Making Aprons

While I was on spring break a few weeks back I started sewing aprons again. I had joined a couple of apron swaps and had two aprons to sew. Sewing and creating was the perfect way to relax and recharge my batteries. This is the apron I sewed for Kathy as part of the Hot Mamas apron swap. The theme was 50's pinup girls. You can see Kathy's post on it here. I also made a zentagle for her. I discovered this idea on Barb's blog and just had to try it. Now I'm addicted to zentangling and even have the kids at school doing it with me at snack time each day. We've been making bookmarks with zentangles.


I had such a great time sewing aprons for the swaps that I wanted to make more. I used some left over fabric from the polka dot pretties apron swap to make this striped number. It was inspired by the Klassy Kitchen Bistro Apron but I had to make it my own so it's long and pleated with long ties. It's hard to see but it has one big polka dot pocket on the right side. It was easy to make and I just love it!

Well, I couldn't leave out Nature Girl so I sewed this apron for her using bird fabric from Feathered Friends. She picked out the fabric herself. This apron is my version of the Lilly apron. I refer to it as a Jilly. I saw a picture of the Lilly apron and knew I could make that myself. Of course it would make sense to use a pattern but where is the fun in that?!! For those of you who know me, you know I'm famous for looking at something and thinking I can make that. Of course we've had our fair share of failures along the way because of this way of thinking, but I think these two turned out really well.


With Nature Girl's leftover fabric I made myself a cute little matching apron. I got a little carried away with making aprons but I just love them! I have a few more just waiting to be cut and sewn.

Polka Dot Pretties Apron Received

I know this is unprecedented, it's only the beginning of May and this is my third post this month! I haven't done three posts in a month in forever! Summer is making it's way here so hopefully I'll be able to post more often and keep up this three post a month streak!


My Polka Dot Pretties apron swap arrived. My partner Micki made my apron reversible. I love reversible aprons!

These are the goodies Micki sent along with the apron. She sent a cookbook, some dotted ribbon that is destined to become drawstrings for some new summer pajama pants for Nature Girl and two Rachael Ray magazines. I love Rachael Ray! Thank you Micki!


This is off topic but don't you love a good deal? I finally visited a nearby fabric store I've been hearing about for the last year and a half. Look what I found . . . ribbon. It cost just $6 for all of these spools of ribbon! I think I'll be using some ribbon as trim on aprons, tote bag handles and to trim gifts.

Happy Cinco de Mayo

So tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo. Honestly, I can never remember what Cinco de Mayo actually celebrates. To me it means eating yummy Mexican food. This year my husband and I are planning a dinner at home with jerk chicken nachos, margaritas and mango salsa. My friend and co-worker Ann shared this yummy mango salsa recipe with me. It's simple and delicious! You have to try it!

Mango Salsa

Ingredients:

1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced (about 1 1/2 cup)
1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
1 Jalapeño chile, minced (include ribs and seeds for a hotter taste if desired)
1 small cucumber, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
3 Tbsp fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
3 Tbsp fresh lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Also good with diced red bell pepper and jicama.

Method:

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. If the salsa ends up being a little too hot or acidic for your taste, you can temper it by adding some diced avocado.

Polka Dot Pretties Aprons Sent

I joined Shawnee's Flirty Apron Swap. The theme for this swap was polka dot pretties. The aprons had to include polka dots. You also had to include a new cookbook for your partner. Polka dots, aprons and a cookbook how could I not join this swap?!!!
I finished my apron before spring break started. I was so excited to find that my partner had a young daughter. Nature Girl and I have been lucky to receive surprise mother and daughter aprons in a few of the apron swaps I've been in. Nature Girl was so excited to receive a surprise apron and we love wearing our matching aprons! I decided to share the apron love and made matching mother daughter aprons for my partner and her daughter.

This is what I sent to Alice and her daughter. Check out some of the other polka dot pretties aprons here. I had a great time sewing and wanted to sew more so I signed up for the Hot Mama's Apron Swap and The Great Apron Swap of 2010.

Technical difficulties

Sorry but we're experiencing some technical difficulties. The links to my tutorials aren't working. Hopefully all will be well in a few days. Technology is a great thing when it works and frustrating when it doesn't!
In the meantime here are few pictures of Nature Girl. This is the outfit and hat she picked out to wear for crazy hat day at school. Isn't she cute?!!

Winter Fun

Today we went out on a mountain in Vermont for a ski and snowboarding event. None of us ski or snowboard but we had fun tubing. Nature Girl has always been a bit hesitant when it comes to sledding, even down our little hills at home. Needless to say she wasn't sure about the tubing hill. It was pretty big and those tubes go REALLY fast! We talked her into going and she had a great time! While we were on the mountain Nature Girl got to have her picture taken with the Yeti. She thought it was great!
I enjoyed the fresh air but the 5 minute walk from the car to the tubing hill reminded me why I don't ski or participate in outdoor winter sports . . . . it's way to cold!!!

Look Who's 6!

Look who turned 6! Here she is in her new 6 tee shirt.

Nature Girl celebrated her 6th birthday with a surprise party at Build A Bear. She had a great time and made a new puppy, which she named Pup. Everyone had fun and they all left with a new stuffed friend. One of my nephews told me he loved his dalmatian so much that it almost made him cry. I thought that was so sweet!

Happy Birthday Nature Girl!