A is for Apron Book Review

I recently cracked open a new, inspiring book on making, of all thing, Aprons!! A is for Apron is a fun book and if you want a quick project for a hostess gift, have some adorable left over fabric but not enough for a skirt, or if you're feeling like you need a short project to get your head back in the game - this is it!!

Who doesn't need an apron? The projects—from ultra-feminine and vintage chic to whimsical color-play—include waist and bib aprons, pinafores, smocks, cobblers, and even something for the pint-sized cook. All of the projects are photographed in a playful style. And templates, sewing basics, and quick and easy projects for sprucing up store-bought aprons and whipping up aprons from recycled materials are also included!

So, I grabbed a vintage dishcloth that I love - an old California map - and created this masterpiece.

And then I bought some groovy Christmas fabric (yes, it's in the stores already) and made this adorable gem!!








I'm hooked - guess I'll have to start cook and baking more often so I can wear my aprons!

October, our favorite month of the year!

Who doesn't love October? The crisp air that fall brings, Harvest Moon, fresh apples, changing leaves, and of course Halloween.

Take the time this fall to create something for yourself, you deserve it. It can be as simple as a new set of napkins and matching placemats or your own Halloween trick or treat bag. Our DVD's will guide you.

This October is special because Susie and I will be traveling to Italy to help our father celebrate his 80th birthday in the town his father grew up in. How special is that!

Susie will be blogging on her site Sweetie Petitti about the food during our trip.

May October bring special gatherings your way too!

Swap list of Designers is growing!

Just 10 short days to Swap O Rama Rama at the Shrine Expo Hall. This event is going to be bigger and better than ever. FreshPressed, a new and innovative design company will be on hand showcasing their process of creating screenprinting wearables.

Yelp will be there with their own booth where you can embellish one of their tote bags and take it home!

Several designers come to us from the school system and we are lucky to have them - Santa Monica College, FIDM, Pasadena school system and more. Hollywood will be represented and a bevy of independent designers as well.


Stations will include mittens, scraves, holiday stockings, plushies and open sewing. Save your clothes and come on down on Sunday, November 16 from 11am to 5pm at the Shrine Expo Center, 700 W 32nd St, LA 90007.



For a taste of Swap, check out this video from our June event.

Swap-O-Rama-Rama in LA Nov. 16

Hip Line Media is once again sponsoring the uber hip, utterly fun and eco friendly Swap O Rama Rama in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 16, 2008 at the Shrine Expo Center from 11am to 5pm.

This is a giant clothing swap staffed with volunteer designers armed with sewing machines. Bring a bag of clothes and $5 (or $10 without clothes) and get your creative juices flowing. You can even learn to sew your own.



There are more designers participating this year than ever! We'll have stations to make Holiday Stockings, Mittens, Plushies and more.

As a bonus, this year Swap will team up with Felt Club, an indie craft show, with over 150 booths of the best handmade goods around. So get set to do your Holiday shopping and creating at Holiday Swap.