Recently Made : :

Today I decided to stop the house tour and spare us all of an overload of dining room pictures and share some of the things that have been made recently in my new sewing room!

First up, a new Fox Pillow -- this one with a fabric fox and linen combo!!



It's an 18" sq and I do love the linen for this project. It is my contribution for a Woodland themed nursery in the works!!



He or she, hmn? looks very formal in our vintage chair, don't you think?!



I also have a couple of new things for my etsy shop!



A Three Little Birds Pillow. This one was made for Simply Handmade Magazine's Sewing issue for Fall 2012.



Made with one of my favorites -- Summerlove by Pat Bravo! You can find this little pillow available in my etsy shop  here!



I decided to turn a dress I had started for Haila into an apron for my etsy, as well. Originally this was going to be a Summer dress for my girl. She picked out the sweet pink and Yuwa fabrics herself and we were both excited! As time went on we both changed our minds and agreed this week that it would make a sweet half apron for tea parties, pretend play, and dress up for a little girl who loves pink and horses!



It's completely reversible and I do love that ruffle and those swirly stitch details!



I'm off to work on more orders!! Happy sewing! ♥,  Maureen

A Dresden Pocket Half Apron { and GIVEAWAY} : :

A Riley Blake Design Team Project!

I'm SO excited to be sharing my newest project as part of the Riley Blake Design Team today!!

A tutorial for a new Half Apron Pattern, using the gorgeous Willow fabric collection by My Mind's Eye for Riley Blake Designs!



I used these sweet fabric prints as inspiration to create a Flower Dresden Pocket on each side with a little pleated detail down the center. If you haven't noticed by now...I love both making and wearing aprons! This one is headed to my etsy shop.





I really hope you like this tutorial! My project is up on the Riley Blake blog now, pretty please be sure to stop by and check it out! And, if you do to give this tutorial a try -- be sure to let me know and feel free to join and share a photo in my new Flickr Group or on my Facebook page anytime!!

GREAT NEWS, besides having the honor of guest posting on the Riley Blake Blog as part of the Design Team today, I also get to host a new RBD Fabric Giveaway right here!!!

How does a chance at winning a Fat Quarter Bundle of this entire Willow Collection sound??!!

Well...the sweet folks at Riley Blake are so generously offering a Fat Quarter bundle of the entire Willow Collection to one lucky reader!!! WOW!

You can find Willow available in the shop of my sponsors --

*   Hawthorne Threads   *   Fat Quarter Shop   *

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Enter to Win!

Here's how,

1. Simply add a comment to this post. (one entry) If you want, you can let me know what you think my next tutorial should be??
2. Follow the Riley Blake Blog or facebook page for a second entry. Just let me know that you do by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (optional extra entry)
3. My followers get a third entry! Whether you follow me here, in your reader, or on Facebook, just let me know that you do by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (optional extra entry)
4. Help spread the word!! I know that many of you already do, so I thought it would be nice to add that as another way to enter! Whether by tweet, facebook, pin, blog, etc... (optional extra entry)
 
That’s 4 possible entries! Enter now through Friday morning, September 14th. Mr. Random will pick the winner and I will announce their name at the bottom of this post, here on the blog!
 
* Note * This giveaway is open to EVERYONE! If you're a "no reply" or an anonymous commenter, remember to include your email address in your comment so that I can contact you, should you win! 

* * * * *  UPDATE  * * * * *

Thank you to all who entered this past weekend's Giveaway!! 

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *   

  From 1,545 entries, Mr. Random says the lucky winner is...

Comment #1,441 -- Learn How To Make Quilts, who said...

simply adorable apron!!

Congratulations!!! I will be in touch shortly!

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Happy Mail & Handmades : :

Throughout this last week or so I have received some pretty wonderful "happy mail" in the form of a handmade gift, handmade purchase, fabric splurge, and in email form -- a first Four Fat Quarter Apron. I'd love for you to see!

How perfect is this embroidered felt needle book from Alia?! She was inspired by the colors of my Summerlove Spring Bidie Pillow that I made a few weeks back, and used them to create this new needle book. She was so sweet to send it to me with the nicest owl card!



It is actually my very first needle book and couldn't be more special! Thank you Alia!!



This make-up roll was stitched up by one of my favorite bloggers, Jodi. It was made using Rachel's pattern and when she was selling off a few of her handmade items on her facebook page recently, I just couldn't resist! This is one of the patterns I have had on my "must make" list since the day Rachel released the pattern. The next best thing to making it myself would be to support someone I adore!



Jodi always chooses the best fabric combinations for her projects, I do love her style! If you are looking to find a new, inspiring blog to follow give a visit to Tickle & Hide!



Krista of Poppyprint, sent me this photo on Monday evening of the very first Four Fat Quarter Apron made using my latest tutorial. She made my night!! She even re-purposed an old linen shirt to make hers -- love that! Thank you Krista!!



These are a pair of crowns that I'm sending off to my friend Nicole, who blogs at Mama Love Quilts. I get so excited to see orders from those of you who I feel like I actually "know" through my blog or from following your own. Thank you Nicole!!



I'm also sending off this Quilted Chevron Pin Cushion to Riley Blake today. I'll have a tutorial to share over on Cutting Corners later in the month as part of the RBD Pin Cushion Club. I just can't get enough of these chevrons, especially the yellow, gray, and black...oh and the aqua!



Have you all seen Summersville? This is the first fabric collection by Lu Summers and is one of those collections that I just had to have all of. I don't do that very often, but I seriously love everything about these prints. Beautiful colors, cool designs, and the projects I've been seeing made with them are so inspiring!

My Summersville came from the Intrepid Thread who is also the sponsor of this weekend's fabric giveaway -- here's a peek! Julie let me have some fun putting together a bundle of my favorite Art Gallery Oval Elements and Pure Elements. You can find the bundle available in both  fat quarters and half yards, and right now there just so happens to be a HUGE sale going on!!

In celebration of Market The Intrepid Thread is offering 20% off using Coupon Code : :  MARKET20 beginning today and running throughout Sunday. There are a few rules, so be sure to read those here!

Happy Sewing, friends!! ♥ Maureen

Four Fat Quarter Apron Tutorial : :

Today I'm sharing a tutorial for a half apron that sews up quickly and requires less than four fat quarters to make! This step by step tutorial creates the basic half apron design, however you can take this simple pattern and add your own details -- applique, pockets, longer straps to wrap around to tie in the front, etc. If you have any questions leave a comment or feel free to email me at maureencracknell@hotmail.com. Now let's get started!!    

What you'll need : :

• 1 - fat quarter measuring 18" x 22" for the main apron fabric
• 1 - fat quarter cut in half, into two equal pieces measuring 11"x 18" for the side panel fabrics
• 1 - fat quarter to cut a piece measuring 9" x 22" for the waistband
• 1 - fat quarter to cut two pieces measuring 7" 22" for the straps
• coordinating thread
• Sewing pins
• Sharp scissors and/or a rotary cutter/mat set 

Creating the Apron Skirt : :

1. Using the fat quarter chosen for the first layer of the apron skirt, create a hem by folding in the bottom edge 1/4" and press 2. Fold 1/4" again, press, and pin in place 3. Repeat this step for both sides of the fat quarter piece  4. Sew along inner folded edge and the outer edge to create a double seam

Once finished the bottom of the fat quarter and both sides should have a nice double seam hem.



Creating the Apron Skirt Panels : : 

5. Using the fat quarter chosen for creating each side panel, cut this fat quarter in half, to two pieces measuring 11" x 18"  6. Using the same steps for hemming the skirt, create a hem on both the bottom and each side of the panel pieces. There is no need to hem the top 7. Lay each panel piece on top of the hemmed skirt piece at a slight angle as shown below

Once the panel pieces are positioned, pin in place.



Creating the Apron Waistband : :  

8. From the fat quarter chosen for the waistband, cut a piece measuring 9" x 22"  9. Fold in each edge a 1/4" and press 10. Fold this piece in half so the sides match up and press well

The pressed waistband should have no exposed raw edges.



Attaching the Apron Waistband : :  

11. Place the finished apron skirt inside the waistband, so the waistband covers the raw edges at the top of the apron skirt  12. Pin in place 13. Sew along both the top of the waistband, staying close to the edge, and along the bottom, leaving both sides of the waistband open (for the straps)

Remove the pins, now it's time to make the straps!



Creating the Apron Straps : :  

14. From the fat quarter chosen for the straps, cut two pieces measuring 7" x 22"  15. Using the same instructions for creating the waistband, fold in edges, press and then fold in half  16. sew along the outside edge of each strap piece, staying close to the edge  17. Insert strap piece into the opening left on each side of the waistband, pin in place  18. Sew straps in place, for this I always sew two seams

Voila! Using less than four fat quarters you've created a super cute apron! My favorite part is that the bottom skirt fabric stays draped and you can lift the side panels to wipe your hands almost like hanging tea towels! Love that!! 



The wide waistband makes this apron easy wearing and flattering to all our shapes, and the angled side panel pieces add a sweet feminine and flirty-ness, too!

I hope you enjoy making and wearing this apron! You can read about my reason for creating this apron here. As always, if you decided to give this tutorial a try -- be sure to let me know and feel free to share a photo on my facebook page anytime!!

Happy Monday, friends!!  ♥ Maureen 

* * * * * * UPDATE : :  After making this apron a few more times myself and having so many of my blog followers and friends make one as well, I do recommend lengthening the straps. The size in the tutorial will work for a size small/medium, so I just suggest that you adjust the length to a comfortable length for yourself or for the person who will be wearing it! THANKS!! M

Aprons for Haiti : :

Oh, I love a good apron. Yes I do! So, when Craft Hope announced Project 17 : : Aprons for Haiti, I signed on right away to contribute at least one! Today, I'm happy to have two to share with high hopes of a few more to send in by the May 31st deadline.



For my first apron I used a bit of my Fabric Envy mail, pulling four fat quarters from the bundle of Hello Luscious that I won recently in a giveaway Andrea had on the Fabric Envy blog.



The colors in this collection are so pretty and sweet. It was a nice change from the brights I usually work with.



The idea I had for this apron was to create something beautiful and useful that wouldn't require too much fabric for easy construction and very little cutting. I ended up using just two full fat quarters for the main skirt of the apron, half of the third fat quarter for the waist band, and the straps needed about three quarters of the forth fat quarter to create this entire apron! I'm calling it my Flirty Fat Quarter Apron and I'll have a quick tutorial to share soon! Hopefully you're interested! *wink*



For my second apron I used my Fabric Lover's Apron Tutorial, choosing Loulouthi once again! I had all the pieces already cut, left from when I created that tutorial, so this one came together super quick, too! I've made four of these now myself and have loved being sent photos of this apron pattern made by some of you! Thank you!!



In case you are interested in joining Project 17, I pulled some of the information off of the Craft Hope Facebook page to share today, as well. In the words of Craft Hope --

PROJECT 17 :: APRONS FOR HAITI :
 
It is unlikely that the average Haitian woman will ever receive anything that is special and pretty, something just for herself. Daily life for the Haitian woman is grueling and backbreaking. Most have to carry 5-gallon buckets of water on their heads from miles away. Cooking is done in a pit in the ground from handmade charcoal. The few pieces of clothing they have are washed in the river and hung to dry.

To receive something as precious as an apron made with love from pretty new fabrics would go a long way in making a Haitian women feel special. We would love for you to join us as we sew and collect aprons for the women of Haiti!

Guidelines for Project Apron:
--Pretty-but-practical full or half aprons (nothing too frilly, ruffly or lacey)
--Washable fabrics only please
--Pockets are a plus
--You may include a handwritten note with your apron if you like. Someone will be available to translate when we deliver the aprons
 
--Please send all aprons to:
HAITI BY HAND
3333 Benton Road
Cedar Hill TN 37032

Again, the deadline for this project is May 31, 2012, so you can still have plenty of time to follow and share on the facebook page that was created while the Craft Hope website is being rebuilt. You can get all the additional details there, as well!

I hope you do join in and that you let me know if you do!!  ♥ Maureen 

p.s. Be sure to stop back from my new fabric giveaway beginning tomorrow morning! Here's a peek!!

A Valentine Appliqued Apron Set Tutorial : :

Today's tutorial is for a sweet apron set for an adult and child. I use sturdy ticking fabric with simple raw edge applique to add a little Valentine village, that's perfect for wearing all year long. You can use whatever fabrics you'd like with this method of applique to add any details to suit your style or those receiving these aprons. Have fun and be sure to let me know if you give these aprons or any of my tutorial projects a try!

What you'll need : :

• 3/4 yd of ticking fabric
• an assortment of scraps for your applique village
• 1/2 yd piece of heatbond lite
• 1 - piece of fabric measuring 6" x 24" for child apron waistband
• 2 - pieces of fabric measuring 5" x 18" for child apron ties
• 1 - piece of fabric measuring 9"x 32" for adult apron waistband
• 2 - pieces of fabric measuring 8" x 44" for adult apron ties (I make mine extra long to tie in front)
• threads -- black for applique stitching and an assortment of colors or white to match your apron fabrics
• Sewing pins
• Sharp scissors and/or a rotary cutter/mat set

Cutting and Hemming apron pieces

1. Trim selvedge ends from the fabric. 2. First, cut 14" from one side of the fabric -- this will be the fabric for the child apron. Second, cut remaining fabric to measure 18" x 30" -- this will be the adult apron 3. Hem bottom and sides of these pieces by folding over edge 1/4", press, fold again, press, and sew a double seam to hem those raw edges



Once finished, the apron pieces should look like this : :



Cutting and piecing your scraps using Heatbond Lite

1. Cut a large square from the heat bond light 2. Cut scrap pieces out in the fabrics chosen for the village design 3. With paper side down, arrange scraps on top of the heatbond 4. Press with iron to adhere fabric pieces to heatbond



Cutting and adhering the Valentine village pieces

1. Using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter, cut out rectangle, triangle, and square pieces for the village and bunting design 2. Always layout the design first



3. Carefully peel off the paper backs of the pieces, use an iron to press in place. This will permanently adhere the village design to the apron. Don't forget to add the heart! 4. Once the design is adhered to the apron, use black thread to "draw" around the inner edges of each piece added




This is my favorite part! I love the way the black thread make the applique pieces look like a drawing!





Choose and cut waistband & tie fabrics  -- see measurements above



1. Fold in outside edges of the waistband fabric a 1/4" on each side, press. Do this with all four sides 2. Fold waistband in half, press well 3. Open waistband, place apron piece centered inside the waistband piece



4. Fold over waistband fabric, pin in place 5. Using coordinating thread, sew a seam along top and bottom edges, leaving both ends open



6. Repeat these steps for making the apron ties, be sure to hem the ends of these as well 7. Insert tie pieces into the opening of each side of the waistband, pin in place, sew



Add a few stitches here, this will get pulled at quite a bit when tying the apron on!



Repeat these steps for finishing the adult size aprons and you'll have a lovely set to wear with your little(s) or to give as a nice gift!



We love ours!!



I really hope you enjoy this project! This is my favorite so far! I know the tutorial has quite a few steps -- feel free to add a comment here if you have any questions! And, always let me know if you give it a go!! My Quilted Valentine Pillow tutorial is being shared today on Sew Can She, feel free to stop by and check that out!!

Have a lovely day, friends! ♥ Maureen