Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Couture..Couture!

 Hello friends....You are probably getting tired of all my snow photos, so I thought I would take you down a different road today. Since my road has not gotten a proper plowing until 4 am this morning, I have been rather home bound. My road was passable...if you had a truck or 4 wheel drive auto. Rather than damage the under carriage of my car, I chose to stay in my studio and have some fun.  So the the other day I get this e-mail from a client wanting a special apron for her Mom's birthday. She told me what her mom might like as far as color, style and material. Her mom likes soft beachy colors and is very feminine with a love for vintage. Then she said the words I love to hear " you can do whatever you like"....Woohoo! I love it when I get to have free reign at designing something special for someone.
I e-mailed her some fabric samples and trim suggestions. I love the antique pansy doily. Click on pic's to get a closer look.
Then I got to work and here is the finished couture apron.. My use of all the pale blue was my nod to the ocean which she loves. Think her mom will like it?
                                         
I think the doily looks fabulous as a bib accent with a little handmade yo-yo and button trim.
I used three different fabrics, white ball fringe and the antique doily. If you look close at the side view you can see where I sewed two remnant fabric pieces together for the base of the apron. I love mixing patterns..anything goes! Since she is a frilly gal I made sure to fashion a gorgeous full bow for the back and a pretty ruffle at the hem. I was told she loves to entertain and I think she will stand out in this.
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I also spent some time with my paints. I have not painted in a while and I was feeling the need to hang with some canvas. I had started this winter scene last summer and it seem appropriate to finish it with all the snow outside on the ground....Oooooops, I wasn't going to mention the white stuff..sorry.
Well here she is, in all her primitive glory ;-) I'm thinking of naming it 'The Lone Skater' as it seems this little guy couldn't get anyone to join him (I think that may be my fault).
I had to put a few little sheep in the field..what is a folk art scene without sheep ;-)
Of course my sleeping Moon is my favorite element of my painting..he looks so peaceful.
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I had a few more daylight hours which of course could not be wasted, so I started work on a new couture half apron for my Etsy shop. I love the giant rikrak trim from Kelly Ann's Quilting. Not one to waste, I'm using the other piece of that same doily on this apron. I think she is coming along quite nicely.
Well, that's it for now..until next time, be kind and stay creative.

14 comments:

Catherine Holman said...

I'm sure she is going to fall in love with this apron! That half apron with the large rick rack looks like it will be wonderful too. You are a multi-talented lady. That painting is adorable!
Catherine

Dar said...

Look at you go girl!!! You are one multi-talented young lady. The aprons, my, oh my! and your painting is absolutely wonderful. Dad used to raise sheep so I'm drawn to them as well as the sleeping moon. This entire post has been such a treasure to visit. The seaside apron is bound to be a loved piece for generations, thanks to your foresight.
BlessYa

T@PoppyPlacePdx said...

That is just gorgeous! love your work, sewing and painting, we have that in common :)

Have a great day, T.

Jennifer Juniper said...

That apron is darling and the painting with the white stuff :) is awesome!

Annie said...

What a pretty apron :-)
A x

Aprons and More said...

Beautiful!!

Katy :)

Unknown said...

The apron is fantastic - and the painting perfectly sweet!
You are so talented!

Annette said...

I'm sure she will fall in love with the apron! And the painting makes me happy to look at it even though I'm tired of the you know what!! Being house bound has it's advantages!

outofthedark said...

gorgeous apron! i love it...yes, i said LOVE!
you inspire me, Janet....thanks! :)

Tweed Thoughts said...

Oooh, the snow is making you very creative Janet! I love everything in your post - that apron is a work of art! Glad to see you're getting back into your paintings as I love seeing them :)

Wanda..... said...

The apron and the painting are beautiful Janet! I love the sleeping moon!

Kelly Ann said...

Thanks for the shout-out...love the snowy picture, it reminds me of New England...

MadEnglishWoman40 said...

What a gorgeous apron, Janet! Reminds me of a Cath Kidston design (www.cathkidston.com), but better and more quirky! I wonder if my mum would like one? I might just order one myself! :-)

Jenny said...

Oh, I adore your painting style. I'm going out to your etsy shop right now! Really neat painting.