I ran into an estate sale by chance last Saturday when my oldest son had an early morning soccer practice. The sale was from a "dealer" that was moving...high prices sent me right to the basement (my favorite estate sale room). I found a vintage sewing apron kit. The kit called for the cutest idea...sewing a tape measure upside down on the edge of the bottom of the apron. You could then lift up the edge of your apron to measure something. I put the apron kit in my "to be processed" file (the top of my dining room buffet). Also on the top of my dining room buffet were two table runners that I had recently thrifted. The table runners were made from a printed canvas panel with a cute heart and bird and fake blanket stitching. Inspired by the sewing apron next to them, I had an idea to make them into craft aprons. One for me...and one for a blog friend.
The front of the apron has two large pockets, a wide twill tape waist and ties, and a twill tape measure sewn onto the bottom. The vintage apron had a loop for keeping your scissors but I really don't think walking around with a pair of scissors tied to your waist is a great idea...I made a small loop to hold my bifocals.
Leave a comment on this post and I'll pick a winner on Friday afternoon!
...I'm a little late (helping set up for 8th grade "fright night") but have a winner for the craft apron. I am AMAZED that I had almost 100 comments! Things are crazy around here but I plan to make it to each and every new blog on the list. And I will definitely create a tutorial for the apron. The winner is....
Thanks for all of the great input about a new sewing machine. I'm going to test drive a few this week. Once I get it, I plan to create a tutorial for making the craft apron from scratch (not starting with a thrifted table runner). I also have to let you know that, as I write this post, the washing machine repair guy is here....why, oh why, does one appliance like to break down when you consider buying something new?
How cute is that? I'd love to win it!!!
BTW
I think appliances get together and plan these things out.
:0)
~angie~
Posted by: Angie | October 20, 2008 at 11:21 AM
How perfectly delightful! I love the tape measure idea! I love the birds too! This is sweet as can be! I got an advance copy of Artful Blogging ( I have one photo inside from my Mad Tea Party with Vanessa of Fanciful Twist) and saw you featured there and was so happy for you!!! I love it that they recognize your Blog because it is one of my favorites and you have great style and originality and represent everything that is good about Blogs to me anyway! So congrats on the "ink" and please put my name in the hat for the apron drawing! Thank you so much!
xxxooo
calamity kim
Posted by: calamity kim | October 20, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Okay, Julie - count me in! Sounds like a lovely and useful, practical apron!
Posted by: HeidiAnn | October 20, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Don't you just love it when two thrifted ideas come together and have kids? I really like the loop for the glasses, I am forever laying my glasses down in one room and then realizing I need them in another room and then I get distracted by something in a third room, so that every project takes for 3 times as long as it should.
Just want to let you know that I enjoy you’re blog so much and check it almost daily. I never get tired of seeing your clip boards and train cases.
Posted by: Pamela | October 20, 2008 at 12:21 PM
oh how fun! Its the cutest apron ever! Matches my kitchen to a t! You are so supper talented. Any gal would die to craft in such a lovely and charming apron!
Chelsea Ann
Posted by: chelsea Ann | October 20, 2008 at 12:24 PM
This is so sweet it hurts. That measuring tape idea is so very clever! :)
Posted by: miss chris | October 20, 2008 at 12:28 PM
How cool! I love this idea. This would be really great for working at the antique shop, just flip up the edge of the apron for measuring stuff for clients!!
Posted by: Jenny | October 20, 2008 at 12:39 PM
very cute!
Posted by: lisa | October 20, 2008 at 12:51 PM
How delightful! You always create the most amazing projects! You've inspired me to collect all kinds of fun vintage papers, postcards, etc. for different types of paper goodies.
I hope I'm the lucky winner of your adorable apron! :
Posted by: Sarah | October 20, 2008 at 12:56 PM
I love the measuring tape - so easy and so practical. Please include me in the drawing.
Hope all is well with the washing machine. Have fun selecting a new sewing machine. I love my Berninas. Yep, I have more than one. My first one was an 810 and I have passed that on to my daughter-in-law. My second is a 1030. The third is a virtuosa 153. The one I use most often is the 1030.
Posted by: Sally | October 20, 2008 at 01:02 PM