NEW APRON

Do you remember that I made two bib strip-pieced aprons before Christmas last year? Well, I finally got around to making a half-apron using the same fabrics and it turned out soooo cute!! It has an off-center bottom point and a handy loop at the waist to hold that "wiping towel" that everyone uses when they're cooking or baking.

I still love the classic American colors in this fabric collection. It has the gray-blues, rusty reds, golds and greens that go with just about everything. This apron would be perfect for protecting your duds while creating those wonderful summer feasts. And it looks so festive!

Anyway, I just wanted to share this with you 'cause I'm really proud of the way it turned out. I have it listed on Etsy with free shipping so go check it out. http://www.etsy.com/listing/45205281/strip-pieced-half-apron-moda-american

PAISLEY TOTE UPDATE

Yesterday I was looking at this gorgeous tote and thought to myself, "It needs something!" Looking around I spied this cute pink crystal star pin on my bulletin board. I've had it around for years, just waiting on the right project. Well, I put it on the tote and it just fit! Now the beautiful tote has some bling for a finishing touch. Let me know what you think. Does it work? (The pin is even more sparkly than in the pic. Just couldn't capture it.)

BACK TO SEWING, AT LAST!

A few days ago I finally fired up the ole sewing machine and got down to making totes. The first uses charm squares from MODA - these are called Rural Jardin by French General. I love the classic French floral designs in these great colors. I lined the tote with a cream tone on tone print. I'm thinking of listing this one on Etsy so, if you're interested, keep an eye out.



The second tote is made using charm squares from the Glory collection by Kathy Schmitz LLC for MODA. I combined the patriotic print squares with squares of recycled denim for real down-home American style. The lining is a deep red tone-on-tone tiny floral print. This is the third tote I've made from this collection and I think I'm gonna have to make one for me! It's perfect for all those casual outfits. Although this particular tote is already spoken for, if you want one, let me know.


I have one more set of charm squares ready to sew up into a tote. They are from the Kashmir IV collection by Sentimental Studios for MODA. If you are familiar with the Kashmir collections, you know that they are lovely paisley prints and this particular one is in pale pinks, blues and greens. The tote will have a pale green lining and pale pink straps. I should have a pic posted in the next couple of days.

Along with sewing I've been taking advantage of the great weather we've been having to do some yardwork. There is something very theraputic about pulling weeds and trimming shrubs, don'tcha' think?

APRON PROJECT

I just wanted to show off a couple of aprons I made from a pattern I got at the Quilt Festival. I use a MODA jelly roll from the "American Primer" collection. It's full of those wonderfully folksy reds, blues, golds and greens. Both aprons are lined with a fabric from the collection.

The first one features mostly reds and blues with a bit of the gold.

This is the second apron. Although it's made from the same jelly roll set, it has a bit of a different look to it. It features blue, gold and cream with a tad of red at the bottom.

I really like them both, but I'll have to make another one for me as they have both been sold. They will make great Christmas presents.

DISAPPEARING NINE PATCH TOTE BAGS

Hey, I got the totes finished today. I had to scramble for some fabric for the pockets and straps, but I think they turned out pretty good. I love this combination of fabrics. MODA always has beautiful prints and colors and this collection, Gypsy Rose, is no different. Here are pictures of both totes. The fabrics are different on each side since it's from charm squares.

This is the Gypsy Rose 1 tote, side 1.

This is the Gypsy Rose 1 tote, side 2.

This is Gypsy Rose tote 2, side 1.

This is Gypsy Rose tote 2, side 2.