out to the coop with me.  I end up stashing eggs in any available pocket, the water bucket or (my favorite) leaving them in a "safe place," like a ledge in the barn, and totally forgetting about them.  Bosley has enjoyed more than one egg over the months.

So early this morning I tied one on and went out to do chores.  I love being outside in the cool hours before everything is awake.  Well, actually Bosley was glad to see me.  He's used to the kids catching the bus about this time each day.  And it didn't take long before the pigs started squealing.  Their pans never stay full!   The sheep got a little restless looking for grain, too.  And the barn cats...well, let's just say I love being outside in the mornings, and leave it at that.

I used some chicken fabric that I've been saving for a wall hanging.  The body of the apron is made from three gored panels with rounded bottoms. I wanted to try a scalloped  hem as that style was very popular through the '40s and '50s.  I made bias binding in the Purina red and white check to use as edging. 

The generous front pocket has two tucks on the bottom to accommodate eggs.  I had extra bias leftover, so I added the bows on either side.  This apron would be perfect if I showed chickens at the Fair or worked at the feed mill.

Maybe Feather Duster would like to take a trip to the Fair...

...or perhaps Five Toe the Pirate Chicken could hold his own.  Ah well, I'll leave these boys to strut around the barnyard.  I have laundry to get to.

Join the Hop!

Apron Challenge: May

Phew!  I feel like this month is just flying by!  What with goslings, lambs and my daughter's First Communion party, I was happy to find an afternoon to finally get my May apron done.

I wanted to do a flower theme for this month and so went searching for my beautiful Oriental fabrics that I had stashed away for a wall hanging.  I did find flowers in that box, but these Geisha Girls really drew my attention.  I have been saving this piece for something special.  Translation: it's sooo special that it will never get used.  So I bravely took the scissors to it!

I wanted a traditional Oriental style so I opted to do a simple cafe apron out of muslin.  Rows of ruffles and rick rack is not appropriate here.  Simple and uncluttered was what I was after. 

All of the applied fabrics are done using a raw edge applique method.  I simply cut out the shapes I wanted and free-motioned them on.  No edges to finish or turn under.  Although this technique is not new, I had never tried it before.  I tend to like my finished projects clean and top-stitched.  Raw edge methods are just too "devil may care" for me.  But I have to admit that it was easy!  I hope it wears well though.

I also embroidered two circles to balance the black floral and bring out the pink color.  This technique of using a large running stitch is called sashiko.  Traditionally, it is done with white thread on a navy background for purely decorative reasons.

The wide waistband is a light grey floral fusion by Robert Kaufman. 

While this is not my typical style, I do feel like it will get some wear.  Cotton is so serviceable, after all.  Thank you to everyone who has posted in the photobucket album.  Do stop over there to take a look at all the other beautiful creations.

PS. I promise I'll get some lamb pictures up soon, and Happy Mother's Day to you all!

Apron Challenge: April

Phew!  I got this month's apron done just in time!  Hank and I have been busy in the barn getting ready for lambing which should happen any day now.  The old indoor pen needed a little tlc.  We scraped off the layers of compacted poo so we could see the concrete again, replaced some hodge podge boards and gave the whole pen two coats of paint.

Glad that job only happens once a year!

But once we were satisfied that our lambs would be well-housed whenever they choose to arrive, I was back in the sewing room.  This month I dug out some 1930s reproduction fabric and a few Aunt Martha iron-on transfers. 

With Easter Sunday in a few days, I needed this apron for my impending whirlwind of baking (that's sarcasm, by the way).  Hank will grill out a leg of lamb, and I'll be in the kitchen frosting my lamb cake.  I have an adorable Mirro 3D mold from the 1960s.  After frosting, it usually ends up looking like Yoda, but it's an Easter tradition now so what are ya gonna do?  And of course, coloring eggs and setting out baskets is on the weekend To Do list as well.  But back to the apron...

...one little lamb is sproinging...

...and the other is sproinged out and contemplating the nutritional value of tulips.

I lined the pockets with the same rust fabric and had just enough left over to piece together a ruffle for the bottom hem.  I was inspired by some of the aprons posted in our photobucket album and decided to do pleats instead of gathers.  Thank you to everyone who has shared their aprons!  If you haven't yet, make sure to check out all the gorgeous creations from the past months!   I also added small pleats at the waistband, instead of gathering on the apron, for a smoother look.  And no respectable Depression apron would be complete without rick rack.

So in between the barn chores and the egg decorating, be sure to stop and enjoy your family and all the blessings of the Spring season.  I wish you all a very Happy Easter!

Monday Morning Update:  Since originally posting this on Friday, I'm happy to report that this apron got a full two days use over the weekend.  It has a nice stain from making butter frosting, two stains from my afternoon cup of coffee and a healthy dose of cow slobber in the lower corner.  Unlike some of my monthly apron creations, I think this one's a keeper!

100th Post Give-Away

And what would be more appropriate for my 100th post than an apron, of course! 

A few months back my mom moved into a new house and was forced to do a major re-evaluation of her belongings.  Everything that was before deemed necessary was now up for debate.  Luckily for me, that box full of vintage '30s and '40s aprons was no longer deemed necessary to her lifestyle.  Years of rummaging, long before feedsack aprons were even on the radar of antique dealers, my mom amassed a nice collection.  While all of the aprons still have lots of life left, she had intended to cut them up for quilting.  I will probably do the same.  Some will go for quilt projects; others for summer blouses; but a few have already been put to use in the kitchen.

My give-away apron is from that box and, boy, is it a beauty!  It's a full-coverage style that harkens back to those days when Oma bustled about the kitchen, cooking, hanging laundry and shooing the chickens out of the garden.  No half aprons for her!  There was work to be done!  

The tiny floral print is accented nicely by the even tinier contrast trim.  One patch pocket is perfect for your hanky or clothespin.

The apron slips on over the head and ties at the back waist.  It is a little too big for me, but then I'm only 5 feet tall, and should fit the most of you just about right. 

So here's how to enter the give-away:

1. Leave a comment on this post and tell me you favorite apron memory.  Was it your Grandma who always had a stash of Werther's in the pocket, or was it your pre-schooler wearing your too-big apron for baking Christmas cookies?

2.  Entries must be posted by Thursday, March 29th.  A winner will be drawn at random on Friday, March 30th.

A big thank you to everyone who follows my blog!   Over the past year, you've allowed me to share my excitement about dog fur yarn and old Electrolux vacuum cleaners.  You've heard too much information about the amount of manure on our farm. You've listened to me brag about all my sewing projects and scrolled through waaay too many photos of my sheep.  And yet you keep coming back!  I really enjoy all of my blogosphere friendships and will continue to keep you updated on the Homestead happenings (psst, we'll be lambing in the next month or so).  Thanks again, Everyone! 

Apron Challenge: March

For this month's apron, I channeled my inner Irish peasant.  I do have ancestry from the Emerald Isle; my paternal grandmother's mother was Bridget Garvey.  I think that boils down to me being 1/8 Irish.  But March is for the Irish like October is for the Germans!  I'll take it!

I used some leftover poly satin from my gold skirt and trimmed it out with green bias tape and two rows of coins.  I'm gonna have to concede that saucy fringe ain't got nothin' on jangling coins!  I want to be a gypsy when I grow up!

I toyed with the idea of adding rainbow colors to make it less...*cough* Green Bay Packer-themed.  But adding all those primary colors, in either trim or a pocket of some sort, made it feel too cheap and obvious.  I continued the circle idea and did a simple pocket treatment.

My green shawl is actually two yards of nice, medium weight wool that is just begging to be made into a jacket to match my plaid skirt.  But alas, with the warm weather we've been having here, it's time to pull out those summer dress patterns. 

When Irish eyes are smiling,

Sure it's like a morn in Spring,

In the lilt of Irish laughter

You can hear the angels sing.

When Irish hearts are happy,

All the world seems bright and gay,

And when Irish eyes are smiling,

Sure, they steal your heart away.

~ When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

Chauncey Olcott & Geo. Graff Jr.

Hm, I should have incorporated some of my little woolies into this post...that would make me seem even more Irish!  Happy St. Patrick's Day, Everyone!

Apron Challenge: February

Okay, Girls, it's time for us to reevaluate February.  I know that most of us have a love-hate relationship with this month.  We love the fact that at this time of year we're given permission to lavish over-the-top pink sweetness on our husbands and children, but at the same time hate the fact that Hallmark insists it happen a certain preordained way and be contained to only the 14th.  Let's call out that elephant in the room.  Let's talk about Valentine's Day.

Most people go right for the jugular of card, candy, floral and jewelry shops, but I've often thought that to be unfair.  Kudos to them whose marketing team puts in the long hours, figuring out ways to triple their sales in the matter of two weeks.  Valentine's Day should be a big deal simply because it reminds us that we need to appreciate those around us.  Honestly, how many of us would simply forget to go the extra mile if it wasn't ingrained in our psyche that February 14th is the official day of going the extra mile?

I know you're probably saying right now, "Um...apron...?"


Yes, yes, the matter at hand.  That was just my elaborate lead in to justify why I'm shushing you outside my bedroom door.  Because while it may seem very Hallmark-induced, breakfast in bed for the one you love is still really sweet!

This month I used a vintage cotton tablecloth.  It had been on the worktable in the kitchen for a few months, but shaking out the toast crumbs and cat hair every day got to be very tedious.  I have a large collection of tablecloths and this one had seen better days.  The strawberries are faded in one corner, and there is an impressive coffee stain in the other.  But once it's ruffled, virtually none of that visible.  And the inevitable bacon grease stains will feel right at home.

To make the layers of ruffles, I cut two 14" wide lengths from the longest edges of the tablecloth.  The depth of the ruffle (14") was determined by the size of the border print because I wanted to include as much of the border as possible.  With the leftovers from the center of the tablecloth, I made the waistband and ties.  One hint I can offer when it comes to the ties, make them longer than you think you need.  These turned out a bit skimpy.  Easier to cut them shorter if need be.

I attached the top ruffle first, directly into the waistband as I did on my other aprons.  The lower ruffle is sewn to a foundation piece.  I cut the foundation piece extra long knowing that I could adjust the length later and tuck the bottom ruffle under as far as I needed to achieve my overall length.  I added green rickrack to off-set all the pink.  My friend suggested that I add pockets  between the two layers.  They could be sewn to the foundation panel and would be hidden quite nicely.  But I decided to keep it simple.  Besides, isn't your hankie supposed to be shoved up your shirt sleeve?

On second thought, it may be too early to wake the Hubby so I'll just catch up on today's news.  But remember, whatever you do for Valentine's Day, as long as it is from the heart, it counts.  No matter what Hallmark has to say about it.