Gathered Cafe Apron - 1982

I have several aprons that have been given to me. This one was given to my parents when they were married from my Great Great Grandma (who had to be close to 90). She made it and embroidered the pattern at the bottom by hand. I don't think I realized when I was younger where it came from. I do remember that anytime I was in the kitchen, this was my favorite apron to wear. I always felt girly in it. I was excited when my mom gave it to me, especially now that I know where it came from.

Haircut Apron

One of the first aprons I received as a gift was from my husband. I was pregnant with my 1st child and he made me this for Christmas. I now use it to wear for the haircuts I give my boys. It's covered in hair and exudes love. Little did he know, but my husband started an obsession.

The Cookie Plate

This year, this is what my cookie plate for friends and family looked like:

I had a lot of fun making these. The four ingredients are snickerdoodles, zucchini bread, peppermint bark, and pretzel turtles. Here's the recipes.

Snickerdoodles

from Barbara Skovensky

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

3 cups flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

Topping: 2 Tbsp granulated sugar & 1 tsp cinnamon

In a large bow cream together butter and sugars. Add egg and vanilla and beat until smooth. (**I added all together initially and beat for at least 10 minutes on high. The fluffier the creaming mixture, the softer and fluffier the cookies.)

In another bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix well. Preheat oven to 300 degrees and let the dough rest for 30-60 minutes in the refrigerator.

In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Take about 2 tablespoons dough and roll into a ball. Roll in cinnamon and sugar mixture and place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes and NO MORE. Allow cookies to cool on pan for 2 minutes before removing to cooling rack. The cookies may seem undercooked, but will continue to develop after they are removed from oven.

Makes approximately 3 dozen.

Zucchini Bread

from Great Grandma Ferrin

(coming)

Peppermint Bark

from Allrecipes

(note: I added a milk chocolate layer under the white chocolate. Just let the milk chocolate set for a little before you add the white. I think next time I will add a little peppermint extract to the white chocolate to make it taste that much better.)

Pretzel Turtles

from Allrecipes

Seven Layer Salad

No, this is not a bean dip. This is the real rabbit food type of salad. This is one of my husband's favorites and he requested it for his birthday recently. It's the type of food that is better the longer it's in the fridge. It's kind-of fun to experiment with different layer ideas, really anything goes. Here's what ours turned out like:

I like to put it in a 9x13 pan instead of a deeper dish, this way the dressing reaches more of the salad. This is the recipe I used with the addition of: sliced hard boiled eggs, bacon bits, sliced carrots, and cucumber. I omitted the cauliflower and celery. For the dressing I used 1 cup sour cream and 1 cup mayo and then also added grated parmesan cheese. Delicious!

Amy Apron

I was going to call this the Ty Apron after my husband, it was his pattern idea {thanks}, but it didn't sound right. This is named the Amy Apron because of it's colors. (Subsequent ones will still be called by this name.) I have a friend named Amy that anytime my little girl would wear these colors her comment would be, "I love pink and orange together!!" That works perfect for this apron. {Thanks, Amy.}

I've had this apron finished for over a month now and I'm finally showing everyone. It was a fun pattern to make but definitely needs some tweaking, as a first apron usually does. The pattern on the backside of the apron was done with double-sided fabric adhesive. I used a thick one, thinking that then I wouldn't have to stitch around the design. Wrong. I still had to. Next time I will use a thinner and more flexible adhesive since I have to stitch around it anyway. It's kind-of stiff on the apron, but it's cute enough to make up for it. One of the things I loved about this apron is that there are so many different pieces of fabric. It really could use up scraps you have lying around.

Whoa Sassy! 2nd Honeymoon Apron & Man-Thong

Yes, I cannot believe that I just wrote "Man-Thong" on my blog, but there it is. Someone gave me the idea to make a matching outfit as a bridal shower gift instead of just lingerie for the woman. I actually think it turned out cute, matching and all. :) My brother ordered black for his fiancee, little did he know that I'd throw in something extra for him. He was a great sport and we all enjoyed laughing together. This is not a gift that just anyone would appreciate. My husband was brave enough to model the outfit with me. Thanks, baby. The easiest thing about this project is that I use ribbon for all the ties (especially useful on the man's clothing).

To Dad: Memories in the Kitchen

This is a post to my Dad. I can remember so many times being in the kitchen with him. He loves to cook, to experiment, and is never afraid to try something new. I got that from him. Every Sunday I still say, "so what are we going to bake today?" Sunday was always baking day. Often that meant that Dad would mix the cookies and I would stay in the kitchen for the next 3 hours to bake them, thanks Dad, but I loved it.

One time I decided to make a nice dinner for the family. We were going to have fish. Well, I'd never made fish myself and I probably should have watched someone cook it before I tried. I hate bones in fish, so I saved time by taking out the bones while cooking. That meant I had to chop it all up; the sea bass was served "mashed style." I can still remember the look on my Dad's face. He looked at the pan and kind-of squinted his eyes and had a smirk on his face that said, "oh, that's cute and looks really gross." Yes, not your typical fish meal. Out of courtesy of my making it for them, they did try it. I'm sure there were leftovers.

With my Dad, bigger is better. If you're going to make 3 dozen sweet rolls, you might as well make 6 while you're at it. I still have this mentality. I love it because it means I get to share with neighbors and friends. That's what cooking is about, sharing the love. My Dad was always good at that. No matter what we made, we were always taking something to someone.

I was always amazed at how many pots and pans and wisks and bowls and sheets my Dad could control at once. He is a kitchen multi-tasker. Men in general don't do well at multi-tasking. But when it comes to cooking, my Dad is a pro. I remember wondering if I'd ever be able to remember how to control the burn factor of so many things at once. It has been a fun learning process.

Whenever we talk on the phone, the first thing we usually say is "what did you make for dinner?" or "have you made anything fun?" We email and share recipes all the time and enjoy trying to get each other to make a new recipe 1st. The only downfall to these conversations is that I can't say, "can I borrow a cup of sugar?" because my Dad lives several states away.

His passion for experimenting in the kitchen has been passed to me. It's something I get giddy about. Having the kitchen piled high in dirty dishes with delicious food on the table and in the gut is the best night.

Dad, thanks for letting me do the dishes with you. Even though you made the rinse water scalding, I cherish that time in the kitchen.

I promised something new...THE DEANNA APRON

My mom-in-law has given me lots of hints to what colors and purposes she wanted an apron. Details were: black, white, and yellow and it's hanging on the wall. I had no idea going into this that making an apron to specifically "hang" was much different than making one to wear. I felt more pressure thinking of it as a decoration item than a piece of clothing. Interesting experience and cute apron.

This one was really fun to make and is an original pattern. I love the ruffles on the pocket and the fabric flower. The flower is detachable so the apron can be laundered. It's a hang dry only because I don't think the ribbon strips across the front will like heat. And don't you LOVE the lemon fabric!? Too much fun to pass up.

For kicks, this is what it looks like on.

Such a good advertisement spot in the kitchen!

I love fabric flowers. Easy to make and the perfect pizaaz to an apron.

Regular jeans are going to start having ruffle pockets because they are so CUTE.

Under Construction

Hello readers. Sorry about the disarray, but I'm attempting to make a cooler blog. Hopefully it will be finished soon with a black and white lemon apron (Deanna Apron) along with the "Ty Apron."

P.S. I am going to start selling aprons. I will take orders for specific colors and styles. This would be a great time to start thinking of Christmas and Bridal shower gifts. Enjoy your aprons!!

Garden Apron

I am growing a garden right now. It is such a fun and rewarding experience, besides the weeds. It is something that takes good work with pretty immediate rewards. I love to have the kids work with me. We plant a seed, it grows, and they know where our food comes from.

As I was out there working, I kept wiping my wet hands on my clothes. I knew I needed a Garden Apron. I copied the top neck-line of the Lotta Apron but then the arm holes and sides are different - not so close to the armpits and not wrapping all the way around your back. I added a pocket with the cutest little ball trim ever! I'll be using more of that stuff in the future!

This apron also looks cute with the ties going around the waist twice and tied in back. The pocket really is the key to the usefulness of this apron.

Long Cafe Apron

I've been wanting to make a long cafe apron with a wide band. Here it is. I love the combos of fabric here. Be adventurous in your experimenting. I found the bottom piece and loved it. I think it was the perfect accent for this apron. Follow the same intructions for the regular cafe apron, however cut the waist band twice as wide. As for the body pieces, cut two that equal the length of the bottom and then sew them all together. Fit the whole apron together the same as the typical cafe apron. This apron fits more at your natural waist then at your hips.

Lotta Apron

This was a fun apron to make. I've decided I really like reversible aprons, they're so clean looking after you're finished. There is no unfinished edge. They are also much easier than they appear. Sewing two basically finished aprons together just takes a couple of pins and some edge stitching, nothing to sweat about. If you need cheering on, just ask, I'll gladly give it.

I love love love the neck line of this apron. When I saw it, I immediately knew that I'd be making this one. I love the little pleat on the top of the body where the neck ties connect. Such a good idea.

The other reason I love this apron is the embroidery. I hadn't done embroidery on anything before. I loved doing it! It was such a relaxing activity. I'm definitely going to be doing more one future things.

This comes from a book by Lotta Jansdotter. Thus, this is the Lotta Apron. This was a friend's book she purchased from Borders. It comes with the pattern pieces for the apron. It has so many other cute ideas in it as well. I recommend it for everybody.

The back of the apron wraps all the way around and I really like that it's a little bit shorter than other aprons. It covers you're entire body. It will be a great baking apron!

Here's both sides. So cute!

Green Mac & Cheese

I know this dish doesn't look stunning, but at least it's healthy.

If you're looking to make you're life more green, besides recycling your cardboard and cans, try green foods. Not only are they healthy, they will give your kids a new view on food.

I love to make my own mac and cheese. I think of it more like cheesy noodles. I've never tasted homemade mac and cheese that actually tastes like store-bought. So if you're expecting store-bought, you'll be disappointed. If you are expecting cheesy and comforting, you'll be satisfied.

The recipe is simple. This makes a 9x13 pan.

Make a rue:

3 Tbsp butter

3 Tbsp flour

Mix and cook for a couple of minutes in a sauce pan. You don't want the flour to burn.

Add 3 cups of milk. If you want to cut calories, add 1/2 milk and 1/2 water.

Whisk all together to break up flour and butter within the milk. Add shredded cheese of your choice: mozzerella, cheddar, Romano, pepper jack, etc. A little of several flavors tastes best. Keep taste-testing until the desired cheesiness is acquired. If you want to give it a hint more of heat, add some crushed red pepper and/or a little paprika.

You'll also need to salt and pepper to taste. A pinch of nutmeg in the rue is a mysterious deliciousness.

Now it's time for veggies: To make is really green, pulse spinach in a food processor until smooth and add to the rue. You can also add peas, thinly sliced and diced carrots, and diced sweet peppers. There's lots of options.

Cook 1 lb box of pasta according to directions. Once the pasta is finished, combine all this into a 9x13 dish and sprinkle with more grated cheese and bread crumbs.

Cook at 350 until cheese is melted on top and bread crumbs are golden.

Honeymoon Apron

This was a fun one to make. My sister is getting married and I decided to mix the bedroom and kitchen into one gift. I'd been thinking of this idea for a while. It turned out well. The material takes some getting used to, but worth it.

I cut one large bottom piece to the size I wanted. (It would be cute to have a wavy bottom). I then cut 2 triangles of the same material. I folded the outside edges of the large body piece and triangles over twice and hemmed to prevent fraying. Using pins is a must with the slippery fabric. I used black velvet in one long strip for the ties and to attach the bottom piece (with ruffle edge attached and lace at the top) and triangles onto. For the triangle tops, I gathered the middle of the bottom into several small pleats before adding to the middle velvet ties. Pin in place. I attached velvet ties to the top of the triangles for neck ties and then embellished it all with some simple hand-sew black flowers on the top of the triangles and right in the middle. When making the triangles, measure half the length of the top of the large bottom piece and make the bottom of the triangle 1 1/2 that length to leave room for gathering. Or just keep in mind the bust size of the person you're making the apron for. It's one of those aprons that it doesn't really matter what size you are.

I think it would be fun to make another Honeymoon Apron that is a 2-piece: a cafe apron bottom and triangle top. Have fun!

Pavlova

Ingredients:

4 egg whites
a pinch of cream of tartar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cornflour (corn starch)
1 t white wine (or champagne) vinegar
1 t vanilla essence (or scrape the seeds from a dried vanilla pod.)

About ½ pint heavy cream, whipped
fresh fruit

Method:

TIP: Ensure your oven is preheated for at least 10 mins before cooking. Have all your ingredients measured and laid out before you commence. Eggs should be at room temperature and carefully separated, with no trace of yolk. Maybe make some chocolate pots de creme or sauce sabayon or mayonnaise with those yolks…

Whip egg whites and cream of tartar, building to high speed, until they are stiff and soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, a little at a time, beating well to dissolve each addition. Add the cornflour with the last amount of sugar. Meringue will be smooth and glossy. By hand, gently fold in the vinegar and the vanilla, lifting as you go to preserve the fluffiness of the meringue.

Use a sandwich tray, covered with lightly greased baking paper. Pile the meringue in the middle of the tray, shaping the mixture into as high a dome as possible after spreading in about a 12-inch oval, or pie shell shape, as preferred.

TIP: Meringue will expand a little bit and crack as it is cooking. It may also sink a bit in the middle once cooled, but that’s the part you fill with cream, anyway.

Cook at 250 degrees for 1 & ½ hours. Turn off heat and let cool in oven for a further two or so hours.

Once cold, decorate with whipped cream (lightly sweetened with powdered sugar and vanilla essence) and fruit. Also good to sprinkle with chocolate chips.

*Recipe from my friend Lisa - a true Aussie.

Basic Child Apron

This is the first child apron I've made. I made my own pattern by using a large piece of paper, folding it in half, drawing a basic pattern, and cutting it out. Pin the opened pattern on the material or keep it folded and pin it on the fold of the material and then cut. Look at a store bought typical apron for a basic pattern. I added a pocket and bottom strip in the light blue. After hemming the sides, I added ribbon to the sides and each corner on the top for strings to tie around the waist and neck. This would be a perfect size for a 1-2 year-old. For this particular apron, I should have made it a bit longer and wider to fit a 3-4 year-old.

Bing Cherry & Chocolate Streusel Bread Pudding

With a name like that, it better be good! It is. This is a melt in your mouth light but amazingly tasty dessert. The chocolate and cherries mix perfectly. I'm not a huge cherry fan, but this is a keeper. The recipe come from In the Kitchen the Costco Way. I'm a Costco fan and every year after Thanksgiving they have a FREE recipe book available for all members. There is some good stuff in there. Check out page 17 for an fast and surprisingly yummy dinner.

BING CHERRY & CHOCOLATE STREUSEL BREAD PUDDING

Butter-flavored spray

5 large eggs

4 large egg whites

1 1/2 cups skim milk (I used 2% and it worked well)

1/2 cup white sugar

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp grated nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground allspice

5 cups 1-inch cubes whole-grain bread with crusts removed

3 cups fresh cherries - 1/2 pitted and diced (I used probably double that) and 1/2 reserved whole

1/4 cup mini milk-chocolate chips (I used regular sized)

1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

6 ounces milk chocolate, melted (add oil if it doesn't drizzle smoothly)

Whipped cream

STREUSEL

1/3 cup flour

1/4 cup oatmeal

2 Tbsp chopped pecans

3 Tbsp brown sugar

2 Tbsp butter, softened

Preheat oven to 375. Coat a 13-by-9-inch glass pan with cooking spray.

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, and milk. Add sugar, vanilla, and spices, blending well.

In another bowl, toss bread cubes, diced cherries, chocolate chips, and nuts. Pour in the egg mixture and stir until well coated.

Press firmly into the greased baking dish and cover with foil. Bake until the custard is set, 40-45 minutes.

To prepare the streusel, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to blend.

Remove the foil and sprinkle the pudding with streusel.

Bake, uncovered, until puffed and golden brown, 15-20 minutes longer. Let cool for 15-20 minutes before serving.

To serve, drizzle melted milk chocolate over the pudding and top with cold whipped cream and the reserved whole cherries. Makes 12 servings.

Kitchen Towel Apron

I have a couple of these to make, but here's the first. I thought this looked like such a cute simple idea and inexpensive. I ended up putting pleats through the middle so it didn't bulge on the stomach. I would recommend having a lighter weight fabric so the sewing at the top is not so difficult. You will see that I sewed over it several times and then some more just to make it look on-purpose. You do what you have to do. I always feel bad when I give away the first apron I make of a new pattern...it's the guinea pig.

Picture from TONGA! Amy is now in Tonga with this apron. Wear them around the world and please send a picture! I wish I could make this one bigger, but it's a copy/paste job.

Finally...some food

Since I claim to have food on this blog, I should probably put some up here. I made these the other night. They are super easy and feed a crowd. They make 2 dozen. This is originally a recipe from a Girls' Camp I worked at for 2 summers. They were made often to feed the 3,500 girls that came through the camp every summer.

**My twist on the recipe is putting garlic powder and italian seasonings into the pizza dough. Also, the sweetness from the sugar is a nice compliment to the other ingredients. I don't know what it would taste like with a substitute.

HAM AND CHEESE ROLLS

1 3/4 c warm water
3 T yeast
1/2 c oil
1/2 c sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 t salt
5 c flour (plus a little more)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
grated cheddar cheese
ham slices

Mix water, yeast, oil, and sugar together and let stand 15 min. Then add eggs, salt, and slowly mix in flour to proper bread consistency. Roll out on floured surface in a large rectangle. Spread on a thin layer of cream cheese, sprinkle on cheddar cheese, then spread ham on top covering the entire surface. Roll up (tightly) and slice like sweet rolls. Bake on greased cookie sheet about 18 min at 350°F.

Estate Apron

I really want to go to some estate sales. My mom and sister found a vintage apron at one they happened upon and found a darling apron for sale. For a couple of bucks they picked up a cute treasure and then I found it tucked away in a bag in the basement. Finders keepers... Go to garage sales with material in mind: pillowcases, sheets, tablecloths, drapes, etc. You'll find some fun surprises.

Here's the original material:

I laid out the apron and made a pattern from it. Here's my version. The flower clip is an accessory to the apron.

I put it either on my right pocket or in my hair. It all depends on the mood of the day.

It's a short tie in the back. Unlike me, but you have to do what's best for the apron.

However, it was actually nice not to have so much fabric to turn inside out when making the ties.

Simple Cafe Apron

If you're looking for something fast, easy, and cute, this is the apron for you. It is an easy one to embellish with ruffles and pom-poms {because the world is a happier place with both of those} or rick-rack. That's not even mentioning pockets, or hammer holders, or the kitchen sink...

well, that might be pushing it.

The Ruffle Apron tutorial is useful in making a pattern for this; just omit the ruffle part of the instructions and make sure the body of the apron is right side out. The ties can be made to only tie in back or extra long to wrap around. As you know, I like having the bow in front. Too cute. This is a great 1st apron for anyone looking to start making aprons.

Today my super cute sis-in-law came over and made her own cafe apron. Watch out...you'll get hooked!

Ruffle Apron

I found this idea and could not pass it up! Expect people to say "you should make that into a skirt!"

I love making the ties long enough to wrap around in front, although it's optional to wear them that way. If you're really going to wear it to do dishes, then it will probably be more comfortable to have them tied in back. This is a great apron to make if you have a bunch of left-over material from other projects. It's fun to mix-and-match patterns and colors. I think it looks better with 5 ruffles over 4, but both cute. If you're following this tutorial but want 5 ruffles, do everything the same, just cut out an extra ruffle piece. Pin them all onto the back piece before you sew like the instructions say and it work perfectly the same. These are great fast gifts.

The First Apron: Emmeline Apron

I found this pattern while looking online here and ordered it! I anxiously awaited my package in the mail and couldn't wait to try it out. Totally worth the $12. I have now made 7 of them. One more pattern is cut out calling for me to sew it together pretty, but I haven't brought myself to do it yet.

This is a cute busty looking apron {whether or not you have one} that works great as a gift. I love that it's reversible. The pattern doesn't call for any frills on the bottom...but it's so much more fun with ruffles or pom-poms. The world always needs more of those.

Maybe for some outrageous price :-) I'd let you borrow my pattern, if you live close to me.

This is my favorite one that I've made so far.

I just can't get over that ORANGE.

I decided to make 3 aprons in one week for my mom, sister, and sister-in-law...I would not recommend that. But I just knew the picture of all of us wearing them would be to cute to pass up. It was worth it.

P.S. I originally made this first apron (the Superman one) because we did Superman theme for our Halloween costumes. The fabric was cut out in the right "S" shape and then I had a friend stitch all around the emblem to secure it in place. It was perfect.

And why not have a cute apron when you're pregnant!

Hello World

Make something that makes you happy today!