Calamity Kim

Through the Looking Glass

Imagine wandering through Wonderland with Alice.
What would it look like?

Would you be frightened?
Would you be curious and filled with excitement?
Surely there are quite a few odd fellows lurking about in the garden.
With every creature talking and walking about dressed for tea, it would seem to be a dream.
Imagine everything come to life- even your needle and thread would speak to you as you stitched! Would the cloth cry out as you stuck the needle in the face of it and pulled thread through to make a tattoo of cotton color?
Would you stop and look up at the sky as the ever present Aurora Borealis danced across your eyes?
Tea with talking rabbits, mice and hatters gone mad,
 would not seem so strange after all.
If flowers have faces and Humpty Dumpty lives there, then maybe more nursery rhyme characters could be found if you searched more of the countryside.
I am sure Alice wouldn't mind if you wanted to stay with her a while and explore the unknown regions of Wonderland.
I have a map...a map I've been making of all the delightful spots.
 Come with me and see...
be amazed...
Be filled with wonder
Imagine the Possibilities.
xo, calamity kim

and the winner is...

I want to say Thank You to all of you who took the time to link to my giveaway! I was blown away by the 140 comments! I knew a few people read this Blog, but really, I am usually under the suspicion that it's just a couple of friends and family spies along with the regular readers who always leave a comment.  I have always been content to just post away and ramble on about this or that and know that you would indulge me but this was AWESOME!!! You really are out there and I appreciate all the nice feedback.
I wish you all could win, but sadly there can only be only one winner and it was #42!!!
I put the numbers (1-140) in a numbers generator and #42 came up on top.
That means that Shean of Dairy of an Unconscious Mind is the winner of all the apron loot!

No more monkeying around!
I will be back soon with some Springtime Ideas for your table and centerpiece!
Thanks again for playing with me!
Love & Stitches,
Calamity Kim

Calamity Kim's Apron Celebration G*I*V*E*A*W*A*Y!!!!!!

To celebrate my apron being published in the new Apronology Magazine  and my overall love of aprons, I decided to do a GIVEAWAY!
The rules are simple:

Post a link on your Blog if you have one (or Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, or any of your message boards) about my giveaway and then come back here and leave a comment and tell me where your link is.

That's it! That's all you have to do to be entered in the drawing for all this cool stuff!

The drawing will be held on April 1st.
You have from now until then to sign up.
On April 1st I will enter all the numbers in a random number generator and pick the lucky winner! I will then contact you to get your address. You must post a link to my blog in order to be eligible.

It doesn't matter to me if this is your first time visiting my Blog or your hundredth!
Anyone who links to this post has a chance!
If you don't have a place to post a link then email someone who does- once they post it, you will be entered-(once you come back here and give me the link in a comment of course!)

Here is a list of what you will win:

Signed copy of the first issue of  Apronology Magazine featuring one of my aprons

Annalee doll made from felt having tea with tea set

tiny apron made by me with mushrooms and a raw edge appliqued gnome

Brand new Recipe book for muffins & cupcakes

Cath Kidston Dream Home Journal

Genuwine Calamity Kim Mermaid Paper Doll (made with Enchanted Gallery template)

Set of 10 Glaze 3-D ink gel pens

Set of tiny colored pencils

Chipboard butterfly book and pages

Ranunculuses Flower Block by Quilt Nouveau Designs

coffee pot shaped egg timer (see tea doll photo)

tea strainer shaped like a star with face

Celestial Seasonings Chocolate Raspberry Bliss herbal tea

French Lavender body Lotion

Plastic cupcake holder

Dressed Up Tea Towel  (made by me- with button chicks!) and magnetic towel bar to hang on fridge!

Because these are some of the things I love...tea, aprons, dolls, quilting, lavender, cupcakes...I have spared you anything cartoon or SpongeBob Squarepantish- aren't you relieved!?! I am also hunting down some glow in the dark stars...and maybe a few other surprises to be found once you open your box full of Apron Love!

OK- that's it!
 Finally!
Get Busy Spreading the word!!!
Let's make this a big ol, rootin tootin, jamboree of a shindiggin hoot-n-nanny funn funn silly willy gigglie good time!!!!
Yeehaw!!!!
Love,
Apron Style,
Calamity Kim

edited to add this button for you to use:

 

Speaking of Aprons

Have you seen this over at You Tube? Aprons can be so much more than a way to protect your clothing while serving dinner or hostessing a party. They can make you feel pretty. They make you feel special. They make you want to twirl if they have enough ruffles... Happy Apron Day! go tie one on! xo, calamity kim

what's in your pocket?

what's in your pocket?, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

sewing today like the hounds of hell are loose and nipping at my heels!
funny how some times it just takes a certain amount of fermentation before the fabrics are ready to speak to me and tell me what they want to be- or do -or maybe I just have to sit still long enough to hear the story.

Like the one this guy is telling is hilarious I'm sure!

Or this girl - what's she saying?

Fly quickly, luna!!!

There's a Frog Prince after you!

a lady always carries a pretty hanky in her pocket...

what's in your pocket?

Just taking a moment to drink some Earl Grey and load these pictures, stir the black bean soup and put the pork tenderloin in the oven and back to sew some more till the Mr comes home...
Is it Thursday all ready? Where has the week gone?
Love & Stitches,
Calamity Kim

Fabric collage and Photos printed on fabric- Smock Apron 101

Monday Morning again.

Up early.

Sewing already.

Working on finishing projects.
Doll quilts and aprons.
Alternating between machine and hand sewing.
I have projects on all the sofas and chairs, smooth cloth, waiting for texture and embellishment.

Rotating each project in the hope that they will all get a turn and become complete in nearly the same amount of time.

Who knows when?

I try, but get caught up in new things so quickly and then realize what I am doing and forcibly set that aside, making notes so I don't forget what I want to do when that project's time rolls around.

In rotation now are two smocks- each for a Debra (hophopjingleboo & picasso moon) and I am pleased with the results.
This one has cherished family photos worked in to the patchwork and then will have raw edge applique and some embroidery to enhance the theme of knitting in a garden under a Picasso Moon.

I try to channel the personality (of the person) I am creating for and this isn't always easy, unless I know them well. The bottom line is that they are getting my work and ultimately it is really a part of me and my vision for them.
 
So, it comes in fits and starts but when the flame catches and begins to burn bright then I know I am on the right track. I can feel it working out.
 
When I fit pieces together to create a whole cloth to cut the smock from I feel disjointed and unsure but this one went together fairly well and after I get the pockets on and patchwork the back pieces it will be time for the fun stuff~ the raw edge binding and applique.

I am afraid that I am too busy to write about the museum today- you may certainly use this link to check out the pictures I took and when I get a chance I will write some more.
 I thoroughly enjoyed it and will go back when there is a new exhibit on display in the downstairs gallery.

Back to work!
Love & Stitches,
Calamity Kim

Happy As A June Bug At A Porch Light Sale!

This is why I make tiny aprons for very small wee crumb crunchers:

I love to see tiny fingers put tiny stuff in their pockets- one of my grandsons was stashing mini carrots in his wee pockets- in case of a hunger attack or a rainy day and Troy and I both giggled because when he was 2 we used to pry open his sweaty fists and find pennies in there- like he was on a treasure hunt all the time, so he got the nickname "penny lover" for the longest time.
I am off on a treasure hunt of my own today and will be back later with pictures- if they allow me to take them and I'll tell ya all about it!
Happy Friday everyone!
What are you doing this weekend?
Love & Stitches,
Calamity Kim

Sharing the Joy of Aprons

How cute is she in her tiny apron that I made?
I just wanted to share a picture of Miss M wearing her apron.
 I hear she likes to save treasures from the sidewalk and playground in her pockets!
 I too am a magpie and am forever stopping to pick something shiny up from the street!
Someday it will be great in a collage...
Thank you Amy for the picture- I am so happy that she loves it!
 Sharing the JOY of Aprons kinda makes me feel like singing a song...

A Fabric Collage Art Apron by Calamity Kim

She wore flowers in her hair.
She was passionate about her politics, religion and sex.
She danced with Death and fearlessly challenged him to fight her for her life.
About her work:
"Anguish & pain, pleasure and death are no more than a process she said. My paintings are well painted, not nimbly but patiently."
 I tried my best to channel her spirit for this Reversible Art Apron now appearing in this month's (July/Aug) Cloth, Paper, Scissors Magazine. Can you guess?
She loved flowers and intense colors.
She gave her heart to one man,
with complete abandon and he kept it, hidden,
only to take it out and break it repeatedly until she had finally had enough
and rebelled and abandoned him.
Only then did he realize what he had.
 She cut off her hair and wore trousers and painted surreal images to try to heal her pain.
 She was as talented as her husband in her own style
but never truly gained the fame that he did until after her death.
I can understand her pain, her passion, her fierce desire to succeed and be self sufficient.
To have someone look at her with the same desire and exquisite longing that she felt boiling inside
 of her, deep in the empty hollow places where she had been pierced by a pole from a trolley car
accident when she was still young and full of hope.
 She looked in a mirror hung above her bed to paint many of her self portraits when she was in a cast and unable to move. Lying there healing and tortured with thoughts of her future, the pain, the grief for having lost her uterus. Who would love her now? Have you guessed? Viva la Frida.
Using scanned images of crotons, mexican petunias, hibiscus and leaves from my garden printed on to fabric
I stitched together a free form bib and combined it with a reverse side
 that features some hand dyed fabrics of blue that Frida loved.
This side is covered with images and self portraits of Frida from various stages of her life.
It's loud, boisterous and fun~ just as the Frida in my imagination might be.
 I think she was sad and in pain most of the time.
The loud, party girl was to counteract the quiet, desperate agony that seized her
after her many operations to fix what was broken in the trolley accident.
I think she felt as though she wasn't fulfilled because she couldn't bear children
 and Diego Rivera, her husband (and famous painter) had many affairs, including sleeping
 with Frida's own sister. Tragic. Now we honor her for the paintings she gave us.
Surreal images that symbolize her painful life and her love of country, and the beauty she tried to show.
I think she felt that if she painted it then it would purge the pain from within her.
I am of course guessing, based on my own impressions.
 I read books, watched the Frida Movie and did a lot of research before I started sewing this last year.
I needed to have a sense of her.
Now I do.
She is just like us
 An Artist.
A woman.
A Human being with emotions so great all the tequila in the world might not numb them.
So, Viva Frida.
I hope she is still painting,
wherever she is and can run and laugh and feel joy without the pain.
She suffered enough.
The Frida Paper doll has a template on the CPS Website and I might have this apron available
 on Etsy for you to purchase soon.
I need to make an adjustment to the neck band so that it can be more flexible for different sizes.
This is the other side.
I made some things that I though she might have in her pockets...
a mirror, Lotteria cards, a bottle of tequila, her paint palette.
Don't forget your party hat!

tea with Botanical Betty Apron

tea with Botanical Betty Apron, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

using a Daisy Kingdom pattern I created this whimsical garden apron just for you Botanical Betties out there, and you know who you are!
Fits L- XXL, it's comfy and unique and sure to get many compliments whether you are wearing it to the grocery store or over jeans to a movie...
I make the fabric by patch working linen calendars, shirt fronts, quilt fabrics, flour sacks and some vintage embroidered linens.
Then I cut the apron pieces and stitch them together.
I trim the edges with my own raw edge bias made from strips of many coordinating fabrics.
The pockets are cut from lovely embroidered linens.
Then I did some roses with raw edge appliqué and added nicely illustrated seed packets with needle turned appliqué.
The edges will softly fray as this beautiful smock apron gets washed and worn.
One of a kind by me- Calamity Kim!

I have listed several items in my etsy shop.
Please scroll down on the right side of my Blog and click on the link or you can click right here!
I am working on some garden hats and bloomers and rose pins and bags with yoyo's and some more Hanger Girls to sell too!
What? You don't know what a hanger girl is?
Well here's one:

A Is For Apron Book Review

I was delighted to find A Is For Apron's by Nathalie Mornu at the bookseller's shop last night. It is 144 pages of Apron love! Published by Lark books (from my hometown Asheville) and featuring 25 "fresh and flirty designs".

I love the first section of the book which tells a bit of apron history and then the 6 pages of vintage aprons made me swoon!

I have loved aprons since I was a young girl tagging along after my Grandmother as she went about her daily chores.
Whether she was gardening, hanging out laundry or just on the front porch in her rocking chair waiting for the humming birds to come, she was wearing an apron.
My Great Granny also always had an apron on and her pockets held small peppermints or sometimes a quarter or a button and I would sneak my small hand in and giggle as I chose my prize!
My Mom also wore an apron, quickly put on over her skirt and blouse as she came home from work to fix dinner and wash the dishes.
They all were well worn and slightly faded from use.
They symbolize love to me.
So it was delightful to find a new book devoted to one of my favorite things to make. Happy Mother's Day to me!!!

With fun names like Cakeland, Lemon Meringue, Summertime Blues, Marie Antoinette and Fairy Tale, I flip through the book quickly to give it that first mental review.
Yes, it is a good book.
Then slowly more deliberately, I go back and really read each description.
Will I use this book?
Maybe.

Probably some element, like a pocket or a undulating bottom edge.

I am truthfully sad that I am not in it. Big shot apron lover and creator like me...but I realize that I am a novice and have not yet paid my dues. I need to write articles and submit them and then we shall see if I can get an apron in a book!
I will say to keep an eye out for the July/August Cloth Paper Scissors Issue that will have a little art apron from me (how exciting is that?!!)
Anyway, I do like the patterns and  some of the fabrics that they used are charming but they are a little plain for me. You know how I like to gussy everything up! I do think that the patterns used are fun and doable by sewers of every level.

Whether it's your first apron or your tenth you could whip any of these in time for your dinner party tonight. There are some sweet children's size aprons and I love the fairy tale one with embroidered mushrooms and a rabbit and flowers.
All in all it is a great book! I'm putting it on my craft book shelf right beside The Apron Book by EllyAnne Geisel.
So, go get yourself one! Amazon has a good price, but if you can't wait for shipping I found it on one of the tables with the new books at the front of Barnes & Noble. Have fun getting your apron love on!

Yee Haw!! Get Your Apron on and Go To Town!

Apronsladies, originally uploaded by Rick Rack Attack!.

They are all smiling because chores are over and they didn't mess up their aprons!
Yesterday I rode my bike to JoAnn Fabrics (to celebrate Earth Day!) and picked up a purse pattern (thank you Junie for the recommendation) and yet another apron pattern! A girl can never have too many, right??  ***Joan- Here ya go- I edited this post to add a picture of the "cheap & easy"( the best kind!)  apron pattern I found on a spinner rack at JoAnn's Fabric Shop.***

I watched Becoming Jane ( thank you again June, it has been a nice birthday present- I could watch it again and again!) for the 5th time yesterday before my bike ride and quilted some more on the chicken quilt. I was delighted to find the Becoming Jane Blog. er, fansite, I guess. I borrowed the fabulous picture below.  I am glad there is a place to connect with other Austen Addicts.

"A woman especially if she has the misfortune of knowing anything, should conceal it as well as she can." -Jane Austen 

 

My, how times have changed. Would Jane have Blogged it all? It's interesting to think about.

I have Knit & Bitch today and it got canceled! don't have  a lot to Blog about. Maybe when I finish something...too many irons in the fire and I am not a blacksmith!( but Blacksmiths wear aprons too!)

I added building an Eiffel Tower to my list yesterday! What? Yes, I am going to build an Eiffel Tower of my very own. Look here and tell me that you don't want your own! Agence Eureka has so many cool things to Make & Do, I may never ever be bored again!

Click on her pictures to get to a larger size to print out. Make sure you tell her thank you!

I didn't plant any trees yesterday, for Earth Day- did you? I just rode my bike to do my errands and felt happy that I could send out carbon dioxide instead of  more carbon monoxide. Just a small thing but it all helps, right?!

Y'all have a real nice day!

Love & Stitches,

Calamity Kim

Calamity Crochet

Here it is!
The crochet trim on the apron- my first crochet! I am so proud! Magnolia Pearl Bloomers and Justin Boots. YeeHaw!! Oh, Calamity!

Sweeney Todd Apron and Totes...

I'm as busy as a bee, in a field of daises today, friends!
I just wanted to say hi and give a peek at the Tea with Mrs Lovett Apron inspired by Sweeney Todd.
Then I am off to Knit & Bitch at Picasso's Moon. I made up a few tote bags for Deb's approval from vintage sheets. I am not sure of the size she may want but these are large.
Ok, I'll stop teasing!
There is a Pushing up Daisies one...
and a rose garden one.
Here is the corset in progress
and here is the apron part...I really need a clothesline or a model!!!
Here's one pocket
and here's the other!

***
I am off to the bookstore before the Knit&B to see if they have any copies of The Cloth, Paper, Scissors Studio Issue (with my art apron article inside!!:) )
Check the lower right sidebar of my Blog- I added a link (to the table of contents) and be sure to get your copy soon- they are a limited release. You can also buy them online at CPS. Here is a little extra online special tips from me at the CPS website for creating unique art aprons yourself. I encourage you to take a look around and leave feedback about your opinion at CPS/Quilting Arts about the Studio Issue. There is also a bunch new Challenges listed on the Editors Blog here.

Yeehaw!
Have a Happy day!
Love & Stitches, Kim

The Apronista has a new Social network! What fun!

Find more photos like this on The Apronista

Faith Cockail Apron in Ivory & Black Found On Flickr

Faith Cockail Apron in Ivory & Black, originally uploaded by The Heavenly Hostess.

Guess what?!!! There is a new theme over at Tie One On! Polka Dots!!!!! Everyone has 3 months to get creative! Click on this link to check it out.

Bippity Boppity Boo!

I found this on eBay and was "Victorious". I have to laugh at their new ad campaign. I tend to watch things more than I actually bid on them, but once I do then I'm on it, hot & heavy until the battle is won. I have never considered myself to be competitive, but I can be under the right circumstances. This pattern is from the 50's and has lovely graphics and opens up to a full page with the pattern and directions. There are advertisements for  JC Penney's fabrics.
I can't imagine going to our local JC Penney's to get fabric. Anyway.
I have seen this on eBay before but didn't win.
This time I bid early and established my claim and got lucky.
I will trace it so that I don't damage the actual pattern and we'll see what the apron looks like. It has hidden pockets in the front and is full and flouncy.  I wish it came with little blue birds to help me tie it, also, but I'll just have to pretend.

I begin everyday by reading emails and drinking a cup of coffee and then I usually feed Sadie and either start sewing, cleaning or take a shower and go out into the world. This week I started a job and will be working MWF from 9-3. This will make Tues & Wed sewing days. So that leaves Saturday as major house cleaning day. What I really feel like doing is:
A. Curling up on the couch with my yoyo opera bag project and doing some embroidery/embellishing.
B. Riding my bike to the Library and curling up on a couch and reading magazines or craft books.
C. Riding my bike in the opposite direction, with a towel in my basket and getting to the beach before it starts to heat up and be miserable.
Nothing to do with housework or cooking.
Ugh.
I have things to mail before noon and so that is really going to be my priority.
The dog needs a bath so that will be my time in the water.
Unless I sneak her off to the Bay and play in the water with her and then bring her home and give her a bath! That would be fun! We do it about once a month and she loves it!I made her a dog bed on Wed night. I had purchased some yellow floral pillowcase fabric- like ticking with flowers that was near the other muslin and ticking. I used the bottom of her cage as a template- it slides out. I cut the rectangles and then cut several 4 1/2 inch strips for the sides. I sewed them on and made tucked corners and then sewed the bottom side to that. I left a hole for turning and stuffing and then after filling with an entire giant box of stuffing, I used my 8 inch doll needle and some perle cotton to create tucks. It turned out great! I then made a case for it from a pretty vintage sheet and now Miss Sadie has a lovely new (washable) bed and I feel proud to have made something practical for once. Well, my coffee cup is empty and there is much to do.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend...maybe I can fit some Cinderella apron time in on Sunday....did anyone watch Moonlight last night? mmm...good!
In case you missed it- its on again tonight at 8... I hope they repeat Grey's Anatomy, as I was watching the Office and taping Smallville and Reaper. I would love to hear what happened if you have a minute to recap it for me...How about Bionic Woman- anybody see that? It had my wonderful Starbuck in it! I am giving it another shot next week. Ya gotta love Fall.. By the way- there are only 12  cupcakes left in my Etsy shop until I make some more. If you are interested please email me first. I have sold several sets of 3 for $15- so thank you very much for the love!

Tie One On Apron Challenge "Pockets Theme"

What's in your Pocket?

So, this is the story about an apron challenge that Amanda ( of Pandora's Button Box) and I discussed one day on Yahoo IM and we came up with Gypsy Pockets- or if we were gypsies what would we have in our pockets.
We decided to do it in tandem and I mailed her some stuff and she shared a pattern for a palm reading guide.
We decided to work on it and then share the results on our Blogs.
Last minute, down to the wire, I just finished mine, ( she is still sewing on some fringe).
I may add some later.
I just had to stop.
My nerves were raw and my stomach churning.
I knew if I didn't finish it today then I would miss my opportunity to get posted in Tie One On.
I  have never entered an apron before and was so excited about this.
I made the Dorothy's Pocket and then the Cinderella's pocket and Summer afternoon at the Creek Pocket Apron.
Then I started making other stuff and finally pulled this out today. 
I really started this so long ago that I had completely lost my MoJo on it.
I sewed the apron base together using some of my favorite fabrics.
I left the seams  raw so that it will fray.
Sort of deconstructed. Because a gypsy would put it together on the go and probably use what ever fabrics she could find.
Amy Butler, Martha Negley, Kaffe Fassett, Jane Sassaman, Alexander Henry to name a few of the designer fabrics that I found.
Today I created the Gypsy Queen Collage and then printed it on fabric.
At first I was going to make that the pocket. But it was too big.
Then I decided to make her the bib part.
That worked fine.
Then I decided to use some embroidered linen for the pocket and spent some time sewing it to a brocade satin lining fabric.

That was also too big.
I decided to use it to store the whole apron in- a storage pocket.
To stash it safely in the caravan.
So then I decided to use the palm reader hand (that I had embroidered with red DMC) as the pocket.
The crystal ball and cash and cupcake all fit nicely in there. My Gypsy Queen has a bit of a sweet tooth. 
The apron and ties are fully lined and I think it turned out OK.
Just perfect for the Gypsy, Tramp or Thief in your heart.
Go ahead, tie one on!

Here is the link to the slide show on Flickr.

Better Homes & Aprons Pattern using Heather Bailey's Fabrics

Good Morning! Just a quick one about this apron pattern I found over at the BHG site. They have used Heather Bailey's Fresh cut Fabric to create a lovely ruffled apron that would certainly take the drudgery out of any chore!

The pattern has downloads and looks easy enough for a beginner.

There are actually several different apron patterns.

I am posting a few pictures from the site- there are lots of fun stuff to make & do.

I use their free downloads for desktops as they are bright and seasonal.

Here is the link for the "easy retro" apron.

Here is the third one- the Cottage inspired apron.              Oh yeah! I almost forgot- run, do not walk, but run over to Bitter Betty's BLOG and sign up for the "Print yer Own Fabric Swap".
 

That should be more than enough to keep you all busy!! Now git!!!I've got sewing to do!

Cooking with Calamity Kim Style

details, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

click on the link above to come to Flicker and see more pictures of this reversible apron

Obsessed With Aprons and Heather Bailey Fabrics

The Peony fabric designed by Heather Bailey for Free Spirit is beautiful.

The color ways and movement are simply heaven to work with.

The fabric has a nice hand. You want to hold it up to your face and caress it.

I could see fairies peeking out from the centers.

Really, I could!

So after I took my scissors out and trimmed away the middle I placed one of the faces  from the "buckarettes" by Alexander Henry  in the space and stitched it up.  So sweet.

I  used some 100% cotton batting  so the pocket quilted nicely.

Inside it is lined with flower fabric. Pocket full of posies. (teehee) I love how Heather's fabric has gorgeous shading. The leaves are a perfect hue of green.

I used some of the  "Robin" fabric from the State bird collection designed by Susan Ellis for Northcott . The  cowhide background is awesome and has a great texture. It looks tea dyed  and dappled. 

Creating a collage style apron is fun but also demands concentration. Not all fabrics will tell the story.

As I sift through my collection of novelty fabrics I search for the pieces that will suggest what the apron is about.

The story that it tells.

Is the garden filled with flower fairies?

Are there frog princes battling song  birds?

Ladybugs heading toward a picnic? Does the flower fairy look a bit  nervous about the proximity of the robin? A tiny hint of Hitchcock?

Maybe crows and a few spiderwebs would suggest something spooky brewing in the kitchen. Alas, Halloween is still too far off to get witchy.

Frogs suggest summertime and nature.

Birds and the bees for love.

The ruffle is Michael Miller polka dots with a two inch border of black and white gingham.

After sewing the back side using a brown ticking fabric, I left about 1/8" margin to give it even more texture.

The green dots look great with the leaves and suggests more garden beyond the apron. The other side is made from a vintage quilt top. Another awesome eBay score.

Some of the squares are hand pieced and then machine stitched together.

I used a lovely battenburg linen doilie folded for the pocket.
it has an opening so that it is like an envelope. Two pockets really.

A red flapper face girl button completes the pocket. This is Calamity Kim Style.  A bit of nature, with a touch of vintage and a hint of magic!

Hitching up to the WIP post

Click on picture to make it larger. I am sure no one wants to know how I was up all night with my Golden Retriever Sadie Mae...or how I cleaned up the up-chuck and took her outside 7 times or how I woke up every half hour..when I even went back to sleep. I kept thinking that possibly the rawhide treat had blocked her bowels and she was going to need surgery or worse- was she going to die??? Oh dear! I had a dreadful night. So did she. Now she is sleeping a lot and seems much improved. I felt so bad for her- now I am still worried and may end up taking her to the vet, but if the diarrhea has ended then I am sure she will be OK...but I will never give her another rawhide. Anyway..I am sure that was tmi, but she is my baby and I just had to tell ya what was going on...at least until the mailman came.

Then for a brief moment all other thoughts flew out of my head, because in my hot little hand I was holding some Heather Bailey peony fabric and some cowhide by Alexander Henry and some of  State Bird fabric by Susan Ellis for  Northcott.. I had an idea germinating for a Calamity Kim Style Apron with a bit of cowgirl and nature, a touch of magic and a ruffle... It's a wip...I have several going at once and it's kind of fun to take one off the work table and put up another and play with it and then the next....lots of irons in my fire! You'll be ohhing and ahhhing soon enough...Have a great day, y'all! I am going back to my sickly dog and my sewing room....and if I am lucky there will be a nap in my future!

An Apron a Day keeps the Doctor Away

This is the pocket that goes on the front of the apron that I made today.

And this is the Vintage (1969) Smokey the Bear Ruler/Bookmark reproduced on canvas fabric and sewn together that goes in the pocket of the apron I made today.

Using some gorgeous geranium fabric I made the ruffle that goes around the edge of the apron with the  Smokey the Bear ruler/bookmark that goes in the pocket of the apron that I made today.

I engaged in 6 bidding wars on Ebay before I finally won the Smokey the Bear sheet to cut up to add a ruffle of geranium fabric and put a pocket that holds the ruler/bookmark that goes on the apron that I made today.

This is the front of one side and then this is the other side.... It represents summer afternoons when I would get cookies and milk from my Grandma and ride my bike down to the creek and hunt for old bottles and baby pinecones and pick bouquets of Queen Anne's Lace and wild daisies and have tea parties on the old stump by the rock wall where the rasberries grew.

I used some Moda fabrics and some Heather Ross Lightening bugs and other mysteries and the embroidered vintage doilie is on linen and makes a gorgeous large pocket. I added a bee button to the handle of the basket to keep the pocket from gaping open.

The ruffle on this side is cream eyelet lace and is as wide as the ruffle on the other side so that when it is turned you can't see the other side. The waistband is bikes on this side and a lovely lavender basketweave on the other. 
what would you have in your pocket after a day at the creek? An old thimble found in the dirt, a dried daisy chain, a smooth round stone, as many baby pinecones as you could find and acorns and rocks with flecks of micah....

This shows both sides- sorta- It's difficult to get good pictures unless I am wearing it and I am not expert at setting up the tripod and setting the gizmo...no, not at all...so for now this will have to do. I think I made a challenge to myself to make an apron a day for a month. I will have that etsy store stocked with every kind of apron you could imagine! hahaha! I am only partially kidding- I am challenging myself to make something everyday! Somedays I only do housework or laundry or cook or stay on the computer- so we shall see! Anyway- here's another one...it's called: "Summer Afternoon by the Creek" or " Give Me Those Matches, You Little PyroManiac!!!!!" True story:  Once, when I was in 2nd grade I nearly burned down our house playing with a candle. I melted the side of my Barbie doll case and the maid smelled it and came running in and put the smoldering fire out.   When my Mom got home from work the maid (Rosa) quit. I thought it was pretty to watch the candle flame. That was the year my Dad was in Vietnam and we went through 7 maids. I never got another Barbie case. The family never let me forget I was a Pyro. I still like to watch fires burn. My next apron will be: "Going to Hell in A Handbasket"

Another Finished Apron- Cinderella's Pocket

Reversible with one side is Cindy and the other side is the Princess Cinderella Side. What would she have in her pockets?  Maybe a glass slipper, a few  sequins, a thimble, a spool of thread,  a few rose petals... a keepsake  handkerchief from her dear Mother Beatrice, gone all these years, now just a faint memory.....
the other side  is the princess side with a beautiful hand tatted  hanky and a cupcake....The Cindy side is edged in a  wide eyelet ruffle while the Princess side is trimmed in  4 different layers of tulle- pink with stars, blue with stars and glitter, aqua and white spiderweb tulle.

I used a vintage quilt top for the patchwork side- there are some gorgeous old fashioned prints in it and some Amy Butler on the Princess side . It's trimmed with rick rack and eyelet lace..Yummy! They are both going in the shop at Etsy...both are size medium which will fit a 25-38 inch waist...go get yourself one! Or just let me know what ya think...

Dorothy's Pocket

I actually finished something! Dorothy's Pocket...what would she have in it after a trip through The Wonderful Land of Oz????

Surely a biscuit for ToTo... And maybe a bit of Munchkin Money and of course a heart who knows what else? Maybe a slice of Auntie Em's famous cherry pie she might even slide in a flying sock monkey! the lining is also poppy fabric....Better pictures in the mornin...It is going in Etsy...going once...going twice.....three times....sorry to tease- really, tomorrow is another day and Heroes is on in a moment and poor Fred hasn't had any dinner yet...who said you can't eat an apron?? hahaha! Gotta scoot! Click 0n each picture to View Larger- ok? Tell me what ya think!

committing WIP-acide, please call the wip-acide hotline!

I know that I was showing you a picture of a collage purse in the previous post, but when I went to work on it some more I hit that creative speed bump that caused me to roll back a bit. I just didn't have the necessary speed to make it over the top and as I backslid I noticed the pile of fabric transfers I had made (oh, last year!) and never done anything with- I had lost motivation on them too, at the time. So I switched projects, as I often do and added fabric to make it large enough to cut an apron from. I am lining it and then doing the waist band and ties and then will probably add a few things in the pocket.
I will add this to Tie One On's Challenge.
What would Dorothy have in her pocket?
Oh you know! Anti- Flying Monkey Spray, a poppy seed or two, oil can, cat nip, extra straw, a dog biscuit, along with some hopes and dreams and a miracle or more.
Using a McCalls pattern M5284-  view #E- from the Hancock's closing sale. :(    I hate to see any fabric store close, but this will be great for the small quilt shop's here! So I guess it will be ok. I am going to go finish this and I will be back with photos later! Have a Happy Monday!

Gypsy Pockets

wow, you're thinking, right? I know this makes me go wow! Once, a long time ago, in my twenties, I took belly dancing classes. My friend Sharon and I laughed and laughed. My hips never did what they were supposed to- but it was fun and liberating and we laughed and laughed!
Now Amanda and I are going to get crafty together- Long Distance Crafty, but Blogging and sharing ideas together with Flickr and emails.
Designing our own aprons for the Pockets theme for Tie One On will be fun and we will laugh!
What would a gypsy carry in her pockets?
A set of cards, some cash, some potions?
Her crystal ball might not fit!
Will it jangle and jingle?
Would it be made from velvets, silks, tapestry?
Crazy quilted? 
Traditional Gypsy?
Kaffe Fasset or some of Anna Maria Horner's Bohemian?
Maybe Amy Butler Lotus Flowers?
This is going to be fun!
Amanda leans toward sultry, 20's-40's Jazz Lounge, vintage style with a bit of black and grippe seized skelly/fairy/ pixie twists and I am 50's and 60's Pop culture with a hint of farm girl and a blend of Hitchcock/O'Keefe/Audrey Hepburn and Martha Stewart for good measure.
I am mailing her some fabrics that might be suitable and we are going to start drafting designs this week. Maybe we can tuck in some recipes in our pockets.
Got any good ones for Gypsies?
Like: 

HUNGARIAN GOULASH OVER NOODLES
1 lb. beef, cut into cubes
2 tbsp. brown sugar
3 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
6 tbsp. ketchup
3 tbsp. flour
2 med. onions, minced
1 1/4 tsp. paprika
1 1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. vinegar
1 1/2 c. water
1 (6 oz.) pkgs. noodles
Brown meat on all sides in fry pan; add onions.
Combine paprika, brown sugar and salt.
Combine Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, ketchup; add to meat; add 1 cup of the water; stir; cover.
Cook over low heat 2 1/2 hours or until meat is very tender.
Blend flour with remaining 1/2 cup water; add to meat mixture; stir until thickened. Boil noodles in salted water until tender; drain.
Serve meat mixture over noodles.
Maybe I can borrow The Werewolf with Lon Chaney from my brother to do some research on Gypsies.... a big bowl of Goul-ash (and a nice chianti)  with a name like that it's bound to be good!...stay tuned for more of this crazy fun! If we hurry we might even be able to come up with Zombie Aprons...what would Zombies have in their pockets?  oh the possiblities are endless...right in time for Fido....

birds of a feather and the crying cat...

There has been a little white cat haunting my house for the past week.
She is outside, right now and she cries and talks-meows -like a baby! I went outside to see and she came up and purred and said waaeooowww and then rolled over on her back for me to pet. No collar but she's not thin. She is covered in flea dirt and I have to say I'm scared to touch her! The last thing we need is a cat and though I'm sure Sadie would curl up with her (after a bath) and be content for a "baby" to love, Super Fred ( aka Tony Soprano) would not only say: !@#$%^&*? but freak out!!! Ever since my cat Neo took one look at sadie puppy and "runned off" and was never seen again, we have thankfully been cat free! Neo was a feral cat that I rescued and he grew to love to bite and be n*a*s*t*ywith his poision claws...!..ouch!!
I have been happily embroidering the patchwork pockets for an apron for one of my Flickr-birds -of- a-feather- Barb of Green Wellies fame and wanted to show you some progress.... I have decided it is too beautiful to waste this spring like weather, however, and am plotting a Garage Sale for real..I know I threaten them a lot but I do feel like I am ready to undertake another...They are tough, lots of carrying and all that pricing...by myself..anyway.. I have a few cool things that I will post pics of as I get them out and get them ready... For now, know that I am Spring Cleaning and Happy to be busy and sorta sad that we can't have snow- don't miss the ice, but snow can be fun! Good luck to all my frozen blogg babes out there! Stay warm, drink ya some cocoa and stay warm!!! Hate to say it's 82 here in Sunny Sarasota!!! Oh, that was crewel, um..cruel! sorry :) have a great day :) Calamity K

Art Aprons

I have a few pictures for show and tell today! I have conceived a new type of apron...reversible with chenille or two themed prints....yo yo and button embellishments...raw edge applique for that groovy frayed and distressed look...photos printed on to fabric for personalization.....and with a funky scalloped edge that lets you twirl about in your cozy *fancy* little* sweet *apron... it could also be a tree skirt or a dog cape...depending on your mood or season...(*heehee*)

Chenille & Strawberries

Today is a great day for sewing- cloudy and breezy and ideas runnin round my head.... Art Aprons.
Yes, I said Art Aprons.
I am starting a line of double sided aprons with chenille on one side (think vintage & cosy) and designer fabrics with collage and yo yo , embroidery, buttons, ribbon, and computer transfer embellishments.
Here's a peek.
Gotta get back, the muse waits for no one....

embroidered beauty

apron, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

This is a scan of the picture that came with the pattern! It's so lovely ! I would like to just make aprons, even though I can't pin myself down like that, I wish to live to be a hundred so I can just sew,sew,sew!

apron pic from Mary Jane's Farm Magazine

apron pic from Mary Jane's Farm Magazine, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

I love this also.
Or maybe it's just the velvet bow?
I love the color combination!

one of the patterns inside

one of the patterns inside, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

I think the top of her hat can become the apron pocket! How sweet is that?

Farm Girl Apron Pattern

Farm Girl Apron Pattern, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

This is the pattern for embroidery, not the apron though. I will show a picture of it later. I have to go to kinko's and blow them up 400%. That shouldn't be a big deal. If I could just get up from this keyboard.

apron book

apron book, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

I just had to post one more picture of my newest "best fing".