What Have I Been Doing Lately

Well, despite the appearance of my rarely posted on blog, I have been doing stuff.

I've redesigned parts of my apron pattern to make them easier to sew and hopefully, make them "flow" better.  Here is a just listed apron made from the new pattern pieces.

If I hadn't told you something was different, you probably wouldn't have noticed.  It still looks similar to the old pattern but the bib and pockets are slightly bigger.

I've been retaking pics of some of the items in my shop to brighten them up.  I've gotten a lot better at editing my pics but the older pics are definitely darker.  Here is one that I've recently changed.  You can see the details better when the pics are brighter.  I still have a few to go.

I'm also working on a skirt that I've pieced together with fabric strips and I'm working on my first quilt top.  I'm not sure if I'm doing it right but we'll see when it's done.  Hopefully, I"m not screwing it up too bad.  The top of the pic shows the quilt top fabrics and the bottom of the pic is the front of the skirt that I'm piecing.  I'll be sure to keep updating my progress on these.  I think I need to add darts to the skirt (I made a muslin skirt using the pattern to check fit) and I've never done darts before.

So, there you go.  We are getting to the end of the school year and things seem to be getting busier.  Seems like there's something everyday.  Summer will be a nice change of pace.

Happy Birthday to Me

This past Saturday, March 10th was my 107th birthday.  At least, that's how old I feel.
My sweet family helped me celebrate.

My giant son (who's playing baseball in middle school!! I'm so proud of him!!)

Here are pics of my loot.

My hubby bought me some tulips - which are 1 of my 2 favorite flowers.  I put them in a low vase that would let them droop.  My hubby hates that.  So he tied them up with some ribbon from my presents.  Now they look like they're in bondage. :)

My cake - from a local bakery Chez Bazan - it's yummy AND pretty.

Who put all those stupid candles on my cake?  I wasn't too happy about those.

Anyhoo, the weather was rainy and stormy all day but  I appreciate my family helping me to celebrate.  We saved my birthday dinner until yesterday when the weather had cleared up.  Now, we're having warm temps with some wind and sunny/overcast skies.  Time for some yard work!

On a crafting level, I've ordered some fun new fabric (my addiction is getting worse) and I've completed 3 more half aprons which I will start listing today.  I'm cutting out 4 more aprons with the fun new fabric and hope to start working on them today.  What are you crafting on today?

New aprons listed at Handmade Whimzy!

Amy Butler Love fabric

Henry Glass Frosted Fondant fabric

Heather Bailey Spring POP fabric

Pretty scraps

My pile of pretty scraps.

I got 5 aprons cut out yesterday and can't wait to start sewing them up. I have an arts and crafts show coming up in March and I desparately want to have a good selection of aprons.

Here is my latest one that I'm going to list later today. I call it "Two Scoops".

Apron Labels

Well, I've finally done it. There is no going back now.
I've ordered the fabric labels that I'll need for my new aprons that I will be selling in Handmade Whimzy. I've had the pattern done for a while now and I've ordered some gorgeous fabric. Now all I need to do is start sewing.

I got the labels from mommiemadeit.etsy.com. She makes it very easy to order. If you don't already have a design, you just pick one of hers (which is what I did) and let her know what you want them to say and a few days later, you get them in the mail. Easy Peasy!

I wanted something kind of plain so as not to distract from the aprons. So, I chose a black and white design that makes it very easy to read my shop name.

Despite my health issues of late, I am determined to soldier on and get these made so that I can start listing them. I don't sew super fast, so each one will take me awhile. I hope they will be well received. To see the prototype that I finished this past summer, go {HERE}.

I'm also hoping to have plenty sewed up for the upcoming March Azalea Trails Arts and Crafts show that will be here in Tyler on the weekend of March 21-22. Hopefully, I will be able to participate.

I also, want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Giving thanks is so important - one of the most important things we can do. So many problems are created in families because people don't know how thankful we are for them. Hurt feelings, resentment etc. So tell your loved ones how much they mean to you today and how thankful you are that they are in your life. What would we do without them?