What I Gave for Christmas

Here’s a twist on the typical post-Christmas blog post. I’ll show you what I gave my family first.

Remember the bathrobe? Mom loved it. She oohed and aaahed over it and called it “elegant”. It fit her wonderfully and she loves it. The tie could be longer, but I was lazy and just cut a quick one out. I’ll make her something better later.

Last night I stayed overnight at Mom’s. She was having a party and I was going stir crazy, so the only way I could get down there was to get a ride and stay over. This morning she wore her robe and she loves it. LOVES it. She’s afraid to wear it because she doesn’t want to ruin it.

 

 

 

A new kind of cupcake maker.

My granddaughter wanted a toy cupcake maker for Christmas. I read the reviews on it and they were horrible. Not to mention the toy is expensive and I didn’t want to just throw money at something that wouldn’t last. So, instead, I got creative. I bought a Rubbermaid box with a handle and then hit the dollar store. I bought measuring cups, measuring spoons, dish towels, pot holders, spatulas, cupcake mix and frosting, sprinkles and other sundry baking items. I put it all in the box, decorated the box and personalized it with puffy paint, and then finally inserted a very special apron I made just for her.

This apron turned out just darling on her, if I say so myself. I love the vintage feel of it. The pattern I’d alter if I made it again. The neck area is fiddly with too many pieces and inserting the tie strap was really weird. The curved neckline with the bias binding doesn’t lie flat. The tie straps around the neck called for buttons and buttonholes, which I omitted. There are darts in the back skirt piece and I don’t understand the necessity of that unless the little girl has a booty. Still… I love this little apron.

Some more pictures of the little hostess apron. I added piping to contrast the seam between the front and back panels too. (You may recognize this fabric from the birthday dress I made Elise in July. I had plenty leftover.)

 

A new Apronista

Knowing that my daughter will be doing the baking with my granddaughter making cupcakes, I knew she also needed an apron. This way they can both wear their aprons and be fashionistas while cooking nummy stuff.

I added some details to this pattern, like piping in between the contrasting colors.

My daughter loved the apron and I really loved making it. I held it up to myself before I wrapped it and said out loud, “I want one!”

I’d say that one for me would be next on the list, but I have something up my sleeve for my son-in-law. Stay tuned.