Sew Flippin' Cute

New Pretties!!

2011-12-10T09:48:00.000-08:00

A few pictures of my newest aprons. ENJOY:

Anybody want to help?!?

2011-11-21T22:36:00.000-08:00

As usual, the craft fair that I organize at work finds me with nothing in inventory and demand for product. Does any want to help me sew for the next few days?

My newest creation...introducing: "Boriqua"

2011-11-15T19:48:00.000-08:00

I made this one for my friend Tricia Pena Ortiz:

A Long, long time away!!

2011-10-08T23:22:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it's been so long since I've posted on my blog!! I promise to make sure that this absence doesn't happen again. To make up for being away so long, I've revamped a few things. I've added a new page for recipes and I've also added a few more tutorials to the Tutorials page. I hope this makes up for it!!

Somos Novios

2011-09-26T23:05:00.000-07:00

For my new friend Jenny Liou!!

Introducing...Lola!

2011-09-26T02:10:00.000-07:00

Lola was made for the Mom of a really good friend!

Tutorial Tuesday

2011-09-20T23:12:00.000-07:00

I haven't been very good at posting regular tutorials...alas, I find that I need more time in the day to do the things I really love, like listening to all my son's funny stories, spending time on my blog and creating new things...well, the bills and the mortgage must be paid! So it's work I must!! (was that sentence grammatically correct? Ah, the wonders of the American English language!!) So in honor of my new friend Janis, I am posting some of my favorite wallet, purse and clutch tutorials, courtesy of Tipnut and some other fine craftspeople.

25 Fabric Wallet Tutorials: tipnut

Dumplings from Keyka Lou:
Keyka

10 Free Tote Bag patterns from Skip to My Lou:
Skip to My Lou

Happy Sewing!!

Inspired...

2011-09-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

There are so many crafters that I find inspiring. Here are some links to my faves. I'm certain you'll find them just as inspiring as I do. ENJOY:

REVLIE SCHUIT
DIRTY LAUNDRY
CRAP I'VE MADE
GLAMOUR DAMAGED
CRAFTY STACI
MAKE THIS LOOK
MAKE IT AND LOVE IT
IN HIS GRACE
THE COTTAGE HOME
TEA ROSE HOME

New Blog Name...WHAT?!?!?

2011-09-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed that I have a new blog name on the same URL as before. Well after months of thought and going back and forth, I decided that a better name for everything I'm doing and would like to do would be "SEW FLIPPIN' CUTE"!! I've branched out to making more than aprons...and I've also had business cards made, so I felt it was important to make the change. Hopefully, it won't cause too much confusion and everyone makes the transition along with me.

Why don't people dress like this any more?

2011-09-12T23:57:00.000-07:00

Why don't people dress like this any more??? (rhetorical question) I am absolutely head over heels for this style of dress!! Maybe it's the petticoats? Maybe it's the ultra feminine look of a full skirt? I still deciding on the factors that make this so appealing to me. Whatever it is, I can't get over how much I feel like, we've got it all wrong! I ask you! What's wrong with a woman looking like a woman?

Forget about bringing SEXY Back!! I'm bringing the 50's style back!!

Apron Lovelies!!

2011-09-12T23:13:00.000-07:00

Just a few more lovelies for your viewing pleasure:

Los Novios

Damask

Marie Chantal

These were all sold at the Zappos Family Craft Fair!!

A PINTEREST Free Zone?!?

2011-09-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

I have so much to get done today, that I made a vow, I would not go onto Pinterest at all the entire day! Let's see how long that lasts. I have an apron order to fill and a friend asked if I would make a cover for her new KitchenAid stand mixer. I need to draft a pattern for it since I haven't been able to find anything thing that I like. Wish me luck!! Enjoy your Labor Day!!

I LOVE CRAFTY STACI!!!

2011-09-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

There are so many crafters out there that inspire me. There's one blog I've been stalking for quite a while now. Crafty Staci has taught me so many things in the way of sewing crafty accessories. My handiwork will never be the same because of her!! So this past week she posted an awesome coffee sleeve tutorial and I thought I would post it here as this week's tutorial.
Here's a picture:

Here's a link to the tutorial:
crafty staci

Enjoy!!

Please remember that this tutorial is for PERSONAL USE ONLY!

Dirty Laundry

2011-08-30T19:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday one of my FAVORITE Bloggers of all time posted a request on Facebook, asking for the first 10 responders to submit an ad to run on her blog!! Well that was all the call to action I needed! Let's not even mention I didn't have even one idea on how I should even begin! I immediately went to google: How do I create a 125x125 ad banner. eHow had the best explanation, only thing was, I didn't have Photoshop on my laptop and moreover, I had never done this before!!
So armed with a free trial version of Photoshop, and my one page eHow tutorial, I set out to create my ad, all while sitting in 108 degree heat, waiting for my son to be dismissed from school. I then submitted everything and crossed my fingers, hoping that I had done everything correctly! Well, Jeanee (I absolutely LOVE her!!!!!) emailed me and said everything looked great!! She made a few suggestions about font color, but otherwise everything else was what she needed.

I guess, they're right! Necessity is the mother of invention!!

Fear be damned! The only thing holding you back from accomplishing your goals is thinking you can't!!

Make sure to check out Jeanee Blog @ dirtylaundry

(psst! That's a clickable link, if you're wondering!! Yeah, I just taught myself how to do that too!!)

Inspired!!

2011-08-29T13:37:00.000-07:00

I bought two books this weekend that have been sources of inspiration for me:
1. Where Women Create - Published by Stampington & Company's Somerset Studio* Created by Jo Packham. This is a quarterly magazine. This particular edition is the AUG/SEPT/OCT 2011 Edition.
(That's Heather Bailey on the cover)

2. Signature Styles: 20 Stitchers Craft Their Look by Jenny Doh
(it's the one directly under "Where Women Create".)

I read both of these from cover to cover yesterday! They're are both chock full of inspiration.
I got them at Hancock Fabrics, but you can definitely find them at amazon.com.

BTW: Sorry about the overexposed cellphone picture!!

Oh one more thing!!

2011-08-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

I had to take down my Google Checkout Store. For some reason, it wouldn't load correctly on the blog page. If you are interested in one of my aprons, please email me, leave a message here or on my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Apron-Loveand-the-ties-that-bind/133745555868. I will contact you with information.

Thanks for your patience!!

Tute of the Day!

2011-08-29T12:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a new feature I'm adding to my blog!! It's called Tute (tee hee!!) of the Day!! In it you will find turorials and crafty ideas as well as inspiration to get you going. Today's tutorial is brought to us by allfreesewing.com. I am absolutely MAD for ruffles, so today's tutorial is the Patriotic Summer Ruffle Apron. The fabric you use dictates the theme of the apron so, this pattern can be used for any season (Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, etc.). The possibilities are endless!

Here's a link:

all free sewing

The other great thing about this site is, if you sign up for their Newsletter, you get to download a free Craft eBook! I just downloaded "Upcycle T-Shirts" 10- Crafts to make for kids!!

Happy Crafting and Sewing!!

Breathe...just Breathe!

2011-08-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

So much is happening right now!! I feel as if I have had a breakthrough and I don't want to pass up any of the opportunities that have presented themselves to me. Have you ever felt like you were on the cusp of something really big? Like at any given moment, you were about to make a life altering decision to follow your dreams, no matter where they take you? For years, I've been told that I should be using my creativity more and that I shouldn't try so hard to fit a square peg into a round hole...well, this past week and weekend have brought an epiphany, an AHA moment, to coin a phrase. I no longer want to feel like I'm allowing a little bit of myself ebb away everyday that I don't spend immersing myself in the things that excite and drive me! I want to create things and I've decided that everyday, I will allow myself at least an hour to do just that; basque in the glow of CREATIVITY!! To soak up as much as I can so that I can infuse all that I do with the rich, colorful and innovative world around me.

I'm excited about where this can all lead! I'm cheating myself if I don't at least try!!

Well, we're movin' on up!!

2011-08-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

I just created a Google Checkout Store (psst, it's in the sidebar) where all my aprons can be purchased from.

So how does the checkout process work?:

Google Checkout works in the same manner as PayPal does, the only difference is that the service is powered by Google.

Once you add an item to your cart, I will process the order and send you out an invoice via email.

Upon receiving notification that payment has been made, I will ship out the item immediately, via USPS (Unites States Postal Service) Priority Mail. If the invoice remains unpaid for a period exceeding 48 hours, the order will be cancelled and the item will be made available to be purchased again.

Shipping Rates are based on USPS Priority Flat Rate Box rates. Once your item has shipped, I will email shipping confirmation and will also provide tracking details.

Please let message me here if you have any questions, comments, advice, concerns, etc.

Oh, you Fancy, huh?!?

2011-08-27T21:52:00.000-07:00

What a world wind week it has been!!! The Crafty Craft-a-Palooza was a great success for Apron Love and the Ties that Bind!! There are so many people at Zappos.com HQ who are sporting my aprons!! EEEEEP!!

In fact, the entire HR department decided to buy one each of the ones pictured in a previous post.
They're going to be wearing them for an Open House being held to get the employees excited about all the internal opportunities currently open. If you know anything about Zappos.com, you know we are Fun and a Little Weird (Core Value #4 - Create Fun and a Little Weirdness.) and we love themes and parades! (yes, I said parades!) So, in addition to holding a Desperate Housewives themed Internal Job Fair, complete with Brownies and other delectable baked goods, the entire team will participate in a parade throughout our corporate office in Henderson, Nevada and will hold up signs advertising, where (or who) they got their aprons from!! I can't wait to see!! I'll try to post pictures, if I can!

Needless to say...life is really good right now!!

The Zappos Family Crafty Craft-a-Palooza!!

2011-08-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

Thursday and the Zappos Family Craft-a-Palooza are fast approaching...still so much to do! Who wants to help me? In other news, I've made it to 105 followers on Facebook! So exciting. Things are changing so fast, I hope I can keep up!

I've decided to start adding tutorials to my blog posts. I found a really good one today on "Sew She Sews":
"http://sewshesews.wordpress.com/2010/04/08/quilted-patchwork-bib-pattern-and-tutorial/ (click on the blog title to be taken to this page.)

Disclaimer: Please remember that these tutorials are to be used for personal use only.

Makes me want to sew...oh wait! I'm already doing that! One project at a time I guess!

The BEST part of waking up...

2011-08-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

on a Saturday morning @ 6:46 PST, is staring at the pile of lovely fabric on you sewing table just begging to be sewn! Yes, once again, I have a ton to do! I LOVE MY LIFE!!!

BTW: Pictures later!

Oh Pinterest! I don't know if I can quit you!

2011-08-16T00:33:00.000-07:00

So I just pinned a bunch of my aprons onto my pinboard on Pinterest! The addiction is severe! I haven't been on in a while and seriously, I started to experience withdrawl symptoms?!? I just found out tonight...there's an iPhone app!! What am I going to do? I'm already pinning most of the day! Oh well, give in to the madness...it's easier that way.

My newest Aprons

2011-08-14T19:48:00.001-07:00

Life in the desert!

2011-08-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the weather today, overcast with a chance of rain!! Makes me want to stay in and craft...Oh wait, I'm already doing that today!! DUH, WINNING!!

Warning: If you sew at all, this post is not for you!

2011-08-12T22:52:00.000-07:00

I found out something about myself today...I'm extremely impressionable! While blogsurfing, I came upon this lovely blog called "The Sew Weekly". As I perused the pages, admiring how well appointed the blog was, I stumbled upon a tab called "Make this Look". (click on the link in the title of this post). And what, you may be asking is so wonderful about that?!? This lovely blogger has collected an array of equally lovely items (dresses) being sold by other retailers and has matched up the item to a corresponding dress pattern that can be found at my local Joann's Fabric and Crafts. What's a girl to do??? Well, I plan on waiting until the next .99 cent pattern sale and stock up on all the lovely patterns, that's what! YEESH!

Pinterest...wherefore art thou?

2011-08-12T22:33:00.000-07:00

Really, Why Pinterest, why? BTW: my apologies for the blogging diarrhea. Weeks without a post and then, BAM!! Everything all at once! That's okay! I promised Janis I would get better and I keep my promises! Okay back to Pinterest and why or wherefore it is an all consuming, ever present part of my life lately. Even my 11 year old knows and tells others...Don't mess with mommy while she's pinning!!

I decided to include a link (click on this blog title and it will take you there!) to my boards just so you can see what I'm up to when I'm not making aprons.

Enjoy and if you are also on Pinterest, please feel free to follow me.

My apologies in advance if it draws you in and refuses to release you until you lifeless carcass has created at least 30 boards.

WOW! That's a lot of words!

Because I don't already have too much on my plate!!

2011-08-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

I've created a new Brand line called : Sew Flippin' Cute. I purchased the domain name a little bit ago and I'm working on getting a copywright. I'm using that label for all of the other products that I make that are not apron related. A girl does not live by aprons alone!! In addition to that, I've taken on the task of rehabilitating the ailing craft group we had at work. I'm also creating a Facebook page for that and have decided that we will start posting 2 min. instructional videos that members of the team can use as inspiration. Well you know what they say...Crafters don't die, we have too many unfinished projects!!

Why do I do this to myself!! (the Glutton for Punishment Chronicles)

2011-08-12T22:16:00.001-07:00

Have to get up very early tomorrow. The Zappos Family Crafty Craft-a-Palooza is on the 25th of the month and as always, I don't feel like I have enough product. Why do I keep doing this to myself!?!? Because I love it, that's why!! Don't judge!

My Newest Addiction!

2011-07-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

Blog Surfing...

Pinterest.com: http://www.pinterest.com/
I can literally spend hours on this site looking at all of the posts and bookmarking all of my favorites. It's utterly WONDERFUL!!

New Projects on the horizon

2011-03-20T18:15:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to branch out and work on other projects. Here's one I found on Sew Mama, Sew, for bibs: http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=11375. (paste this link into your browser). I haven't made one yet, but the instructions are well written and shouldn't be too difficult to follow.

The Spring 2011 Line - So Cute!!

2011-03-20T17:42:00.001-07:00

So I have all these patterns for aprons that were just sitting in their pristine packaging. Many of them are retro styles, which I absolutely LOVE!! So I broke out the patterns, started cutting things out presto: The Spring 2011 Line. Here's just a sneak peek. More pictures to come.

"I Want One..."

2011-03-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I said it!! I want one and I want one bad. They're so pretty and they do so many cool things. I've been doing some research and I don't know if I want to plunk down such a HUGE amount of money to by one thing...maybe I'll invest in a NOOK color instead?!?

In other news. I sold one of my first aprons from the Spring 2011 Line! The lovely Reedy G, of Claremont CA gave "Cherry Baby" a home! I'm so happy she loves it and will post a picture of Reedy wearing her new apron!

The "Holiday 2010 Collection"

2010-11-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

A preliminary look at what I have been up to lately. More to come soon. I have a craft fair to get ready for!!

It's been too long...

2010-08-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

since I last posted. Please forgive me. I've been hard at work making aprons for the holidays. Here are just a few to look at.

The Summer 2010 Line

2010-01-04T13:56:00.000-08:00

A few more pretty things I made after the holidays. I'm calling it "The Summer 2010 Collection". More to come.

2009-12-05T18:27:00.000-08:00

I went to Quiltique this evening. It was like a pilgrimage to Mecca! There was fabric everywhere. A little bit pricey ($$$$)but totally worth it especially for inspiration. I have scheduled another visit in two weeks. Don't think I will be able to wait that long though.

...Tidings of comfort and joy!

2009-12-01T09:02:00.000-08:00

The newest installment of aprons in a long line. I've started making them a smidge shorter. Alas, an apron maker's work is never done. So many more to make by Wednesday Night!

2009-11-27T10:39:00.000-08:00

This time I was checking out an awesome site called Brassy Apple. So much apron inspiration out there in Apronville!
http://brassyapple.blogspot.com/2009/09/feeling-kitschy.html

WARNING: Beautiful Aprons on the following link

2009-11-25T21:18:00.000-08:00

The LOVELIEST Aprons I have ever seen!! Go to the following

site to see the loveliness for yourself. GO! NOW!!

http://www.olivejuiceco.typepad.com/boutique/

2009-11-22T01:31:00.000-08:00

Some more tutorials I thought were really exciting!

Cocktail Apron

http://www.gracestreetstudio.com/cocktail_apron_tutorial.htm

Cafe Apron

http://7layerstudio.typepad.com/7_layer_studio/2009/11/reversible-cafe-apron.html

Craft Apron

http://www.scribd.com/doc/3017653/apron-Pattern

Ruffled Edge Apron

http://community.livejournal.com/sew_loli/395156.html

Apron 101

2009-11-21T11:07:00.000-08:00

So I was blog stalking and I found this really lovely tutorial on morganmoore.typepad.com.

Ruffle Apron

You will need the following material:

(1) 15 1/2" x 20 1/2" piece of fabric for the back of the apron- Piece A

(4) 6 1/2" x 33 1'/2" pieces of fabric for the ruffles- Piece B
(2) 4 1/2" x 24 1/2" pieces of fabric for the apron strings-Piece C
(1) 4 1/2" x 20 1/2" piece of fabric for the band- Piece D

Directions:

Make a 1/4" hem by folding under 1/4" of the fabric and then folding over again, enclosing all raw edges of piece"A", iron under 1/4" on all sides and stitch.

"B" Pieces- Hem the same way on the two short sides and one long side, leaving one 33" side unsewn. Repeat with all 4 pieces.

Working on the right side of the fabric, using long machine stitches, stitch along the unsewn side at 1/4" and again 1/8" in seam allowance. Pull threads to adjust gathers.Starting on the bottom, pin the top edge of the ruffle to the wrong side of the fabric on piece "A" at about 1" up from the bottom. Wrap the gathering threads around the pin. Adjust gathers to fit across and pin piece down on opposite side. Stitch over the gathers to keep in place.

Sew the next ruffle ("B") to piece "A" about 4 1/2" above the top of the previously sewn ruffle, making sure the top ruffles overlaps the bottom ruffle by about an inch. Repeat with remaining ruffles.

Once the ruffles are sewn on, you should have about 1 1/2" of piece "A" left at the top.

Take Pieces "C" and hem all 3 edges, leaving one short edge open.

Next, take piece "D" and fold in half. Press with iron. Fold under 1/4" on remaining 3 sides. Place the top of piece "A"inside of piece "C" and pin to hold in place. Place pieces "C"on both ends of the band. Secure in place with pins. Stitch (2) short ends (being sure to catch the apron strings underneath) and stitch along the open end.

Recon mission to JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts

2009-11-20T23:35:00.001-08:00

www.joann.com
I'm so excited, I can't sleep. I just made plans to scope out the newest fabrics @ JoAnn's tomorrow!

...as promised MORE APRONS!!

2009-11-20T22:42:00.000-08:00

Well, my dearest friends! As promised, i have uploaded more pictures. These aprons were made because my wonderful brother, Elie, owner and proprietor of Winestyles in Claremont, California, asked if he could carry my aprons in his store. I have so many more to make, but wanted to share what I have made so far.

What have I done...lately?

2009-11-13T01:17:00.001-08:00

So as I promised, here are pics from Halloween. This is my goddaughter, Cierra as Rainbow Brite. Isn't she the cutest?

As for me, I was the Queen of Hearts entered a contest at work and actually won Best handmade costume. Eeep! (That's my buddy Megan as "Alice". She made her costume too!)

...and so it goes

2009-09-14T23:50:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted anything. Life has definitely been going along @ a steady pace. There's a pile of fabric just waiting to be cut and sewn. For now, HALLOWEEN Costumes! I made a Rainbow Brite costume for my goddaughter (I'll post pics later) that she absolutely adores. My next task...creating a Queen of Hearts costume for myself. My weekends are not my own anymore...

Come what may...

2009-06-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

Life has been so hectic lately! I can't believe it's been so long since my last post. There's so much on the apron front coming around the bend. My awesome friend and "business manager" Latrira S. has advised that we need to purchase a mannequin for Kitty and Buffy's Aprons. We'll be taking pictures and creating line sheets and price lists so that we can present the line to one of our local gift shops. I'm so excited! Honestly, if it weren't for LT's (Latrira) prompting, I probably wouldn't have even had the thought to do all this. I am forever indebted to her for her support and love. I promise to post pics as soon as the line sheets are complete.

If you build it they will come...

2009-05-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

More pics of all my lovely aprons!

Aprons, aprons everywhere!

2009-05-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a girl who was mildly addicted to fabric. She would walk into a fabric store and convulse with glee! So much to choose from! So how do I justify the extreme amounts of money I spend on fabric? I know!! Make something! No...make something and sell it! I spent an entire Saturday in March making half aprons. I decided I would bring them into the office to show my friends. One of my friends, Latrira S. said to me, "You should sell these!" That day, I sold 7 aprons!! So that's how I started Kitty and Buffy's Aprons. Now I have an Etsy page and a steady stream of customers. I love what I'm doing and hope on day to be doing so well that it serves as an extra income and possibly a decent living.