"Regency Inspired" Aprons

I've been touching up my design for my regency inspired aprons here and there, and in the process I made several which are now for sale! The first adjustment was to add pockets, one on each side.

In my first apron, I actually sewed the criss-cross straps to the waist, and the ties were sewn on separately, so it wasn't very adjustable.

Then I realized I could make it more adjustable by simply having the criss cross straps go through a buttonhole on the waist, and then tie. That's how this one is done:


Blue and Yellow Floral/Gingham 1

(Because this was still an "experimental phase" apron that has buttonholes instead of D-rings, I'm reducing the price to $25.)














A closeup of the fabric, it's a bit hard to see but the gingham is blue and yellow:





I thought the buttonhole was good, but then I decided to simply sew a D ring on each side for the straps to go through, which I thought gave it a nicer finish. The rest are all using D rings.



Blue and Yellow Floral/Gingham 2 - SOLD


















Springtime Pink and Green - SOLD

















Country Blue and White Floral - SOLD

















Regal Red - SOLD

(Ok I admit it...this one is my fave. Red is just my weakness...)
















Sweetheart Pink - SOLD
















All of these (but the first, which is $25) are $35 each, plus shipping. Email me at mllevaleur(at)hotmail(dot)com if interested! I'm also willing to do customized aprons, if any of these spark a different idea or color scheme you'd like!

UPDATE: Most of the ones listed above have been sold now, but keep an eye on my Etsy Shop for more coming soon!

A Confession...

I have never outgrown the desire to play dress up. I dream of wearing fancy, completely impractical historical gowns...so now you'll understand why I just spent at least a couple hours drooling over Jenny LaFleur's website. She's living my dream!! I think I would love to create costumes, though I imagine that isn't likely to happen any time soon! I'm so jealous, lol...but in the meantime, I'm adding her under my "inspiration" links and plan to live vicariously through her gorgeous creations! (And I'm doubly envious that she actually has events to wear these things to, how fun!)

Apron Idea Realized...

Ta-da!






Only tricky thing about these is figuring out how to put it on with the criss cross straps, lol, but once it's on, I think it's pretty cute. :-) Also, having a pretty large bust, I needed to make sure I left enough room to be able to tie it under the bust as it's meant to be tied. But it wasn't difficult at all!

I will custom make these in your favorite color or print for $35.

An Idea

I've been having a strange urge to do something with box pleats...I love them, not sure why! I've also always loved the regency style, and while I'm not confident in my abilities enough yet to make a full dress (which would likely require using a pattern and I'm avoiding that as long as possible), I thought HEY! Maybe I can use the regency style as inspiration for an apron...and use some box pleats for fun!!

So, this is my rough idea:

There will be 2 fabrics used, one (probably something bold) that makes the center panel, and on the sides and the straps there will be a (more subtle) coordinating fabric.



The back will be criss crossed...I saw this recently when we watched the BBC Pride and Prejudice and it stuck with me!



And this is just mentally flattening the apron to figure out what I need to do.



Wish me luck!

Some Reversible Skirts

Took me long enough to get to these! They're finally done, a matching set for Mom and daughter.











The mini version is also reversible, I just didn't take any pics of it reversed.

Fabric Gift Bags

I made these drawstring gift bags for some Easter gifts, they were quick and easy!



Yes, that is my favorite toile. ;-) This one was lined with a red gingham.



They're a great way to use up leftover scraps, especially for those pretty and delicate fabrics you just don't want to throw away.

Here I used some stretchy lace over some red fabric.



And this was a gorgeous gold that I just had scraps of.