The Art of Aleksandr Averin

 

 

I just came across the work by the artist Aleksandr Averin, a Russian painter with an exquisite eye for capturing scenes of domestic femininity.  Never before have I seen such an extensive collection of work on this subject.  Truly breathtaking images.  You can read more about the artist here.

Vintage Inspired Apron

This pattern just spoke to me :) I immediately wanted to make every one of them and had this vision of wearing a different apron for each day of the week, etc.  Reality finally caught up with me when I remebered how slowly I actually complete such things.  I ended up selected just one (for now anyway).

I decided on view D (upper left) and went about in search of the perfect fabric.  All I knew is that it was going to be PINK!

Progress - before adding trim

 I just love this fabric with its delicate miniature floral pattern.  The ruffle is made in the same color with a very narrow striped pattern.  Overall, i think it have a very "vintage" look to it without looking "retro".  My idea was to appear like something you might find in your grandmother's attic!

Finished

 In looking at the pattern as well as other finished versions online, I decided to shorten the skirt and add some fullness to the ruffle.  I'm really glad I did as it looks much cuter as a "hostess" style apron rather than one worn for real protection.  The view below shows it worn over a vintage dress and full petticoat.  You can see how differently it lays over the full skirt.

 

 

 

 



Granny Gown Reconstruction

I'm always looking for ways to recycle and re-purpose things around the house. 

This nightgown was a gift from my sister.  While it was perfectly comfortable, I just never found myself wearing it.  Maybe it just seemed to dowdy - which isn't how I see myself at all :)
I thought back to those babydoll nighties from the 50's and 60's and figured I'd turn it into a project and see what I could make of it.

I started by taking about 24" off the bottom with the intention of using the leftover fabric to make a ruffled hem.  I realized that i did not have enough fabric to make the full ruffle that I wanted but that I did have enough to make a pair of matching bloomers!

I've since determined that the sleeves have to go.  I think it would look so much cuter either sleeveless or with little cap sleeves.

 

This is what it started as

Screen shot from "Bye Bye Birdie"

 
 
 



Here it is finished with matching bloomers!

The Forgotten Project

Progress so far...

This is a project I started too long ago to remember.

I always wanted to try my hand at embroidery - seeing that it is such a "portable" hobby you can do

almost anywhere. I had all the best intentions of using it to fill any idle time I might have in front of the TV, etc. but it just didn't work out that way. I'm determined to make another go at it and my hope is to finish before Christmas...