fabrics...

I probably made the mistake of shopping at JoAnn's on Black Friday, but I was looking to kill too birds with one stone (hello flannel on sale!). The selection was pretty picked over, and while there were some great fabrics none matched exactly to my partner's selections, so I'll have to incorporate those songs in another way. My partner did express a religious preference, so I went with that angle because of the lack of choices. I'll probably swing through JoAnn's one more time this week, just to make sure that I've made the best possible choices, but here's what I have so far. The stars will be the contrasting fabric.

It's snowing inside

There's a lot of flakes around here this weekend -- kids, dogs, family, friends, in-laws , etc. Oh, and even my fabric is full of flakes -- snow flakes that is!! It's all a lot of fun!!

No Peeking!

Here's a glimpse of the fabric that I used for my partners apron!  I made it reversible as is my wont.(  I don't really know what that means, but I read it in a lot of books and am pretty sure it makes sense in context!)
I love a good reversible apron--two for one!  The pink is a vintage pillowcase which really speaks to my reusing soul--you can't even tell, but I know it's there!

I had a hard time meshing her color scheme with her favorite carols, so I decided that the goodies could reflect the carols more and the apron, her colors!

I keep saying that I'm going to be done with swaps for a while, but I really love putting these packages together and have made some wonderful friends this way!  That being said--pop on over to my blog--I'm having a giveaway and would love for you to be the recipient!

Fabric Fun

I was and am so excited to be doing another swap! Especially for Xmas, one of my favourite holidays! My small little town in Northern Canada doesn't have a fabric store and thankfully our partner information arrived the day I was going into the big city (Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon) where there are fabric stores! I had a great time shopping and couldn't help myself and I probably bought 2 or 3 fabrics more than I really needed! Oops! How did I manage to buy extra fabric?

Anyway the blue fabric on the far right is the fabric I plan on using in my partner's apron. However, I might go crazy and put the dark red (fabric right next to blue snowflake fabric) on the back! We'll see if I can do it. I am thinking of using my latest (and second) original apron design. Go to my blog if you'd like to check it out!

I found these two awesome iron on transfers! I want to use them but if I do it makes the apron hand wash only. What are your thoughts as potentially being the one to receive a hand wash only apron? I could always include the iron transfers as a gift!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you're wearing an apron as cute as THIS one, made by our sponsor Jan.

Enjoy a family day and lots of good food! Share your blessings! Be thankful!!

How to choose?

Here are a few of the fabrics I'm trying to choose from ... I cannot decide whether to go with my retro sweeties, a Santa specific, more elegant or ?? This is the hardest part - and the most fun!

How's your planning going?

The Light Over Bethlehem

Here is the link to the 'Light Over Bethlehem' story for Ms. Can't Be Wrong.

More Entries Possible ....

Silly me - I forgot the best ways of all to earn entries for the White Christmas Apron Giveaway... Show our Sponsor Some Love!! Jan of J Carrell Originals has a bunch of goodies in her Etsy shop. I know she'd appreciate some feedback and some hearts, too. So, visit her shop then come back here and comment.




TELL ME YOUR FAVORITE ITEM IN JAN'S SHOP for one entry.
One more entry if you HEART HER SHOP and tell me in a separate comment.
BLOG ABOUT JAN'S SHOP for FIVE entries; link/comment below for entries.

Thanks for playing! I love seeing all the sneak peeks and reading the comments!!!

Decisions, decisions....

There is a BIG hint in this picture....now if only my partner would tell me which one to use
Oh wait, she doesn't KNOW I'm her partner......!

So many ideas running around in my head!

I Love this swap theme!!

I have had the best time buying fabrics.

I think to much fun I bought way to much for one apron and now cant decide what I want to use.

Every time I have narrowed it down I say oh but this would be cute.

This is what I have narrowed my choices down to, hopefully later today I will choose exactly what I want to use so I can get creating.

It's beginning to look a lot like...a sneak peak!

My partner ... I can't say enough nice things about her :) I am keeping my fingers crossed that she likes my interpretation of her favorite songs. I was slightly inspired by one of my favorite shows "Glee" and how they mash up songs and create a new fun version.

As I was looking at fabrics I couldn't get "Santa Baby" and "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" separated! And for me it became Santa getting ready for Christmas. Checking his list a few times and getting his clothes ready! (I have a rather unique way of looking at things!) Plus, I completely fell in love with this fabric.



I hope everyone has a fabulous holiday season! I know I'm looking forward to a cool Thanksgiving! In my neck of the woods, we usually end up eating our turkey on the lawn and cranking on the a/c! But mother nature is playing with us this week. Mid 70s early on and downright chilly (mid 50s) for turkey day! Brrrr I usually don't have to turn the heat on during the day til closer to Christmas!

White Christmas Apron Swap

Considering the information I have for my swap partner I am hoping I have her style pegged! One of her favorite songs is 'O Holy Night' so I have ordered her a Christmas CD by Sara Groves.

Sara received her Bachelor of Science degree from Evangel University, a private Christian university in Springfield, Missouri. She has been nominated for three Dove Awards including "New Artist of the Year" in 2002 and "Special Event Album of the Year 2003" by the Gospel Music Association, was named one of the best Christian music artists of 2005 and "Album of the Year" for 2005 by CCM Magazine.

The album cover will serve as inspiration and speaks primitive to me. I can only imagine how clear that Holy Night must have been. There was no snow just lots of sand. I love the story entitled 'The Light Over Bethlehem' (love the little donkey). Here is an excerpt.

"Joseph must have fed that little donkey an extra bunch of hay and some oats that day, because the little lady was pretty heavy. He sat her on the animal, with a bag of water, some Sao biscuits, and walked beside them with a staff in his hand.

Up the road they start, the donkey is staggering. Oh, look at his burden. He's bearing the Christ to His birthplace. And the little woman sitting there, is in pain to be delivered, holding onto his mane, and speaking to the little donkey as they go along the road."

I am truly inspired and can't wait to start! I want to make a simple apron that can put up with abuse, throw it into the washer, pull it out of the dryer, no ironing, no worrying that it will get ruined kind of apron. That means clean lines and no ruffles. I think that is the kind of gal my swap partner is.

White Christmas Apron Giveaway!!

My darling friend, Jan, has offered to be a sponsor for this year's holiday swap. LOOK what she's created just for us!!

Isn't this the most PERFECT apron for our "White Christmas" flirty apron swap?!? I own several of Jan's aprons and the quality is amazing. THANK YOU JAN. Here's a little about the designer, Jan:

Hello everyone! My name is Jan and I am happy to be a sponsor for the White Christmas Apron Swap. I have always loved to sew, from the time I was a teenager until now and I am fifty years old this year. I love to make aprons and I sell them on my Etsy site at www.jcarrelloriginals.etsy.com and on my own website www.jcarrelloriginals. I also have a blog called Maple Lane. I would love you to visit.

I have made this Red frilly apron to giveaway for the swap and have machine embroidered the front of it with an I am Dreaming of a White Christmas design. I thought it was very appropriate for the swap. I hope you like it.

Like it? I think I love it!! Wouldn't you just LOVE this festive remembrance of our fun together? Or, are you thinking of gifting this beauty to the special chef in your life??? Well, you might be the lucky gal to win this! Even if you don't win, you may want one for yourself. And, if you find that you've run out of time to sew your own aprons, Jan has a nice selection at her Etsy store and website.


HOW DO YOU WIN THIS BEAUTY?? Well, I feel like the fun of the Flirty Apron Swap blog is seeing what everyone else is creating and what they're thinking. I know you don't come here to read my ramblings! So, in order to be entered, you need to ACCEPT MY AUTHOR INVITATION. These emails were sent out a few days ago. If you didn't get yours, please let me and I'll re-invite you. Now, if you are not a blogger, consider this the nudge you needed to start your own blog. If you really are blog-phobic, you can leave a comment to that effect and I'll enter your name anyway.

PUBLISH A POST here with your apron ideas and sneak peek of the fabrics you've chosen. Five entries if you do that. Limited to one post for the contest, please, so give us details and pictures!!

The other fun part about this blog is reading the comments. So, every time you COMMENT on a Flirty Apron Swap blog post, you're entered again! One entry per comment, unlimited possible.

And, I really appreciate it when you share your joy about being a swapper. So, POST THE FLIRTY APRON SWAP BADGE on your own blog, linked back here, and leave me a comment that it's there for one more entry.

LAST DAY FOR ENTRIES: November 30. That's the deadline for newbies' aprons to arrive to me and the day before everyone else can send off their goodies.

Here's a few more pictures of our darling prize:

Good Luck to All!

Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It ...

Check your email boxes, ladies. Assignments are OUT! YEAH!! I need a reply within 48 hours to confirm that you are indeed playing this round.

And to confirm, this is a SECRET swap. You're making an apron for someone other than who is making one for you (in most cases). =) So, feel free to post pictures and hints galore. I'll be sending out blog invitations later today, so you can freely post fabric and pattern pictures and such on THIS site.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

The registrations are flying in ...

OH, I'm so excited to see all your registrations! I really cannot WAIT for these fun aprons to be designed and shared. As I wrote on my personal blog, I love everything about Christmas ... the lights, decorations, parties, special church pageants and plays, how everyone is just a little nicer, and I especially love the sounds of the season. ♫♫♫

Here's a sampling of which Christmas songs are most beloved:

• Silent Night, Joy to the World ... I have to admit ... I like Jingle Bells too ;-)
• Rudolph the red nosed reindeer, Deck the halls and O Christmas Tree
• The Christmas Song (chestnuts roasting on an open fire...); Baby Its Cold Outside (Dean Martin song); Feliz Navidad (I wan'na wish you a Merry Christmas)
• White Christmas, I'll be home for Christmas, and chestnuts roasting on an open fire are my favorite carols
• Oh Holy Night, I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas (I'd love to see THAT apron), I heard the Bells on Christmas Day
• #1. Oh Holy Night, #2. Silent Night, Holy Night, #3. Theme song from The Grinch: "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch"
• The First Noel, Silent Night, and Winter Wonderland
• "Santa Claus is Coming to Town", "Winter Wonderland" and it's not a Carol but I love "Last Christmas" by George Michael & Andrew Ridgely
• 1. O, Holy Night, 2. Little Drummer Boy, 3. Oh Come, All Ye Faithful
• Santa Baby (remember Eartha Kitt singing this song! this isn't really a Christmas carol, I just like the song) Away in a Manger, I"ll be home for Christmas

I fully expected to see the classic "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer", but not yet! LOL!! I'll figure out how to summarize everyone's favs on the sidebar, just for fun.

Tell your friends about our swap, the more the merrier! Sign ups close tomorrow night.

White Christmas Swap - Christmas Carol Creations

(click on an image to register)

Deadline to Register: November 15
Partners Sent: November 17
NEW Swappers: mail to Shawnee before November 30
All Others Mail After: November 30
But Mail Before: December 6

Create a handmade "White Christmas" apron - an apron created based on one of your partner's favorite Christmas carols - and include a note about how you spend Christmas along with $15 worth of gift-wrapped goodies to round out your special package.

Normal rules apply (aka you and I will be email buddies)
Email me four times:
#1 - within 48 hours of assignment to keep playing
#2 -when you send your package WITH TRACKING NUMBER
#3 -when you receive your package
#4 -cc me on your thank you email (can combine with #3)

If you have anything you'd like to donate for a giveaway, just let me know and I'm happy to highlight your shop or blog in exchange. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Here's a button that you can put on your blog to help spread the word. the more people involved in the swap, the more fun it will be!

you gotta hop out of your reader to get the code!
<a href="http://flirtyapronswap.blogspot.com/2009/10/holiday-gift-swap.html"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/4088058451_347192a1aa_o.jpg" /></a>

so get out there spread the word and let's have some fun!!

AFTER YOU REGISTER, come back here and comment so we can see who's IN!!

Any Angels Out There?

It looks like about three of my gals still need to be angeled, even though their original partners SAID they mailed packages. If you willing to make up a sweet I Love Lucy package and mail lickety-split, please let me know asap.

I'm just putting the finishing touches on the details for our final Flirty Apron Swap of the year for winter. I can't wait!!!

Merci Dayna for this yummy apron

Isn't it gorgeous ?

I've just received Dayna's Apron this morning. It is awesome. I love the pockets and the Chocolate Factory print is so Lucy-esque. Last but not least, it is perfectly sewn.
You've all got to know that Dayna is an angel, because she sent a first apron that got lost in on its way to France. That makes this apron particular dear to my heart.
She also sent an adorable mouse pad made with the same fabric. It's already on my desk. and a nice towel.

Thank you so much Dayna.

Marie-Noëlle, FRANCE

Package received on the wings of an Angel

I was so graciously angeled by Becca and my goodies arrived yesterday. What a perfect surprise of gifts. The half apron on this beautiful textured cream material with brown bottom and backing, matching perfectly with my decor. The eyelet cream is the perfect vintage look. The vintage went great with the rest of the gifts too: purse pattern, book of vintage patterns, crocheted doily, vintage dish towel, and handkerchief. The hankie was also perfect for my collection of hankies. My little girl was so thrilled to add another to our collection. Even though this was a Lucy swap and I am not a huge Lucy fan, I loved the retro portion to the swap and Becca provided the perfect package. Thank you

~Cassi

Look What Came In The Mail Today...

Oh WOWZERS!!!!! look what came in the Post today.....Jennifer W. in Alaska is my apron swap partner and look at all the goodies she sent me....Thank you so very much Jennifer.

I luv all the goodies, the crochet pot holders, the apron and Lucy Pearl necklace.

The vintage 1954 cook book is a double treat as it was printed the year I was born....

Wahooo! I can hardly wait to wear & show off my apron this coming Saturday.

Jennifer, again, Thank you so very much.

Apron Hugz

>^..^<

Pretty in pink and brown

Thank you so much to Ruth for the beautiful apron and all the goodies that came with it!! Of course I got the apron, an adorable reproduction Cracker Jack candy along with dots and bit o'honey. A sweet little "I Love Lucy" lunch box, candle etc. etc. Last but not least the custard cups, SO CUTE! Vintage blue sapphire from the 30's-40's. So worth the wait, thank you so much Ruth!

ttfn

Rena

Holy Diva!

This was the look on my face ..

When I opened up my Lucy package

And saw this divalicious apron inside along with some other delightfully delicious giftys.

I can hardly wait to make the red velvet cup cake mix.

Look at this fun leopard print wooden bowl

I love it!

Thanks Shawnee for an amazeing package!

Every thing was so perfetly me!!

See you in September.............

This is the apron I made for my swap partner Rena in pink and chocolate brown.




Thank you Theresa for the lovely "I Love Lucy" apron and goodies. It has been an off summer for me since I have had an infection that I am having a hard time getting rid of. Hopefully this time it is gone so I don't have to do another round of mega antibiotics.

Apron delivered.

According to the usps...my partner's apron was delivered.

Your item was delivered at 8:28 AM on August 28, 2009 in MILFORD, NE 68405.

I Luv The Lucy Aprons

I am enjoying seeing all these wonderful aprons...it is evident that all you Apronistas are very talented...I hope there will be more postings of pictures of "I Love Lucy" themed aprons & I can hardly wait till mine arrives.
Apron Hugz