Apron Anyone?

If you need an easy gift for your favorite friends, you can't go wrong with Simplicity 2492. There's not much to say, except that this pattern sews up quick and looks darling. It only takes a yard to 1 1/4 yard of fabric. Rick-rack trim adds some interest and the bias tape is an easy application to finish the edges. I've made this apron with all sorts of prints and trim colors and I love how it turns out every time!

Deluxe Lemon Squares

I set my sewing projects aside while I prepare for my son's wedding, but I made some lemon squares over the weekend and wanted to share. I've been using the same recipe since I was young. My 4-H sewing group was also a cooking group and I started making them many moons ago.

For full disclosure, I hate getting lemon squares out of the pan and this time was no exception. It reminded me a little of my husband's patio project last summer when he jack-hammered our old concrete. I think I might try the tin foil method again the next time I bake these. I didn't have great success when I used it before, but I'm thinking it has to be easier than trying to get the sugary edge of the lemon squares away from the pan. These lemon squares are scrumptious, so in the end it's worth the effort. Enjoy!

2 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup buttered, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (don't even think about using the bottled lemon juice) 
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup flour

Preheat oven to 350. Mix the 2 cups of flour with the powdered sugar. Cut in softened butter (like a pie crust). When you have course crumbs, press in a well-greased 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or golden brown on the edges. While baking, beat eggs, and add sugar and lemon juice. Mix together 1/4 cup flour and baking powder and stir into lemon juice mixture. Pour over baked crust and return to oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Dust with powdered sugar. Cut into bars and serve. You might want to keep your leftovers in the refrigerator, if there are any.

Fun, Flouncy Apron

There are so many cute apron patterns out there, but this is one of my personal favorites. I've made it several times because it makes a darling shower or birthday gift for a friend.

https://kwiksew.mccall.com/k3787

It's quick and easy to sew. The pattern also includes children's and 18" doll sizing. I don't really have any tips or tricks because the instructions are simple to follow. And just like it's almost impossible to stop after eating one chocolate chip cookie, once you've made this apron, you'll want to make more! 

P.S. You've probably noticed that Kwik Sew patterns are expensive at the fabric stores and some don't always carry the full line. However, they are often on sale on the Kwik Sew website, which makes them pretty affordable. 

My sincere apologies for the blurry picture. I'm way better at sewing than photography!