Happy Holidays!

I wasn't planning on making anything Christmasy for the home this year, but then I found this beautiful sparkly poinsettia fabric and Joanne's and changed my mind.  I decided to make placemats and matching napkins.  I used McCall's 5439 for the placemats (which is really just a circle) and followed these instructions for the napkins.

With the leftover fabric, I decided to make an apron for a coworker's mom...she bakes something delicious for us almost weekly so I figured she'd appreciate an apron.  (My mom is modeling it below.)

 

I used Butterick 5747 view C again.  I've made many aprons now using diff patterns, and this one is my favorite.

Closeup of the red fabric:

Merry Christmas!!

(My first time cooking Christmas dinner.)

Half (Apron) Crazy

About 2 weeks ago, I sat down to make a half apron using Butterick 5474 view D.  I found this pattern very straightforward and easy.  So much so, I decided to make 5 more!  Two of them because I had remnants that weren't big enough to do any major project with and were the perfect size for the top apron.  (As an aside, I love the remnants bin at Joann's...I cannot leave the store w/out rummaging!)

This is the first one.  I decided to make flower appliques mimicking the print.  It was my first time making appliques.  I think they were successful.  I used the tie and under apron fabric as well as a jean skirt I cut up because it had a whole in it.

These are the rest:

I am well on my way to reaching my goal to set up my Etsy!

McCall's 5643 view B

So now I've done all three views of this pattern.  This is my least favorite.

For some reason, it took me a really long time to complete this....a little under 10 hours!  Part of this was the pocket.  I spent almost 3 hours on the pocket alone, which is ridiculous.  I didn't understand the directions for it and read it many times before it finally clicked.  I had to pin the contrast several times to get it in the right spot.  Then I realized I cut the pocket upside down so I had to start all over again.  Here's the pocket detail:

Overall, I'm just not in love with the style of this view.  I probably won't be making it again.  It really reminds me of hospital scrubs, but maybe that is my poor fabric choice.  I though yellow would be nice, but now I think pink probably would've looked better as the contrast color.  Oh well...

McCall's 5643

This is the second time I've used this pattern, but the first time I've done view A.  I didn't think I liked this style, but I think I've warmed up to it.

Here's a close up of the print:

The buttons match perfectly with the flowers on the print.

I think I love this pattern.  I have absolutely no issues with it.  It's super easy so it's great for beginners without looking like a beginner project.  I highly recommend it!

Butterick 4945

I'm finally finished this apron!!!!  It only took me the ENTIRE day. :(  I had off today and was hoping to get two done, but that didn't happen.  This was my 6th apron and although one of the simplest style-wise, it was the most frustrating.  I have never had to rip out so many seams.  Most of this was due to my wanting to line it.  I didn't think through the best way to do it and realized after I stitched and zig zag stitched.  So for anyone wanted to make this apron and line it, attach the lining at the very top, lower sides, and bottom and leave open the top sides (the part with the thin pink strip - the band).  This is because you need the seam allowance when you attach the band.  Of course I didn't realize this until after I had first sewed the sides completely and trimmed the seam allowance!  You can imagine, it wasn't fun to sew the bands on after that.
Attaching the flounce was more difficult than expected due to the curved edge.  I had to re-pin it 5 times for the front and 3 times for the back.  I don't think the notches for this pattern align perfectly.  At least they didn't for mine...I had to completely ignore them to get it to "fit" - I use the term loosely as it still didn't fit.  The flounce isn't as long as the apron.  To fix the problem I had to switch from a regular 5/8 seam allowance to 1/4 to 1 inch along the sides of the apron.  This was very annoying.
Also, it wasn't clear to me which way the neck ties went.  I thought I had it right...I even basted it first.  Everything seemed ok so I stitched them in place.  That's when I realized they were on backwards.  They're on an angle and are supposed to lean towards the center, but I stitched them leaning outward.  Well, at least the next one will be much easier.  Yes, I'm crazy enough to do it again because I think the end product is pretty cute.

Butterick 5474

I've finally finished the first of many aprons I plan on making.  These are a lot of work and took MANY hours to complete, but I think the finished product is worth it.

The pattern instructions were very clear and easy to follow.  The only change I made to the pattern was to line the skirt and pockets.  I think adding the lining makes for a much more "professional" finished look. 

 I think they're absolutely adorable!  My mom has already called dibs on the mushroom madness apron.  :)