Like a Rainbow ~ Log Cabin Quilt

Like a Rainbow ~ Log Cabin Quilt by Auntie Dem

Vintage Apron Tutorial ~ Adjustable!!

This is my newest Apron. It's inspired from a vintage 1940's style apron, with straps that cross in the back. 

I sewed mine so that it is completely adjustable. I stitched the back straps to the waist ties, making them very long. 

The aprons of the 40s & 50s had back straps that were often sewn directly into the waistband. To make mine an adjustable apron, I added "belt" loops to the waistband where the waist ties would have been stitched together. This is so that my straps can go thru it. 

Peritonal Dialysis ~ Instructions

One of my best friends (who has since passed away) went into kidney failure. She was going to the hospital constantly for dialysis, and then given the opportunity to do it herself at home. She needed a back-up person in case she needed help, I was her neighbor, so that came in handy.

The nurses at the Sheldon Chumir Hospital was very impressed with my instructions, as the hospital instructions were very wordy, no paragraph structure, and just downright confusing! If you wish to use this as a guide, please check with your health are professional first!

First things: pronunciation. Peritoneal. I thought it was Pair-a-TONE-ee-al. Nope, wrong. It is actually parrot-to-Neil.  Like you are a pirate.... arrrghhhh, give that Parrot to Neil. 

RECIPE: Gluten Free Bacon Cheesecake

This was my first cheesecake ever. I changed the crust from the original recipe to GF graham crumbs.

I do not have a processor, so my bacon pieces [in the crust and in the filling] were larger than the recipe callled for, but that was okay! Plus, I omitted the candied bacon topping.
This cheesecake was amazing!!!

RECIPE: Gluten Free Snickers Kahlua Cheesecake

Eating Gluten Free isn't just for celiacs and GF sensitivity. It is also recommended for people with auto immune diseases, like fibromyalgia. ... so they say. I hope you enjoy this recipe, my family devoured this one!

Rickrack Rooster Apron Tutorial ~ by Auntie Dem

One of my favorite McCall’s patterns is #1143, from 1944. My mom turned 4 yrs old that year.

I believe this vintage pattern has been previously listed on ebay for $77.00.

WOW! I can’t justify paying $77.00 for an apron pattern (plus materials!) but I’m quite frugal.Anything can be made, right??I watched my grandmother sew all the time while growing up. I had many fancy gowns that she had repurposed from out-of-date clothes of my mom’s and aunt’s.

Side note: “Repurposed” ….
When did we start using that word? Upcycled sounds trendy.

My grandma didn’t have a word for it, other than: Make do! or… Well, that’s what you’re getting! <3 her!

This is how my first attempt came out:

On to this vintage-inspired tutorial:

Retro Gingham Style (Hey Apron Lady)

Okay, so the kids' song was in my head as I was playing around with fabric today.
It inspired me to create a new pattern. I call it: Retro Gingham Style (Hey, Apron Lady)

This apron has an ample bib, and long ties that can be tied at the front of the waist.
Modern vegetable print paired with gingham. What gets more retro than gingham??
Cuteness &functional! I love the ribbon on the pocket and neckline!

It's a long apron on me (to my knees) but I am vertically challenged. Both my teens tried it on, and it was a great length on them... they happen to be 5'7"-ish. 

DIY 1942-style Apron (from scratch) ;)

I really like the aprons of the 1930's-50's. They remind me of my grandmothers. I can still recall the most tantalizing aromas from their kitchens. ~sigh~

I especially like how the aprons were fitted. Feminine, flattering, dressy. Little did grandma know that she was stylin'! They were only protecting their clothes! 

Love Dem Aprons~ Elastic Pocket Apron by Auntie Dem

I love these colours, so I had to make another apron!

I'm guessing that I used about 1 2/3 m of fabric. Maybe a little less.

I used 3 fabrics: Blue, Gingham, and Patterned

Approx 60” of lace that I had left overs

Approx  6" of narrow (1/4”) elastic

All seam allowances are 1/4" unless stated.

Ruffled Cupcake Full Apron Tutorial

 

Cuisine Love.. for Cupcakes! An Apron Tutorial :)

This uses approx 1.5 m of fabric. 

I used 3 fabrics (blue, cupcakes, and butterflies). 

Plus some ric rac.

I used the same bib pattern pieces as my Cuisine Love, adjusting for size. You can make your own pattern pieces like I did! Below is copied from my other pattern, so you don't have to look between pages.

Cuisine Love: An Apron Tutorial

I'm having major Apron Love at this time of year. Maybe all year.

A friend gave this one it's name: Cuisine Love. 

This one is specially made (with Love!) for a lady who lives in a Nursing Home

This apron, by far, is my most favourite apron to sew and wear. I love the bib shape, and full skirt coverage WITHOUT the added bulk of pleats and ruffles. Oh, to be 125 lbs again.

Oh, what the hay! Bring it on. I hope you enjoy this tutorial. 

Scrappy Corset Apron Tutorial

My BFF asked me for an apron, so I came up with this one for her. 

After I made the blue apron, I found that the waist was tinier than comfortable for me.

For future reference, make the BLUE panels larger at the waist, and less pointed.

Version 2 of my apron has notes written in purple.

Pleated Apron Tutorial

I’ve been on an Apron Love for the past 6 months. I decided to put my ideas down…… and here is another one. This one I made for my neighbour for Christmas 2012.

The original Pattern:

You will need to make yourself a pattern for this apron but it is very easy. Just one pattern piece is all you will need for the skirt.

Reversible Apron Tutorial

This easy apron is a true basic. With or without ruffles and fancies, this apron is sure to please. It was quick, too. It should take less than 2 hours to finish this project.

I made this one for one of the daughters :) <3

I don’t have patterns, just figure it out as I go. This one is loosely adapted from McCalls 5284 Misses'Aprons .

DIY = I Can Do That!

My initial post: I finally made it to a blog! After searching the 'net for ideas and tutorials, I thought..."I can do that!" So here is my space for my creative outlet.

I hope my tales of city life, country life, and tutorials bring you back.

I enjoy sewing, and this year, I've been focusing on <3 Aprons <3! As we head into the rest of the year, I'll post about Gardening, my inner-city Apiary (beekeeping), and of course, Food. We have food "needs" in our home, and I now cook gluten-free for most family meals.

I like to share, especially if it helps someone else! So.... if you make any of my items, please don't take credit for them as your own. Please link back to my blog if you can. If you wish, I'll ~gladly~ post your photo of what you made on the tute page!

Enjoy