The Apronista - Aprons, Vintage Aprons, Apron Patterns, Tutorials

Handmade Holidays - Free Ruffled Apron Tutorial

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:23:00 +0000

Jaime of Prudent Baby made an adorable apron for her and her daughter for Hanukkah. She shared her pattern and tutorial on her blog. I love everything about this apron - the fabric, the ball fringe...ah, the ball fringe - my love knows no bounds.

Apron of the Week

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:58:00 +0000

Ican't think of a better Christmas gift for the favorite women in your life than an adoable apron. While some still see Aprons as a symbol of domestic drudgery, todays aprons are made from fabulous fabrics and are as well designed as any garment. I wear my aprons all the time - not just for cooking or cleaning - but for holding my phone, ipod, hair tie, gum, and even keys and wallet as I make a quick trip to the store. Today's Aprons are as much an accessory as any goodie from Manolo Blahnik, Gucci, or Tiffany - and they are much cheaper!

This weeks Apron is from Etsy, one of my favorite addictions (seriously - I can spend HOURS in there!). Happy Holidays Apron has one of THE cutest fabrics, Annie's Attic has done a great job coordinating fabrics, and of course I ALWAYS love polka dots. Seriously, you should get this one now before I do.

For more Apron Shopping visit the listing of FABULOUS Apron makers from my cyber Monday post, add your own listing if you have a shop or aprons to sell, and don't forget to visit our AWESOME sponsors!!

Free Christmas Apron Pattern!!

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:50:00 +0000

Phyllis Dobbs has shared great patterns with us before, and her latest, an adorable Christmas Apron is NO exception. If you make a Christmas apron this year, for you or as a gift, share it on the Apronista Fan Page!

Sell Aprons? List your shop here for cyber Monday!

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:10:00 +0000

Good morning Apronistas! I hope you are all ready for some AWESOME Holiday shopping! I have the Mc Linky below to link up your holiday shops and I can't wait to visit all of your awesome sites. I only ask 1 thing -

If you link to a shop that has anything other than aprons, please note that in the title. I don't mind etsy shops or other handmade items, but please no spammy links please!!

Next week I will do a handmade tutorials Mc Linky - link to yours or your favorite handmade goodie tutorial!!

Have a great week!!

White Christmas Flirty Apron Swap - Christmas Carol Creations

shawneeh@yahoo.com (Shawnee) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:02:00 +0000

H
i Apronistas! Guest blogger Shawnee here to invite you to join my Christmas Flirty Apron Swap!! I love everything about Christmas ... the lights, decorations, parties, special church pageants and plays, how everyone is just a little nicer, and I especially love the sounds of the season. So, in this year's winter swap, participants will put on their creativity caps and create an apron representative of their partner's favorite carol! I hope you can join in the fun.

(click on an image to register)

Deadline to Register: November 15
Partners Sent: November 17
NEW Swappers: mail to Shawnee before November 30
All Others Mail After: November 30
But Mail Before: December 6

Create a handmade "White Christmas" apron - an apron created based on one of your partner's favorite Christmas carols - and include a note about how you spend Christmas along with $15 worth of gift-wrapped goodies to round out your special package.

If you have anything you'd like to donate for a giveaway, just let me know and I'm happy to highlight your shop or blog in exchange. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Here's a button that you can put on your blog to help spread the word. the more people involved in the swap, the more fun it will be!

you gotta hop out of your reader to get the code!

so get out there spread the word and let's have some fun!!

AFTER YOU REGISTER, jump over to the Flirty Apron Swap Blog and comment so we can see who's IN!!

Ok, so it's not an Apron...

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:22:00 +0000

b

ut one of my online BFF's, Jen of Her Southern Charm, is sponsoring a giveaway at the Nesting Place - you could win one of Jen's most popular items!

What are you still doing here?? Go GO! : )

Suzy Homemaker

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:47:00 +0000

I love vintage commercials, and as soo as I saw this one I knew I had to share it with you all - listen to the narrator's voice - it makes housework sound SOO appealing, doesn't it?

Can you believe - burners that heat up??

Mad About Plaid Aprons from Tie One On

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Are you mad about plaid? Then you will just die when you see the gorgeous Aprons in Amy Karol's latest Apron challenge - I love all the great pictures too!! Don't forget about Amy's next theme - Peppermint Candy! How perfect for Christmas!!

Super Easy Rhubarb Pie

divinedomesticity@gmail.com (Ali) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0000

posted by Ali at Divine Domesticity

Not only is this pie super easy, it is super delicious. It has got to be my favorite pie recipe of all time. Sweet and tart, totally perfect in my opinion. Enjoy!

Super Easy Rhubarb Pie
Makes several servings

4 cups chopped rhubarb
1 1/3 cups white sugar
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter
Ready made pie dough

1. Preheat oven to 450-f degrees. Place first dough in baking dish and form to your liking.

2. Combine flour and sugar in a separate bowl. Add 1/4 of mix to the bottom of your pie crust. Add chopped rhubarb then add the rest of your flour/sugar mixture. Break up butter into small pieces and dot on top of rhubarb.

3. Bake for 15 minutes on lowest rack. Reduce temperature to 350-f degrees and bake for 40-45 minutes. Drape pie loosely with tin foil once crust has browned to your liking to avoid burning.

4. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or at room temperature. Now go eat!

Halloween Goodness

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0000

H

alloween has never been one of my favorite Holidays - I mean I LOVE fall, and I LOVE pumpkins and I LOVE seeing other people's creativity when it comes to costumes but I have never been a big fan of dressing up myself. But Treats and Decorating? I'm all over that - these are a few of the things that are inspiring me this Halloween season...

Leigh Anne From Your Homebased Mom made this Yummy (and REALLY pretty) Candy Corn Cookie Bark - Definitely on my to-do list

My friend Jen from Her Southern Charm shows her Fall Decor in her home - SERIOUSLY drool-worthy!!

Sequins AND pumpkins? Be still my beating heart (via Better Homes and Gardens)

Going back to Candy Corn, how cute is this idea from Country Living to use candy corn to decorate a candle?

Chris from Just a Girl shows how to Decorate for Halloween without spending a fortune - I LOVE the 31 plaque - so simple but great impact!

And a Few More...

How about Orange gives links to some great Pumpkin Decorating Tutorials
The Party Dress shares some fabulous Pumpkin Images - I love the one on the fireplace!
Have you ever been Boo'ed? Have you ever BOO'ED? Kelly From According to Kelly shows how

Have you posted or found any great decorating, recipe or other Autumn/Fall/Halloween posts? Leave your links in the comments and share with us!

Heavenly Hostess Winner!

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0000

H
appy Monday! I am happy to announce that the winner of the October Apronista Heavenly Hostess Giveaway is the person who left comment #101:

the BLAH BLAH BLAHger said...

I tweeted!

Congratulations! I have to let you all know though that this was the second entry I drew - the first had no email address and her profile was private - so please! If you have a blogger profile, please set your email address to show - I have seeing no-reply@blogger.com when I get a comment on the apronista - sometimes I just want to say thanks for a comment or ask for more information and I can't because there IS no return address :( Hey - maybe that will be my next giveaway challenge - you can only enter IF you set your email to show up on your profile - lol.

Breast Cancer Awareness Apron Swap and Contest

shawneeh@yahoo.com (Shawnee) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:45:00 +0000

Guest blogger Shawnee here. I'm excited to let Apronistas everywhere know registrations are open for three more days for a very special Passionately Pink Apron Swap. I hope you'll join us. Even if you don't have time to join, please consider blogging/tweeting/inviting your friends and be eligible to win some pink goodies. Breast Cancer Awareness is a worthy cause!Sassy/Flirty Apron Swap - Passionately Pink Apron Swap
Last Day to Sign-up - October 10, 2009
Last Day to Ship Packages - October 30, 2009

This special apron swap is for Breast Cancer Awareness. You will make TWO Passionately Pink aprons in this swap – one for your assigned partner and will include at least $15 worth of pink goodies to make a fun package; the second apron is for you to somehow leverage for The Cause. Half of the $10 registration fee will be donated to Breast Cancer research, half will be held for prizes and angel packages. If you have something you'd like to donate as a prize (preferably pink or breast cancer logo'd), then contact Shawnee and your registration fee is only $8. REGISTRATION INFORMATION HERE. Hurry though; registrations end Saturday!

Apronista October Giveaway - Heavenly Hostess

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:23:00 +0000

Happy October everyone!! I get so excited this time of year - I am already looking forward to Thanksgiving Dinner, and then before you know it, it's Christmas! I have to admit I love giving aprons as a gift, and I will be showing you plenty of great Aprons and other goodies in the next couple of months that would make DIVINE gifts.

Let's get the Month started with a FABULOUS giveaway from one of our favorite Apron Designers - The Heavenly Hostess has been a part of The Apronista almost from the beginning, and if you've never seen a Heavenly Hostess Apron, you are missing out! From the Fanciest Cocktail Aprons made from Taffeta and Lace, to Cotton Aprons in Halter, Mens, half and Reversible styles - there is a style for every taste. PLUS she also makes matching Hotpad gloves, Tea Towels, and headbands. AND if you are lucky enough to live in Southern California, you can go visit her in person in her adorable shop in Old Towne Orange.

The Winner of this Giveaway will recieve their choice of apron from the Heavenly Hostess Collection - to enter, please go to the Heavenly Hostess site and choose your favorite apron. Then come back and leave a comment here with your choice - That's it! Of course, you may enter up to 2 more times by either twittering (using @theapronista ) or blogging this giveaway and leaving a link to your tweet or post in the comments.

What a great way to kick off the Holiday Season! There are less than 12 weeks til Christmas, and you can never start shopping too soon!

This giveaway will be open until Friday October 9th at 9PM Pacific Time. The winner will be chosen by random.org . Good Luck!!!

Thank you to our Apronista Sponsors!

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:36:00 +0000

This is the first of what will be a monthly post highlighting some of my awesome sponsors - I am so grateful to each one of them for helping to support this site and make it possible for all of us to find all kinds of amazing Apronistas!

Girly Aprons - Jessie Steele, Kaydee Designs and all sorts of pink goodness
Skin Botanica - one of the best resources for Organic and Vegan skin care
Not Quite June Cleaver - Fabulous site, amazing recipes, adorable aprons
The Hip Hostess - Great Aprons that fit all body shapes - my go-to aprons!
4 Reluctant Entertainers - One of the most Gracious Women you will ever want to meet - and I am lucky enough to have met her at Blissdom Last year!

Make sure you pay a visit to these great sites and thanks for being a part of the Apronista!

Chocolate Eclair Cake

divinedomesticity@gmail.com (Ali) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:56:00 +0000

posted by Ali at Divine Domesticity

Are you in need for a easy dessert to take to casual summer parties? Chocolate Eclair Cake is a great way to go. It is best served the first or second day, after being refrigerated for a few hours.

I originally made the frosting from scratch but it turned out kinda grainy and gross. I will go the easy route next time around and try out a pre-made frosting.

So what if it is a little bit white trash? I love it!

Chocolate Eclair Cake
Makes one 9" x 13" cake

Ingredients:
1 (16 ounce) package graham crackers
2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
4 cups milk
1 (16 ounce) package frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (16 ounce) package prepared chocolate frosting

1. Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan with graham crackers. In a large bowl, combine the milk and vanilla pudding according to directions on box. Fold in the whipped topping. Spread a layer of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers. Alternate the graham cracker and pudding layers up to the top of the pan.

2. Cook the container of prepared frosting, uncovered in the microwave for 1 minute on half power. Pour over the top of the cake. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours before serving.

Photo- Chocolate eclair cake, originally uploaded by Jeremy Carbaugh.

$5 Aprons at Beansoup Aprons!

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 02:59:00 +0000

Every Friday, Beansoup Aprons is having a $5 sale on one apron in their inventory, to make way for new designs - check out which apron is on sale!

Free Apron Patterns!

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 04:09:00 +0000

Adorable, basic apron pattern over at Phyllis Dobb's Art Studio! First person to make one and send me a picture will get it posted here on the Apronista!

Name a Cupcake!

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:20:00 +0000

Have you ever wanted to name a cupcake? Now's your chance! Sugadeaux (how CUTE is that name?) is offering up an adorable Cupcake Apron for the winner of their contest - naming this Pistachio/Vanilla/Cardamom Cupcake - go check it out!!

Apron Fest 09 wrap-up and winners

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 22:12:00 +0000

Thank you so much to everyone who helped to make Apron Fest such a success - you all had some great giveaways! I am so glad you all had fun discovering new apronistas, and I loved reading your entries for my own giveaway - I like reading all the reasons you like one apron over another...

So enough with the babbling, on to the winners!!

First, the winner of the Apron Fest participants giveaway, which is 3 months advertising on the Apronista is:
# 18 - Brassy Apple

Congrats! I will be contacting you this week to set that up!

The winner of the D Lux-57 Apron of their choice is: #63 (chosen by random.org)

Sprittibee said...
Blackbirds and Cherry Pie. I've never had an apron. :) I hope I win. I'll feel super domestic. Might make my grandma proud, God bless her soul.

Congratulations! I will be contacting you this week to get your new Apron out to you!!

Check back this week - I have another giveaway this week from The Heavenly Hostess!!!

D-LUX 57 Apron Giveaway!

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:05:00 +0000

Ack - I could die from the cuteness here - polka dots, ball fringe, MORE polka dots? *SWOON*

Lucky for you, you can win this or any of the fabulous Aprons at D-Lux 57 . Simply go to their site, choose your favorite apron, and come back here to leave a comment with your choice. The winner will receive their choice, packaged in a matching fabric bag!

You may also enter again by posting or tweeting (twittering?) about the giveaway and leaving another comment with the link to your post/tweet.

This giveaway will be open til Sunday August 9th at Midnight PST. The winner will be drawn at randon on random.org - winner's name will be posted on this post on Monday August 10th.

Good Luck!!

Apron FEST '09

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Here it is! The biggest Apron event we've ever had! Post your giveaway below, and don't forget to visit all the other giveaways. I will also be hosting 2 givaways here, and will be drawing one of the participants below to recieve 3 months free advertising on the Apronista. Have fun, good luck, play nice and - oh yeah - Happy Birthday to ME!

Thanks Susan (Not Quite June Cleaver) for the fun new button!!

Get your Apron Fest Button here!

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:17:00 +0000

Here is the button for Apron Fest - it's not necessary to place it in your post to participate, but it has a link to the Apronista coded in, so it makes it easy to link to the festival. The post where you can sign up your giveaway will go up approximately 7am EST, and I will be posting 2 giveaways myself - from Heavenly Hostess and D-Lux 57, then I will be drawing a name from all the participants to win 3 months advertising on the Apronista - that's a $150 value!

<a href="http://apronista.com"></a>

See you on Monday! Wear your best Apron! :)

One more week til Apron-fest!

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:55:00 +0000

I can't wait to see what you all have come up with for Apron-fest!!

So this is what will happen:

Next Monday morning, there will be a post here at 7AM Eastern time. That post will introduce Apron-Fest, and have a Mr Linky where you can post a link to your giveaway. There will also be a button you can grab for your blog that you can post if you want (not a requirement!). Leave your name with the url of the giveaway post itself, not your blog url - for example:

Name: The Apronista (D-Lux 57 apron giveaway)
URL: http://apronista.blogspot.com /dlux57giveaway

So that visitors to your blog go right to your giveaway.

I had been hoping to have the apronista makeover done for Apron fest, but I have been so crazy busy this summer with design work that my own blogs go sadly neglected. But I have some fun things in store, and I will reveal the new design soon!!

Mini Chocolate Chip Orange Scones with Chocolate Cream Cheese Spread

divinedomesticity@gmail.com (Ali) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

posted by Ali at Divine Domesticity

I am in love with these tender little scones. Chocolate and orange just go together in my book. One word of warning: I found the scones themselves to be infinitely better when served fresh, so make them as close as you can to your planned serving time.

Mini Chocolate Chip Orange Scones
Makes 8 scones or 16 mini scones

For the Scones:
2 cups AP flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1.2 cup unsalted butter, chilled
2 large eggs
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. grated orange peel
3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips (I used regular chocolate chips, which worked great)

Optional glaze: To give your scone a shiny top, brush either milk, half and half or 1 egg white mixed with 1/2 tsp. water

1. Preheat oven to 425 f degrees. Butter a 9 inch diameter circle in the center of a baking sheet. If using a mini scone pan, spray with Pam with Flour.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter into small cubes and distribute them over the flour mixture. With a pastry blender, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, stir together the eggs, orange juice, vanilla, and orange peel. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir to combine. The dough will be sticky. With lightly floured hands, knead in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed.

3. With lightly floured hands, pat the dough into an 8 inch diameter circle in the center of the prepared baking sheet. If using a mini scone pan, using a silpat mat, spread the dough out with your hands into a 9x9 inch square. Cut into equal quarters. Then, cut those 4 squares diagonally across. Cut again, in opposite direction.

4. You should have 16 adorable little triangles now! If desired, brush the glaze mixture (see above) over the top and sides of the dough. If using mini scone pan, only brush the tops of your scones with the glaze. With a serrated knife, cut into 8 wedges. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center of a scone comes out clean. If using a mini scone pan, bake for approx. 17 minutes, checking at 15 minutes to see if done.

5. Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack and cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm, or cool completely and store in an airtight container. These scones freeze well.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Spread
Makes approx 1 cup

3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 ounce bittersweet chocolate (I used Valrhone Bittersweet)
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbsp. sour cream

1. Melt the butter and chocolate in the microwave (about 30 seconds). Stir until thoroughly combined. Cool for 5 minutes. In a small bowl, with a fork, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the sugar and vanilla. Gradually beat in the chocolate mixture until blended. Stir in the sour cream.

2. Cover and refrigerate until slightly firm. To serve, let stand for 5 minutes at room temperature to soften.

Recipes courtesy of Simply Scones - Quick and Easy Recipes for More Than 70 Delicious Scones and Spreads

Cute New Apron Pattern!

domesticchicky@gmail.com (Domestic Chicky) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Isn't this adorable? It's reversible too!!

It comes in 3 adult and 3 children's sizes in the same pattern! You can find this pretty Apron Pattern over at Phat Fabric, or you can win one at the Crafty Crow.