Recently, I had the honor of being asked to take part in an altered apron swap hosted by two incredibly talented women - Heather of Pretty Petals and Stephenie of Just a little Bit Pink. Each participant was asked to create an "altered" vintage apron for a fellow designer. I had the pleasure of designing one for Miss Heather, herself! I couldn't have asked for a better person to design for, as she and I share a love of all things pastel, ruffled, and pretty. Here's how it turned out...
I started by finding a pretty vintage apron crafted from pale pink dotted Swiss fabric. It was the tulle ruffle that won me over.
I decided to keep the embellishments rather simple - I didn't want them to detract from the pretty fabrics. So, just some vintage velvet millinery flowers, leaves, and a few rhinestones. Here's the pocket...
A few close-ups...
I also added a delicate circle of flowers around the waistband...
Here's a shot of the back - I like how the ruffles come together and cascade down.
Now, I also had the great privilege of having an apron designed for Moi by the wonderfully talented Analise of Sugar*Sugar by leesiebella! I can't tell you how thrilled I was to receive her beautifully wrapped package in the mail.
Just look at the stunning card she me for me...
And here is my gorgeous apron:
Isn't it just beautiful! I just love the sugary colors!
Such pretty details...
How amazing is it that Analise chose a Swiss dot apron as well!
Thank you so much, Analise! I LOVE my apron and will treasure it always!!!
This was such a fun project to do - I really encourage everyone to try it sometime!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
:-)
Jessica
They are so pretty!! Swiss dot is HEAVEN!
Posted by: Mrs. Cozy Home | April 19, 2009 at 11:09 AM
What a neat idea! They're both so very pretty. Bet it was fun to do, too.
Posted by: Wanda | April 19, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Jessica, I really think after this latest post your Blog is one of my all time favorites. You always share such wonderful things, I am inspired by you and feel a genuine love of all the things you share. Keep it up, have a Wonderful Week.
Hugs, Diane
Posted by: Diane | April 19, 2009 at 12:46 PM
What breathtaking aprons! They are both just gorgeous!
Posted by: Michelle Grace | April 19, 2009 at 01:53 PM
BEAUTIFUL! What a lovely trade! Such a lovely piece of our history, a sign of all things good, the apron!
XOXO
Joni
Posted by: Joni | April 19, 2009 at 02:22 PM
I just love looking at your gorgeous flowers! :) Mendy
Posted by: mendy | April 19, 2009 at 03:43 PM
Such a kid in a candy store when I come to visit I'm ohhh and ahhhing!! The aprons are both wonderful! I love the cascade of ruffles down the back of the one you made! Gee, I wish I could find such preties here, aprons are so hard to come by and all cotton! Great picnis below,the basket, plates and blanket were so beautiful! lori
Posted by: Lori | April 19, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Both aprons are so gorgeous! I just love all the things you do! A feast for the eyes, always!!!
(~.~)Bekah
Posted by: Bekah | April 19, 2009 at 04:02 PM
Both aprons are just lovely, and I really like the vintage flowers you used!
Posted by: kana conger | April 19, 2009 at 05:30 PM
Your apron and Analise's are both so pretty and lovely, Jessica. Love those colours, the flowers and the ruffles!
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | April 19, 2009 at 06:18 PM
Both aprons are very beautiful.
Posted by: Jocelyn | April 19, 2009 at 08:57 PM
Both aprons are stunning! what a great thing to do.. love the colors
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Mainz | April 19, 2009 at 09:54 PM
Heather will love it! And Analise made such a pretty one for you too!
Posted by: karla nathan | April 19, 2009 at 10:16 PM
I ADORE my sweet apron... my favorite thing is that it is made from that beautiful dotted swiss fabric and I LOVE the pocket, and the sweet velvety flowers. You did such a beautiful job making it. I love all that you do! Thank you for making it for me ;))
The apron you received from Analise is so sweet... how funny that she also used similar fabric! lol
xoxo Heather
Posted by: Heather ~ Pretty Petals | April 20, 2009 at 08:33 AM
SWEET SWEET SWEET!!! oooh these pics have me smiling!!! LUCKY girl!!!
xoxo Jenny
Posted by: jenny holiday | April 20, 2009 at 10:09 AM
so very pretty!! xo natalea
Posted by: natalea | April 20, 2009 at 06:34 PM
Oh I love both of them. Sounds like you had fun creating, I am not sure I could have parted with it:)
Posted by: Kelley | April 20, 2009 at 09:12 PM
Gorgeous! You girls are making me want an apron!
Posted by: Kris | April 20, 2009 at 09:51 PM
I love the apron you made for Heather..I got to see it in person, Just Beautiful..I love all the flowers you added and the color to..Just amazing..
I also love the apron Analise made for you..It is so pretty and I love all the colors...The flowers and trim are so pretty...
Hope you have a wonderful week..
STephenie
Posted by: stephenie | April 21, 2009 at 01:54 PM
Beautiful aprons, great job!! I love how you used the flowers to embellish the apron and the swiss dot fabric couldn't be sweeter :o) You've given me some great ideas for the aprons I picked up over the weekend.
Have a Happy Day!
~Rachel
(oh, I'm having a giveaway at my place and it just happens to include and apron! come by if you can...)
Posted by: Yard Sale Mama | April 21, 2009 at 08:14 PM