Birthday Crafting

Yesterday was the first day of fall, and already I can feel the change in the air. The weather is cooling, the leaves are starting to drop from the trees, and my little one is nearly another year older.
Autumn's birthday is almost here, so for the past week I've been in my own little crafty world making party favors, decorations and, of course, presents. I'll post more about the party stuff when that time comes around, but for now here are my gifts to the small one, inspired by her recent interest in the culinary arts.

A reversible apron (recognize that puppy fabric?). This was my first time making anything reversible (or making an apron, for that matter) and I couldn't be happier with the results. I didn't use a pattern, just made it up as I went along. Each side has a nice big pocket for holding all her chef stuff, and I used ties instead of a loop for the neck so that it will fit her as she grows, assuming that she'll still want to wear it.
When I finished making these oven mitts, I actually squealed. I think they are just so, so darling. Definitely my favorite part of the set. They were based on this super easy tutorial (if you have the time, My Longest Year is a great blog and I strongly recommend reading more of it) and they were really fun to make. I used some fleece left over from last year's Halloween costume for the batting. I was concerned about the sizing at first, so I actually tried one on her with her eyes closed (it fit). Oh well, better to have it be not quite a complete surprise than see her disappointed on her birthday if they hadn't fit.
And last but not least, the all-important chef's hat, modeled by Donce the shark. My first attempt at the hat got thrown into the scrap pile because the poofy part (?) was much too small and looked more like a beret, but I'm satisfied with this one. I'm really proud of this little set and I hope Autumn loves it too. Tomorrow I'm hoping to finish the last of the party favors and I'll be making one more small gift on Wednesday while she's at school.

Special thanks to My Longest Year for the tutorial, to Crafty Pod for keeping me entertained in my craft room, and to Donce for his awesome modeling.