Every time I re-organize and fold my stacks of fabric in the hutch, I feel like I'm being reacquainted with old friends. Lately I've been using quite a bit of new fabric, but since my latest shift and shuffle in the craft room, I've been longing to return to working with those special pieces of vintage fabric that first inspired me to get back to the machine.
So this week, I pulled out a piece that I picked up for about 50 cents at a garage sale last fall. It was dull and stained with that old-fabric yellow yuck, but I knew I could bring it back to its glory. All it needed was a 30 minute bath in some OxyClean and a spin in the wash with my Magic Melaleuca MelaBrite. I never cease to be amazed at the wonders this combo does on my old fabrics!
I just loved the little printed ruffle that runs along the pattern on this piece and thought it would be a cute faux effect on the bottom of a simple apron. The fabric is woven just like a vintage tea towel, so it was perfect.
It's really just a big hemmed rectangle with twill tape strings and a couple of darts, but I like the simplicity of it and the wrap-around strings--just like the chefs use on your favorite FOOD network show. Nothing frilly, nothing fussy. Just a go-to accessory for everyday cooking.
Really--would you ever want to wear anything else after you saw the cute little green cherries, polka dots, and winking pig on this fabric? There's more where that came from, so I'm looking forward to some more kitchen accessories from this pattern--maybe even some framed cuts.
Speaking of getting back to my roots, I'm hankering to pull my paints out again and whip up some mini masterpieces to update my booth at Spring Into Art. It's coming to Nappanee April 23 - 25 this year, and Lindsay and I are pouring our hearts into making it the best show ever! We have several very talented artists on the roster already. Keep an eye on our website for details at www.nappanee.lib.in.us, or email us at springintoart@nappanee.lib.in.us for more information on exhibiting artists, workshops, and more!
P.S. The winner of the applique-a-shirt-for-Nora contest is Miss Maggie Carr. She will be receiving a free jingle block thanks to her suggestion (and the fact that flowerpatchfarmgirl requested not to be entered, and my mom's suggestion of "chicken feet" just didn't cut it for me).
