National Tie One On Day

Tomorrow is National Tie One On Day. NTOOD is an opportunity for you to share a little and put a little giving into Thanksgiving.

As part of the celebration, Bernina is giving away a Bernette 46 sewing machine.  Woo Hoo!

You have until 10pm MST on Wednesday to enter.  Enter HERE.


I will be 'tying one on' come Thursday morning.  What are your plans ~ will you be 'tying one on' this Thursday?

I'd love for you to share an apron story with all of us.

Two Halves Equal a Whole

As I continue to remake the cover pages for all of my apron patterns, I am rediscovering why I started making aprons in the first place.

From shopping for fabric to the actual sewing, making aprons is a whole lot of fun!

For instance, the Sassy Chic Apron uses three different fabrics.

I used a large stripe for the main skirt, a smaller harlequin print for the ruffle, and polka dot for the ruffle band and waist ties.

So-many-options! The possibilities are endless.

My favorite part of this apron is the pocket. The pattern includes directions to add a piece of trim fabric on the pocket, but I’ve also used a small piece of the rickrack. 

Again, so many options.
  

For the Eco Chic Apron I went in a whole different direction.

I decided to use a classic design for my fabric instead of something whimsical.

 

I love how practical this apron is.  Its economical to make (hence, its name Eco Chic) and its so simple, an absolute beginner can confidently tackle it.
   
I was inspired to create this pattern because I had so many fabric scraps from sewing aprons for my Etsy store.
 
I was looking for a way to put my scraps to work and I just started putting pieces together.

It still remains one of my favorites.  And, here’s why:  Check out the ‘hidden’ pocket.



My second favorite feature is the pleating in the front.  It gives the apron such a clean, preppy feel.

And don’t forget the hem.  The double needle finishes off this apron giving it a clean, classic look.

Sew many options, sew much fun! 

Perfectly Perfect Fabric

I was email chatting with a friend yesterday and she mentioned her growing obsession with fabric acquisition.

I know well that feeling you get when you see a fabric that you love.

So, last week I got an email from a local fabric boutique and right there on my computer was this fabric.

Perfectly perfect for the remake of my Halter Chic Pattern.
 
I think I actually stood up and did a little jig.  Or maybe I just jiggled.  Anyway, that’s how sure I was about this fabric.

There’s something you may not know about Fabric World. Generally, if it’s perfectly perfect for me, it might just be perfectly perfect for another.  And, once the fabric manufacturer runs out of fabric, they don’t make anymore.  Yikes!

Did you know that there are only 15 yards of fabric on a bolt of fabric?  What if someone gets to the store and buys all of the fabric?  After all, I wasn’t the only one who got an email showing the fabric.

You don’t have to knock me upside the head to know it’s time to become the crazy fabric lady who camps out at a store spring into action in order to buy a yard of perfectly perfect fabric.
 
It was a good thing I got there when I did because half of the bolt was already gone. I scored a yard of each and left the rest to other like-minded fabrivores.

And, made this for my Halter Chic Apron Pattern’s cover page.

Perfectly perfect for this apron.

What’s Black and White and Red All Over…

…The Sweetheart Chic Apron!

I am continuing the process of remaking my aprons for my Etsy store cover pages.  In doing this, I am also examining how I go about choosing the fabrics.

For this apron, I was immediately attracted to the fabric’s pattern.  It’s bold, it’s graphic, and it’s modern.  What’s not to love!

Since bold patterns always work with aprons, I knew that this would be a no-brainer.
 

However, I toyed with the idea of going with a mustard yellow instead of the red on the accents.  I chose the red because it has greater appeal and I had the fabric in my stash.  Again, no-brainer.

 

Sometimes, fabric choice comes down to what you love or what you have on hand.  For this project, it was both.

I did struggle with choosing which pattern to remake in this fabric.  I almost went with the Halter Chic Apron Pattern, but I have something else in mind for that one.
 

Choosing Fabric for an Apron II

I am in the process of redoing my Etsy store in order to give it a more consistent look.

Also, my photography skills and equipment are both much better, which can't hurt.



In doing this I must remake some of my apron patterns. 

This, of course, causes me to have to look for fabrics {what a tragedy} and make quick fabric decisions.

For this entire project I am wanting my fabrics to be a bit more modern and a bit less whimsical.  I think doing this will give my shop a consistent look.



For all of my aprons, I use 100% cotton in a quilting weight.

Translated: The cotton is a little bit stiffer and a light-to-medium weight, making it perfect for an apron. If you are new to sewing and unfamiliar with quilting weight cotton, visit a quilt shop and feel the fabric.
 
Another HUGE benefit for using quilting weight cotton is the enormous variety of available fabric choices.  Cupcakes, skulls, animals, kitchen gadgets, holiday themes - you name it – anything you could possibly want.

Here’s a sampling:



So, how do you begin to choose a fabric for an apron project with so many choices?

I think the easiest thing to do is have either a color or theme in mind.  Christmas and Halloween would be good examples of holiday themes.

I had a color in mind – orange.  When I found the fabric for this apron I knew I wanted something that was modern and had orangish tones.  This fabric met both needs.
For the yoke and collar I was looking for something that would keep the apron from looking whimsical.

I actually had a different design in mind, but when I found this geometric fabric, I knew it would work with the the large floral.

 
I also knew I wanted the fabric to have a large design.  The Retro Chic Apron Pattern has a large panel which is ideally suited for big designs.

I don’t always get it right.  I forgot to consider the mannequin that I use in my pictures.  It’s black – and there is a lot of black in this apron.

 
I had to use this slip-on sleeve I made in order to get the apron to stand out.  It works for now, but I will probably remake the apron in a different fabric.

Translated:  I will have to go fabric shopping, again.

Choosing Fabric for An Apron

It’s safe to say that I have spent a lot of time matching fabrics to aprons.
 
Today, I want to talk about how I go about putting two fabrics together to create an apron that I will love.
 
For aprons, I ALWAYS use a 100% cotton in a quilting weight from a quality fabric manufacturer.  A few examples would be Michael Miller, Windham, and Moda.
 
I have been wanting to remake a few of my aprons in current fabrics and redoing all of my pattern’s cover pages. Starting with my Urban Chic Apron Pattern, I’ll show you how I chose the fabrics for this project.

The process begins with me being drawn to a particular fabric.   It may be the color or design.  In this case, I love both.  The combination of yellow and gray still excites me, so the colors are perfect.  I am also drawn to the modern design in the print and the fact that it is a stripe.

Another thing to consider is the size of the design.  Since I want a large print for the apron skirt, this fabric works perfectly.
   
Decision made; I’m going with this fabric from the Echo Collection by Windham Fabrics.  Besides, I'm a huge fan of the designer, Lotta Jansdotter.
 
 
The next step is choosing a companion fabric.  Since this fabric is part of a collection I will want to see what fabrics are available and start there.

From the same line, I tried this smaller gray and white print.  I’m not really in love with it because it looks like chicken feet, but it would definitely work.  However, I’m going to keep looking.



My second try was another fabric from this line, but this time I used a different design that will pull out the yellow in the fabric.

Technically, this fabric works.  The print is smaller than the one that will be used in the skirt and the colors go together well.  Also, I love the dandelion since that is my logo.

When I put them together they just don’t work for me.  The skirt fabric has a lot of white and so does the dandelion fabric.  If I used this in an apron it would be too bland.  Since I want my apron to be on my pattern’s cover page, I’m thinking bland won’t work for me.
   

Third try.  Again, I went with something from the fabric line, but this time I went with a  large print on an orangey background.  I love the orange print, but not with the gray and yellow.  If these were pillows in my living room it might work, but not for an apron.

I will use the orange fabric elsewhere since I really like it.


Fourth try’s the charm.  The minute I put these two fabrics together, I knew that I would like them in an apron.  The gray and white print is a smaller version of the skirt print.  The gray is a little more saturated color so it will stand out some.  Also, I like that it is a stripe.
 
With the Urban Chic Apron Pattern I need a fabric for the bodice top and also for the hem band.  This fabric gives me the option of running the stripe in a different direction at the hem.
 

Notice how I ran the bodice and pocket band in the same direction, but the hem band and the pocket are running in different directions.  This is why I like the striped nature of this design.  I gives me options with the pattern.

Matching fabrics with patterns really is easier than you think.

Mother's Day Giveaway - Day 5

First things first...

 
Today's winner is Brenda from Songbird Designs!  Congratulations, Brenda.  Email me at sugarpiechic [at] gmail.com and let me know which pattern you want!

This is the last day of the giveaway and I can say that it has been really fun.  I hope you've enjoyed it, as well.

Today's topic is a little different.  I wanted to talk about having a crafting business.

A little over four years ago I was contemplating aprons.  I was also looking for a way to earn a little bit of money to support my sewing and crafting ways.  Then, I heard about Etsy.  In a flash I chose a name, opened a store and began making and selling aprons.  What I didn't know was the path this would lead to...

The thing about setting forth on a new path is all of the unexpected things you learn along the way.  I already knew how to sew, but I also learned a few new things.


I have learned how to write, copyright, and publish a pattern.  I have learned how to set up {with help} and write a blog.  I have learned {am actually learning, still} how to use a DSLR camera and am becoming a bit of a shutterbug.  I have learned how to use photo editing software and, I swear it has melted my brain in some places.  I have learned how to use digitizing software for machine embroidery.  As I continue further down this road, I know there are going to be lots more opportunities for growth.

So, today's first contest entry is this:  

1.  First Chance Entry:  In the "Comments" section below, leave a comment telling me what kind of crafty/sewing/anything you can dream of business you would start.  Just say something like, "I would like to have a ___________________ business."


2.  Second Chance Entry:  Subscribe to my blog and then leave a comment below in the "Comments" section saying you have done so. If you are already a subscriber, leave a comment telling me this.

3.  Third Chance Entry:  Visit my updated Facebook page and "Like" me.  Come back and leave a comment below in the "Comments" section saying you have done this.


I am looking forward to learning new things, but also sharing this incredible journey with you.

Pattern Instant Downloads

 
HALLELUJAH! You can now get Sugar Pie Chic patterns and tutorials via instant download.  No more waiting for me to send them.  Sorry Etsy, but others have made this possible...I gotta keep up with new technology. 

I'm now live at:  www.youcanmakethis.com  On the left column, look for "Shop by Author" and scroll down to Sugar Pie Chic.  There you will find a few aprons and one of my Tutu Tote Bags.  More to come soon...it's rather laborious to get things into their system...

If you prefer, I'm also on Craftsy under their new "Patterns" section.  Right now, I only have four aprons, but I will be adding more soon.  For access, go to www.craftsy.com and click on (beta) "Patterns" across the top.  In the "Find a Pattern" search box, type in Sugar Pie Chic and my patterns should come up.  Also, I have a new Tutu Tote Trio Workshop in the works with Craftsy.  Look for this, soon.  It's an interactive workshop where you can ask (and have answered by moi!) questions at each step.  Perfect for beginners.

In the meantime,  the revised Tutu Tote Tutorial now includes three versions in one pattern.  Included are instructions on how to make a Tutu Bag using tulle rolls.  This is in the works on Craftsy as an interactive Workshop, but I will soon have it live in my Etsy store. 

{FREE} Clothespin Apron Pattern

I've been thinking...which can be dangerous...but not this time.  There may be one or two of you who are pondering the thought of purchasing one of my apron patterns...maybe you are hesitant for any number of reasons.  OR you wish you could do a trial run before purchasing.  OR you just want a cute new apron.  Well, worry no more, I'm setting you up with this traditional Clothespin Apron Tutorial.

Here's what ya' need...

Supplies {Can't sew without 'em}

1/2 yard for the Skirt
3/4 yard for the Pocket, Waistband, and Ties
1 Package Wright's 1/2" Bias Tape
1 Package Wright's Jumbo Rickrack {optional}
Thread in coordinating color

I'm going to assume you have a sewing machine, scissors, pins, an iron, and an ironing board.  

STEP 1:  Go to this Media Fire link:  Right click on each pattern piece, select download.  Print out the 8 pages of pattern tiles.  Match up the 'A's, 'B's, etc. until you have something that looks like this.

STEP 2:  Trim the pattern pieces and layout the Skirt and Pocket on fold of fabric.

 STEP 3:   From the same fabric cut 1 strip of fabric 4.25" x 25" for the Waistband and
                   2 strips of fabric 4" x 30" for the Waist Ties.

STEP 4:  Cut two 13" strips of the Wrights 1/2" bias tape.  Open one of the folded edges and press flat.  Leave the other edge folded.

STEP 5:  Pin the right side of the bias tape to the wrong side of Pocket edge.  Stitch on the fold line.

 

STEP 6:  Press the right side of the bias tape over the seam.  Make sure the folded edge stays folded under.  Wrap the bias tape over the seam, pin in place, and stitch down on the right side.

STEP 7:  Attach Pocket to Skirt by placing the wrong side of the Pocket on top of the right side of Skirt.  Pin in place and stitch together raw edges where Skirt and Pocket meet using a scant 1/4" seam.

STEP 8:  Cut  1.5 yards of bias tape.  Using the same methods in Steps 4-6, attach the bias tape to the outside edges of the apron.  Leave the top open.

STEP 9:  Prepare the Waist Ties.  Along one long edge, fold under twice 3/8” to create a double hem. Press and stitch.

To make a point at the end of the Tie, fold the end diagonally, right sides together, matching the raw edges.  Stitch a seam 3/8” from the edge.

Turn the point right side out. Turn under the raw edge twice, press and stitch. Top stitch the tie end.   Repeat for the second Tie.  Set the two ties aside while you prepare the Waistband.

 STEP 10:  Attaching the Waistband.  Find the center point of the Waistband and the center point of the Skirt.

With right sides together, pin the Waistband to the Skirt along the top edge, matching the center points. Stitch in place using a 1/2” seam.

Press seam flat, away from Skirt.  Turn top edge of Waistband under 1/2” and press with steam iron.

STEP 11:  Attaching Waist Ties (one at a time).  Trim Waistband so that it extends 1/2” beyond Skirt.  On right side, make a mark 1.5" from top.

Lay the Waistband flat with the right side up.  Pin the Waist Tie to the lower half of the right side of Waistband, matching raw edges.  Pin a pleat in the middle of Waist Tie.  Baste with scant 1/2" seam.

Fold Waistband down over the Waist Tie keeping Waistband halves right sides together. You should now have a sandwich with the Waist Tie in the middle. Pin in place.

Using a 1/2” seam allowance, stitch raw edges of Waistband even with finished end of Skirt.  Trim excess to 1/4”, turn inside out and press.  Repeat Step 11 on opposite side.

STEP 12:  Finishing touches.  Pin the folded edge of the Waistband to the Skirt. The folded edge should barely overlap the seam. Close the Waistband either by hand stitching the Waistband to the Skirt  OR take the freeway and use a fabric glue stick (my fave!) which allows you to top stitch immediately.

Topstitch around  the Waistband with a 1/8” seam.

And that, my friends, is all there is to it!

UPDATE:  I've fixed the broken Media Fire Link!