Christmas Aprons - Done!

I finished my Christmas Aprons today. (I posted about them here recently) They're little extras for the Little Tornado's Nan and Great Nan.

I adapted the pattern a little and added the embroidery to personalise. My first attempt at these, so hopefully they'll go down well! More about it over on my blog

Happy Christmas and a happy, healthy & prosperous 2011 to Tilly and all at The Crafty Christmas Club.
Miss P xxx

Christmas Aprons......

Further progress on my Simplicity 2512 will have to be stalled while I knuckle down to sewing up a couple of little cuties for J's Mum & Nan for Christmas. From my stash I've dug out a lovely chambray for the main fabric and a Cath Kidson floral (which began life as a duvet cover!) for the contrast.

The pattern is Butterick, a collection of 1950's style pinnies that I bought about 2 years ago as a beginner project but never used. The final aprons will be a "fusion" of the styles on the envelope. A half apron, with a wide shaped waistband and ties, with 2 patch pockets, one floral and the other cut from the chambray but emroidered with each of their names.

I didn't like the shape of the waistband piece, so did a little re-shaping of my own. It's testament to what a bit of practice and training can do for your sewing confidence. When I bought this pattern I was too scared to even cut it out, let alone start adapting the design and reshaping the pattern pieces. Hopefully finish these tomorrow....

A Little Smock

I love making this little vintage smock for the little girls in the family. The pattern is free and easy to adapt and personalise. In the past I've made it reversable, with pockets, in plain and print fabrics. It has come out fantastic every time. You can get the pattern here at Mayfly.

This time I have made a little smock for one of the many little girlies in the family out of a single layer of retro print cotton and vintage candy stripe bias binding. I used a single layer this time so it can be worn over a shirt or dress or as a lightweight summer top on its own. Because the pattern is a single piece it is super quick and easy. The odd shape above crosses over at the back and ties at the shoulders.