Wednesday, May 5, 2010

My Garden Fantasy Couture Apron Update!!

Once upon a time, in a far away land called the Cotswolds, lived a little girl named Lilly. Lilly lived in a tiny cottage on the Hidcote Manor grounds with her mother, who worked in the manors great gardens. Every morning Lilly and her mother would have their tea and scones and then follow a small windy path to the gardens. Once inside the garden walls they would plant, weed and pick baskets of beautiful flowers for the many bouquets needed in the great manor. Lilly loved how the whole garden was divided up into smaller more private ones, with each one being unique. One garden especially was treasured. The romantic Rose Borders garden was Lilly's favorite. Her mother told her that little rose fairies flitted about at night, dancing and playing with each other while she and Lilly slept. Lilly was told that sometimes, if you look really carefully under the rose bushes, if you are lucky, you might find a tiny slipper that one of the fairies lost while dancing. Lilly never ended her gardening day without peeking under every rose bush....today might be the day!
I have been working on a new couture apron for the last week and finally finished it on Tuesday.  I must admit...I love the super feminine look of it. It turned out exactly as I envisioned it. My 'new' apron is almost entirely fashioned from 'old' fabric. I bought the white cotton linen skirt ages ago at my Salvation Macy's. The second I saw it I knew it was destined for a more beautiful life. It originally was all white, but I hand painted the bottom flounce a pretty watery blue.
While on my visit to Pennsylvania Amish country (read about that trip here) My friend Roberta and I found a lovely thrift shop, where I immediately spotted a whole rack of fabulous antique embroidered runners, hankies and doilies. It took 10 Wet Wipes to remove the silly smile on my face. I came home with a big tissue wrapped bundle....that I look at every night  ;-)
I made some pretty Yo-Yo's and trimmed them with vintage lace for the bodice. The vintage floral bodice is completely lined in the same fabric. Gorgeous colors and I love Hollyhocks..so English garden.
I embellished with more Yo-Yo's and some jumbo rik-rak at the waist.
(click on pic to enlarge)
Just look at the fabulous floral embroidery and cutwork on the runner overskirt. The top doily is actually a pocket to stash little treasures. Maybe seeds from your garden walks or tiny Fairy slippers that have fallen off in flight.
The pretty runner is trimmed in the palest pink crochet cotton lace. It has a few small unraveling spots, but in keeping with the shabby vintage look of my apron, I chose not to repair them. I think it gives my creation more personality and authenticity.....Oooooo big words for an apron!
Of course what girlie-girl apron is complete without a big full bow! This material is of the palest blue which I think compliments the painted blue flounce at the hem.
So that's what I have been working on...what have you created this week???
Until next time..be kind and stay creative.
UPDATE:  I just spent two hours writing a little story to accompany my apron, listed it in my Etsy shop and 5 minutes later it was SOLD!!! Talk about ending my day with a bang  ;-) Thank you sweet lady from Texas!
Looks like it is back to the studio!

26 comments:

My Life Under the Bus said...

Oh it's awesome Janet !

SewSweetStitches said...

Jumbo ricrac, embroidered linens, yo-yos??!! *Swoon* That's like ordering an ice cream sundae with the works, lovely!

Dar said...

Your apron is so lovely, I could not bear to wear it anywhere Near my gardens., well, maybe ONLY on a stroll to gather those seeds and fairy slippers. You are SO talented. What vision.

The LadyBugs Garden said...

I love the apron, but all the apron you make are so beautiful. This will make any one wanta put her on and cook! It is not listed on the shop yet? LOL

Samantha said...

Beautiful apron Janet! Love the colors and of course the doilies!

w said...

excuse me please, might i use the apron to wipe up the drool?

it's way gorgeous!

Rayna said...

SO cool! :)

Annette said...

Wow! It's beautiful! I'm so jealous of the linens you found!!

Aprons and More said...

Beautiful! A great combination of all you treasures! I love it!!

Katy :)

Lisalulu said...

SO beautiful, I am in awe of you and will just have to sit here for a while calming myself down. (note to self don't look while at work!)

Wanda..... said...

First I would like to say...you always tie perfect bows! The is beyond a pretty apron, it's a work of art, so maybe you should change your header, Janet. In my eyes, you are an Artist!
...Wanda♥

Marie said...

That is the sexiest apron I have seen. You have outdone yourself this time.

Marie

Kelly Ann said...

great apron...and how great is it that you got your internet back...

Kathleen McGiveron said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
SmitoniusAndSonata said...

Very pretty ! and I love the story . We've all been the little girl hoping to find a tiny fairy slipper ..... only now we do it in thrift shops !

The Little Cloth Rabbit said...

Wow! now thats what I call an apron! :) Congrats on the sale.

Hope all's well with you

Em x

Marilyn said...

Not only love the apron, but the story that goes with it! Another winner, Janet!!

Kathleen Grace said...

Oh. My. Gosh Janet! I am not surprised that this ethereal creation sold before the enter button cooled from your listing. It is amazing! This is so beautiful!

Claire said...

Hey Janet, thanks for visiting my blog. Hmmm sons, gotta love em. I think I know where your comedian son got his sense of humour from!! Bet there was a lot of laughter in your house when they were growing up.
I had wanted a son to start my family off since I was 17 , had the name chosen and all. I got one crack at it and I got what I wanted so I am more than happy and blessed.
Looove this latest apron, particularly the yo yos and the gorgeous doileys. A pocket to place treausres in, maybe fallen fairy slippers, what a sweet thought and I'll second Wanda's comment, you tie perfect bows.
Shall be back for Friday Pieday as we are heading towards pie weather here at Sweet Birdy Love.

Claire X

Julia said...

Absoultely BEAUTIFUL, Janet!

I love finding things at the thrift store too. Your work is splendid here.

I'd love to show your work too. Can I steal some pics and repost on tag. :)

outofthedark said...

so pretty! i love that you painted the bottom flounce :) congrats on the sale!

Atelier Conti said...

Oh stunning Janet! I know the meaning of lust tonight. Heart-breakingly gorgeous!!!!

Sew it my way! said...

Isn't this EXQUISITE! Lovely, and kudo's for repurposing your wonderful finds!

The LadyBugs Garden said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
The LadyBugs Garden said...

I saw my beautiful apron above that I bought, talked about on the Apron Goddesses Blogspot...Janet you are GREAT!!
http://aprongoddesses.blogspot.com

The LadyBugs Garden said...

Hey a update I bought this pretty apron for someone special..My Great Neice is getting married this week..I am giving this beautiful FANTASY GARDEN COUTURE APRON to her..I know she will love it, she is a girlie girl and loves to cook.This apron will look so pretty on my little new bride Janet!