am I crazy?

To be thinking about Christmas '08 already?

I really enjoyed doing a partially handmade Christmas last year, and I am thinking I want to bump it up a bit this year. But in order to actually accomplish this goal I'm going to have to work on it through out the year.

Here's what's mulling around in my mind at the moment...

*Matching PJs for DH and DS (gotta wait on this one until the new xmas fabric comes out in the fall)

*Homemade Lemoncello for FIL, stepdad, stepmom, brother and maybe some friends.

*Hats/Scarves for my 3 half-brothers

*Crochet throw for my bro (bought the yarn a year ago)

*Handbag w/ tissue holder for MIL

*Evening Clutch w/ tissue holder for Mom

*Amigurimi Nativity for Peanut-boy

Where to begin???

Wishlist and a Giveaway

Head over to The Apronista NOW! They are giving away your choice of a Sommer Designs apron this week. (My choice would be the "tattoo" fabric.) Not only that, but they have more apron giveaways to come! Sweet!



And since I can't post any more pics of all the gift aprons I'm working on, here is my apron wishlist. :)

Hand Embroidered Tea Cup Apron

Dorothy Red Apron from Carolyn's Kitchen

Check out the sassy accessories!

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Lady Madonna Maternity Apron

No, I'm not preggers at the moment, but I would still wear this cute smock.

And let me just say there is a whole lotta apron goodness over at Etsy. This is one of my favorites. Just search for retro apron and see all the great stuff that pops up. I have like 10 "favorited" over there.

Let the Holiday Sewing Commence!!

I put a new button in my side bar for Sew, Mama, Sew! Blog's "Handmade Holidays"

"Each day in November focuses on a particular theme; we will provide great resources and inspirational ideas for sewing holiday gifts. Every week throughout November we’ll also offer two $25 gift certificates to Sew,Mama,Sew! Winners will be randomly selected from all comments posted on the blog in the previous week."

That's 30 days worth of handmade gift inspiration! Sweet!

apron-aholic

So I have a new OBSESSION....

Well it's not so new. I've been an apron fan for awhile. I love looking at vintage aprons and fun, kitchy prints. However, the only aprons I actually own are a stained and well-used canvas "Italy" apron I bought when I got married and a sweet reversable Haiwaiian one Dirkey got for me when she went there.


Over the years I have bought two separate apron pattern packs, a cherry print fabric to make a retro apron, two packs of dishtowels to make dishtowel aprons and lace and trims to go with.
Just chalk it up to my hoarding of craft supplies.


Now that homemaking IS my job it would be really practical to have several clean aprons on handy at all time. They are just so handy for stashing clothespins or protecting your clothes from spatters.


So for xmas I started making some aprons for a couple girlfriends. Dirkey, further proving why we are BFFs also had the idea to make aprons for xmas gifts for everyone. No we did not discuss this. We had just agreed to do a handmade exchange between us and this is what we both came up with independently. But as a bonus I got to weigh in on her fabric choice. Sweet!


Since I already showed her what I have done thus far, here is my citrus apron for Dirkey. I have a few more ideas for it. I used the directions on Martha for a teatowel apron and went from there. Ironically I am using Martha Stewart Everyday towels from Kmart. :) I misinterpreted the directions a bit and made the top extra wide. However, she is ahem "well endowed" like myself so I know the extra coverage is actually quite practical.




Oh and I am beyond excited to be participating in an apron swap over at down---to---earth. I'm hitting Joanns today for fabric for my swap apron.


So it looks like my apron collection is going to be growing!

Great Tuts!

Run, don't walk over to Whipup! The entries are in for their tutorials contest. There are some great projects on there! I'm eyeing the Not-So-Baby Yoda Sweater. I wonder if it would be big enough for Peanut.