MJ goes Martha Stewart ;)

Not that I am ready to venture on too far with my sewing, this week did prove to be rather successful. Mostly due to the fact that my Mom was here to guide me through the 2 projects I attempted. First was the vintage 1950's apron. And man, reading a pattern is really tricky! Also, learning from a seamstress who likes to shortcut and knows all kinds of tricks is kinda hard as well. Right now, I am impressed that I mastered the backstitch!
We cut out the pattern from some great vintage fabric of big strawberries and polka dots. I used my rotary cutter (Thanks Karo!) because like I said I was getting the shortcut lesson.

I also realized you have to iron. Ick! Who knew!

Another funny little thing was that we ended up using chopsticks to thread a bobbin...really, my Mom has a creative way of getting through the problems that can arise. After about an hour and a half, (which we didn't do all at once) we had a very cute vintage style apron.

Now, let's bring back summer and make some jelly!

Today, I couldn't wait to get home to finish up on my umbrella tote. Last week before Mom came to town, I took the fabric off the broken umbrella. I've had it for years...you know, a fancy Vera Bradley that I couldn't bear to trash. I knew somehow, one day the fabric could be reused. 

After taking apart the panels, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that one umbrella will make 2 totes! I forgot to photograph the process but this was actually easier than the apron. The hardest part was the removal of the fabric from the umbrella skelton ;) which now will become a clothes dryer for us.

Now we have a great Market bag!

All tucked in with the orginal velcro strap!

The other tote is tucked inside the little pouch the umbrella used to slide into.

The book with all kinds of great was to reuse what we normal would throw out!

Yeah for my first 2 day sewing lesson~ I haven't tried this much sewing since Mrs. Haight's Home Economics class in high school!