Christmas gifts I made - two years ago

Two years ago, when I wasn't working and had time to sew (that's my excuse anyway), I made some aprons for two of my brothers-in-law. I never shared the pictures because I wanted to wait until after Christmas to post the pictures. But after Christmas I got a job and got busy and well, here they are...two years later.

I chose a music-themed quilting cotton for my brother-in-law who plays the violin in a symphony:

This Beatle-themed print, though a bit loud, was for the brother-in-law who likes the Beatles:

I used McCalls 2233, a great pattern if you want the whole chef ensemble or even if you just need a basic pair of elastic waist pants and a button shirt.

Here's my review of the pattern:

Pattern Description:
Patterns for chef's clothing: chef's jacket, elastic-waist pants, short sleeve shirt, chef's hat, kerchief, and apron.

Pattern Sizing:
Each pattern is single size, but still a good deal considering that you get so much in one envelope.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, but I did things a bit out of sequence to save on having to jump up and down to use the iron. I suggest you read through all of the instructions first, then fire up your steam iron and press all of the hems at the same time. Also, make the the ties first and iron them flat when you do all the hems. Then you don't need your iron until the end to do a final pressing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked that it was a utilitarian apron in multiple sizes, including XL, that was suitable for a guy. I also liked that the pattern envelope contains so many pieces for other clothing and also included a chef's hat...should I ever need to make one.

Fabric Used:
Cotton quilting fabric, which I bought more for the novelty image than for the utility of the fabric. A heavier cotton would make a more durable apron but it could be difficult to sew through the bulk when sewing on the ties. Even with the thinner quilting fabric, there was a lot of bulk in these areas.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
Didn't change a thing.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Absolutely I would sew it again. I think the apron makes a great gift.

Conclusion:
There are lots of apron patterns out there but this one is economical because it includes other clothing pieces. It's also a good choice if you need the XL or XS instead of a one-size-fits all apron.

A present for me!

Look what I got!
It's not just a purse...
It's a purse and a knitting bag!

I was able to take a long lunch break today so I slipped out to Bobbins Nest Studio and bought myself a present! I always liked the idea of the Jordana Paige knitting bag/purse but I didn't really like the styles...until now. Her latest design, the L.J. Kaelms, caught my eye and was exactly what I wanted. Since I've been working crazy, crazy hours lately for work, this bag sort of makes up for it. Now if I could only knit while I worked. I could knit and do my work, which is mostly watching stuff and being here in case something happens, but I think my mostly male colleagues would think I was strange (if they don't already) and management would probably think I wasn't working.

Hello old friend