Just for the record, I have many talented friends. You’ve seen their talents here on this blog. Many of them are quilting geniuses. I am blessed to be able to rub shoulders with them. Today I have decided to spotlight one of them.
This is my dear friend, Sally. Sally is a mega fabulous quilter. Best of Show Winner. Times two. I like to tease her about that. But I also like to ask her opinion about all things related to quilting. As long as I’m prepared for perfection being a requirement for whatever I’m asking her about. Sometimes I throw up my hands and roll my eyes at her response. And then I call her Best of Show Winner again. Times two.
You see, Sally was the Best of Show Winner at the Trinity Valley Quilters’ Guild’s Annual Quilt Show in 2009. I was the Show Chair that year and it was so fun to be good buddies with the Best of Show Winner! Then she entered the quilt in another show and won again. Best of Show. Times two. I like to tease her about that, can you tell? Sally is cringing as she reads this blog today.
This is Sally with her winning quilt, “Bunnies Running Amok.”
Aren’t the bunnies just the cutest little things? Sally started this quilt at our JSS Retreat in April of 2009, so we were all in on it from the beginning. What fun it was to watch this quilt grow and become a masterpiece! It is quite the show-stopper. A fabulous quilt. Did I mention that it won Best of Show? Times two.
Since then Sally designed a beautiful quilt with little aprons appliquéd on it. She drew each apron herself. Then after much pushing and shoving encouraging from me and several others, she made a pattern of this fabulous quilt. You saw it on an earlier blog when I showed you all the quilts the JSS gals made using the same fabric, as a challenge for our Bee last year.
This is Sally’s apron quilt. She calls it “Join Me for Tea.” There are cute little embroidered sayings on it that Sally made up. She’s very talented, that Sally girl.
That’s hand embroidered there folks. It is perfect. I don’t know how she does it so exquisitely.
And here are the six aprons, up close and personal. Because you need to see them all up close and personal.
Look at the cute buttons on this one up close. They all have cute buttons on them. Teensy, tiny buttons.
Sally has individual patterns of each apron for if you’d like to make just one. Only I don’t know how in the world you’d be able to pick just one.
Or there’s a big pattern with the entire quilt. All the aprons. All the embroidered designs. Sally made the original quilt using embroidery from Crabapple Hill Designs. So when she did her own pattern, she drew new embroidered designs to be included in the pattern. They are as cute, if not cuter than the ones in the quilt, in my humble opinion.
There are great instructions with cute little headings…..
….. and a fabulous layout diagram.
This is just one of the wonderful embroidered designs that Sally drew to include in the pattern.
The individual patterns as well as the full quilt pattern are all available at Quilter’s Dream, the shop where I work. However, for today, to celebrate a milestone on this blog, I’m giving away one of Sally’s complete quilt patterns! It’s our first blog give-away!
Have you been paying attention to the counter on the blog stats? If you have, you know that we just crossed the 10,000 mark. And this blog is only 3 months and 12 days old. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that you’d like it enough for me to get 10,000 hits in that short time. Never did I think that I’d post 74 times in that short length of time. Who knew that I could come up with that many things to talk about? Apparently some of you did, when you encouraged me to start this crazy thing. And you created a blogging monster.
TO ENTER
Simply answer the following question in the comments section of this post:
What is your favorite memory of your mother or your grandmother’s aprons?
What comes to mind when you think of aprons? Do you have a favorite story about an apron? Maybe it’s your own apron that has a story. Just tell us about it in the comments and you’ll be entered in the drawing for Sally’s cute pattern. And if you can’t think of an apron story, make one up! Or just write “I’m a quilter who needs Sally’s pattern” or “I’m not a quilter, but I need Sally’s pattern” in the comments. In other words, leave a comment and you’ll be entered!
Please only comment one time. The winner will be chosen using the random number generator at random.org on Friday and notified via email that they won. I’ll post the winner here as soon as they have responded to my email.
Thank you, Faithful Blog Followers, for your support. I couldn’t have hit 10,000 without each and every one of you. And if I can somehow figure out a way for this site to make money, we will have more give-aways in the future!
In the meantime, I’m hanging around Sally. I’m hoping some of her fabulous talent rubs off on me.
Hugs,
Barb
Just Sayin' Sew 
I’m a quilter who needs Sally’s pattern. Pam and I made an apron for my daughter Jackie. She loves to where her apron when she is cooking.
I NEED Sally’s pattern b/c I love aprons…my mom made me wear one. She always wore one and so did my grandmother. There were no electric dishwashers and so we NEEDED to wear an apron to keep from getting soapy water on our clothes. I NEED this pattern b/c I will make this quilt. I NEED this quilt b/c the colors will look great on my living room wall. Pick me, pick me!
I am a quilter who needs Sally’s pattern…because I love patterns from famous quilters!
I made my Mom a patchwork apron, but she always wore that one raggedy apron that was so much her. Love the blog, Barb. Keep it up!
I need Sally’s pattern because my daughter is getting married in November. Is that a good excuse? Well, I DO need it because my house was never finished. Well, then okay, I need it because it’s so hot outside that all my plants are wilting. Because I didn’t sleep well last night? Because I hate changing the cat litter? Because my grandma never wore an apron? Darn…I tried. But I do need it.
I need this pattern because I just love, love, love it. Oh, and I love winning prizes. Pick me, please!
Barb, I have been enjoying your blog. My sister Mary Joy Knisley Sundby called my attention to it around a month ago. You may remember me from your childhood, our parents were friends in Illinois. I visited and played with your sister Cindy. Your Mom and Dad and awesome. My sister Mary Joy lives in CO and has stayed in contact with them.
I love quilting and so enjoy reading and seeing all the quilt projects you and your group produce. I am currently caring for my Mom, Mary, who lives with us. She is in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. She is doing well and is happy, we cherish the days we have and trust God with the future. I also watch my 2 grandchildren two days a week, all of this keeps me very busy and currently my sewing projects revolve around my grandchildren and families needs. Someday I hope to get back to quilting and until then your blog is very fun for me.
Sorry this is so long, but I was very inspired about the apron quilt, not because of the give away, but because it was a fun reminder of my Grandmother. She was an expert seamstress, (my Mom says it skipped her generation and came down to her daughters, but I always remind her that she plays the violin beautifully and I can not) anyway my Grandmother, Mamaw, came for a visit and decided we all needed aprons. She started with my Dad and made him a grilling apron. She made each of us an apron, I still have Dad’s and mine. They were done on the fly with no pattern and when she was very old and nearly blind. They have lasted all these years and I use Dad’s as a hair cutting apron and I can still fit in mine and use it occationally in the kitchen. Her workmanship was slipping, but the love and creativity shows through. If I knew how I would include a photo, sorry my computer skills are lacking, but maybe my son can show me how and I’ll forward one later.
Thanks so much for your faithfull blog, I enjoy everybit.
Cyndie
I do remember aprons, especially on my Grandmother and Aunt when we visited them on the farm. My Mom wore them too, but I especially remember all the feedsack embroidered tea towels we all (me included, at least sometimes) used to dry the dishes. And the best thing is I still have several of those, some very used and some still saved for my girls……………….I use them very sparingly as I want them to last forever! And not to be left out………………I need Sally’s pattern too! She is famous now, over 10,000 hits and counting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My mother always wore an apron and still does. For her birthday, Mother’s Day, and Christimas I would always give my mom aprons, usually homemade after I learned to sew at age 7. I should were an apron, my clothes would not get so wet or messy when I cook. I would like Sally’s pattern, I love her creativity. The quilt would remind me to wear an apron. It is an honor to say I quilt with Sally, she is such an inspiration. Congratulations on the plus 10,000 hits. You are famous too! Thank for sharing the wonderful tid bits of your life.
Here’s the deal… we always had a drawer full of aprons. My grandmother lived with us when we were growing up. She cooked ALL THE TIME, never wore an apron. My mother cooked on occasions, don’t know why in the world she owns over 200 cookbooks, but she also never wore an apron. My sister and I loved to wear the aprons. We would wear them after dinner while we did dishes, or during cooking when we got to help. I believe most of them belonged to my GREAT-grandmother. Sally’s pattern instantly reminds me of my grandmother and her chocolate sheath cake… you know the one where you pour the icing on while the cake is hot! YUMMO!
My grandmother loved to cook and we spent Sundays at her house. She would have her apron on and she was always so sweet and kind to me. Sometimes I got to spend the night and she would tell me family stories that I would have never heard from my mom. I loved to bake for our large family(plenty of testers) and they were hungry enough for desert to accept some not so perfect creations. I also loved to sew and dad
always made sure there was a sewing machine he could always magically fix when I would get it all jammed or some other mysterious problem. We would go to the feed store and buy feed sacks(because he remembered that from his youth) and I would practice honing my sewing skills making doll clothes and some not so lovely outfits at first, and of course an apron for my baking. I loved making nightgowns for Christmas
presents.
I love the old fashioned detail of Sally’s aprons, it reminds me of a beautiful era I got to see the shirttail ends of and I am so happy I did. I would love to receive Sally’s pattern and of course I would like it signed. I am in awe of her talent. I am proud to say I know her.
I not only need Sally’s pattern but I want it. My story is about DH’s grandmother, Mema. She always wore an apron everyday … so many. She was also a school cook and the children loved seeing her colorful aprons. She was a wonderful cook. I only wish I had saved her aprons. Thanks.
Hey, Barb! I LOVE your blog. I love seeing the pictures of Dear Hubby (my Dear Cousin) and his Dear Sister, who’s another avid quilter. And YOU, of course (Dear Blogger).
My Grandma Clark always wore an apron while making her white bread and cinnamon rolls, or while canning peaches or tomato preserves. I was her little helper. And when I’d misbehave (I know that’s hard to believe), she’d say, “I’m going to turn you over my checkered apron,” and I’d know she meant business.
I want the pattern because I’m going to learn to quilt someday, I promise.
Both grandmothers always wore aprons – I have an apron made by my mom’s mom in my cedar chest. I am a quilter who NEEDS not only Sally’s quilt pattern, but also the pattern for that beautiful patchwork blouse she’s wearing!!!
As a young child, I lived with my grandparents. “Mama” always wore an apron and the apron always had pockets. Now, you have to know that I grew up during a time when the Good Humor Man drove through the neighborhood selling his wares, especially in the summer. Sometimes he was on our block before we realized it and time was of the essence. I fondly recall that my grandmother ALWAYS kept a few dollars and change in her apron pockets, I believe, just for such occasions — the sudden appearance of the Good Humor Man. She didn’t have to find her purse or hunt for change, for by this time, the ice cream would be long gone down the street. She was always prepared. And I was always happy with my fudgecicle. Umm. I could use one right now.
I love the apron quilt and actually have two apron stories. The first is two that I mother made for me when I got married. It was a his and hers with little “love is” sayings and a picture using liquid embroidery. I still have them today.
The second is the treasure trove of old aprons I found in my mothers storage when I was helping clean out her house after she pasted. I claimed them all and happily use them especially on family occasions as then I’m “dressed” and don’t want to ruin my clothes
PS I love you blog and visit every day
Pat
The first thing that ran through my mind was the flour dusting my mom’s apron when she made homemade rolls! Thanks for the oshkosh blogs-i’m originally from WI and enjoyed them.
Did someone say FREE????? I’m all in, always need a new pattern. The first item I sewed was an apron in 6th grade home ec class. Does anyone remember the plastic waist band used for the “modern” aprons?
I remember doing dishes with my grandmother in her apron-she always said she had to do her best washing with me since I would give dishes back to her if she missed a spot. I still have an apron my grandmother made for me. She usually stitched a terry cloth (hand) towel into the waistband of her aprons for drying her hands. Of coarse she saved the “pretty “ones for a special occasion. Unfortunately I only think to put on an apron AFTER I get something on my clothes.
Wow!!! I LOVE reading all the wonderful stories from our lives! Now I know why God inspired this quilt….to connect all our hearts together! I can’t wait to read more of your stories about aprons!!!
And, CONGRATULATIONS, Barb!!!! 10,000 hits! Whodathunkit??? AWESOME!!!
Hi Barb!
I’m a quilter and I really love this pattern! I don’t recall my mother ever wearing an apron but she did make aprons and lots of other clothes for my dolls. Even Barbie had an apron – which she wore with her high heels, of course!
Barbara
Congrats on the 10,000+ viewers Barb!!!
Oh, yeah, and I NEED Sally’s apron patterns. What a HAPPY reminder of Texas Quilting JSSers!!! The cooks & quilters in JSS are the bestest!!! Hugs…
I don’t have any apron memories–and I’ve never owned or worn an apron…HA! But I LOVE the quilt and ogle it whenever I’m at the shop. Therefore, I NEED it (one more thing on my quilt bucket list!!). Thanks Barb.
I NEED this pattern because I LOVE it!!!
My future mother-in-law never let me help in her kitchen even though we spent a lot of time in that room and she cooked and cleaned all the time. The first time I came to see her after marrying her son she pulled out an apron and said “You are part of the family now. Here is your apron. You may now help in the kitchen”.
I need Sally’s apron because I have two babies to burp and that can get messy. Another reason is because I like Sally.
I just LOVE the work that Sally does!! I think everything she does is FANTASTIC!!
here is my apron story:
My granma helped me make my 1st apron
when I was 9 yrs old. It is such a great memory I have of the 2 of us.
We sewed it all by hand and she taught me how to do my 1st french knot and blanket stitch too. I am eager to show my daughter how to do all this too!
If my grandmother ever had an apron as bright and colorful as these, they had been washing ten thousand times by the time I came along. I remember her wearing an apron that was practically sheer and solid white from wear. She was a plain woman and so were her aprons! In heaven, maybe we’ll both wear wonderful colorful aprons like these as we cook together for the saints!
I collect aprons and I need this pattern so I can make the quilt to go with my collection. It is adorable.Thank you.
I love this quilt. I remember my Mother & Grandmother both wearing aprons. I also wore one for a while, but not any more. Judy
Where can I find Sally’s pattern?
I remember ny grandmother wrapping my feet in her apron when I was a child. She always thought that my feet were cold, then she would peel potatoes in her apron or break beans in it and carry the peelings or the hulls to the trash in her apron all gathered up so that she wouldn’t spill any on the way to the trash can, Her aprons were mostly made from the “good parts” of her worn out housedresses.My grandmother had and raised eleven children of her own, two orphans and me. She lived to be ninety seven years old and her everyday apron still hangs in my kitchen on the pantry door as if waiting for her to come in to cook dinner and put it on,
I’m really interested in this pattern, how can I get it?
Grandmother always worn her to all her cooking an clean .She said it also helped her not to dirty her dresses so went anyone came out she were look nice .
My grandmother always had her aprons hanging on the wall next to the door. Unless we had company, she always had one on. I’m 66 now and still have one of her beautiful aprons hanging in my kitchen.