My love affair with Sashiko is an ongoing thing. I think it is something about the simplicity of the most basic of running stitches which appeals to me.
So a little tea towel cafe apron. Nothing fancy. Simple twill ties. Red sashiko style embroidery.
And while we're on the theme of 'Simplicity' - I am taking part in Megan's photo swap. Sign ups are open until Friday. If your resolution for 2008 was something photography related, maybe you'd like to join in?

that is one cool dude of an apron.
('cool dude' is the biggest accolade in this house, it applies to anything and everything... super cool)
me like it.
Posted by: monica | 16 January 2008 at 12:14
I like it, too. What is Sashiko? Do you have any links for further reading? Or should I ask my good friend google?
Posted by: seemownay | 16 January 2008 at 12:48
I LOVE that!
Posted by: Liane | 16 January 2008 at 13:30
Your apron is very very lovely - just goes to show that simplicity is usually the best!
Lesley x
Posted by: Lesley | 16 January 2008 at 13:31
I really love your embroidered apron - cute design. I really like the cross stitch at the ends of the ties - lovely little detail!
Posted by: Helen | 16 January 2008 at 14:07
Wow. What a cute apron. Love the use of just red and white.
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 16 January 2008 at 14:18
That's a beautiful apron. My mum has done some lovely Sashiko quilting which has produced stunning results.
Take care. x
Posted by: Kitty | 16 January 2008 at 14:30
I love those IKEA tea-towels. How versatile are they?! Simple and sweet just perfect.
Posted by: Kristy | 16 January 2008 at 14:53
Thank you for the info. I just join the photo swap. That's going to be a fun little activity. Now, I just need to get ideas!
Posted by: Claudia | 16 January 2008 at 15:07
Oh wow -- a simple idea of a tea towel apron that looks like a million bucks.
:)
Genius!
Posted by: Juanita | 16 January 2008 at 15:16
I love the simplicity of the apron, too. There's something comforting in appreciating the simple things in life as they really aren't all that simple--so much inherent and implied in simplicity. I'm loving that word today.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your lovely apron.
Posted by: June | 16 January 2008 at 15:37
tis lovely!
Posted by: Zoe | 16 January 2008 at 15:51
Just love it!
Posted by: Dragonfly | 16 January 2008 at 16:51
Oh, I've signed up for the photo swap too. I hope I don't dissapoint my swap partner as I'm just learning to use my new fancy dancy camera!! Yep I have a few of those tea towels- bought so I could make some aprons and they're still in the Ikea bag (probably covered in dust) *sigh*
Posted by: Lindy | 16 January 2008 at 18:17
I saw this earlier on flickr just after you posted it there and instantly had to make it a favourite - it's a wonderful apron.
Posted by: julie | 16 January 2008 at 20:00
Ali it's wonderful! I love the colour of the tape for the ties and the cross is just perfect!
I'm having trouble putting you on bloglines - any ideas?
Posted by: Louise | 16 January 2008 at 21:29
Wonderful apron!
Posted by: Kate | 16 January 2008 at 22:41
Very simple and sweet. I love this look too. Your design is lovely and reminds me of Lotta Jansdotter.
Posted by: lina | 16 January 2008 at 22:54
oh i love this! so simple and so nice. -kb
Posted by: kelly | 17 January 2008 at 01:40
Ali, that's soooooo cute! I've never heard of that embroidery before. Stop it! Don't show me! I don't need any more distractions!!
Posted by: Paula (Momma Pajama) | 17 January 2008 at 03:40
that embroidery is beautiful! Is there something specific about a sashiko style running stitch, or is it just a running stitch?
Posted by: meg | 17 January 2008 at 04:40
Fabulous Apron. I think simple stitching is so effective.
Posted by: gina | 17 January 2008 at 13:29
I love the simplicity of the running stitch, fab apron!
Posted by: ruth | 17 January 2008 at 20:42
It looks super classy to me! Great work!
Posted by: Kajsa | 17 January 2008 at 21:39
Ummm nothing fancy? Yeah, OK - if you say so. I guess simple doesn't always mean easy.
Posted by: Amy | 17 January 2008 at 21:50
So So So CUTE! I am definitely going to have a go at this.
Posted by: La c. | 18 January 2008 at 01:27
Lovely apron, the red embroidery looks stunning. I've just got in to simple embroidery myself after a break of many many years, and I'm finding it really addictive.
Posted by: Elizabeth | 18 January 2008 at 12:29
that's adorable. Truly adorable. Love it!
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | 23 January 2008 at 00:42
this is lovely, ali. your sashiko stitches are so neat and even! you've inspired me get out my embroidery threads.
Posted by: melissa | 25 January 2008 at 18:58