Wow, I've been away a long time and I wasn't even on vacation. Like many of you I've been busy with the joy that can only be found in preparing for "back-to-school". Colored pencils have given way for ink cartridges, yellow pads for copy paper and back-packs for messenger bags. My baby, 19 year old Victoria, , is moving to her very first apartment. She is excited and we are all excited for her. For the first time she would rather shop for home decor than clothes and she dared to utter the words Martha Stewart. We are enjoying the hunt for used furniture on Craig's list and she's discovered the magic of over-time at her job. In the midst of all this activity I've tried to carve out the time required to complete my Alice in Wonderland Apron for the Hot Mama Apron Swap. I had ordered my fabric and, of course, I miscalculated. Actually, I didn't calculate at all. As is typical of me I just looked on line, chose a couple of prints that I liked and ordered willy-nilly. I didn't have a pattern in mind and in the end decided on an original design. Nevertheless, with the closest fabric store 30 miles away, I chose to do creative design work. I'm pretty sure I took out more seams than I sewed and I had to dye my own trim, but in the end I was very happy and I hope my partner, Kathy Fuller, is as well. In addition we were to include three additional items. I selected: 1) A mint-condition 45 RPM of Neil Sedaka's Alice in Wonderland 2) darling miniature cake candle for the tea party 3) AIW Hot Pad 4) Vintage Hankie 5) ribboned ring of skeleton keys. I hope this reaches Kathy quickly and brings her the same joy I had creating it. Have a great tea party Alice! 
