I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day. I did.
I spent most of the day binge-watching the PBS Masterpiece mini-series, Victoria.
My daughter gave me The Complete Season 1 DVD as a Mother’s Day gift… and Motherhood definitely has its privileges.
My family pretty much left me to my own devices the entire day so I could relax, kick back and soak up this lavish historical drama.
If you haven’t seen this mini-series… it doesn’t disappoint.
I’m sharing a royal-inspired apron today-but let me first talk a little more about Queen Victoria.
Queen Victoria was just a teenager when she inherited the throne in 1837.
She went on to marry her first cousin (ick-but hey, that’s what these royals did back then) and a great deal of the story line in this Season 1, centers around their love affair.
The series is oh-so lush and I love the grand costumes and glorious set design.
It’s beautifully entertaining…if you’re into that sort of thing-and I am.
While I was enjoying Victoria, my family was away, enjoying Guardians of the Galaxy 2 (not my cup of tea).
If you’ve ever watched a PBS series (Ahem, shout-out to Downton Abbey fans), you may already know that there is usually an official companion to the mini-series in book form.
It’s really helped to fill in some of the historical gaps that the mini-series didn’t cover and it includes good behind-the-scenes extras and insights.
Definitely a good read… or even a browse if you see it-next time you’re in the bookstore.
There’s definitely a royal fascination in the air these days and that sensibility is the inspiration behind this regal cocktail apron.
I made this apron a few years ago and realized I had never shared it here before.
I’m really pleased with how this turned out because I made it entirely free-style, with no pattern… just my imagination-and lots and lots of sheer ivory fabric.
The beaded waist is a special focal point and like a royal crown, I wanted it to set the stage for the wearer.
Gentle folds of sheer fabric stretch across the front just under the beaded waist.
There’s actually another cotton layer beneath all these delicious layers of sheer fabric which serves as a kind of slip.
I attached the same dangling, crystal beads to the lower edge of the “slip”, so that it looks like the beading is suspended under the last sheer tier.
Here’s a full view of the four-tiered, cocktail apron.
Now, this may seem too pretty an apron to actually wear but I’ve never let that stop me.
I think when you make an apron like this, no need to be born into royalty.
Wear it anyway… and you just might feel like you were.
Oh, if you don’t know already… Season 2 of Victoria on PBS Masterpiece, is set to air this Fall (2017) and will end with a Christmas special.
I can’t wait.
Hmm-maybe I’ll even throw a viewing party and don my royal apron… and maybe even a crown.
Thanks for stopping by.
See you back here next time. ♥
What a beautiful apron! You are so talented and creative. I would definitely add a tiara to this ensemble.
I’m going to have to think carefully about that tiara, Sally-lol.
Thanks so much, glad you love the apron.
1st of all, what?! I was watching The Crown and waiting for season 2. You say there’s a Queen Victoria show too? If it’s anything like The Crown, I’m going to love it, so thank you for telling me about it. Secondly, you are some sort of crazy mad creative genius. You really are. I love reading your posts. You’re always so enlightening and intriguing. It’s always something new and interesting. It’s just so fun to be a part of. I can’t wait to see what you do next. – Aloha
Oooooh, Dana-you will definitely love this. Scrumptious costumes and settings.
I’m not familiar with the Crown but I’m going to look up that one too.
So glad to know that you enjoy popping over. I really appreciate that and you’re sweet to let me know.
Aloha? You’re in Hawaii?
I sure am! On the windward side (east side) of Oahu.
Love the apron! I am totally enamored of this show. The story is wonderful and the costumes and sets are brilliant! Love finding another fan!
Agreed, Suzanne.
I saw a PBS Victoria special that was on earlier this year that featured the writer and creator of the show which was really interesting.
The interviewer also talked to a couple of the costume designers and their efforts to make everything look so authentic is admirable.
That’s one of the reasons I also love that companion book. Love all the extra details and behind-the-scenes stuff.
What an apron!! I’d certainly feel like royalty wearing it. Now, I have a confession — I have never seen Downton Abby nor Victoria. It’s just not something Hubby would watch unless Clint Eastwood was somewhere in the cast. I am an apron wearer! I love aprons and the minute I start cooking I whip an apron out! I’m going to have to make me some fancy ones — I don’t think I could come close to duplicating the beauty of your apron. I’m glad you had a great Mother’s Day! Have a beautiful day — sending hugs!
My hubby is like your hubby (he’s also a big Clint Eastwood fan).
I can’t believe you haven’t seen Downton Abbey.
Hmmm, Marisa-I see a PBS binge-watching weekend in your future-lol.
Oh, so beautiful! Free style? Almost unbelievable! Gorgeous!! I am a fan of Victoria also. Being able to enjoy it in one sitting is a wonderful Mother’s Day gift. The story is captivating. The acting is delightful. The costumes are spectacular. Thank you for sharing this “royal” post. Have a wonderful week.
Yes, yes and yes. I agree with you on all points, Sherry.
I just love stuff like that. While I was watching Victoria, my husband and kids went to the movies to see Guardians of the Galaxy 2.
I definitely got the better deal-lol.
Stunning, Lisa…and such fun to wear! I love all things royal too…embrace it all…and here’s to the semi-royal wedding on May 20…just saying. 🙂
Yes, Jeanne.
Considering how Pippa went over as a bridesmaid, she just may get some royal-like treatment as the bride later this month.
Thanks for popping by and letting me know how much you like my “royal” apron.
Have a wonderful week.
That apron is truly magnificent…who wouldn’t feel like royalty wearing it!…I have not seen the series yet…may have to do what you did and binge watch it…some day! What a most wonderful gift! Glad you had a great Mother’s Day with your beautiful family!
Shirley, I hope you had a wonderful weekend too.
Yes, if you have the time to do a binge-night on this series, it’s oh-so worth it.
Oh my! Your apron is gorgeous! You’re so talented at so many things! I watched Victoria and really enjoyed it but had no idea there was going to be a season 2, so thanks for the heads up. Another good series PBS has you may like is Poldark.
Thanks so much, Karen.
I’ve heard of Poldark but I’ve never seen an episode. I will definitely look for it, on your recommendation.
I was excited to see that a Season 2 is in the works for Victoria too.
You know, the show-runners just couldn’t end the series with the birth of their first child…. Victoria and Albert went on to have 8 more-lol.
Happy day to you.
So pretty . Great imagination .
Thanks, Alice.
I’m already imagining a new one-lol.
Thanks for the recommendation on Victoria- looking forward to watching!
I love aprons- and your fancy one is so pretty!
Jeanne, I think you’d enjoy the series. It’s so lavish and colorful.
Hope you get a chance to watch it before the new season.
Happy weekend to you.