Jessica & Andrew's National Parks Aprons

Jessica had wanted a National Parks apron like the one I made in May for Sarah, but the fabric shop was out of the fabric. She was disappointed, but life went on.

I checked back about a month later and they had some more in stock! I bought enough to make both Jessica and Andrew aprons.

Then, like a doofus, I forgot to cut the first apron out on the fold and had to piece its front together matching the golden brown lines so that it looked okay.

Lesson learned - the second apron was cut on the fold. I tried it on for a photo, but it isn't tied behind my neck and waist so it looks big. Trust me, it will fit them just fine.

I mailed them to Jessica with the rodeo shirts - she has no idea that they are coming. I can't wait to hear what she sys when she finds them!

Just the Snaps!

I am determined to finish Cambria and Titan's rodeo shirts today. I sewed Titan's Monday and then yesterday I sewed Cambria's. I ran into a problem right away with the unicorn appliqué (unicorns are ALWAYS problematic, right?) 

I consulted with Jessica about how it should be stitched. It was so large that if I put it straight on the yoke, it would interfere with the collar and sleeve seams. Jessica told me that Cambria absolutely would not mind if it were at an angle.

Once that decision was made, then I was able to finish the shirt that afternoon. There is just one more thing to do.

Add the pearl snaps to the pocket flaps and the front of the shirts. And I am procrastinating this step big time.

 I've laid the snaps out on the shirts so that I know where I want to place them.

 And I've decided that five snaps going down the front is better than four. 

But still I procrastinate. Frankly, I am intimidated. It has been a LONG time since I put snaps onto a garment. (I used to sew my kids little rompers that could be unsnapped for diaper changes. Cole is 32. Yep! A long time! )

My experience was not always the best - I've used the spool and hammer method mentioned in the directions on the snap package above, and I've used snap pliers, too. (Old ones from years ago; I did buy new snap pliers for this project.)

It didn't help when I opened my new snap pliers and out tumbled a whole bunch of brightly colored parts.

 And the large, full color sheet of instructions that was front to back.

I was already intimidated; this served to raise my apprehension level through the roof.

I need seven pearl snaps for each shirt and I have two packages of twelve. There is enough to practice with on scrap fabric before actually applying them to the kids' shirts.

Wish me luck. 

Non-Holiday Pillowcases

When we were in Santaquin and visiting Jessica, they were still in the throes of unpacking from their move. One of the things I noticed in their basement family room was this:

A big stack of the pillowcases that I had made for Cambria - one for each holiday. It made me really good to see that Jessica and her family enjoyed them. And, if REALLY made me feel good when she asked me to make some "summer fun" ones.

So, Jessica and I picked out some fabric together.

 Mermaids for Cambria to match her bedroom.

and dinosaurs to match Titan's.

 Colorful ice cream cones to reflect that summer fun for Cambria

while Titan got a camping/outdoorsy theme.

Cambria & Titan - Back to School Pillowcases

Jessica asked me if I would make her kids pillowcases for back to school. Her reasoning? It's a long time between the 4th of July and Halloween, and she wanted pillowcases for the time in between the two holidays. I was happy to oblige, although there is not a big selection in fabric for back to school.

 I took a big chance on Titan's. It was a panel for decorating, but its measurements were right, so I crossed my fingers and bought a panel.

 And I love how it turned out! This may be one of my all-time favorite pillowcases.

Cambria got a pink fabric with owls and school supplies on it.

Jessica's Thanksgiving Table Runner

Jessica wants to make a Thanksgiving table runner that she will add family handprints to as the years pass. She found one at Hobby Lobby but it was very plain, so she asked me to add trim to it.

 I think it looks much better, and can't wait to see what it looks like when the handprints are added!