My Apron Creations

Some of you know that my kids have very early bed times. You probably think it's because I'm ensuring that they get plenty of rest and have a healthy sleep routine. While that is true, here is the biggest reason: I am selfish and love having free time. From 7:00 to midnight (I know I should go to bed earlier) I am free to do whatever I want. Well, anything that ensures I stay home. Sometimes I feel a little selfish, but I take comfort in knowing that my children are well rested and their mom is getting the break she needs.

Since Joel often works nights, I have to entertain myself. Rather than sit and watch movies all night every night, I try to use that time for my hobbies. Granted, movies are a hobby of mine, so I still watch them on some nights, but usually I try to have something fun to do that sparks my creativity. That's one reason I love this blog. It's usually the first thing I do after the kids are asleep, like right now. Other things I love to do are cross-stitching, reading, scrapbooking, housework, exercising (alright, I don't always love it, but I try to do it occasionally), playing piano, and anything else that sounds fun. Usually I find something I love and I do that every night for a week or two. Then I get tired of it and switch to something else. Right now I am on a sewing kick. I don't sew unless it really sounds fun because, frankly, I do not have the patience for it. However, if I keep my projects simple, I do enjoy myself. Lately I've noticed that fun aprons are really popular. I saw some darling ones at the outrageously expensive but oh so cute store Anthropology, but they were way too much money. After feeling sad that I couldn't afford them, I realized I could just make my own- duh! So, I ventured out to Johann and got some fabric. I fell instantly in love with that fruit fabric, and I was so excited to get started on my project. The first one I made (the one on the right in the bottom picture) turned out so cute. It's definitely not perfect, but considering my skills as a seamstress, I think it turned out pretty good. I wore it all day, and Joel teased me about it. I just informed him that I had to wear it because I was cleaning and didn't want to get my clothes dirty. Then he asked me what I was going to do when the apron got dirty. I had so much fun making that one that I decided to make another. I actually think the second one turned out cuter than the first. I'm still not done with my apron creations. I want to make one for Clara that will fit her when she's about Noah's age, and I want to get some boyish fabric for Noah since he's always helping me bake. Anyway, I just wanted to share my latest project. Next week who knows what my project will be. Maybe it should be something really useful, like painting the kitchen table, which I started a year ago and never finished. Naw! It'll probably be something more fun, like scrapbooking or cross-stitching.