Tuesday, March 2, 2010

My Scarlet O'Hara Apron or 'How to Sell an Apron The Same Day You List It'

If you are here Southern Hospitality, Welcome!
This is a previously posted thrift shop adventure.

Hello friends, happy to see my last post did not scare you away. My hubby read it and once again just shook his head and walked away...God I love that man ;-)  So a few weeks back I was at my beloved Salvation Macy's when I spotted this gorgeous curtain valance. As I knocked over two women and a young child to get to it, ideas for turning it into a fabulous apron were already cursing through my tiny brain. It was a thrifting thing of beauty...quality fabric, beautiful colors, double layered and all lined to boot. It was priced at $1.99 and it was Wednesday so take another 25% off...WooHoo!!! You know I am smiling at this point. So I get back to my studio and started to play with it. Some opening up of seams, a little side stitching, a beautiful bow tie, yo-yo's, fun jumbo rikrak and a big pocket.
May I present Miss. Scarlett O'Hara. Isn't she pretty?

A close up of my handmade Yo-Yo's and a special secret pocket I hid under he scalloped layer.
I simply inserted my pretty fabric bow through the rod pocket opening..now it is adjustable! I made sure the bow was nice and full..click on my photos to get a good look at the wonderful fabrics. I listed Miss. Scarlet in my Etsy shop and within a few hours she was sold to a lovely lady in Texas..Thanks Miss. Stephanie! I'm thinking Scarlet's story might have had something to do with her popularity...what do you think?
"Mammy... Rhett will be here any time now and I must get him to lend me some money for Tara..but look at me, I'm a mess and my clothes are tattered and dirty. I can't let him see me like this..oh what will I do" said Scarlett. She looks around the rooms of her beloved Tara for ideas. " I know....Mammy, take down that curtain valance. I have an idea! " says Scarlett. When Scarlett meets with Rhett he is amazed by Scarlett, who is looking beautiful in a green striped and pink hostess apron with lovely handmade fabric yo-yo's adorning it. He smiles when he sees the bright green rikrak trimm ( Rhett has a soft spot for rikrak trimm). Mr. Rhett Butler is now so enamored with Scarlett and her gorgeous couture apron that he gives her all the money she needs. But how will Scarlett ever be able to repay Rhett. " I will go home" says Scarlett," to Tara and think of some way to repay him...after all...tomorrow is another day"  

I also started to play with some remnant automotive vinyl I picked for a song a while back. I made myself a very chic Passport wallet.

This vinyl sews like a dream and no seam finishing needed since it will not fray and you just wipe it clean. It has a nice cushiony, padded feel to it. I'm also thinking of making some change purses, wallets or maybe credit card holders. Do you creative gals out there have any good ideas?

I used my cool ruffles attachment on my sewing machine..thanks Kelly Ann. So that's a little of what I have been up to. I will be posting about two very big and very cool Giveaways I have been lucky enough to be invited to be a part of..so be on the look out for that. As soon as all the details are worked out I will let you know. Until next time...be kind and stay creative.
PS...don't forget to meet me here on Friday for Pie!

19 comments:

Gretel said...

What a cupcake of an apron!

Kelly Ann said...

Looks like you mastered the ruffler....could quilting be next????

Sarah AKA The Thriftress said...

Very cute!

Jacquelyn Stager said...

beautiful apron! Love the striped fabric. Since you are so talented, what I'd love is something to keep our GPS in while it's not sitting on the dash, something that wouldn't look like a purse but would hold it safely and disguise what it is at the same time. My hubby is paranoid that someone will break into the car to steal it. Have you seen anything like this?

Jennifer Juniper said...

I love that apron! It's really too beautiful to wear!

Aprons and More said...

You are so talented!! Such a pretty apron! I love the secret pocket, and the tie in the rod pocket! Isn't a great feeling to sell one the day you list it?! It's nice to have someone fall in love with it...just like you did when you made it!

Katy :)

Julia said...

Totally totally totally ADORABLE! Well done with that apron woman. You can call your self a Super Apron Goddess. :)

The LadyBugs Garden said...

Hey it's Ms Stephanie the Apron Owner in Texas. I just love the story behind every design Janet has. SO everytime I wear something of Janets I have the story going throught my head. It didn't hurt to love "Gone With The Wind"!!

Samantha said...

Love the apron! What GREAT use of an item intended for something else! Very creative...
Really like the colors you are drawn too also!
I can just imagine Ms. Stephanie's kitchen window open.. spring breeze blowing through with the smell of a freshly baked apple pie looming in the air, all the while wearing her beautiful new apron!

Marie said...

Does this mean that you have now switched to dreaming about Rhett - if so, you're taste is at least improving.

Tweed Thoughts said...

You're such a creative kid! How fab to sell the apron on the very same day - woo hoo!! :D

Wanda..... said...

That is really repurposing Janet, I've thought to use dish towels, placemats, and scarves for other purposes...but a valance for an apron? Very clever and pretty!!!

Unknown said...

Beautiful apron!

Joey Lynn Resciniti said...

The apron is lovely and with a story like that it was bound to go fast.

We've been making American doll accessories around here. I'd use that pleather to make Molly a new pair of shoes. Okay, I couldn't do that. I can only sew rectangles. Who am I kidding?

leila brewster photography said...

gorgeous apron! and i love the passport wallet! so cute

Dar said...

Such a delight to hear the story behind the apron. The secret pocket is wonderful and I love your charming oversized bows. You are very talented, young lady. It's great to see such spontaneous vision.
I can see eyeglass cases made of the faux leather, particularly for clip-on sunglasses or an easy open digital camera case...the possibilities are endless.
Have fun
BlessYa

Janet Metzger, Artist said...

I love it when I get called a 'young lady' at 55 that's always a hoot to hear ;-) Thank you Dar!

Unknown said...

Yes, Rhett would be enamored, since he always had an eye for new fashions.
See RHETT BUTLER'S side of the story:
http://deathofrhett.blogspot.com/

Bluebirds and Roses said...

Inspiring project..Thank you.