Aprons and Anchors

I am happy to report that I am getting things done on my Must Do sewing list! Not a lot, but progress is progress! I finished an adorable apron for my sewing buddy Jessie; we bartered! She posted an adorable picture of a cowl she knit in purples and greens (which I have worn every day for three days and receive countless compliments on it! I will have to post a picture soon.) on instragram and I snatched it right up with the offer of a handmade apron.

I put a lot of thought in the details of my aprons. I love the concept of an apron, of taking a practical item with function and making it flattering and fun.

Her kitchen is gorgeous, with tons of light, mostly white walls and cabinets. Jessie has a bit of classic vintage flair. I am excited to give her a huge splash of red to adorn her lovely walls when not in use.

I used giant ric-rac along the bottom edge for a bit of flirt, and some subtle white long stitches running up each thigh to the pocket. These stitches are practical, holding together the lining and focus fabrics, but also highlight the legs and drag the eye upwards. (This is the same concept as garter belts, ahem.)

The vintage pocket with pearl button is my favorite on this piece, and one I plan on adding to many projects in the future. Patch pockets are common and easy, and in vintage patterns I have seen much larger versions of these pockets everywhere. The construction is simple: make a square, leave a 2″ opening on one side, sew RST, turn inside out and iron flat, fold top down, and stitch to project. I am so happy with these pockets! It’s hard to tell, but an iPhone fits perfectly against the shorter side of the pocket, so it won’t fall out when in use.

I also finished up some purses, and am quite pleased with how they turned out!

The navy blue and white anchors came out brilliant. I love the intense cherry red strap and lining as well. The pattern has become second nature to me (after having made quite a few.)

The pattern calls for one magnetic snap, but two is better. I found my keys fell out when I had just one. I love the look of hardware on handmade purses, or any purse. Or maybe all purses are really handmade, when you think about it, someone is making them, somewhere. Back to my point, hardware. Where do you get quality bag hardware? I am always looking for metal the color of hematite instead of silver, or antique brass instead of gold.

What is quality to you? To me, it’s in the details. Perfection isn’t really attainable, by definition, but quality is achieved through hard work and attention. Quality, like the alignment of this anchor – adorable! (oops, bad quality: should have snipped my threads a bit closer on the strap!)

Working with grid repeat patterns in fabric is challenging for me, especially when you are working with a three-dimensional object. I don’t usually buy them, because of things like this dart alignment. While the seam’s alignments look great, the anchors look funky. So it is right, but it looks wrong.

I really hope these get loved! It is always challenging to sew for gifts. What have you made for others lately?

I also finished more things on my list, but it’s a Secret! I will post once those items have arrived in the hands of their lovely new owners!

Hope you are all having a lovely Winter! We are have record low temperatures in Seattle, and yet, no snow. Seems like I am being cheated! All this ice and coldness with nothing fun to play in!

Love,

MaLora

PS: A sneak peek of an upcoming project!

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