Kitties and Linen

I have a couple of small projects to share today. Both happen to involve kitty fabric which is totally coincidental. Which one do you want to see first? Oh, the linen project? Ok – sure.

I have been selling a line of cotton linen blends made by Andover for as long as I have had my fabric shop (which is just over three years now – can you believe it??) I love these fabrics and try to always keep a few choices in the shop. I have also used them to make a lot of custom Chemex covers and French Press cozies to sell in my shop. This leaves me with quite the collection of oddly shaped scraps. Obviously, I cannot throw them away. (I know you understand).

So I have been cutting them into squares to make it easier to play with them. I did a simple patchwork and quilted it up. I love the size of it and plan to make one or two more so I can use them as placemats on the table.

I quilted each of the fabrics with a different motif. Hard to see, but the kitty fabric has tiny pebbling. The black on black quilting was not fun. It is so hard to see as you are going! For the grid fabric, I did little squares that spiral this way and that. The solid fabric has loops. For the dogs I did a micro stipple. With the abstract shapes, I just outlined shapes which was easy and fun.

So pretty with some camellias from the garden.

Want to see another kitty project? This one is totally different. My grand daughter has her 3rd birthday coming up on March 7th. I was wrapping her gifts so I could get them in the mail when I realized I had not made anything for her. Kind of silly, why do I have to ‘make’ something for her. She is equally impressed with a store bought or hand made gift. But for her first birthday, I made her a doll quilt and her second birthday I made a dolly bed.

What was I to do?? I went downstairs and looked through my patterns and fabric. Wanting a quick project (since I had to mail it the next day) I chose to make her a little apron. They have two kitties at their house whom she dearly loves (though I am not at all sure her intense affection is reciprocal). I chose a sweet fabric designed by Dana Willard – you’ll find it in my shop if you click here.

Such happy felines.

Because of the length, I had to cut 3/4 yard of fabric but it was just one piece and the ties. There was plenty of fabric left over to cut another length and line the apron. This actually made it a much quicker project. Rather than hemming under the edges of the perimeter of the apron, I just sewed the two panels right sides together (after basting the neck tie and waist ties in place). The additional layer of fabric gives the apron a much nicer weight. (Which is clearly the concern of any three year old. I didn’t want her to complain to her Gram-gram that ‘this apron is just too flimsy and light weight”. Haha)

I lined the pockets with a pop of red which makes me happy and most likely matters not one bit to my sweet little girl. Again, lining the pockets seems quicker than turning under the edges and stitching them on. This way, once they are turned right side out and pressed, those edges stay right where they should be as they are stitched.

I do think she will enjoy the D-rings though. For some reason, I suspect she might want to see if she can loop the next strap through on her own. Most three year olds have this idea they can do everything on their own and she is no different.

It was a fun and really quick make – hoping she will enjoy wearing it. Her mama and daddy cook a lot and she is their helper. Now she can sport this little apron in the kitchen.

I even labeled it – The hearts look cute but I must have put too much pressure on the fabric because the bottoms of the hearts are too open. Sigh.

These projects were definitely a couple of squirrels that happened by so I’ll be sharing over at Sandra’s monthly DrEAMi link up! Also linking to From Bolt to Beauty.

Who is celebrating Leap Year today? Me, I am!! If you’d like to join me, head over to the shop because all yardage is 15% off. Clearance and remnants are 50% off. Crazy right? Great deals on lots of awesome fabric. Happy shopping!!

21 thoughts on “Kitties and Linen

  1. Linda

    Bernie both kitty projects are just adorable! I’m jealous of your quilting. I’ve gotten to the point I’m just in a hurry to get it over with and that is not a good attitude. The apron is just perfect as is that pop of red. I’m sure your sweetie will get a lot of use out of this!

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      I remember you recently made an apron for your grand daughter. So much fun to have little ones around to sew for. As for the quilting…. some of it turns out and some – well, not so much. It is a work in progress for sure.

      Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Hi Carole – I am really looking forward to seeing her wear it soon. We are heading to VT in April to visit for a bit. Grand daughter #2 is due in two weeks – Hurray!!

      Reply
  2. Mari

    Of course you can’t throw out those little bits! Look what cool things you can make from them, after all. The apron is adorable! I bet it will go through a couple of granddaughters really well. What a great Grammy!

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Thanks as always Mari. I had to laugh at the conversations I had with myself as I made the apron tho. Sure, has to be lined, of course, it needs the red pocket lining. For a three year old! I guess that is the fun of sewing though.

      Reply
  3. Wendy

    All those little touches you put in the handmade items, and the fact that you make something each time, will definitely be a memory. I still remember the items my grandmother made for me – nightgowns for me and matching ones for my doll, several items of clothing, and each granddaughter was given a white linen handkerchief with crocheted edging, meant to be carried on our wedding days. So keep sewing and making and showing love in your creations — they will be remembered. Meanwhile, I’m heading — leaping — over to your shop!

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      That is a great memory Wendy – You were so lucky to have your grandma make such sweet things for you. I do enjoy it – even if these aren’t heirloom items. It is fun to think of what she would like – and soon (2 more weeks) I will have two little girls to sew for!!

      Reply
  4. Carol

    What a delightful gift! The special touches are quite wonderful. Your photos make me want to make one for myself.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      You got me thinking and I should make an apron for myself as well. I use the same one and have had it for probably 35 years. Maybe it is time???

      Reply
  5. Preeti Harris

    Who knew that those itty bitty odd shapes would become something so adorable?
    Of course these stitched hearts only reflect your open heart, Bernie. It was meant to be.

    Reply
  6. Sandra Walker

    This is an absolutely adorable apron and I totally get why you have to include a handmade gift. I love all the extra little touches like the red lining and the D-rings. I can’t believe my Brady hasn’t requested an apron (he often comes up with things he wants me to make him) because he loves to cook: just this morning he made eggless pancakes! Thanks for linking this up with DrEAMi!

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Well maybe you could surprise Brady with a chef’s apron of some sort. I bet he’d love it!
      Eggless pancakes? That seems like it would be a challenge.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.