Another WIP for Friday; a linen maternity apron for a very special blog pal who is near and dear to my heart. I was going for a little ZAKKA style here. It's actually finished but I'm still fighting the urge to put some embroidery on it. What do you think? Is simple better? What I like most about it though, is the hidden ribbon casing inside that allows you to take in or let out gathers as needed. The top casings in front and back 
are elastic. I didn't have a pattern for this. I'd been thinking about making it for awhile, but even though the sketches always look great on paper, I'm never totally confident with how something will turn out until it's 3D. So I hope she likes it. I think it turned out pretty cute in a plain, minimalist sort of way. No embarrassing frills to call attention to the obvious. And, oh...it's a Girl! But she's not due until November, so that should give me enough time to try my hand at making a pair of these adorable booties. 
The picture is from Quilts Japan magazine, an older issue #105 from July 2005 (ISSN1356-955x.) It's one I found here while visiting Seaside last month. Aren't these just the cutest things? I hope I can figure out the directions. Every thing's written in Japanese, remember? If I blow it I can always revert back to this pattern though.
More apron shots here, and more Japanese inspiration for the weekend.
Hi Pal! The apron is wonderful, and I like the minimalist look too--but a small touch of embroidery might be just the ticket.
Love the inspiration link, where do you find that kind of stuff?
Posted by: Toni | July 07, 2006 at 12:36 PM
It looks great. I like the minimal look. What type of embroidery are you thinking?
Those booties are so cute. It will be so fun to see those all done up.
Posted by: Lauren | July 07, 2006 at 12:50 PM
Thank you I need some advice. I was thinking of a little white flower either at the top or on the bottom corner. Any other ideas?
Posted by: ~Vicki | July 07, 2006 at 01:09 PM
I could imagine a small yellow duck either centered top or in the corner. Just a little something...Love your stuff, thanks for the great links!
Posted by: madmommy | July 07, 2006 at 02:47 PM
I'm partial to ladybugs on linen, myself. Or maybe strawberries, I dunno why. I think it's the red. I'm not a huge fan of red, but red plus unbleached linen I like.
Posted by: Karen in Wichita | July 07, 2006 at 03:38 PM
I too would add a small embroidery. Something neutral, or even a little black. That way it would go with anything. Its lovely enough be left alone too.
We also received Graces doughnuts and they are cuter than even in the pictures. The only thing was, I let my son look at them and turned my head only to look back and see him acting like he was eating them. They were rescued from the clutches of an ornery boy and luckily no marks left...LOL
Posted by: Gina | July 07, 2006 at 03:41 PM
I was thinking white floral, too! just a tad, though, maybe a spray or just a single on one side at the top. that's my 2 cents!
Posted by: HVM | July 07, 2006 at 05:22 PM
I love the look but I'm sure the recipient would appreciate just a smidge of your beautiful embroidery too!
Posted by: Kristy | July 08, 2006 at 01:10 AM
The maternity top is darling...so versatile and simple. Maybe send along a few pin-on accesories to allow the intended wearer the choice of how to mix it up? Just an idea!
Posted by: Cricket | July 09, 2006 at 07:31 PM
Very lovely top! I wish I had something like that when I was pregnant. :)
I like the idea of the pin-on accessories like Cricket suggested, you make such cute stuff! maybe a covered button with a embroidered design on it?
Oh also if you can't understand the Japanese craft book instructions, you might try Vogue Pattern #7707 for baby shoes, they have 6 different styles and it's in English! *grin*
Posted by: Julie Blueberry | July 09, 2006 at 07:54 PM
I have just found your wonderful website and I am in AWE!!! You are amazing. I so envy your creativity. I have gone ga ga over your bags. I don't know when you will have anymore available, but I would love to purchase one. I have been reading your entire blog and the bags you made for your daughter and her friend are just stunning. I will keep reading daily. Thanks for a pleasant respite in my workday. BTW-I too was just sick when Victoria magazine stopped publishing. Leah
Posted by: Leah | July 10, 2006 at 06:30 AM
Vicki, I love the apron. I'd like to make something like that for myself. If you think about it, would you bring it to park day sometime so I can see how you constructed it?
Posted by: Linda | July 10, 2006 at 03:09 PM
I too would have loved something like this when pregnant. Fabulous idea. I like the idea of the pin on accessory.
Posted by: Leta | July 10, 2006 at 07:17 PM