Tie on a Challenge With Pieceful Quilting’s Apron Challenge

“Wow”... the only words that currently come to mind as I shift through my “bag o crap”...Yes crap (miscellaneous buttons, fabric scraps, ribbon, etc) ...How am I going to make this into a prize winning apron????

Yes I said APRON and for those of you who may not know the apron is making a comeback. Most of us can remember our grandmother or great grandmother sporting her apron as she prepared Sunday dinner or fresh baked goods. The apron was a staple in her wardrobe...it allowed her to have some style in the kitchen, not to mention practicality, while protecting her clothing beneath. Aprons were used as a quick pot holder when removing hot plates from the oven, a place to carry vegetables from the garden, to dry children’s tears or even as a quick duster when unexpected company arrived. These aprons became our grandmother’s trademark but have been somewhat absent from our daily lives, until recently.

Custom aprons are the number one request from my friends and family and it is one of my favorite gifts to give. They are quick to make, allow you to use a ton of fun fabrics, and can be embellished to your hearts content. I love watching people examine their apron for the first time searching for the personal touches I add throughout....The only difficult part of being the only person who gives handmade gifts is....you never get an handmade gift back...haha

And when it comes to handmade and customization the ladies of Pieceful Quilting take the cake. They are so creative and imaginative that they can make something absolutely beautiful from CRAP! And that is just what the store owner, Angie, is challenging us to do....make a beautiful apron from CRAP....

So how does it work? For $10 you can pick up your very own “Bag O Crap” from the shop. It is filled with mismatched buttons, bits of ribbons, scraps of fabric, and one really ugly piece of fabric that must be visible on the FRONT of your apron...YUCK! You take your bag home and use it to create a one of a kind apron. You must use that super ugly fabric and at least 30% of the crap from your bag. Aprons are then anonymously submitted to the shop by August 4th, 2011 to be displayed and judged. First prize is a new sewing machine!!!!!

If you visit the shop this week you will see that the employees have already completed their challenge with their aprons hanging in the classroom awaiting your vote for the best! Stop in and see what these women were able to do with a “Bag O Crap”...

Now I say to you all, as I look hopelessly at my “Bag O Crap,” how can I turn this crap into something beautiful...I am taking suggestions but I will not reveal my apron until after the challenge has ended and the prizes are awarded....Last time I was there Angie still had two bags left for the challenge so if you think you are up to the challenge we welcome you...

Please stay tuned for my follow ups on the challenge!

Until Next Time....Happy Sewing,

- Jeannie Sargent aka “The Mad Quilter”