"Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." ~Nathaniel Hawthorne
I'm still basking in the after-glow of birthday love that keeps trickling in on this blog and I am ever grateful for it. What we do in our lives can have a tremendous ripple effect when we reach out to others. Thank you for those rays of sunshine. I may be getting older, but I will always be a child at heart!
Anyway. . . I told you about how I was sewing up a storm last week with the gift of time placed in my hands, and here's one of the sweet things I finally got around to making. Isn't this the most darling apron? (see side view here) I've been calling it my, "Oh Susanna" apron because it was a free download from Susan Branch and when I finished it, I stood back and exclaimed, "OH Susan! You wonderful doll you!" She talks about it being her favorite apron because it fits everyone. And it really does! It's amazing. (I'm using Miss Violette here to model for me.) I've never constructed anything like it, kind of weird how the pieces are sewn wrong sides together and joined with the bias binding (seven yards of it) but not all at once, so it's not like you're sewing miles and miles of trim without coming up for air. Rather, it's sewn in an interesting succession of layers. You have to print out and tape the pattern pieces together, but I didn't find that difficult at all, and everything went together perfectly. Her instructions were clear and easy to follow as well. So if you're up to the challenge of trying something new, there you have it. Don't forget to check out her new fabric line and more free patterns here. And all the other wonderful things on her website. She's gotten a lot of ink lately in various quilting magazines too. I'll be looking for them now. Find which ones here.
Fantastic! I'm heading over there now to check it out. I love this!
Posted by: Lynsey | September 25, 2007 at 10:25 AM
This apron is so lovely! Well done. :)
Posted by: ReminisceHeirlooms | September 25, 2007 at 10:41 AM
I love it! Thanks for the lead on the pattern. You always continue to inspire me.
Posted by: Claudia | September 25, 2007 at 10:46 AM
How cute is that????
Thanks for the link....
Posted by: Dawn | September 25, 2007 at 11:28 AM
The apron is so cute! Thanks for sharing the link on the pattern.
Your work is so unique and inspiring. Thanks for sharing just a glimpse!
Posted by: Alice | September 25, 2007 at 02:33 PM
I love, love, love that apron!!!
Posted by: Janice | September 25, 2007 at 03:50 PM
love that aapron. I just love aaprons in general. So old fashioned. I wear one as often as I can!
Posted by: katie | September 25, 2007 at 04:54 PM
It's a beauty, Vicki!
I love Susan Branch's website and her cheerful books. I bought "Autumn" as a gift for a friend, just the other day.
Posted by: Mrs.Staggs | September 25, 2007 at 07:08 PM
Love the apron! The polka dot was a great choice for that pattern, and perhaps a good choice for an apron I need to make next month for a customer. Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Teresa | September 26, 2007 at 04:16 AM
That is an adorable apron!! Sweet with the blue/white theme and the polka dots...Love anything Susan Branch! Glad you had a lovely birthday. Happy Day ((HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | September 26, 2007 at 05:34 AM
It's a wonderful apron and I will visit her site to learn more.
Posted by: Junie Moon | September 26, 2007 at 07:22 AM
Very cute, too cute to get dirty really.
Posted by: little jenny wren | September 26, 2007 at 03:54 PM
Eeek, that's a nifty apron! Thanks a million for sharing, and for the link. The apron looks so 1940's to me, I can just picture my Nana wearing it. Regards . . .
Posted by: Meg | September 26, 2007 at 04:17 PM
What a cute apron. Happy birthday to you too!!
Posted by: sharon | September 26, 2007 at 09:00 PM
loverly apron.
I shared your blog and your daughter's work in the dollhouse bakery today with my co-workers. We work for a stop animation kids tv show and work in miniature. Everyone there thought your daughter's work was admirable, very well done. (Some asked whether or not she was for hire!)
Thanks to both of you for sharing!
Posted by: allison | September 26, 2007 at 09:05 PM
I'm lovin' that apron. I think it would look flattering on any body. Very nice!
Posted by: willzmom | September 27, 2007 at 07:17 AM
Truly beautiful :)
Posted by: Felicia | September 27, 2007 at 09:32 AM
I have never really worn an apron...but this is so cute, I might consider it :)
Posted by: Cindy | September 27, 2007 at 06:06 PM
That is such a lovely apron and your sewing looks very neat. I am really enjoying your blog.
Posted by: Jude | September 28, 2007 at 04:35 PM
Oh, Susannah is right! I am heading over to bookmark the links. I love that style of apron- it looks comfy and vintage. Your leave quilt looks gorgeous too! Oh, how I've missed ya!!!! What a long, long, long summer it was! xoxoxox kim
Posted by: kimberly sherrod | October 02, 2007 at 05:56 PM