Be Totally Centered!

Along with recently launching Six Corners Apron, we also designed and published Totally Centered Apron. Inspired by a desire to have a hidden pocket, we spent a bit of time designing a panel centered down the front of a typical Four Corners style apron with an area where a single pocket could be accessed by either hand. I did love figuring out how to create this one. Though you have to follow instructions carefully, the pattern turned out relatively simple. 

These first two versions shown here are Bonnie and Camille fabrics! Totally Center is fully lined with double-folded waist ties and neck strap -- totally quality made.

Notice the the pocket area can be accessed by either hand. 

Sew if you are wondering what the eleven Four Corners aprons are, here's the order:
Four Corners (the original)
Kid's Four Corners (for kids 18 months to 8 years)
Delicious Four Corners (uses jelly rolls)
His Apron (for guys)
There by Three (a blocked apron front)
Not Just for Christmas ( a Christmas version with sliding waist/neck ties)
Boho Four Corners (a bohemian version with a scooped neckline)
Cookies n' Cream (with scalloped edges)
Six Corners (a six corner version)
Santa Four Corners (a Santa version)
Totally Centered (a centered panel down the front with a hidden pocket).

Thanks everyone for following the Four Corners journey!

Re-inventing the Apron!

Vanilla House has re-invented the apron with our newest pattern launch of Six Corners Apron. With it's curious design, you make it with two right angled panels overlapping each other creating a split-angled bottom edge. The two panels mirror each other in every way except using coordinating fabrics. 

Not only is it trendy with it's split-angled bottom edge, it is very stylish and flattering with it's A-line shape.

So count the corners:

It is a great project for two fabulous pieces of fabric.

Here's the terminology of the apron:

Learn how to 'bird wing' corners, a technique that is very important on pointed corners like corners 1, 2, 5, and 6. 

Designer’s Tip: "Whenever you are turning a two-layer arrangement right side out, you need to clip the corners before turning to reduce bulky corners. You can clip straight across but I like another version called ‘bird winging’ the corners. Note the enlargement -- “Do you see the bird wing shape?” Be careful to NOT clip the seam."

Own Six Corners Apron pattern by sewing and learning and loving the art of apron making today!

Five Great Projects in Klassy Kitchen

Our Klassy Kitchen pattern offers five projects that are such great gift ideas. Techniques shown in the pattern are well illustrated and easy to make. The apron shown below would work well for a hostess gift. The pocket adds tons of accent. The whole apron maybe takes an hour to make.

Handmade place mats, especially for wedding gifts, is always well received. You could add some glassware, silverware, or even some dishes to go with the placemats.

One of Vanilla House's favorite gifts is a mixing bowl, oven mitt, and a gift bag containing Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix. Who wouldn't want that?!

Gift Bag with Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix inside. Printable bag topper included.

Last but not least, coordinating an organizational accessory like the Pocket Hangers is always a big hit!

Coordinate your Klassy Kitchen -- spectacular in every way!

New Santa pattern just in the nick of time!

Santa Four Corners #234

New Santa pattern just in the nick of time for your Christmas parties and gift-giving! This is yet another version of Vanilla House's signature Four Corners Apron. I love the U-shaped pocket. It really is our easiest and maybe our cutest pocket in our inventory. 
Merry Christmas everyone!

Cookies 'n Cream Apron is simply delicious!

Furthering our efforts to publish spin-offs of our famous apron, Four Corners, we have come up with another version of our signature 'square-on-point' apron series. Appropriately named 'Cookies 'n Cream', this version is simply delicious. Maybe the scalloped edges remind you of cookies and cakes covered with cream frosting. Or maybe the scalloped edges resemble lacy doilies under your favorite pastries! Whatever the connection, we are sure everything you make in this apron will taste delicious! 
Likes its original counterpart, the apron is lined with a coordinating print that matches the neckline flap, pocket flap, and neck and waistline straps. But different from Four Corners, the neck flap is is made semi-faux. The original Four Corner neckline flap folds over from the back. On Cookies 'n Cream, the flap is sewn on separately, and the neck straps are sewn into the seam. Made differently but looks the same. This apron is so easy to make and looks good on every figure. 

Cookies 'n Cream apron

The Four Corners Apron Series

I think I have posted the Four Corners apron series before but since the series

is growing all the time, so here we go again:

The Original 'Four Corners' apron.

Kid's Four Corners

Delicious Four Corners

His Apron!

Three by Three

Not Just for Christmas!

Boho Four Corners

Cookies n' Cream

New e-patterns listed today.

Posted new e-patterns today. Someday they will all get posted.

School Girl Apron vhE144

One-sie Conversion! vhE163

Poppy's Easy Dress vhE169

Valerie Wells fabric -- projects for Sisters Quilt Show!

Jean Wells asked if I would make some samples for the Sisters Quilt Show! Sure! The following pics show the Boho Four Corners and Fabric Caddies using Valerie Wells new fabric. I just love her new fabric.

Boho Four Corners P216 using Valerie Wells' new block print fabrics.

Fabric Caddies P221 using Valerie Wells' new block print fabrics.

New patterns on the horizon!

With Quilt Market around the corner, I am finishing up models for the patterns. I will be able to release pictures of patterns coming soon. Here's a sneak peek:

Boho 4 Corners apron!

A Bohemian version of our signature Four Corners Apron!

Clothworks subs fabric out! Great Job!

Clothworks occasionally takes one of our patterns and Photoshops out the cover fabric and subs in one of their new fabrics that is being released. Here's their latest sub out! I think they did an amazing job - so good, it makes my original fabric look boring! Sweet Temptations! and Fish in the Oven (mitt!)!

Vintage Apron Ensemble

These half aprons, made from lawn, are some of my favorite aprons ever. I like the way they went together, especially Flower Garden. I actually don't wear them, but simply glad I own them. These three samples are the only ones I ever made and still have them (didn't give them away like other samples) - treasures for sure! I really should make some more!

Vintage Apron Ensemble - P134

Garden Flowers - my favorite!

Pretty in Pink (has hidden pockets in the center panel).

Roses and Old Lace

This is an awesome apron we designed sometime ago but still really love. It has a curvy, sweet element with a princess neckline but super, super easy to make. Great pocket on a second skirt layer! 

P149 Sweet Temptations! apron

Four Corners available as an Epattern!

We now have 12 patterns available online as Epatterns. 'Four Corners' is one of our more popular patterns that is on the website!

The Colorful Cook! -- a new spring apron!

I decided to try another apron and satisfied with the results. The style is easy-to-make but I think the greatest feature is the bright, solid-colored fabrics with less-than-obvious color combinations!

Yum!

Available as a traditional paper pattern OR Epattern. And an online video overview available -- address is within the pattern.

New projects this spring! -- Fabrics!

Starting my new spring designs. Just bought some fabrics at Fabric Depot! Such a great selection!
These solids are soooo beautiful! So I decided to do some projects in solids, which seems like an interesting approach  -- let's see how it goes! 

Don't you love these colors?!!! They look very good with the contrasting black background!
There will eventually be three projects: 1) cactus and jade -- with black, 2) ochre with tangerine -- with black, and 3)bluegrass and pomegranite -- with black. And check out the Kona Cotton color card:
www.fabricdepot.com/kona-cotton-color-card

Robert Kaufman Kona Cottons

Making Christmas gifts - such a great sentiment!

This ensemble is called 'My Other Kitchen' (P157). Great for Christmas gifts. Apron (reversible), dish towel, food gift bag white chocolate chip scone mix, oven mitt, wall pocket hanger, and placemat with napkin. The scone mix is my favorite item. Make the mix (uses white chocolate chips from the grocery store)  --  put the mix in a plastic bag, then place in the fabric gift bag. The topper template comes with the pattern; make a copy. The instructions for putting in the egg, etc is on the back of the topper. Add a spoon or gift card!
It is a great gift for neighbors at Christmas.

Made up in blues - the favorite color of most people.

It is always fun to see a project made up in another fabric.