Keep Smiling

Keep Smiling

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Aprons from Re-purposed Denium Jeans and Dresses


I have been busy taking some old jeans,
 a denim skirt and a denim dress, 
and turning them into useable aprons. 
It was a fun project
 and 
I really like the end product. 
I thought that I would show them off 
and see what you think.
  
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This one started out as a straight skirt.  
I used the back of the skirt 
and added fabric, lace and rickrack. 

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This is the back of a pair of my old Levis.
I like that it provides the wearer 
with some nice pockets. 

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This apron started out as a denim skirt.
See the cute little daisy buttons 
I found to embellish it.

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The next two aprons were made from the same denim dress. 
 I used the front for this one 
and the back of the dress for the next one.
 
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The transfer on the front was one that I found on 
The Graphics Fairy
at
http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com

I love that blog !
If you have never gone there,
I would say to head there now . . .
WAIT!
not until you have finished looking through my post 
and leaving a delightful comment. 

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This is the back of the same dress.
This transfer was also from
The Graphics Fairy.
I really like how feminine
these last two turned out.
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Here is a close-up of the bib.

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This is the back 
and a great 
place to end my post.

So until we meet again, 
my aprons will be waving gently
in the breeze, happily ever after . . .
The End.

Have a lovely day,
and please leave a comment.
I read each and every comment
and really appreciate 
hearing your thoughts.  

Connie 

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86 comments:

  1. Connie, you are amazing with these aprons, they are the cats meow! I know I am going to make one for myself, what a great idea! xox. Just love your blog! *_*

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    1. Hello Jay, I am delighted that you like my aprons. I had a lot of fun making them. If you do make one, be sure and put a photo of it on your posts. I do hope that your garden is doing well. Maybe you can help me with a garden question. Something is eating my green beans ... these are little plants only about two or three inches tall. I come out in the morning and the leaves are either gone or full of little holes and look like lace. Then this morning half of my row of zinnias was top-less. They were little too, just sprouted last weekend. Could it be ants? What do you suggest? I've been spraying the beans, but it doesn't seem to help. I sure could use some advice. Connie :)

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  2. Wow, Connie, you have been busy stitching up a storm....

    Your aprons looks great and I love that they are made using repurposed clothing.
    Not too delicate and dainty that you are scared to use them and get them dirty........
    Love the transfers from the Graphics Fairy and your Tulips are just gorgeous too.

    CLaire :}

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    1. Dear Claire, thank you so much for stopping by . . . I do love making things from old clothing. When I was small my mother and grandmother always patched, melted and darned, to make an item last longer. I just turn it into something else, especially denim. Today I was re-purposing a pair of jeans into gifts for my granddaughters. That will be a future post. Thank you again for dropping by. If, I'da known you were coming, I'da baked a cake. Connie :)

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  3. That is a brilliant idea - especially using the back pockets for the apron pockets :) I shall have to remember that :)

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    1. Hi Vicki, it is very good to see you. I'm glad you like my aprons and if you try this idea be sure and post your finished project. I would love to see your version. Have a wonderful day, Connie :)

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  4. These are just beautiful! My mother made some last year for the craft show and they sold like hotcakes! Who knew aprons were coming back in style!

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    1. Hi Linda, I am so glad that they are back in style. I don't wear them much, because now that I'm retired I don't dress up as often as before. They are great for protecting your good clothes and I can sometimes get pretty messy. I probably should be wearing one in the studio when I paint . . . I have been known to get paint on a favorite pair if jeans. Thanks so much for stopping in. I love your visits, Connie :)

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  5. Connie- Those are absolutely gorgeous. You did a wonderful job with them. Doesn't it just make you smile to see them all hanging up and remembering what they used to be? xo Diana

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    1. Hi there Sweetie Pie, it's nice to see you! I had loads of fun making these and it was my first time to use transfers, too. I am in love with all the wonderful clip art on Graphic Fairy. Those folks are a true blessing. Thanks so much for stopping by. I love it when I open my comments and see your beautiful smile. Connie :)

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  6. They look really nice but I had to laugh when I pictured anything being made out of my jeans, even the the best ones are full of holes and stains. I guess my wife should use her old ones and throw mine away.

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    1. Hi There, I'm happy that I put a smile on your face. Maybe she should buy you some new jeans. She probably will if she reads this and finds that the whole world knows our wearing old holey jeans, LOL. Have a wonderful day and keep laughing, isn't laughter marvelous? Connie :)

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  7. What fabulous aprons Connie!
    Victoria xx

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    1. Hi There, I'm happy that I put a smile on your face. Maybe she should buy you some new jeans. She probably will if she reads this and finds that the whole world knows our wearing old holey jeans, LOL. Have a wonderful day and keep laughing, isn't laughter marvelous? Connie :)

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  8. Your aprons are amazing! I just love them :)

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    1. Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you . . . I needed that. You're a sweetheart. Connie :)

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  9. Oh I love your aprons Connie, such an excellent idea. I often go into Graphics Fairy to download vintage designs for printing etc but how do you put these onto fabric?
    Patricia x

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    1. Hi Patricia, I just love Graphics Fairy. If you want to put their clip art on fabric, first you purchase transfer paper. I bought mine at Wal-mart. You must have an ink jet printer. Some brands might work with laser printers, but the brand I bought will not. Then you reverse your imagine (other wise when you print it any words will come out backward). Hit the print button. Then just iron your image onto the fabric. It's very simple and really turns a plain project into something wonderful. Let me know if you try it. Have a great day and thank you so much for stopping by and for leaving such a sweet comment. Connie :)

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    2. Hi Connie, thanks so much for this I'm definitely going to have a go, can't wait to try it and I'll put a photo on my blog for you to see. Now that my exam is over there's so much I want to start doing, photography, crafting and all manner of things. Thank you also for your lovely comment on my last post, I really appreciate it.
      Patricia x

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  10. Hi Connie!!
    Cute, cute, cute aprons!!
    I do love how you incorporated the pockets into the apron fronts.
    All apron wearin' gals need a pocket or two :)

    Smiles :)
    Kerin

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    1. Hi Kerin, you certainly are right about needing a pocket. I have aprons without pockets, but prefer a handy little spot to stash a little something. I am very pleased that you like my aprons. I actually made these back in April when my tulips were blooming, but I hadn't gotten the photos downloaded and ready to blog. I'm so happy the you stopped by for a visit. I wish there was a way to offer you a cookie and a cup of tea. Have a wonderful first day of summer, Connie :)

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  11. Totally fabulous.....what a great way to repurpose those clothing items....Thanks for sharing xx

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    1. Hi there Bron, I love seeing your smiling face in my comment space. You are always such a sweetie . . . glad you liked my aprons and thank you so much for visiting. Happy first day of summer, Connie :)

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  12. What a fantastic idea! I shall be looking in at the charity shop next time I'm in town, to see what I can find to recycle.

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    1. Hi there! Oh, it is so much fun taking some old something and giving it new life. You are going to enjoy the process. Have fun! Connie :)

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  13. Your aprons are fantastic, such a great idea.
    I will definitely remember this, to make some for myself.

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    1. Hi Myriame, It is really a fun way to give back some life to something to don't need or want anymore. I have lost around 50 pounds in the last year, so when I went through my closet to donate clothes . . . I had the idea to save back a few things to try my hand at re-purposing. It's a lot of fun, I hope you give it a go. Have a lovely first day of summer, Connie :)

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  14. Oh my!! Each and every one is so beautiful and special!!! I would choose a favorite one, then scroll again and choose another one. I just can't pick a favorite! You are very visionary and talented!

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    1. Ginny, you my dear friend are a sweetie! I'm very happy that you liked my aprons. They were so much fun to make. I hope that your first day of summer is turning into a day filled with blessings and joy, Connie :)

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    1. Thank you, Mary. I am very happy that you like them. Have a wonderful first day of summer, Connie :)

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  16. Very clever, I love wearing my apron (It helps me to focus on the task in hand) I love your little daisy one!
    Thea x

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    1. Thank you, Thea. Tying on an apron is a good feeling, isn't it? Have a lovely day,
      Connie :)

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  17. These are wonderful aprons!! A totally brilliant idea, beautifully executed! Each apron has such personality!
    Have a great day.
    Always, Queenie

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    1. Oh, Queenie! You just might give me the "big head", if you're not careful. Thank you! You're a sweetie. Connie :)

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  18. Connie,your aprons are adorable. I miss seeing my dear sweet mother in law in her aprons. she wore them all the time when she was cooking. Smiles, Susie

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    1. I'm so happy you stopped by and thank you for your lovely comments on my aprons. Have a great day, Connie :)

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  19. Thanks for popping over to my blog Connie, and l've also become a follower.....l love your pretty and very clever aprons...especially no3.

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    1. Hello, I get so excited when I make a new friend. I am very happy that you liked my aprons and please as punch that you decided to follow my blog. Looking forward to become great blogging friends, Connie :)

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  20. Connie, what a DARLING idea! Each one is UNIQUE in its own way! Do you sell them? or give them as gifts? If you don't you should...they would be treasured! From one sweetie to another...Roxie

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    1. Hi Roxie, thank you for stopping by and for your lovely comments. I'm happy that you like my aprons. No, I have never sold any, but have given many as gifts. They go great packaged with a cookbook and rolling pin. I've been thinking a lot about one day trying my hand at selling at our farmer's market, but haven't ever tried. Thanks for the encouragement.
      Connie :)

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  21. Hi Connie, it was lovely to hear from you and so pleased to be invited to follow your blog. Your comments were really touching and cheering, especially after a couple of difficult days at work. It's always exciting to find a new blog and someone with similar tastes and interests. I'll add you to my favourites list and will be back to visit soon.Tea and biscuits on the porch will always be welcome, although if you popped over to my place today there would be no chance of tea drinking in the garden as it's pouring with rain yet again.I don't hink it has stopped since the beginning of April.

    Tracey

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    1. Hi Tracey, I am so sorry to hear that you are having that much rain. Rain is wonderful, but a little goes a long way, and that's from someone who lives in a dessert area. We get most of our water from irrigation. I get so excited when I get a new follower, you have made this old gal smile. I'm looking very forward to becoming great blogging friends. Have a wonderful day . . . the sun will eventually show it's face. Connie :)

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  22. Hey Connie, I saw your comment on Susie's (She Junks) blog. I thought I'd pop over and check out your aprons! I LOVE THEM! I'm so glad I didn't give those jeans away. I have a friend that makes rugs out of jeans in a very unusual way and I always give her my jeans. Anyway, I saw you holding a guitar in your profile pic, and I just started lessons at age 53! I've only had two lessons, third one today, and am loving it. AND I saw your post on bees. I'm a beekeeper :-) Plant those annuals. The "bees" that stung you were more than likely not honey bees. They were probably yellow jackets or hornets. Honey bees only sting when threatened. So plant those flowers and enjoy the blooms.

    Cindy Bee

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    1. Hi, I am so happy that you found me and tickled pink that you like by aprons. Thanks for the Bee information. I planted a row of Zinnias and last Friday I noticed this lovely little row of green sprouts peeking out of the ground. Then on Tuesday they were gone . . . something came along and had a feast. I think it was ants. We also have an ant problem. Oh, well that's the way it goes sometimes . . . nothing to really complain about. I'm so delighted that you found me out there on someone else's blog and came calling. What a sweetie pie. Connie :)

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    2. Hey Connie - OF course I read your entire comment! I am already a follower. I hit the follow button when I saw the aprons, the woman in the profile holding the guitar, and post about bees! Hey what part of Indiana did you live in?

      Cindy Bee

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    3. Right smack dab in the middle of all of your Indiana locations. Kokomo.
      You should consider changing your blog reply from 'noreply' to an actual e-mail address so people can contact you directly. Just a thought.

      Cindy Bee

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  23. Hi Connie! I love your aprons!! I would love them as skirts. One of them looks so feminine with the A line cut and the ruffle! I would totally wear that!! Since I am 42, I think shorts are a bit too youthful looking for me so I wear skirts instead. Stay cool but look my age.
    Awesome work!
    xxDaniella

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    1. You little sweetheart . . . I am incredibly happy that you like my aprons. I got a lot of pleasure making them. When you are using something that already exists, it's not the same as starting with a pattern. So, you have to work with what you have and it just evolves; I find that to be the fun part. You get started and work with what you have and then there is the surprise of what you finish up with. I'm not sure I said that right . . . I know in my head what I'm trying to say. Hope you're a mind reader, LOL. Enjoy those wonderful boys, this summer, Connie :)

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  25. What a fabulous and original idea for aprons! I think you might get the younger generations to start wearing them again with this idea!

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    1. Hello, Dear Lana, I am so happy to see you and glad that you like my aprons. Have a wonderful weekend, Connie :)

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  26. Hi connie ,thankyou so much for popping by my blog and for your lovely comments ,i love yours too ,those aprons are gorgeous what a really clever idea ,well done you xxxx

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    1. Hi there . . . I am delighted to see you here and overjoyed that you have become a follower. On top of that . . . you like my aprons.
      Thanks for your lovely comment, you put a smile in my heart. Connie :)

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  27. Wow Connie! You have been busy! These aprons are so cute and I love how you are reusing other materials. If you can do all this sewing than making jam will be a snap!! Thanks for stopping by!
    xoxo
    Caroline

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    1. Dear Caroline, I've been sewing for many, many years, but canning is a brand new adventure. I'm glad that you have confidence in me . . . I hope it rubs off, so that I do, too. Have a great weekend, Connie :)

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  28. Very cute ideas! Thanks for sharing your aprons, gently flapping in the breeze! :D

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    1. Hi Lisa, I thought that hanging them on the clothesline would be a good way to photograph them. Have a wonderful weekend and thank you for stopping in. Connie :)

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  29. Hi,Connie
    Just wanted to thank you for visiting my blog and leaving your sweet comment.I love your aprons-what a brilliant idea.I always seem to achieve more when I wear an apron.However.I do a lot of furniture painting and tend to wear an old shirt, but I could tear thnne xrough the chores wearing one of your denim pretties.
    Sending you lots of love from these rain soaked shores.
    Anne x

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    1. Dear Anne, thanks for stopping in and thank you for the delightful comments on my aprons. I am happy that you like them. Come again, my welcome mat is always out. Connie :)

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  30. Hi Connie, What a fabulous idea! I just love the aprons. I'm off to look for something in my closet that can be re-purposed into an apron. Thanks for sharing.

    All the best, :-)

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    1. Hello Beth, I am so happy that you liked my aprons. I hope you found something in your closet to convert . . . You will have to post it on your blog.
      I am sorry that you don't like weeding . . . I enjoy weeding, it gets my mind off everything else (kind of a brain nap). Your flowers are absolutely beautiful and I love your rubber boots. They are fabulous! You are certainly styling in the garden. Have a great week and thanks so much for stopping in. Connie :)

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  31. Hello Connie _ lovely to meet you and see your pretty aprons! Thank you so much for calling in Down the Lane. Hope you are having a brilliant weekend,

    Sarah -x-

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    1. Well Sarah Jane . . . it was very nice of you to stop by and check out my aprons. Wishing you a week filling with bright and beautiful memories, expectations, and everything in-between. Connie :)

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  32. Hi Connie thanks for popping in and joining me,love your pretty aprons brilliant idea.Iv joined you so look forward to seeing more Love Jill xx

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    1. Good Morning Jill, I just got up and I'm waiting for my morning cup on coffee to cool enough to drink. The clouds outside look like they are getting ready to shower us with a little rain storm, so I'm going to do a little stretching, drink that coffee and head out for a morning walk . . . I hope I don't get soaked. Thank you so much for joining, I'll be looking forward to sharing ideas. Have a wonderful week, Connie :)

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  34. Hi Connie,

    I was so happy that you came to visit me recently and for your sweet comments on my blog and also about the handbags I am creating!! You are my 220 follower...Yay!! Please e-mail me at
    sjmcdowell@yahoo.com and give me your (mailing address) ok? I am sending you a wee gift of friendship!! <3

    I LOVE your Aprons...they are so wonderful!!!!!!!! Do you sell them???? I am in love with the
    chocolate apron!!! :)

    I wish you a wonderful Monday and a great week!!

    Blessings and Hugs,

    Susan

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    1. Hello Susan, I am tickled pink that you came to vista and over-joyed that you are following my blog. I have made so many wonderful new friends through blogging and the big wide world seems much smaller now that I have dear friends in every corner of it. Your question about me selling my aprons, no I never have, but I have been thinking about setting up at our local farmers market. I am very happy that you like them. Have a fabulous day, Connie :)

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  35. Hi Connie...I love your blog...and Your hubby sounds alot like mine... always building things...I will have to check out his blog as well...Love this idea with the denim...I can see some with the bib in my future...LOL

    Have a great week!! :)

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    1. Hello Linda, I am so happy to see you here and I'm over the moon that you decided to follow me as well. What a sweetie pie. Glad you like the aprons, if you make any, please post them, so I can see.
      I just got back from Steve's blog and I see that you are his 50th follower. Just this morning he was telling me, one more follower and I'll have 50. He is going to be on cloud nine tonight when he see you there. Thanks so much. I had to do some persuading to get him to even start a blog, and now he is really enjoy it. I love to see him get excited every time someone leaves him a comment or followers . . . Have a wonderful week. Connie :)

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  36. These looks awesome!

    Thank you so much for your sweet comment on my blog.

    Hugs, Jenny

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    1. Dear Jenny, you have made me so happy by visiting and over-joyed by deciding to follow.
      You are a sweetheart, thank you, Connie :)

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  37. Oooh, what a lovely idea! I adore that flowery pocket and the little daisy button. Excellent work! :)

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    1. Hello Kristen, I am delighted that you came by for a visit, and that you like my aprons. I hope you come again. I really feel like we have a lot in common. Have a beautiful week, Connie :)

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  38. Hi Connie,

    Wow! I love your handwork. Your aprons are gorgeous. You have me drooling on my keyboard. I love the french ones but the pockets in the front steal my heart.

    Dee

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    1. Hello Dee, You are always so sweet and leave the nicest comments. I'm happy that you like my aprons. I had a great time making them. Here's hoping that you have a beautiful week filled with sun shine and flowers. Connie :)

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  39. Hi Connie. Thanks for stopping by and following my blog. I thought I'd stop by and check out yours, and follow along. I'm not much of a sewer, but I like to knit! My Mom and sister are the sewers, and I have them make me things for the kiddos. My Mom just recently got my girls jean skirts and added on some super cute cowgirl fabric. Made them longer and a little more modest too. They wear them all the time and just love them!

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    1. Hi, i am so happy to see you here and even happier that you are following. Yea! Your daughter's skirts sound so cute, you will have to post a photo. As you can tell by my photo I like cowgirl stuff. I play and sing, with a group that dresses cowboy so I started getting into the look. I discovered that if you get a good fitting pair of cowboy boots they can be very comfortable . . . this surprised me. Thanks again for following, it is going to be fun watching your little piggies grow and viewing all the gorgeous photos of your farm. Have a wonderful 4th of July, Connie :)

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  40. Connie: Thanx for visiting my blog! I love the aprons and the water bottle holders you made. I guess wonderful minds think alike...I am now your newest follower... Look forward to seeing what you make next. Tiffany

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    1. Hi Tiffany, I am tickled pink that you came visiting and over-the-moon that you decided to follow me. I am looking very forward to sharing ideas and to following your lovely blog. Have a great day, Connie :)

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  41. Oh wow - these aprons are great. I do love those transfers and will have to check out that site. I bet the girls loved their water bottles!

    The movie isn't usually what I'd go for either but I did really enjoy it. It's still record breaking heat here so I might go see it again today......

    Hugs,
    Kay

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    1. Hi Kay, Oh I really feel for you and the heat wave that you are having. I will have to post photos of our "Red Neck Soaking Tub". We purchased a blue 6 foot diameter cattle water tank and it makes the best place to sit and cool off on a hot summer afternoon or evening. When I sit in it the water comes up to my chin, but I'm only 5'4". So having it 6 foot around, I can actually even float in it, LOL. We love it! Connie :)

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  42. Hi Connie, these are such neat things and your blog is awesome! I am your newest follower now and can't wait getting to know you better. You have lots of cool stuff on here.

    Kathy M.

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    1. Hi Kathy, I am delighted to have you as a follower. It just tickles me pink to make a new friend. I am also looking forward to becoming great blogging buddies. Connie :)

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  43. Outstanding work on these up cycled denim aprons!
    JoAnn

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