Wednesday, July 4, 2012

July's Give~Away Apron and a Celebration

I just found this cherry fabric so cheery...and the perfect pattern for this month's giveaway.  After all, cherries are one of the major crops here in Washington and paying tribute to the state I love is only fitting.  The complimentary fabric symbolizes the "mossy" paths we have here, especially during the rainy season, that I also find so comforting.

As you might have figured out, this is a special apron for me.  First, it's the 100th Apron I've made from a pattern that I bought three years ago on a road trip I made with Kelly and her son, Ari.  The three of us drove from Kentucky to Virginia so I could visit my sister, whom I hadn't see in years.  My oldest daughter, Erin flew down to join us and we had a "Sister's Weekend!"
These photos are taken while we did some shopping in downtown Staunton; it was at a fabric/quilt store called Rachel's that I purchased the pattern and some material to make an apron for my sister and two daughters.  That was the beginning of my apron fetish!

I do believe these aprons have a magical touch--finding the right recipient each month.  To be eligible for this month's Cheery Cherry Apron, all you have to do is post a comment.  At the end of the month, I'll draw a name and this apron, like its predecessors, will be mailed to the lucky winner.

A hundred aprons is a pretty neat milestone.  Thank you all for being a part of this. Enjoy!

35 comments:

  1. 100 aprons WOW......what an achievement and what lovely aprons you have been making, I have bee spotting them all over Blog World recently, I follow the progress of the amazing Travelling Susan Apron with interest and now Scarlet has one to call her own.

    I love your fabric choices too, each one seems 'just right' if you know what I mean.

    Well done on reaching 100, your pattern must be falling to pieces, although by now I'm sure you can almost do them free hand.

    Sue xx

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  2. Thank you! Actually, it's the "4-Corner Apron" and done with a rotary cutter and rulers. The only pattern piece is the pocket and yes, I'm on my second one:-)

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  3. Wow 100 Aprons!! I love this fabric. So bright and cheerful.

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    1. Yes, 100 aprons, but only 2 quilts these last three years...I'm way behind!

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  4. Another beautiful creation, and what an achievement! You have such a wonderful eye for colour, and fabrics which are just right together.I think I could spend hours just looking around the shop where you buy your fabric. J was sitting next to me when I opened your blog post and was surprised to see another apron, and even more surprised to learn it was your 100th! Such precious photographs and memories of your 'Sisters' Weekend'.

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    1. Yes, Scarlet--great memories that I hold dear. I have a couple of fabric/quilt stores I frequent; I'm really lucky to have an assortment to choose from. Just when I think I can't decide...the fabric speaks to me:-D XOXO

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  5. Holy cow...Where did all those aprons go! ;-D I love mine...You're a very, very special person, Susan. Very special. Lv, me

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    1. Admittedly, all the aprons have not be for the blog--I've given my share to family and friends for special occasions or "just because" over the last three years. They are, for me, a symbol of who I am and where I've come from; I love sharing that with all of you.
      You're a special friend, Ellen and I'm so glad we've met; you mean a lot to me too. XOXO

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  6. The pictures brought tears to my eyes. Our Sister's weekend was very special to me in so many ways.
    100 aprons, wow! Your aprons are so beautiful--I love your choice of fabrics. I counted the aprons that I have made from the same pattern---12!! Happy 4th of July! Hugs, Barb

    There are only 13 pears left on the tree. Before the awful storms, there were at least 50 or 60.

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  7. One hundred aprons-Wow! I'm so happy to know the story behind your lovely aprons--I love mine! Every time I go into my kitchen, I see your beautiful butterfly apron hanging on a hook-ready to go into service. What a wonderful giving spirit you have my friend! Enjoy your day-xoxo♥
    Martha Ellen

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    1. It really is a great feeling to share and I love making these aprons. They bring me back to being in the kitchen with my mom and my cherished "apron strings" she gave me when I got married. Now let's shoot for 200! XOXO

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  8. Hello Susan...and, hello July and another beautiful apron. 100 is quite a milestone! I was just commenting on Scarlet's blog about the pattern and how much I love the style. Well, throw my name in the hat again, please! Each month, I say I like "this one the best". I do believe in the magic of the apron....

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    1. You're entered Meggie! I love them all too and sometimes, it's hard to let go, but then, I remember I gain a new friend and that's worth it's weight in gold! XOXO

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  9. This is my first month to entry your apron giveaway, how did I miss out? Oh well, I think this month's apron is gorgeous, I can't imagine prior months' being any prettier. Congratulations on 100 aprons!

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    1. ...and now you're entered! I think I'm going through a "happier days" sort of phase in my aprons and this fabric just spoke volumes with that in mind. I'm glad to have you stop by. XOXO

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  10. I stand in awe - 100 aprons, 2 quilts...and all the rest! You are truly a powerhouse of creativity and flair, Susan. More than that, though, you give love and draw people together with those apron strings. That's a pretty amazing thing to do. So, congratulations on 100 - and now I can't wait to enjoy seeing what wonderful things happen as you make the second hundred.xxx

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    1. Dearest friend, I wish I was a "powerhouse," but I see 4 more quilts waiting to be done (1 has been pieced, 1 cut out, and 2 needing to be cut), another book in the works on 3-D flowers, and all the other things a house calls us to do and I don't feel like I'm making much headway. However, my mom always said, "just take a day at a time and it'll get done!" I trust in those words. XOXO

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  11. 100 aprons! wow...I am really impressed. The apron is really beautiful.

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    1. Welcome to the blog and your first entry for the apron. This is such an impression network of friends that I get to visit with. Thank you, XOXO

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  12. what a great sisters get together.
    100 aprons!!!!
    stamping sue
    http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

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    1. Hi Sue, it was a weekend of cherished memories that I hold dear. XOXO

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  13. What wonderful memories you must have from that trip. Priceless! Congrats on 100 aprons. I think the fabric you selected is beautiful. When I was a little girl, I had a dress (made by my mom) in cherry fabric, so this brought a smile to my face.

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  14. Hi Kat, I fell in love this fabric too! It's hard to believe that in less than a year later from "The Sister's Weekend" that Kelly would be gone. It's still something I haven't quite come to terms with, but like my quilts...I'm working on it. Love you, XOXO

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  15. Could you imagine a Sisters' weekend with the ladies from The Sisterhood of the Travelling Susan Apron???
    If ever I get rich.....
    Jane x

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  16. Wow Susan ! 100 aprons ..that is a lot of fabric and sewing.
    Speaking of cherries I am about to make cherry jam for the first time! I just have to go and get a cherry pitter tomorrow and I am ready to go.
    Congrats on your 100th apron Milestone.
    You are an inspiration.
    Tracy P

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    1. Tracy, I saw a quick way to pit cherries if you don't have one--Place the cherry over the mouth of a clear, clean beer bottle and use a chopstick to push the pit through. By using a clear glass bottle you can see the pit fall and know the cherry is "pitless!"
      I'm doing Rainer Cherries in a jam this weekend--they're finally plentiful and a good price at the farmer's market. Have fun making jam...it's very rewarding:-D

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  17. 100 aprons! Amazing! I always love your fabric choices and the cherries and mossy path designs are fabulous too! Fun to hear about the history of your apron making!
    DeniseB

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    1. Do you think there's a support group out there for me:-D!!

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  18. I just love the fabrics - both of them. Love how you described the reasons behind the fabric. Love that you've made 100 aprons! You've inspired me to go find a pattern and make some aprons. My Aunt Mickey (now in her 90s) made my first apron and the most recent apron I have...the first when I was in high school, and the most recent about 5 years ago!!! (I'm more than middle-aged now) I have the urge to sew...and you are the inspiration. Thanks!

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    1. I'm very lucky to have some beautiful women in my life that have inspired me; thank you for that compliment. I believe that's how we leave a piece of ourselves for future generations--by sharing, XOXO

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  19. What a beautiful apron. I always love the material you pick out. 100 Aprons is quite the accomplishment. The only thing I've ever sewn was an Eeyore costume for my oldest when he was little. That was enough for me. :) Have a wonderful week!

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  20. I love sewing and wish there were more hours in the day to do all the things I enjoy. This apron is definitely one of my favorites--has a bit of a retro look and is so kitcheny! XOXO

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  21. What a darling apron--don't you just love cherries? 100 aprons--such a lot of work! The Fourth of July is my favorite holiday--love your red, white & blue theme leading up to it.

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  22. That is beautiful. I live cherries - and the green edging sets of the print really well. Blessings x

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