Circa 1930's Fabrics

This is a baby shower present I created using 2.5 inch strips of Circa 1930's fabrics' stash in a variety of yellow and blue fabrics. I was pleased with what a quick project this turned out to be, and it is quite cheerful. This still needs to be finished. I haven't decided if I want to invest the time or the money into it.

Overwhelmed

My current UFO (unfinished object) is a king size quilt that needs to be binded. I am fairly new to binding. I think this might be a painful experience trying to keep the weight of this huge monster from pulling the quilt from my machine. I am sure it won't be so bad, if only I would get started!!! Perhaps the real reason for the delay is that once I get it done, then I need to paint my bedroom so we can enjoy the quilt!

Towel Apron Directions

This is a great project to use up some left over yardage from other sewing endeavors.


For this project, you will need 1 kitchen towel, I prefer not a terry cloth towel, and 1/2 yard of your favorite complimentary fabric.

1. Fold over the top corners of the towel (onto the backside) and press the creases flat with a hot iron.

2. Create sleeves for the straps by sewing a line of thread across each corner flap, parallel to the folded edge and about 1 inch from it.

3. Cut three 2.5 inch strips of fabric. Sew them end to end to make your strap. Fold and iron them so that they are like a double folded bias tape. Sew shut making sure that the raw ends are folded in for a polished look.

4. Using the remaining fabric, create a pocket for the front of your apron. Cut the material to overlap the width of your towel by one inch on each side. Sew a one inch top hem. Fold the bottom of the pocket under a half inch and iron it. Position the pocket 2-3 inches from the bottom of the towel. Fold the sides under. Sew into place down the sides and around the bottom. Sew down the center of the pocket, to create two pockets.

5. Thread the strap up through one sleeve (use a chopstick or pencil to poke it through), then down through the other. Leave a loop at the top for your head and long strings hanging from both sides. After you decide how much of a loop you need for your neck, you may wish to tack the top opening shut to limit the straps moving too much.

Santa sure has been busy

Santa's elves sure have been busy quilting and sewing projects at my house this year. Pictured here are several gifts:

1. a new apron made from a kitchen towel for my husband's cousin (yes, that print is Moda)
2. a finished pinwheel quilt for my mother-in-law professional long arm quilted
3. a finished purple and green baby pinwheel made for my college roommate's new baby, I used the princess applique ideas from the McCalls Quick Quilts website, I stitched this in the ditch
4. a finished yellow brick road pattern pink princess quilt for her other daughter, she is 3. I stitched this in the ditch, too.


I will post my version of the towel apron directions in an upcoming blog. I made 4 of these aprons for Christmas. Two were in Christmas theme colors. They are a very quick present. I think I made each in under an hour.