Apron Prototype

I finally finished the apron/tote bag for Sydney. This is a prototype for some I would love to make for my Etsy shop. I have some kinks to work out first though. Sorry for the dark photos, I think I stood in front of the window when I took these!

The main idea is that the top of the apron folds down into a pocket on the back to make a tote bag. So I had to think of some way to have a loop on the front that didn't look dumb. I originally saw this idea on a vintage apron I got at an estate auction. That one has a clown on the front and the handle loop was his smile, but I'm not too big on clowns. So I figured the daisy was a good alternative. I used heat and bond on the flower then blanket stitched around it all. Added a couple pockets and a ton of bias tape (homemade of course:) and it was done! I'm thinking a boy version with a dinosaur or frog would be really fun too. I won't point out my flaws, I am sure you can zoom in and find them for yourself! But, like I said this was my first go at it. I found some things that worked well, and some things that need some improvement. Overall though I think I am pretty happy with my results.

So, one more thing I get to check off my list. No big plans for the weekend, so hopefully I can get a couple purses cranked out for the shop. I'm thinking something like this and this that I made for myself last month. We'll see though, maybe I will get a new shot of inspiration when I visit the stash!

Have you been saving your scraps?

I found a great way to clean out the scrap box yesterday! I saw these on Stardust Shoes and had to check out the pattern. Since I am all about trying new things lately, I thought I would give it a go. I have to say I was a little nervous, JoJo said she had trouble matching up the points on the end. So, I took my time, copied the pattern exactly (make sure you copy the circles at each point and only sew up to that point) and it didn't go too bad. The hardest part was sewing up the opening where the balls were turned and stuffed (as you can see on the pink one if you zoom in. This was my first attempt, it got better don't worry). I stuffed mine with 1/2 rice and 1/2 poly-fill. This gave them a nice bean bag feel, but still cushy. (So, when someone gets nailed in the head, it will smart for just a bit!) My mind is racing now with lots of ideas for these. I just used up some scraps for these since Sydney will be playing with them, but I think I need a pretty one that might double as a pin cushion. Hey, another thought, maybe I need one of these as a stress ball next to my sewing machine! :) I think these will soon be popping up dressed in recycled sweaters as well...oh my gosh, wouldn't they be really fun Christmas ornaments! Okay, I've gotta stop, smoke is starting to come out my ears. Let me hear your ideas and be sure to let me know if you try your hand at these!


P.S. I did not enlarge the pattern the way it instructed. I used it as is. The finished ball is about the size of a tennis ball.

Care for some alphabet soup?

I have been loving these letters from Anthropologie for a while now. I was excited to see them in person a couple weeks ago during my trip to Minneapolis. However, I was slightly disappointed. (Only in the letters, otherwise, awesome store!)

In my head these were stuffed and soft and ready to play. In reality they are fabric covered mdf with a little quilt batting (not to mention they are $12 a pop). So, I think I will try to fashion my own version. I'm just trying to figure out what to fill them with. Should I do a couple layers of really thick quilt batting? Or the standard poly-fill? Or maybe rice so they have more of a bean bag feel? Just can't decide...what do you guys think?

I think I will start with just A, B, and C first, then maybe spell out Sydney's name (shoot, should have picked a shorter name for the kid!). Actually, I could just make a B and the kiddo would be happy. Its the only letter she can say, so everything is a B. At least then she would be right!!