on saturday i had this all consuming "need" to purge this apron idea from my brain. i wanted to make a simple full canvas apron that didn't have that annoying flap-gap of a bib issue. do you know what i mean by that? a lot of times the bib of the aprons buckle and look awkward.
anyway, i went to my local hancocks and picked out an apron pattern...did some modifying and created this simple beauty...the best part, it has POCKETS!!!
i happened to have a slab of brushed canvas i had been hoarding because i haven't found it anywhere since and i knew this was the perfect project to use it on. the apron is simple, stylish and well, canvas makes me happy!
so that apron wasnt enough you see...
i really wanted to see what it would look like in lots of different cotton fabrics all assembled together. i just happen to have a "stash" of fabrics to quilt a small country so i dove in and made this one with Melissa, my studio manager in mind.
my favorite part again...the pocket!
so then that wasn't enough...because after i had made this one i really wanted to see it with ruffles and stepped up a notch.
so lets just say i hoard a lot...this quilted muslin i have had in my stash for 3 years. i have been saving it for the right project. OMG this was it. the bodice on this apron makes me SOOOO HAPPY!!!
the ruffles are made from layers of ruffled linen...lets just say creative orgasm!
and i mean tell me it did not need a poppy scarf?
the scarf "accessory" is just strips of torn green canvas tied into on long strip and red canvas circles with painted centers...i sprayed the canvas with water and scrunched it to wrinkle it up more.
the creative process as it unfolds in my head can lead me in some often time obsessive places, but thank god it does because i LOVE THE RIDE!
just a note: if you are interested in the pattern i purchased it is a KWIK SEW pattern 3810
and if you stopped by the blog today, leave a comment, its fun to read them!
I adooore aprons! and these are all so fab and stylish! TFS!!!
Posted by: margie c | November 29, 2011 at 11:38 AM
really cute aprons!
Posted by: Leslie | November 29, 2011 at 11:39 AM
Donna, all three are fabulous... but the quilted bodice with the ruffly apron? Be still my heart!!! Love it. You're definitely on to something with that neckline, too.... no more dowdy bibs! :)
Posted by: JeanFB | November 29, 2011 at 11:44 AM
WOWsa! I love the aprons! Very cool and chic looking ... and too pretty to create in!
Posted by: Melanie K. | November 29, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Ooh I love the ruffles! But that blue and green combo one is amazing! I may need to try this pattern out!
Posted by: Lisa | November 29, 2011 at 11:51 AM
Creative orgasm!!!*LOL* Too funny! Love the aprons but what I just can't figure out is how you find the time to do all of that. That would take me weeks! I just so much enjoy watching you go for it all the time. :D Thanks for all you share.
Posted by: Trish Hilbrand | November 29, 2011 at 11:51 AM
Love the quilted bodice! You know I smiled when I saw the poppy scarf...lol. I can just picture you halfway through one apron when you had the idea for the next one. The fabric must have been flying! Congrats on the C O.
Posted by: Debbie McIntyre | November 29, 2011 at 12:03 PM
LOVE them, especially the one with the ruffles and the complimentary texture of the bodice, inspired!
Posted by: Cindy Resendez | November 29, 2011 at 12:15 PM
Hi Donna,
Merry Christmas. I am sure you mentioned it waaay back but what sewing machine do you use. I have had a Brothers I love since I was 16...why just yesterday...lol..anyways..i think I am ready to upgrade to modern times so would appreciate knowing.
Smiles, Andra
Posted by: Andra | November 29, 2011 at 12:29 PM
as a matter of fact andra i have a brother too! it is an HE-240 not a real high end one, but not a low end either. i got it off of the home shopping network actually...it both sews and embroiders.
Posted by: donna downey | November 29, 2011 at 12:32 PM
Love all the apron making going on this time of year! I too have had that sudden urge to sew my little heart out...I have been destructing men's dress shirts and turning them into ruffly goodness aprons for an upcoming craft fair!
Posted by: Jen Krambeck | November 29, 2011 at 12:36 PM
omg jen i want to see!!!!
Posted by: donna downey | November 29, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Oh. Wow! They're gorgeous. You did a beautiful job.
Now I want to make a garland like your poppy scarf but with poinsettias to put up for the holidays. If I do, I'll come back and let you know.
The aprons are stunning. Love how your idea evolved.
Posted by: Nicole Maki | November 29, 2011 at 01:08 PM
the ruffle-y one makes me want to sew an apron <3
Posted by: mary dawn | November 29, 2011 at 01:18 PM
ok....lady, those are toooooo cute! how fun for different occasions with all the amazing fabrics out there now. well done!!!! thanks for the inspiration :)
Posted by: annette abrahamson | November 29, 2011 at 01:29 PM
awesome apron....and the poppy scarf, incredible.... ;-)
Posted by: janie | November 29, 2011 at 01:32 PM
Lovin your aprons:)
Posted by: Jean McNulty | November 29, 2011 at 01:38 PM
Oh Donna...your aprons are amamzing! I would wear one everyday, if they were mine! Let's talk about the kewwwwwt poppy scarf....what to you mean it wasn't needed? I love it and with scarfs so in......you are a genious!
Posted by: Lisa Castillo | November 29, 2011 at 01:43 PM
Love the ruffled one would love it as a dress to wear
Posted by: Jodii | November 29, 2011 at 02:23 PM
Love the poppy scarf.. One of my favorite aprons is one my mother made me, maybe, 30 years ago. My signed DD apron is a favorite also!!
Posted by: Judy Webb | November 29, 2011 at 02:52 PM
Hi Donna. Amazing talent you have. I love the aprons. The quilted bodice and ruffled bottom is my favourite. Thanks so much for sharing.
Posted by: Debbie | November 29, 2011 at 03:08 PM
Donna, Super nice aprons. They look like they could could be worn everywhere. Too pretty to keep just in the kitchen.
Posted by: Jane S | November 29, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Donna- these are de-lovely!!
Posted by: Cheryl Carraway | November 29, 2011 at 04:07 PM
Love it when your creativity overflows. You gift us with such cute ideas. Just love the adorable poppy scarf. Thanks for sharing your art, love it.
Posted by: Barbara H | November 29, 2011 at 05:38 PM
AWESOME!! When you said you were sewing I could only have imagined that you were doing aprons!!I LOVE your aprons and that scarf is so CUTE and SO YOU!! =)
I love all the different styles and think it looks like a fun dress too!! =) (the quilted/ruffle one)
THANKS for sharing and have a FABULOUS TUESDAY!!
Can't wait for Inspiration Wednesday!! =)
Posted by: Larissa Heskett | November 29, 2011 at 06:28 PM
"Enough fabric to quilt a small country" Bwahahahahahahahaha!
I so enjoyed this post as my sewing machine is only used for arty goodness! :-)
Posted by: Mary in IL | November 29, 2011 at 07:11 PM
WOW!!! The quilted bodice is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! And can I have Melissa's job please so that I can get an apron made by you? :) Every day you create, you inspire so many. Thank you!
Posted by: Michelle | November 29, 2011 at 07:44 PM
OH BABY!!!! Love me the quilted bodice and ruffles!!!!!! You almost make me want to learn how to sew.....so close.
Posted by: Michelle | November 29, 2011 at 08:41 PM
Wow, so awesome. Love all your creative energy.
Posted by: teresa wilkins | November 29, 2011 at 08:50 PM
Be still my heart...The quilted apron is just so cool Love the poppy scarf. Do share Donna Instructions that is. You are on a roll.
Posted by: Donelle | November 29, 2011 at 09:12 PM
So adorable! I would totally wear the quilted top w/ruffles one as a dress. Of course, it would need a back to it first!
Posted by: Jewel | November 29, 2011 at 10:33 PM
Okay -- I've just been taken on quite the ride! :)
I've been re-purposing my father's old clothes - making pillows and a rag quilt. I think now I NEED an apron too.
It's too bad, really.... to bad I don't sew! LOL
Posted by: Karen Ellis | November 30, 2011 at 12:11 AM
You certainly went to town donna..and I think the town was called Apron Heaven. You are truly an inspiration. I know exactly what you mean by the "bib" problem. You have fixed that problem and quite a few more. I adore your aprons! Thank you for sharing your process with us! Karen :)
Posted by: KAREN GOULET | November 30, 2011 at 02:37 AM
Oh to spend a day in your mind! Love the aprons! My grandmother always had the best aprons, my mother-in-law wears aprons whenever she's in the kitchen and your linen and quilted muslin apron looks pretty enough to be a dress!
Posted by: justjenh | November 30, 2011 at 03:19 AM
If I stop by? I never miss a day unless no laptop is available. Your scarf is going to show up again on my tree as garland as it is sooooo perfect for many different things. Thanks again.
Posted by: Mary Werner | November 30, 2011 at 07:08 AM
WHAT are you kidding of course we stopped by the BLOG! We love seeing what you are creating, inspiring us daily. AND I love these aprons beautiful.
Posted by: Karin Hall | November 30, 2011 at 07:36 AM
I love them they are so cute really makes me want to stop what I am doing and make an apron. I am working on a order of 25 Coffee Cozies right now and a apron would be a great distraction.
Posted by: Katie | November 30, 2011 at 08:14 AM
Loving the bodice on these aprons, so much more flattering than the "bib" style -- you are right on! Love the quilted muslin, I have a small scrap that I've been hoarding, maybe now I know what to do with it. Thanks as always for the inspiration.
Posted by: Donna L | November 30, 2011 at 08:23 AM
YummE! I love them. That patterned one is my fav. Love mixed patterns. How about the ruffles with diff patterns? Heaven!!!
Posted by: Annette Kuusinen | November 30, 2011 at 08:27 AM
totally in love with the apron and poppy scarf!!! totally!!!
Posted by: Diana | November 30, 2011 at 09:07 AM
Seriously love the aprons AND the poppy scarf ... must have ! Oh, and creative orgasm ... I could use one of those :)
Posted by: Barbara Frazier | November 30, 2011 at 09:32 AM
I think that apron will look fantastic on Melissa. she is a doll!!
Posted by: Kristin | November 30, 2011 at 09:34 AM
Of course I stopped by. One never knows what could show up here. The aprons are great...I just haven't figured out what one does with an apron.
Posted by: Candace Bunch | November 30, 2011 at 10:28 AM
I love this!!!! Every single one of them makes me happy....and motivated.....gym first then sewing.....i need to make something :) miss u buddy!!!!
Posted by: bree | November 30, 2011 at 04:12 PM
The aprons are so great. I like the way you changed them up and love a pocket too.
Posted by: Pam | November 30, 2011 at 11:05 PM
Can I just say how much I love seeing where your sometimes crazy, obsessive creative process leads you? You are simply amazing. LOVE all of these aprons, but that last one with the quilted muslin, the linen ruffles, and the poppy scarf - omgosh - yes, it is completely amazing. Love it!
Posted by: Jen Clark | December 29, 2011 at 05:03 PM