noelle o designs

creativity + sewing + upcycling inspiration

aprons, craft, design, fabric, fashion, garden, projects, sewing

still aproning


Here’s a follow up on the apron-in-progress project I’ve been working on all week… This one (at least) is all done- pockets, details and all. I wanted it to be as useful as possible- fit high on the waist- maintaining outfit cleanliness. I think I need to make a few more using this pattern.


I just discovered this flowering bush across the street from my house. The perfect spot for an apron photograph. It was begging me to take it’s picture,  then be dug up and planted on my property. Seriously, that’s what it said…


Does anyone have any idea what kind of plant/bush/shrub this is? It looks to be around the size and shape of a forsythia (the yellow blooming bushes you see in the springtime) but I don’t think I’ve ever seen one of these before, or at least not while it was blooming or I would already have one in my life. I love spring.

16 Comments

  1. Mummy Drinks Tea

    April 26, 2012 at 6:44 pm

    This apron is so pretty, but I especially like the vintagey floral fabric of the pockets. Reminds me of my childhood rag doll, called Joy. I must blog about her one day, now I’ve remembered her.

    1. noelleodesigns

      April 26, 2012 at 7:42 pm

      I’d like to see a post on your childhood dolly!

  2. Anne W

    April 26, 2012 at 6:58 pm

    It’s a Japanese flowering quince, also known as a chaenomeles. I think Daughter No 2 would love that apron, best I don’t let her see it.. ;p

    1. noelleodesigns

      April 26, 2012 at 7:49 pm

      Oh my gosh, thank you! I would have never figured that out and I don’t think the local nursery would have known either. I’ve got to get my hands on one now!

      1. Anne W

        April 26, 2012 at 9:08 pm

        You’re welcome! I love them, had a white one against my garden wall. The full name is Chaenomeles Japonica.

  3. Amanda's Zone 5A Garden

    April 26, 2012 at 7:57 pm

    Your apron is cute–a nice little pick-me-up in the garden. And, I am quite jealous of your flowering chameleons bush, as they do not tolerate cold and thus won’t grow here.

    1. noelleodesigns

      April 27, 2012 at 10:03 pm

      Weird that it is growing by my house because I live at 5600 ft. with some pretty harsh winters. Perhaps it’s a hybrid? fluke? I’ve never seen one in Utah before and perhaps it’s not meant to grow here but somehow this one has survived.

  4. Curly Bug

    April 26, 2012 at 9:16 pm

    Love the final product. The high waist, fantastic fabric and lace…YUM. I can see why you are over the moon about that beautiful flowering bush…it would be calling me too. Great work.

    1. noelleodesigns

      April 27, 2012 at 9:59 pm

      Thanks for following the sewing journey!

  5. J M Naszady

    April 27, 2012 at 1:51 am

    That bush looked awfully familiar, but I never would have remembered it; bad with names. Think we had them when I was young. Lovely apron! I share your love of creating functional items. It’s so satisfying!

    1. noelleodesigns

      April 27, 2012 at 9:57 pm

      The word is- it’s a Japanese flowering quince. And I can’t wait to plant one on my yard now that I know!

  6. Gosia Cleary

    April 27, 2012 at 2:34 am

    That is a very pretty apron. Nice detail! I love your Etsy shop.

    1. noelleodesigns

      April 27, 2012 at 9:56 pm

      Thanks, and glad you like the Etsy shop too!

  7. littlegypsyfeet

    April 27, 2012 at 12:03 pm

    With a gorgeous little apron like that, I suddenly see a huge advantage to covering up in the kitchen. Love it.

    1. noelleodesigns

      April 27, 2012 at 9:55 pm

      Thanks! No reason aprons should be frumpy right?!

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