The Apron Lady Designs

Meet my Husband's Girlfriend!!

2011-06-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

Here she is, the girl that stole my husbands heart. I cant blame him, she has my heart too! Oh what joy a grandchild can bring. We never tire of the photos or stories! When she is fussing, I sing over the phone (and I don't sing well), then she starts to babble about her day to me. Too bad she lives in Japan!!

In the first photo she is reacting to her first Apron, my daughter slipped it on her and she started to skip around in it. After that she was ready to cook, she had her spoon and helped with the stirring.

Good days or bad they are always made better by our little Miss Emma. Best of all, we have 2 more grand kids arriving this year.

Hope your life's are feeling blessed too.

Jan

Order, Growth and New Projects

2011-06-24T11:23:00.000-07:00

I have gotten more organized and it is thrilling!!
Shawnee of Apronista.com is preparing a giveaway set of my Smocked Aprons Patterns including the fabric for the Apron.
We are slowly working on several new projects.
I am on new Rheum. Arthritis medicine and it is slowing me down.

But...having things in order is making slow Apron Lady growth easier.

I love walking into my office and finding things in their rightful places, easy to find - inspiring.
My goal was to organize, then pass more of my daily work to my employees. (So I could concentrate on improving my health).
Organizing has wonderfully brought me to a stronger place. At the end of the day it is easier to deal with pain, in a house of order. Who would have thought?? I am over seeing things right now, so we are getting more done.
Today I am freed up enough to do (or oversee) some projects with my daughter -as we are preparing for the arrival of a her first child.

Have a wonderful relaxing weekend!
Jan

Come Smock with us!

2011-06-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

Our new Smocking Aprons are seeing great success. They are so much fun! We have both a child's and an adult pattern.

The patterns include stitching photos and a huge dot grid for marking your Apron for Smocking.
I have to say working the smocking dot's is so relaxing and rewarding. As you see the smocking coming together it really pushes you to finish the project.
I wish going to Market wasn't so physically demanding, I am still recovering. My doctors have a plan to boost me up, but unfortunately these plans usually knock me down before they lift me up. Lucky for me my partner/husband and my sister Toni , and many other players keep things running smooth while my health sidelines me.
Happy smocking!
Jan

Quilt Market, Spring 2011

2011-05-15T21:28:00.000-07:00

Hello to all of my wonderful vendors, distributors and friends. What an incredible Market experience we had.
Our new smocking patterns were well received. It is very rewarding to have people so excited about something we put our hearts into.
I say we, because my booth was supported by -
My husband
My son
My 2 sisters
and my friend Sabrina

At the moment I have to say goodnight.
I look forward to sharing my experiences, photos - in a few days.

Sleep well friends,

Jan

Quilt Market Wind Down

2011-04-24T06:36:00.000-07:00

Quilt market is right around the corner and I am finally getting the feeling that things are going to come together. I guess it's like any function you get involved in, it's hard to believe things will really come together.
With my health acting funky, it's a relief to know we have such a stong team coming to help!

I don't know about the rest of the designers out there, but for me it takes a village. And I love my village.
This year along with some adorable new Apron patterns; Smocked Honeycomb Adult and Child patterns, and Twice and Nice- Apron Dress, also I have a surprise....a quilt. It's really an interactive (with playful pockets) Dollhouse/Playhouse for the ultimate little girls gift!

To ensure my quilt would meet the high standards quilters have come to expect, I hired an quilter to bring our ideas to the quilt.
Can't wait to see everyone there.

Happy Birthday Mom

2011-04-02T10:04:00.001-07:00

April 1, is my Mothers birthday.

She is fighting Alzheimer's, she does so cheerfully.

I miss so many things we said and did. I love you Mom.

I love you Dad for taking such good care of her. I know how you miss yesterday, and yet your love and optimism sets the standard and an example for all of her friends for her 12 children.

What a great example of womanhood she has been, and continues to be.

Oh that I could live as well as she.

I haven't been here at my blog since last November. So much has happened in this brief period of time. Gratefully, I am getting stronger. I am grateful to be able to do a little more to care for my family and do more daily household tasks. I feel so normal!

Jan

Hello from the Apron Lady!!

2010-11-07T21:20:00.000-08:00

I last wrote in June.
I wrote about the Owl and Ladybug Patterns, I am happy to report they are a smashing success! Congratulations to my friend and designer Sabrina, for her creativity with these patterns. Thank you Sabrina!

Where have I been?

I have mostly been having and recovering from surgeries, woe is me...! I am down to one more surgery in the near future, then I hope to be home free for a while! My Rheumatoid Arthritis has gotten so involved that every time I have a procedure, it really sets me back as well as clouds my recovery. Enough of that, I just thought some explanation might be in order.

It has also been a little difficult lately to concentrate on Aprons because we have had our beautiful daughter Katie and MY first grandchild Emma visiting. Katie and her army husband are stationed in Japan. And yes they have to take little Emma with them!! Over the years (especially when I was younger and stronger), I was known for my cooking. Well somehow Emma has come to look upon me as the food provider. This morning I made her pancakes, I think she couldn't believe she would get such a treat for breakfast. They return to Japan in less than 48 hours and it may be more than 2 years before I see them again....woe is me!!!

Well I am trying to get back into life, trying to live with gratefulness, and joy. Although I may have trials; I know the Lord has not left me alone here, I do have so much support. I have been blessed from reading the stories of bloggers who are going through their own trials.

I have received many kind notes from my Apron friends - so read on to my next post - to see what I would like to do for you!

My best,

jan

Ladybug, Owl and my friend Sabrina

2010-06-15T23:53:00.000-07:00

We have some new patterns in our little company! A child's Apron Ladybug set and a companion Hoot Owl Apron set. These two patterns were designed by my long time friend and creating buddy Sabrina Mattsson. They are unique little Aprons, with adorable well thought out accessories.

I brought Sabrina into the Apron Lady Designs to share her incredible skills in home design. Her ideas and ingenuity are unmatched! It is so fun to watch her new designs develop. as she works on the home, I have been creating a line of patterns that go into a fun new direction for me, I am hoping to be able to show my new patterns in Houston this year.

As always, half the battle for me is being physically strong. I hope you will keep an eye out for us

as we put all the details together!

Good bye my David

2010-05-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

The time is up! A week and a half is left, and then my son (yes my 19 yr old baby) - will depart the United States to spend the next 22 months in Tokyo as a missionary. Yes he will be the kind you see on the bikes! Why would he do this? Because of his faith in God, and because of his desire to bring hope for the future for souls in need.

I have loved this child every day of his life, bled for his struggles and wept for his triumphs. He is a very special young man, I wish him godspeed.

In the midst of designing and living my daily life, I have been parting with my son. I am grateful for Apron distractions, they keep me sane.

Thank you to all of you that continue to support me, I consider my customers to be my friends and I must say I delight in your business stories and ventures!

You will be seeing The Apron Lady in a few fun places soon, I will keep you posted on facebook or right here on my blog. Have a great weekend (I have one more care package to make!).
jan

More bloggers in the family!

2010-04-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

My daughters Heidi and Mary have started blogging; and are giving me the push to keep up my blog better.
With Spring Quilt Market right around the corner - we are busily tying up the loose ends on our new patterns. I have to say I am really excited about some different things we are doing. While I will always be designing aprons (I have a new one that is to die for!)' I am enjoying branching into some other areas.
Way back in the 1980's I had a line of children's clothing. It was really fun to design for my kids, and then grow from there. With children's clothes being as popular as they are now, I have been updating a few of my favorite patterns to use in some of my new patterns.
As an elementary age girl I learned to sew originally and exclusively on stretch knits. My early designs were all knits. So of course you will see the knit influence in some of my new designs. I love the comfort for children that knits provide! I am looking forward to sharing with you - how easy knits can be to sew with, and how to mix you quilt fabrics with your knit fabrics.
Look for two upcoming tutorials on repurposing adult clothing for childrens knit shirts and leggings.
I am having a little bit of blog trouble here, so I will post my photos later. You have to see my mothers original knit designs and the fun things were working on!
Have a great day!
jan

A baby in the house!

2010-04-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

The last time I posted we were anxiously awaiting the arrival of our first grandchild. What a wonderful blessing it is to have this little bundle of joy in our home.
My daughter came in my bedroom with her this morning, she was just chattering
away. (I forgot how early they wake up!).
I am sure this is a place for photos not words, I am posting a few newborn and then a few 2 month ones from right now. Needless to say with the birth of a new baby and the "birth of new patterns" life can be pretty crazy. When the baby visits I try to
just focus on her - I know these days will be gone soon enough. Isnt she beautiful?!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year - can I still say that?

Things are hopping here.

We have our first grandchild arriving in the next two weeks.

Our youngest son is leaving in a month for a two year mission

to Tokyo, for our church.

Our older kids have left from the holidays, things are just slowly

returning to normal.

Yes, it has taken me weeks to recover and put the house

back together.

Here are a few photos of the 50 family members we had visit

on Christmas day.

Getting stronger everyday!

2009-11-12T15:42:00.000-08:00

The last time I posted I was so excited and recommitted to blogging after a rough year and a half. I was looking forward to growing my little business, and being healthier, craftier and strong.....
Shortly after that, I was surprised to be in for another surgery (my third one this year).

So here I am again getting back on that horse to live and reclaim my life.
Spending time recovering was a tough exercise in patience.My life moved in slow motion as life went on around me.
Here is my chance to express my gratitude (even if I am the only one that reads it).
Gratitude for the tender care, love and friendship of my Husband. Gratitude for the the business acumen of my Son and Daughter, as they seamlessly kept the Apron Lady Designs moving. Gratitude for another daughters daily calls - when pain ruled my day she took the time to listen and help me look to the future. That said; I also feel blessed to know I was watched over from above.

Thank you; to the angels in the form of women and young ladies who have worked for me in every capacity over the last 2 years. Thank you to the Distributors who encouraged me and never gave up on me! And thank you every one of my customers, I love your stories, your kind words and continued support.

I feel a new excitement as I put on paper the designs that have been buzzing in my brain for too long! I am thrilled to play with so many of the new fabrics that are out there. Have a favorite fabric?Let me know! I will also be looking for pattern testers.

Oh and why did I post that picture?

My kids are grown and here mostly on short visits, I remember and treasure every memory! Enjoy the moment.

Jan Lutz

Happy Summer

2009-07-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Summer!
Welcome to my blog, this is my first step in regaining my life!
Back to the blog; to think out loud and share my designs.
I am in a redefining place, and am very curious what will be
around the next corner.
I have been playing with Suzy Swirl Skirts, my new Skirt pattern.
What's so cool about this pattern is all the fun things you can do with it;
the pattern has 2 skirt styles, a layered tulle slip and a pattern for stretch leggings.
We are vacationing in Idaho this week where I have 8 of the cutest girl cousins
of all ages; it has been so fun to "take their orders" for skirts and outfits.
Now I have my work cut out for me when I get home!
jan
Watch for a giveaway of a Suzy Swirl Kit.

Man in the Kitchen has finally arrived!

2009-01-19T12:16:00.000-08:00

My latest pattern has finally hit the store shelf's, and I couldn't be more thrilled! The pattern includes; oven mitts- in 2 sizes, 2 sizes of bow ties and the Apron from childs size 2 to adult size large (and includes instructions on how to make this pattern as XL as you would like).

While this is a very simple pattern, I must admit it took me forever to get it right where I wanted it.

Everyone wants to know who is that handsome guy - so I introduce to you my brother in law James.

Thank you to James for doing something I know he wasn't entirely comfortable with!

I apologize for my intermittent appearances on this blog. This weekend my daughter and husband and I attended the quilt show, Road to California, it felt wonderful to reconnect with many of my quilt world customers and friends! My health is not the strongest - and I am amazed that a Quilt show can revive me better than anything else! Thank you!!

I am happy to report that I have been invited to participate in several new projects (I will direct you to them when I can).

With new motivation and gratitude; I wish you all a terrific, and crafty New Year!

jan

I love these vintage scenes

2008-12-07T23:29:00.000-08:00

My wonderful seamstress Lettie brought this Very Vintage Apron over yesterday, I just adore the vintage pockets. I have to say I am a softie for all things children and family!

Aprons for sale..

2008-12-06T10:11:00.000-08:00

I am going to be posting some Aprons and fabric choices for a few customers, so just ignore this if its not for you. Fabric combos and Aprons photos are being taken now and will post throughout the day....
jan

Thanksgiving

2008-12-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful thanksgiving adventure! We spent our holiday in Ann Arbor, Michigan, visiting our daughter and son in law.

It was a great adventure and such fun to be together exploring the area and doing all the fun cooking and eating!

The kids stayed up late every night playing a new game "Settlers of Catan." Our time together was amazing, the flight home was a story for another day! My back does not like airplanes - but it was still worth the trip.

Allegro Fabrics, Lilly and Ebony sauces up my Tea Party pattern!

2008-11-05T22:15:00.000-08:00

I had to share this darling rendition of my

Mother Daughter Tea Party pattern.

Linda at AllegroFabrics.com,

creates an sells the most beautiful children's clothes under the label of Lily and Ebony.

She has the most beautiful selection of fabrics and also carries darling children's patterns. Including my Apron Lady patterns!

Keep an eye on her site, she has all the latest fun patterns!

Patricia's Fish Tacos

2008-10-27T19:38:00.000-07:00

Patricia is from Costa Rica and the most amazing cook. I just have to share her Fish Taco recipe.
Sorry there is no photo, we ate them too quick!

Fish Tacos
4 pieces of Catfish
marinade:
1t Worcestershire sauce
1/4 c Dijon mustard
1 t Tabasco sauce (or more for your taste)
salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cornmeal
1/4c-1/2c Olive Oil

Soak catfish in marinade for 2 to three hours, covered in refrigerator.
After marinading fish; roll in cornmeal, then drop in simmering Olive Oil
(medium heat), cook 2-3 minutes on each side depending of the thickness of the fish.
Drain fish on a paper towel.
Serve with salsa, sliced avocado, and Patricia's special mix of 1 part Mayo and 2 parts lime juice.

Along side of this we had my homemade sour cream white bread and strawberry jam.
I will save the bread recipe for another day......it is defiantly worth waiting for!!
Jan

Little Sewist come to visit

2008-10-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

Last night was so fun. I thought my family was just being invited to dinner- but instead as soon as we were done with the most amazing fish tacos I was grilled and interviewed about my days as a "model" (sounds much more glamorous than it ever was), also lots of questions about pattern and clothing designing.

Oh I cant forgot to tell you .... all these questions were posed by a 9 year old. She even got out her Singer sewing machine; to see if I could fix it. Nope, I couldn't. So we packed her sister and Mom and headed to my house to check out my studio/office. (Their mom is on the new cover for my Spring Fling Apron pattern).

Out came all the new skirts for Suzie Swirl- they looked so adorable in them I cant wait to show them to all of you! My two little visitors tried on every apron and skirt I had in their size. What fun visitors they were! They each packed up a bag from my scrap box -to make some "designs" at home, I cant wait to see what they make! It's so fun to see young crafters developing right before my eyes!

Sneak Peak

2008-10-01T10:37:00.001-07:00

I cant hold back any longer, I am so excited to share with you.... Suzy Swirl Skirts, this is a pattern for 3 skirts . The other views will added to the cover soon! We have been perfecting this pattern for quite a while. What do you think? I am having fun making all kinds of fabric mixes with this pattern, with the bow -and without. Little girls patterns are so fun to make, I dream about them in my sleep!

New pattern photos thrill me!

2008-09-23T23:48:00.000-07:00

I cant give you a peek quite yet, but I must say I am so excited abut our latest pattern photo shoot! I never quite know what we will get back, sometimes everything is perfect and sometimes...back to the drawing board.
While I have been crazy writing patterns on my end, Mary calls from college (lets assume she would be studying!), to let me know she just spent the funnest day fishing. Is that a college class?
I hope the lake was beautiful!
Back to the laptop for me!

Oh Hello

2008-09-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

Hi! Welcome to my blog! I do love company!
I was raised in a family with 12 adopted children, and have raised 5 kids
and have 65 nieces and nephews so I am used to having lots of people around!
We are down to one child in the house..... and I have to say, my only complaint
about motherhood...is it goes by way too fast!
Now as I head into the next phase of my life, I invite you along.
My head is so full of patterns and fabric and recipes- I think I could burst!
I cant wait to share it all with you!
So come visit me often, and lets get to know each other better!