the apron parade, part 1

A few years ago, I began making aprons as wedding gifts for most of my friends. A few gals married before I began, and I've given a few aprons for other reasons, but they are mostly wedding aprons. I started counting how many I have given away--and quickly came up with over a dozen names! I quite quickly decided that I needed a picture of each apron in action, and have sent out an all-call to everyone in possession of a Spools Custom apron. Here are the first three:

No one pulls off a ruffle like Lins.


Carol shows her apron in some serious kitchen action. Slice, girl, slice!


Kelly proudly displays one side of her reversible apron.

the mommy dress

I generally love my projects--hence that fact that sewing is one of my best hobbies. But every once in a while I get to do something that's extra-special awesome. And this is one of them. I think every new mommy needs one of these. Note the nursing-friendly buttons, the high waist, the tie-belt that can be tightened or loosened depending on the day, and especially the way the inverted box-pleats help the A-line skirt just fall away from the body in a very cute shape. It doesn't matter if you haven't quite lost the baby weight, ladies--in this dress, no one can tell. And it will still fit as you shrink your way back towards your pre-baby weight.

Happy mommy. Oh, yes, happy mommy indeed.

the anatomy of a dress...umm...tunic

I must say, I was quite proud of this project. Note the neatness of the neckline and bust gathers. Gladys was great in helping me tighten the back before placing the zipper.
However, when I finally tried it on myself, I was chagrined to discover that the inherently static-loving fabric and the narrow cut of the skirt meant that it pretty much looked like death from the hips on down. Solution? Ditch the skirt. And voila! A tunic was born.