Happy Thanksgiving!

11/24/07 UPDATE:

My Thanksgiving video was playing automatically whenever entering the blog. As funny as it is, it gets old after a while. SO, if you haven't seen or wish to see again the hilarious Adam Sandler singing his Thanksgiving song, the only song I know of written about turkey, click here.

Handmade for Christmas?

I realize that Christmas is only a few weeks away. Still, I am toying with the idea of giving handmade gifts this year. Realistically I don't know that I can get it done, but in theory, it's a good idea. Or is it? I'm not exactly skilled as a seamstress. Still, I think I can probably do a gift-worthy job(depending on what I make) So my next thought is what in the world do I make? I've already given my sister something like four aprons. I can never have enough aprons, personally, but she and my mom will probably eventually tire of them if they haven't already. So, what to make? Then there are the men. These are the ones that really baffle me. I don't have a clue what to sew for a man, especially my Dad. There are no little ones in the family yet, so don't have to worry about that one!

I really wanted to make an apron for each of my girlfriends for Christmas. And I had a really cute idea for a lunch tote. But the closer it gets, the more I'm afraid they'll think handmade= homemade=lame. Is it lame? I don't think so but then again their tastes and mine are all so different. If I did make something for them, I know they would be totally gracious and sweet about it, but I don't want them secretly wondering why I didn't just go buy some Bath and Body Works(and who doesn't love Bath & Body Works?)And honestly, if I don't make up my mind to do it and get started that's what EVERYONE is getting anyway. What to do, what to do?

Ya'll help me out here...What are your thoughts on handmade gifts? Do you like to receive them? Do you like to give them? Is it too close to Christmas for me to even worry about it this year?

**11/20 Update: I had actually decided to make one gift before this post and I'm officially halfway through that one...can't post a pic 'cause that person might see this...you never know.

Quilt Class

Yesterday I went to a beginner's machine piecing class at a local quilt shop. I was so excited when I first signed up and then by yesterday morning, I was kinda...not really dreading it...just not looking forward to it as much. I think a little social anxiety that kicks in sometimes, because, of course, once I got there I had a really nice time and I actually learned a lot.

I'm now much more comfortable with a rotary cutter. I understand and appreciate the process of quilt piecing a little better. There were only six of us in the class, so it was very hands on and we got lots of one on one assistance. Dana, the shop owner was fantastic and very helpful even though she wasn't "officially" teaching the class. When she wasn't helping customers, she was helping us! The instructor is a SERIOUS quilter who was so very helpful and patient! I managed to find some samples of some of her quilts here. She brought some of her quilts to class and has a few for sale in the shop and they were beautiful.

I should mention that my sewing machine was not the clunkiest one there, but it was a close second. Still in the midst of a bunch of high-end machines, my old clunker held her own! Not once did it do anything weird. I don't think I embarrassed myself too much in front of the other quilting ladies...but who knows. AND my quilt was not the crappiest one because none of actually made a quilt! Just blocks. We're beginners people, cut us some slack! :) Thanks for sending the good vibes, Jack!

Needless to say, I was s0 completely thrilled once I actually completed a quilt block! Yes, I did yell out a "YAY!" when I finished it. But I think everyone else did too ;) 'cause we were all at about the same skill level. Make that all but one overachieving gal who had brought her own Christmas themed fabrics and had pre-cut them all. She made something like SIX blocks during the class when the rest of us only managed about two! Anyway, it was a very satisfying feeling of achievement when that first block came together! I can see how people get hooked on this!

Again, it was a fun day. I enjoyed myself, I enjoyed the company and I learned something new. Now, I didn't finish a quilt of course, but I do have two and a half blocks together and the know how to at least piece the front. I don't know what I'll do when it comes to to quilt it, unless I do the straight line "easy lap quilt" kind of quilting I've done once. However, I'm not sure that type of quilting is suited to this more traditional quilt.

I've signed up to participate in a block of the month club. Each month I'll get a kit and if I take it back to the club meeting (completed) the following month, I'll get another block kit. At the end of the year I'll have enough blocks for a nice, big quilt. I thought it sounded like fun and a way to keep quilting without becoming overwhelmed.

Here's a look at my two completed blocks. WOO HOO! The pattern is called charmed and I'm using 1930's reproduction fabrics.Here's a look at what the finished quilt top should look like.

Quilt Class Tomorrow

I am attending a day-long beginner's machine quilting class at a local quilt shop tomorrow(11/17). Feel free to send the following vibes(hand to the back of forehead, fingers wiggling toward screen) in my direction:

• Sewing machine won't quit working or go crazy(as it has been known to do) vibe.
• I will have all the supplies I need with me(lost my instructional letter)vibe.
  
• I won't say something idiotic and embarrass myself in front of the quilting ladies vibe.
• My quilt won't be the crappiest looking one there vibe.

On the subject of cooking...

Last night I went to my brother Shea's house for our weekly family viewing of Biggest Loser. We sorta have our own personal little club, dontchaknow. The folks are visiting relatives in sunny Florida so Shea did the cooking this week.

I was a little nervous. Not 'cause Shea was cooking dinner...he's a better cook than I am, for sure! I was nervous because he made beef stew. Nervous 'cause I've never liked beef stew and as a rule, I'm not much of a touching-foods kinda gal. And well, beef stew IS foods touching. And there are usually tons of vegetables in the stuff. My loyal three readers already know that I don't like most vegetables. In fact, I like vegetables even LESS than I like foods touching. OK, I do like the white vegetables(except for cauliflower) and the yellow vegetables(except squash). I hear you sniggering...Ya'll QUIT laughing at me!

Anyway, Shea made beef stew (and grilled cheese to go with). I must confess I was absolutely blown away by deliciousness of it! The touching vegetables were good...yummy even! Say! I like beef stew and touching vegetables! And I would eat them in the rain and I would eat them on a train! I would eat them in a box and I would eat them with a fox! I would eat them in a house and I would eat them with a mouse! And I would eat them here or there! And I would eat them anywhere! I do! I like beef stew and touching vegetables... Sorry. The librarian in me had to get that out.

Seriously, Shea's beef stew really was very good and I did go back for a second helping of it. I have officially expanded my culinary pallet a bit more! It's big deal for me, ya'll! Kinda like when I discovered after 38 years that I actually like meatloaf after all! I feel a little silly that I've always been so finicky when it comes to food.

Making Shea's version of beef stew is simple...If I'm remembering correctly, he told me he dumped a can of veg-all, a can of tomatoes, a can of black-eyed peas, & a can of (drained)potatoes along with some stew meat in the crock pot and cooked it for something like 8-12 hours. And after our meal, we had hummingbird cake. Mmmm. Who knew those little birds could be so tasty!!! Thank you, my dear brother for the fine food and company! And for not using actual hummingbirds in the cake.

Now, over in Poland my sister and her husband are cooking up a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for about 20+ college aged Polish kids. Check this out. Brave girl. I wouldn't stick my hands in that goopy ole' pumpkin. bleck. Sadly, she can't buy it canned and no Thanksgiving around here is complete without pumpkin roll! I'm sure everyone who is in attendance will have a wonderful time and get some tasty eats to boot!

Me, I cooked up a pot of corn & bacon chowder this week. Quite tasty. It involved my two vegetables of choice. The recipe is in a previous post.

Paris Toille Apron...come to Mama + the Apronista Giveway for this week

hee...hee. I'm giddy with the excitement! Remember when I posted about this contest last week? The incredibly cute apron giveaway from the Apronista? I WON IT!(jumping up and down..stirring the pot) Go Kellie, It's Your Birthday! Well, it's not actually my birthday. It's better! I'm getting an awesome gift but NOT turning 40! Woo Hoo! I have actually left a bag of Doritos sitting undisturbed for five minutes in order to do the happy happy joy joy dance and ya'll know I loves me some Doritos! That's happy, people. My apron will be coming to me from Sommer Designs and I know you'll love all the designs there as much as I did!

And get this. The Apronistas are giving away another apron. These are from Carolyn's Kitchen and they are, well, hot!! Head over to The Apronista now for contest details. You might just win!

I'll say this again: If you enter to win but you don't plan on wearing your apron should you win...our favorite is Dorothy in Aqua. ;)

Flea Market Goodies

In my last post I shared some of the sights from a local flea market. As promised, I'm gonna show off my loot. But before I show you what I did buy, here's a look at one more thing I didn't buy. I don't know why I didn't snatch it right up, I've had this dreamy Grizzly Adams trash can on my Christmas wish list for ages.Alright, alright. On to the good stuff..the stuff I did buy...

Here's the lot of it. Seven vintage aprons, a fabulous leather bag, cute vintage tablecloth with a crochet edge, vintage napkins, quilted teddy, egg separator, handmade kitty, and I don't think you can see it in this photo but I also picked up a dutch print tea towel that I plan on making into an apron.Here's a closer look at the shaped-like-a-piece-of-pizza tupperware container(1 dollar) and the egg separator that I will probably never use but could not live without at the time. I bought the quilted teddy(FOUR dollars) to use in my library media center display; his eyes need a little work... they are just glue dots right now. I bought several aprons that day. This one being the most expensive(10 bucks) and my favorite of the bunch. This set of four linen napkins was too cute to pass up at 50 cents!
My deal of the day is this fabulous leather handbag. I thought it was vintage from maybe the 70's when I spied it. I got closer and saw that it still had the Wilson's Leather store tags. It's NEW and it was originally priced at $90.00. It was price at 12 bucks and the incredibly nice man at the booth sold it to me for TEN DOLLARS! Woo Hoo! I NEVER ask people to go down on their prices and I would totally have paid 12 bucks(duh, right) but for some reason I went for it. It's a great bag, ya'll!I spent a little over what I intended to for the day. Of course, on the way out I spotted something else I wanted...a cookie crock and began to whine about not being able to buy it. "Maaaaann, that's so cute, I'm out of moneeey! Whyyy did I hafta buy soooo many aprons? It would be so cute in the kiiii-tchen! waaa waaa waaa". I walked away dejected and headed for the car while Mark ran back to a couple of booths(I was out of money and cold). When he came back to the car, he surprised me with the crock!He's so sweet! ...and it does look really cute in the kitchen.

Bluff City Monster Discovered at 4H Flea Market

Mark and I went to the Vanderburgh County 4H Flea Market recently. This particular flea market is one of the better ones locally(locally being a 45min. drive). Sometimes there's TONS of stuff & sometimes there's....less than tons. But we always enjoy ourselves and one of us usually walks away with some sort of "treasure". And caramel corn.

Lots of fun stuff this time. Snapped a few pics while we were walking around...A bowl full of drink-stir-er-thingies. I KNOW they have a name. It has slipped my mind. Swizzle sticks? Whatever you call 'em, we bought a few. Cause they were cool. I use them to stir my nightly hot chocolate if you must know.Lots of random and strange display combinations pop up at the Flea Mart. This is one of them. Perhaps you would like a creepy stuffed black arched-back cat to go with your parlor painting?
Super cool Dick Tracy car. Check that retro blue hair dryer in the background!
Awww! At one time I wanted to decorate our school library with Raggedy Ann and Andy. But I'm not sure they were originally children's book characters. As a matter fact, I don't know any Raggedy Ann and Andy history. Drawn to the shades of blue on these old spools of thread.
I don't know what it is. but there's something I really like about old milk bottles. I always find myself stopping to look at them. I'd like to have a display of them in my kitchen, I think.How awesome would this guy be hanging on the garage wall!?
I dig these Lady Head vases. I have about four of them, but I can't afford to collect them for real...they are soooo expensive.
This trunk makes me think of my brother Shea and his favorite movie, Joe Vs. The Volcano.

This one I took for Jackie and Scott. Did ya'll get any fair food while you were home? Notice how you can get Taco salad & Nachos, Polish Sausage, AND Philly Cheese Steak all at one booth? It's an international food fest on wheels!
I must've been hungry cause the Biscuit Barn caught my eye too! Fried biscuits! Really? If it involves biscuits, it can't be bad, can it? I SO want one of these old aluminum Christmas trees and accompanying swirly lights! I have a giant Santa head. Don't know where it came from, but it's out in the garage.

Mark and one of his toy purchases...he's sold it on ebay already!
Alright, I know this picture is really fuzzy, but this display was so danged cute that I couldn't not share it. Old 50's snowmen store displays maybe? CUTE!
ACK!! How the (expletive deleted) did that get on here??? I loathe monkeys...(no rational reason, they just creep me out) especially these creepy cymbal playing chimpanzee freaks.

I thought the lady who made these was going to have a stroke when I asked if I could take a photo of them. I had to assure her I wasn't going to try and make and resell them. I just thought they were cute. Sheesh, lady.
This was by far the coolest thing I saw all day. Yes I wanted it. Badly. NO, I didn't buy it. Seeing as how I no longer own any 8 tracks, it probably wouldn't have been of much use. sigh


And Finally...
Bluff City is a tiny little town in Henderson county on the bank of the Green River. We went to the tiny little church in that town. There was nothing but a tiny little church in the town as far as I remember. Anyhow, when we were little, my brothers and I were told a story about the Bluff City Monster by the church teenagers and I think our uncle David may have told it too(perhaps more than once). I don't remember the exact details of the Bluff City Monster story...I kinda remember it being a bigfoot type monster that would crawl up from the river banks and go skulking about the town at night, probably looking for children to eat. Shea might be able to call up more details. I DO remember that it scared me!

I had completely forgotten this story until Shea reminded me of it on our way to see the Police in concert this summer. I quickly forgot it again. Until wandering around at the flea market... when I spotted this thing from a distance. I believe the citizens of Bluff City can now rest easily. It would appear that the Bluff City Monster has met it's demise.



I may be wrong, but I believe this is what happened to the rest of the Bluff City Monster.

As luck would have it I came upon what I believe to have been the lesser known, (although better accessorized) Spottsville Monster.Whew. We'll all sleep better tonight knowing those two are gone for good.

And so there you have it. Kellie & Mark's Flea Market fun! We did buy some stuff at the flea market, but I've kept you much too long! Come back later for a rundown of my goodies.

A Non-Work Day & Way Too Simple Chili

No work today! Yee Haw! So happy...although I did run by school to check out the new library. Except for the Titanic of a story area in the middle of the room (which I told the powers that be was not a good idea), it looks great! Titanic and all...I'm very excited and am looking forward to getting settled in there and finally getting back to being a real library media specialist and not a traveling dog and pony show.

Other than than, I have taken advantage of this day off. This morning I set a pot of chili to cook. I used my brother Shea's recipe and it is yummy! Especially for this perfect chili weather we are currently having. I also watched Blades of Glory this morning. Good Grief! I was not expecting to laugh so hard! John Heder is hilarious. The peacock suit...people!!! Great choice of movie for a day off! I even took a nap AND I have the remainder of the day to...I don't know...watch another movie, pick up the pile of Jackie's Christmas apron that is still on my sewing table in a heap, attempt to sew aforementioned apron, read, hit the mall for an hour or two...so many options.

Now, back to the chili! Shea's recipe was perfect, ridiculously easy as the name implies and did I mention it was yummy! I rarely end up following a recipe to the letter only because I somehow always seem to be short an ingredient or two. In the case of the chili:

• I only had one can of tomatoes on hand, so I had to sub with a can of tomato sauce.
  
• The diced tomatoes were a bit chunkier than I can handle, so I put 'em in my handy dandy little chopper till they were of a chunkiness(technical cooking term) comparable to salsa.That's not really changing the recipe is it?
• I got really brave and added a dash of baking cocoa too...saw that in a chili recipe I read the other night. I figured if I'm adding cinnamon, what's a little chocolate going to hurt?
  
• I sprinkled in a little Mexene chili seasoning(probably could have done without it).

I let it cook in the crock pot all morning and by lunch it was mighty MIGHTY tasty! I have a new chili recipe!I love it when things I cook turn out to taste good! I'm looking forward to lunch tomorrow because we all know chili is one of those things that gets better the next day!

Shea's Way Too Simple Chili Recipe

Ingredients:
1 Pound Lean Ground Beef
1 Can Bush's Chili Magic Chili Starter TRADITIONAL style
2 Cans Diced Tomatoes (I use the Ro-Tel Chili ready variety)
1 Package Shredded Taco Cheese
Salt
Pepper
Ground Cinnamon (optional)

Steps:
1. Brown and drain ground beef
2. In crockpot (MUST BE COOKED IN CROCKPOT) combine Chili
magic, 2 can's diced tomatoes (one can of tomatoes can be drained for
thicker chili), and finally ground beef.
3. Stir concoction.
4.Salt and pepper into crockpot until chili has a layer of salt pepper
dusting over about 70-80% of surface. I typically do 3 to 1 ratio of
pepper to salt.
5. (OPTIONAL) Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. This is tricky. I'd
recommend trying it without the cinnamon first, then if you like it, try
a dash of cinnamon the next go around.
6. Cook overnight on LOW, no less than 8 hours.
7. Top with loads of shredded taco cheese.
8. It's not really rocket science t'all, but tastes pretty good.

Apronistas Apron Giveaway

One of my favorite recently discovered blogs is the Apronistas ...lots of apron love to be had there! Check it out---right now they are hosting a giveaway from Sommer Designs...and the winner gets to choose the apron design!

Gals, these are some gorgeous aprons! Go take a look-see! It'll take you forever to choose just one! Me, I'm going for the Paris Toile! Here's the direct link to the Apronistas giveaway post.

Hey, if you don't plan on using the apron you win, you can always send it to me. Remember, my...I mean your favorite design is PARIS TOILE(wink, wink).

The Winner Is...

Grace @ Rose Cottage Lane. Congratulations Grace! I'll be mailing your apron to you shortly. For those of you who asked about instructions for making the tea towel apron...you can find 'em in Amy Karol's most excellent book, Bend the Rules Sewing.

By the way, thanks for all that Apron Love, Ya'll! So many folks left such nice comments...I wish I could make an apron to give to each and every one of you! And I do plan to check in on your blogs at some point(if I haven't already!)

The winner, Grace, has a delightful blog that I'm sure you'll want to check out. She has recently posted recipes for homemade marshmallows and some vintage patterns that belonged to her grandmother. Now that I've discovered her blog, I'm sure I'll be a repeat reader!

Somebody get me an asprin!

I had big plans for getting some stuff done this weekend. housework, sewing, grocery shopping, DVD watching, You name it, I was gonna do it. My plans didn't exactly work out.

Thursday night I rode down to Nashville with the folks. Friday I attended an all day seminar called "Increasing the Effectiveness of you Library Media Center". Sounds exciting, huh? Actually, it was really good and I enjoyed it. Don't let the old stereotypes fool ya'. We librarians are movers and shakers, ya'll! Best part was the big ole' resource book...when I finally get into my new library, I'm going to have lots of new ideas to try out! Had a nice time w/Mom and Dad. Ate good food. Made a run through Hancock Fabrics.

So that was Friday.

Yesterday my headache began. I had fully intended on spending the day sewing and listening to show tunes on Live365. Picked up around the house a bit and started. Got this done. It's a late birthday/early Christmas gift for my Aunt Dot. She's in her 80's, but spunky! Hence the non old lady fabrics. It's a reversible apron...I found the tutorial here. The blue and green prints reminded me of her little corner of Florida. This is the flip side of Aunt Dot's Apron. The pocket idea came from The Apron Book. So that went OK. Even though I did get aggravated a time or two with the waistband. I have yet to master waistband attachment!

Mark and I took a quick trip to Pizza Hut and Lowes(got four new trees for the front yard) and I decided to get back to "work". This is were everything went wrong.They're supposed to be pockets. Pockets on what I thought would be a supercute Christmas apron for my little sister. I know she'll be cooking for her students and friends in Poland during the Holidays I and figure she needs a supercute Christmas apron. Jack, you may be getting a mildly cute Christmas apron, OK? Man! It was like going back to my first sewing project and I only got as far as the pockets! First of all, piping...it's the devil. I've never tried using the stuff and obviously I am not at that level of skill just yet. After much kicking and screaming and no success, I tried using Ric-Rac on the pocket in place of piping. As you can see, I didn't have any luck with that either! ARG. I'm not going to tell you how long I spent on these two hideously deformed pockets. You'll just be embarrassed for me. I piled the whole mess in a big heap on my sewing table, turned off the light and instead played with the rotary cutter and watched Bionic Woman. I also caught a little SNL last night. I was scared for Brian Williams, but he turned out to be pretty funny, at least in what I saw.

That was Saturday.

Today I DID at least manage to go to the grocery store. Came home and fully expected to work on the apron some more. My body must have been trying to stop me 'cause I came down with the worst. headache. ever. Slept from 11:30 till about 5:00p.m. Headache has faded somewhat but the weekend is officially over. Better luck Tuesday...we're off for Election Day.

Sometime this week I plan to post some pictures from Mark and my adventures at the Flea Market last weekend. Lots of fun was had. More aprons than necessary were purchased.

I have a million tiny pin pricks in my fingers

BUT it was totally worth it 'cause I made a quilt!

I must say this: "Thank You Amy Karol and your awesome book, Bend the Rules Sewing!" If AK were here right now, I would hug her and probably cry tears of joy. Not a slobbery, sobbing cry... just a tear or two from each eye..moist eyes really, not even an actual cry...just an outward showing of my inward jubilation! sigh.

Though not as difficult as I imagined it would be, it wasn't exactly easy. Or at least it didn't seem so at the time. Pinning the top to the batting and the backing was a pain. I think it took me three tries to get it right. It didn't help that while I was crawling on the floor tending to this particular task I had two cats rolling around on top of it! My sewing machine decided to get crazy on me a time or two and the fabric did some weird puckery things while sewing those long strips. And then there was the fun of hand stitching on the binding...hence the millions of needle sticks on my fingers! The upside of that is that I sorta know how to use a thimble now...sorta. I learned a lot in the process and I have the confidence to try it again. I'm sure I can improve next go 'round.

So now I have made this quilt and although the colors match absolutely nothing in my house, I feel about it the way I feel about the yellow apron. Attatched. It's my first attempt at making a quilt, after all!

I think I'll keep it in the car since Mark freezes me when we are driving. I'll stay nice and cozy on road trips this winter.

Bloggy Apron Giveaway!

It's time to reveal my Fall Ya'll Bloggy Giveaway item!

I chose to do an apron for the giveaway because so many people seemed to like the one I made for the Dog Days of Summer Bloggy Giveaway. These tea towel aprons are a snap to make and I think they are cute, cute cute! I used a Martha Stewart tea towel in a fun, retro-ish floral print with nice long chocolate brown grosgrain ribbon for ties. Hope ya'll like it! This was actually my second attempt for the giveaway. Here's the apron I almost gave away. Personally, I think you'll be much happier with this one.
Here's a front view...not the greatest picture, my flash makes the colors look a tad weird right in the middle. Top photo colors are more accurate.

If you'd like to be the proud new owner of this tea towel apron, all in the world you have to do is leave a comment and you'll be in the running! Feel free to gush and go on and on about how fabulous and adorable it is and how I must be equally fabulous and adorable to have crafted such fabulous adorableness and all that jazz. ;) Easy enough, huh?

I almost forgot...you do not have to have a blog to win BUT you do need to leave a valid email addy so that I can contact you when you do win. International players are welcome! I'll announce the winner on November 4th.

And hey, thanks for stopping by! Maybe you'll come back when you aren't trying to win every prize known to man??? Hope so!

Be sure and head over here if you want to enter to win EVEN MORE bloggy giveaways.

Kellie Cooks Up an Apron

Taking a break from my quilt, this afternoon I decided not only would I make an apron, I would design it myself. Those of you who read this silliness know that I only started sewing back in the summer. What in the world made me think I was suddenly an apron designer, I'll never know.

Actually, that's not right I kinda DO know. One of my favorite toys as a kid was called Fashion Plates. They were little plastic plates that had pieces of clothing on them. One had a head w/hat or flippy 70's hairdos, the middle was a blouse/shirt/sweater and the bottom was pants or a skirt and maybe shorts or gauchos. You pick out your outfit, lay a piece of paper over it and then rub it with a black crayon. Next you fill it in with various designs and color with colored pencils. OH the ensembles I designed! Such style! Such flair! Such panache! I could play with that thing for HOURS. That and the giant Barbie head to whom you applied make-up and fiddled with her hair....ooh and Colorforms. I loved Colorforms too! BUT I'd have to say the fashion plates were my favorite. I played with those during my elementary school years (and if I'm telling the truth probably middle school too). In high school art classes I was constantly drawing models in various 80's outfits. I'd sketch the girls in Seventeen magazine. Sometime I'd even change around their clothing and make up my own fashions. Perhaps I was revisiting my youthful dreams of fashion design when I decided that yes, I could design an apron.

This is what I came up with on my own. No pattern, people! I did, however, use Amy Carol's Bend the Rules Sewing when it came time to attach the waistband. The fruit print fabric is vintage, given to me by my friend Sheila. It belonged to either her aunt or grandmother, I can't remember. I also used some tiny vintage yellow gingham bias binding(remind me to run screaming from this stuff in the future). I wanted it to have a bit of a 50's look and knew the vintage fabric & trim would help. All of my half apron patterns have gathered waistbands, and being of the ...ahem..."husky" build, I am not flattered by gathered waistbands, which is why I decided to use two side pleats instead(I realize now they weren't necessary). I've learned in the last few months that if you cut fabric on the bias it is a little more swingy and flowy. Technical sewing terms. So I folded my fabric on the bias as best I could and cut out a shape that I liked. The pocket was an afterthought, but it's cute!

When I started out, I had fully intended on using this for my bloggy giveaway item. But the more thought I put into it and the more I slaved over it the more attached I became and realized I can't part with it.

Somewhere there are probably apron patterns that are similar...maybe I've seen them, goodness knows I've looked at hundreds of aprons online and at the flea markets, so it is possible that I had a picture in my subconscious. If so, please don't tell me...please don't rain on my parade of creativity!

Oh, and did you notice how I didn't mention every thing wrong with it??? My bloggy friend Fiona told me to cut that out!

If you're wondering what I made at the LAST minute for my bloggy giveaway item, it's another Amazing Tea Towel Apron. Similar print to my first, but I think this one is more fall-y. Again, another technical term.

So Far, So Good.

Here's the finished "Easy Lap Quilt" quilt top. Yes, Mark makes a lovely quilt top model, does he not? Sock feet n' all.

It went together fairly easily. I'll have to trim it to fit on the backing properly...needs some straightening andI added one more piece than was called for or something. Tonight I start on the actual quilting of it...or at least getting the top pinned to the batting and back. This makes me nervous. We shall see how it goes!

I signed up for a beginning machine piecing quilting class at a local quilting shop today! YAY! I got to meet the instructor when I went in to register and she showed me the quilt top we will be learning to make! GORGEOUS!!! I don't know what you call it, but it was a sort of star-type pattern done in my choice of brights or 30s reproduction fabrics. I am sooo excited!

Oooh! And she sells embroidery floss! WooHoo!

Quilt in the Works

Last week was crazy-busy. Hence the absence of much posting. I didn't have the time to blog nor to read blogs much. I worked late every day and and spent many hours of the weekend at school to boot. I don't feel like I had any down time last week, so doggone it, this week I'm going to have down time if it kills me!

This afternoon, even though I had an after school faculty meeting AND we had to grocery shopping...ugh...I managed to begin a quilt! That's right an actual, real live quilt! I used a rotary cutter for the first time ever(strangely satisfying), laid out my design and got my strips together. I'm using the Easy Lap Quilt pattern from Bend the Rules Sewing. Big surprise, huh? The fabrics aren't my favorites...they came from the bargain bin at WalMart, but I liked the colors and didn't want to spend too much money my first time out, in case I made a big mess of it. Oh, and they look better in person, too. But so far it is going well. I only sewed ONE piece on backwards! WOO HOO! I told myslef that was going to be my one and only mistake. We'll see and I'll keep you posted. I know you'll be salivating in anticipation.