Luv My Package...

Oh how delighted I was to find a package addressed to me from Aimee in our Post box today...
Thank You so very much Aimee... I LUV everything.

 Looks like the poor box was not handled with kit gloves.... lol!

 but everything was fine.... and beautifully wrapped.

 check out all my goodies... hmmm, do I read first and then nibble on the treats... or do I nibble on the treats first and then read??? oh, decisions, decisions....

I even luv the gift tags... I am so gift wrapping challenged... so it was a treat for me to receive  sweetly wrapped gifts...
Thank you so very much Aimee....
Merry Christmas to you, your hubby and  Milo, Murphy and Stella too!

My Swap Gift...Awesome

My package arrived today all the way from North Carolina from Tammy Simpkin and oh what fun I had unwrapping her wonderful little gifts. Each one was a treasure.

 Look at all the wonderful gifts she sent. An amazing penguin stocking which I immediately put in the place of my 'Mom,' stocking I had made myself years ago when my boys were small. Socks, who doesn't loves toasty warm soft socks? The photo below shows I love them and after slogging through the mud to find our Christmas tree this evening to cut down, these were a blessing!

A Dish towel (it made me cry) my mom always sent me new dishtowels each Christmas, this reminded me of mom and somehow Tammy, you made her feel a bit closer this year!  There was Swiss Miss hot chocolate which we will use tomorrow as we all gather for the driving to look at Christmas lights and come home to talk about them.

You can't see them, but the box of Sprinkles has 4 large jars of sprinkles to go with that wonderful snowman cookie cutter and we are planning on taking our homemade cookies this year to our local soup kitchen to bless them with goodies!

It was all wrapped in beautiful paper and sent with a card about STOCKING...her word for me!

Thank you Tammy, today I needed this!

All Wrapped Up...

All wrapped up... and hoping the roads will be clear tomorrow so I can drive to town.

"Candle" is the word I choose...

It Is Crafting and Sewing Weekend!

This image from AThriftyMom.com says it all -- I think this is what we are all doing this weekend!!

And this, too!

Check Your Email

Okay, swappers, matches sent. Please reply to my e-mail so I know you got it and are still playing. Mail date is next Monday!

Secret Santa Swap 2015 - Sign Up Info

So, I haven't hosted a swap since 2014.  And I miss it -- the ideas flowing with the theme, the scheming, the shopping, the anticipation of a box received and loved, and the surprises that arrive.  I want it all back.  Plus, it's something for me - we all do so much for everyone else, but a swap package is made with just YOU in mind.  Of course, there was that weird "secret gift exchange" hoax on Facebook that really gave swapping a bad name.  BUT, we know the true joy of a secret swap.  So, even though it's later than usual, what do you say -- let's do this thing!

Register by: December 6

Mail ON: December 14

Your Secret Santa Swap package should be a minimum of $20 in value before postage (use USPS priority, flat rate recommended), and include at least the following (no dollar store junk this swap):

Something for the Tree (garland, ornament, topper, skirt)
Something to Read (book, magazine, poem, pattern, recipe)

Holiday Goody (candy, cocoa, tea, coffee, chocolate, nuts)
Something Handmade (by you, from craft fair, or Etsy)

Challenge: Include one gift for each letter needed to spell out a word from the season (SNOW, JOY, FAITH, LOVE, HOPE, GIFT, TREE, JESUS, STAR, SANTA, etc). We've done this last the three santa swaps and it was SO MUCH FUN! Of course, the perfect gift for an "A" is an APRON.

Then, make this a special box -- gift wrapping, bows, the whole nine yards! Include a note identifying yourself with your email and blog address/instagram account #secretsantaswaap so your partner can contact you with her grateful thanks.  

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Once again, I would like you to please copy the following questionnaire and post the answers on your blog for all other participants to see.  Include the badge picture with your post.  This is a great way to add traffic to your blog and make new friends!  If you don't have a personal blog, you can post in the Facebook group (ask for an invite) or on Instagram (tag with #secretsantaswap) just send me the link.

Shawnee's Secret Santa Swap Questionnaire

1. What are your hobbies?
2. Favorite colors?
3. Do you collect anything?
4. Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? Food allergies?
5. Do you have any pets?
6. Coffee, Tea, or Chocolate?
7. What do you like to read?
8. What is your favorite holiday treat?
9. Does your tree have a theme?
10. Describe your favorite Christmas/seasonal tradition.

IF YOU ARE WILLING TO BRIGHTEN UP SOMEONE ELSE'S HOLIDAY, let me know.  I have a small list of gals who cannot participate that I would like to bless with a package this season.  Or, I encourage you to send an extra Secret Santa box to someone you know that needs some cheer this season and then tell us about your experience.

P.S. Those people who have signed up for swaps and HAVE NOT completed them are not invited back. There are some exceptions to this rule (I mean, I've had a pro make my aprons before when I got overwhelmed, so I get it), such as the person contacting both me and her partner with their extenuating circumstances or someone dropping out early and my ability to fill their spot in time. I understand that things come up but I don't want anyone disappointed, especially at this time of year.  If you owe someone a package and REALLY want to participate, you would need to send me your overdue package to forward in order to be eligible to sign up this year.

IDEAS FROM YEARS PAST:

S - Christmas Socks
A - Advent Calendar (I filled each little box, with crafty bits and bobs)
N - Christmas Napkins and Christmas Nail Files
T - Tasty Assorted Sachets of Hot Chocolate and some Christmas Tissues
A - Assorted Rolls of Ribbon and an Apron that I made.
Her ornaments were the letters I made that spelled out SANTA, and I included a craft magazine for some reading fun.

SNOW was the word and this is how it was spelled out:
S is for sew cute sewing case
N is for apron and pattern
O is for owls
W is for Wishing you a Merry Christmas

 

/ 

 C for crocheted cowl (in one of her favorite colors and can be worn in different ways)
H for hot mug of cocoa and candy (impulse buy but I couldn't resist and she does like hot cocoa)
R for really sweet lamb ornament (Jesus is the lamb of God)
I for individual box of junior mints (she loves mint)
S for snowman coffee cozy ( it fits a Starbucks grande)
T for tissue worthy Christmas story (Christian novel)

 

C: Chocolate
H: Holiday Card Holders
R: Reusable Gift Bag Pattern
I: Inspiring Quotes (bookmarks)
S: Snowman napkins
T: Thread
M: Mint Tea
A: Attic Treasures Basket
S: Squares by Moda

 

 

 

 

 

 

Santa Swap Coming ....

Waking up the old blog in preparation for a quick Secret Santa Swap -- details to follow.

In the meantime, wanted to share THIS fun style challenge I've joined - early bird rate ends today and you don't want to miss out. You get a 21-day capsule shopping list, links, access to a private facebook group for lots of tips and new friends, daily outfit emails for three weeks. I've save so much money by just having a focus and feel more confident in my clothing choices than ever.   Use my referral link so Alison knows I sent ya!  https://vm235.isrefer.com/go/WIN2015/Shawnee/

Gingham & Tulle...

I spotted this on-line and just had to share... a gingham apron, tulle netting petticoat & cowgirl boots! uber Cute!

I can see this in red gingham! Whoot Whoot!

Deadline Extended to May 30

I've extended the "deadline" for our Sew Along to May 30 (my 50th birthday!). I've got a wonderful prize package that anyone who posts pictures on the swap blog will be entered into, sponsored by Modern June​.  And several of you said you'd also offer prizes but I still need to coordinate.  Sorry for being distracted and not pulling this all together sooner but I can't wait to see more of your creations!  =)  More details soon, but check this out!!!

Let's Cock-a-doodle Do this!!!!

I was originally thinking red and yellow gingham,

but when I stumbled across this darling rooster fabric,

I had to change my plans to red and black.

Can't wait to get started!

Pattern and Fabric Purchased

My favorite apron pattern has come up missing!  I have no idea where it has gone!  Luckily, Joann Fabrics had Simplicity patterns on sale 5 for $5.  I knew I wanted a vintage inspired apron, so this is the pattern I chose.  I am having a hard time deciding which one to make though.  I prefer full aprons and bought the fabric for a full apron but I am loving the ruffled half apron.....

Unfortunately Joann's didn't have any gingham fabric.  What?!?!?!  I had assumed it would be easy to find gingham fabric.  I guess I was wrong.  

So off to Hancock Fabrics I went to find some fabric.  They did have a small section of gingham and I decided on yellow because we are in the middle of redoing our kitchen and the color will be yellow.

I actually have a lemonade theme picked out for the kitchen, and pink is going to be an accent color.  I am trying to decide now how to add a little pink to my apron to break up the yellow a little.  I am planning on sewing it next week so I have a little bit more time to figure it out.

Mini Idea....

For those of you who have not started yet,,, don't have a spare moment to sit and sew, don't have enough fabric, etc. etc  etc ...  don't feel guilty,, we are all in the same 'sewing basket'... per say.
Sew,, here is a easy peasy mini Gingham apron...  after all, Gingham isn't just for people sized aprons ya know... lol!

I bought this pattern 4-5 years ago,,,, it is a small sample of several of the people sized apron patterns by Simplicity.

Notice the cute Gingham 1/2 apron (top row left)...
all you need is a 9" tall piece of fabric for the 1/2 aprons...  that being said, one doesn't even need a pattern to make a simple 1/2 apron,  just a rectangular piece of fabric and scrap piece of bias tape or tiny ric rac... instant mini Gingham apron...  
Oh sew fun....

Strawberry Inspiration Gingham Apron

I found this fabric at a thrift store and decided to pick it up way back here.  I made an apron for one of my daughters with it and there is still plenty left over.

Last night I was out in the garden and the strawberry plants were starting to peek out after the long, cold winter. How much more inspiration does one need? Check out what happens when paired with a little strawberry fabric!

OOoohhhhh Archie....

I know what I want, but I can't really find a pattern for it that doesn't involve miles and miles of bias binding. I have no wish to attach miles of bias binding, so I just may try drafting something myself.

Inspiration apron.......................

Fabric...

It's a mid-weight printed quilter's cotton. The actual woven gingham was so thin it was nearly sheer; I just didn't think it would hold up to being used. 

Time to stop planning and get to doing.

Finished my apron trying to post a picture but not sure how. Made mine from a vintage find at a local thrift store. Found a pink gingham house coat still In the package and found another house coat with super cute trim. Had to have it and it cost me $11 and I will probably get another apron out of it!

Right under my Nose!

Oh for goodness sake,, I was putting a frozen pizza in the oven,, ya ya, I know, not very 'Suzi Homemakerish'... but we spent all day in town running errands and at 7:30 I did not feel like cooking so frozen pizza it is!  lol!
Anyways,  I was placing the pizza in when I realized, I have a Gingham Apron by the oven... oh good grief! if it had been a snake it would have bit me! lol!
I luv that some true 'Suzi Hommaker' stitched it up probably in the 1950's or 60's... they stitched on ric rac for decoration...

I found this sweet gingham apron back in Spokane, WA.  I suspect that maybe this apron was stitched as a gift,, and considering the very clean shape it was probably never used...
But now it is my sweet little apron....and will be until it is passed on to the next generation of apron lovers...

Gingham style!

Here is a sneak peak to my gingham aprons! One for me and one for a friend.  

Hello, My Name is Amy

And I have a gingham issue.  Had all of these in my stash.

Yet, I bought more orange gingham yesterday!

I see some chicken scratch headed my way!!

Got my pattern picked out!

I decided on my pattern,

now I need to choose my fabrics.

There will definitely be red.....

maybe some yellow......

and perhaps a chicken or two :) 

I think I got a little to Excited...

Ok, I think I got a little zealous,,, not only did I find the perfect gingham,,, but I got a whole day to myself and decided this was a perfect day to play in my sewing room...

 I decided this gingham pillow case would work perfect for a clothes pin apron...

 a bit of cutting, a bit of laying fabric this way and that, a old stitched doily...

 scissors and pins down,,,, now off to the ironing board....

 This apron has 2 large pockets, perfect  to hold clothes pins while taking down the laundry, and the doily creates a 3rd, smaller pocket, perfect for a hanky or one's cell phone or both.

and as always,,, I have to add a couple of yoyos... my all time favorite adornment on aprons.

I think I just might have to make another one, if only I could find the other gingham pillow case...

Green Gingham Apron..

Oh gosh, what perfect timing... I had just pulled out my old German Dirndle, in green stripes and gingham.

 I am sad to say, it no longer fits... to many Strudels... lol!

I love the mix of floral, stripes and gingham...

Hmmm, I think it's time for me to makes a new Apron clothes pin holder,,, and yepadoodle, Gingham cotton will be the perfect fabric!

Gingham Apron Sew-Along SIGN UP TIME

Okay, let's get this party started!!!  Details and info on the form below.  Fill it out, and leave a comment on this post, too.

Can't wait!!
#DFHSewAlong OH, and be sure to grab a badge for your sidebar!

Giddy for Gingham

Hi old friends!!

I'm dusting off the ole' swap blog in the hopes that others might be interested in a little sewing project with a little less risk than swapping -- I'm thinking a Sew-Along!

But, before I reveal exact details, this is what's got me itchin' to be stitchin' ....

... I happened to see Meghan Trainor's catchy new video, "Dear Future Husband"



Her sassy little gingham apron caught my eye and pushed me over the edge!

I've been drooling over lots of gingham lately; it's experiencing a real comeback and I'm loving it. Check out this eye candy I've found on Pinterest:

oodlesandoodles.typepad.com

Elle.com

aestheticnest.com

And then more aprons ....!

cupcakeprovocateur.com

innocent world

syllovesshabby.blogspot.de

Shabby Scraps

from Dottie's Diner on Etsy

Cover of Denise Clason's "Sewing Vintage Aprons"

I've got these and more on my Pinterest Board.  If you pin, let me know if you'd like an invite to add more gingham goodness.

Follow Shawnee the Apronista's board Giddy for Gingham on Pinterest.

to be continued .....