Apron Strings

"A good mother
gives her
daughter an apron
without
strings."

-Virginia Helweg

What kind of apron strings did your mother give to you?

Grandma's Apron

Grandma's Apron

The principle use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath but, along with that, it served as a holder for removing hot pans from the oven. It was wonderful for drying children's tears and, on occasion, even used for cleaning out their dirty ears. From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven. When company came, Grandma's apron was an ideal hiding place for shy children and when the weather was cold, Grandma wrapped it around her arms to keep herself warm. That big old apron wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove. Chips and kindling-wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron. From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls. In the fall, it was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees. When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that apron could dust in a matter of seconds. When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch and waved her apron and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields for dinner. It will be a long time before anyone invents something that will replace Grandma's apron, in fact, probably nothing ever will.

Author Unknown

Aprons Tell a Story

Aprons tell a story and take us back in time. Although they were out of favor for a time, they are making a comeback as an artsy and creative way for women to express themselves. One of my mentors, Shirley, has taken the time to gather together aprons from the past. Each is created using a different technique or method. How interesting it is to see examples of the variety of styles and techniques she has exhibited in her collection. She shares how aprons take us back to important people, dates, and times. And how they implement imaginative use of patterns, fabrics, and embellishment techniques. Together, they show the artistic and inventive talents of women.

Some of Shirley's aprons displayed use these creative techniques: patchwork, tatting, Norwegian fisherman knitting, Seminole patchwork, smocking, crocheting, huck weaving, lacework, Lummi Indian weaving, pin-tucking, painted fabric, crocheted inserts, polka dot prints, dotted swiss and rick-rack, and hanky aprons.

How many of these needlework methods have you tried your hand at?

A 3 Apron Day!

I nearly forgot! Not only was yesterday 'teacup apron heaven' because of the Terri & Tari aprons, but because of a darling vintage apron that was given to me by the sisters of Elm Street Antiques. Paula and Terri purchased this sweet vintage blue and white apron for me when they were at the Farm Chicks show last week. Isn't it precious? It features tiny blue roses on white with tiny red dots as accent. Chiffon adds a sheer element, creating a perfectly sweet apron to wear or display. Thank you, Paula and Terri! I love it!

Teacup Apron Heaven

I'm in teacup apron heaven! Two new aprons joined my collection yesterday, both with a teacup theme. The first is the beautiful little turquoise and yellow apron that has red trimmed teacups in the accent fabric. A flared flange at the base adds swirl and grace. Ric-rac is carefully stitched and edged to complete the look. I've admired it for a long time at Elm Street Antiques yesterday it simply called my name. It's special to me because it was stitched by Terri and I'll think of her each time I wear it. If that wasn't fun enough, in the evening another friend with the same name, but spelled as Tari, stopped in for a visit. She brought a beautiful little apron that she'd asked her mother to make for me. What a pleasant surprise! A pair of Levi jeans were cut to make an apron front. The pockets have teacup and teapot buttons stitched onto them for accent. The tea-themed print in pink makes a ruffle and tie that is strung through the belt loops. Not seen in the picture is the apron top (making it a full apron) that's crafted in the same print. If you click on the picture, you'll see a larger view. The aprons in the middle of the collage are new ones at the Elm Street shop. Paula and Terri just found them at The Farm Chicks show. I love how they are displayed. What a perfect apron day! May yours be so as well.

Apronology

EllynAnne Geisel is an author and collector who is passionate about aprons. With nostalgia, she explores the history, form, and function of aprons in ways that inspire others. I love this quote of hers from The Apron Book:

"As an apronologist, I've learned that it is this humble domestic icon that ties us to earlier generations. And by designing aprons, sewing them, and tying them on, we're celebrating the spirit of women."

Some of my aprons hang in the sunshine, acting as homemaker flags on a breezy spring day. They bring color and cheer to the yard that is otherwise still somewhat brown with patches of green starting to come alive in the lawn. My aprons are making history in quite unusual ways! I wonder what the neighbors think?

Aprons for Kids

Just sharing a few more apron pictures with you. In my last post I shared adult aprons made by Terry. She also made these darling children's aprons. I love the wide rick-rack and the bias-cut trim at the bottom of each. Aren't they cute? I know they are 'aprons', but I think they would be darling worn as a pinafore over a simple dress as an 'outfit' to wear for a special event. Or can you imagine a room of little girls wearing pastel leotards and cute aprons like this --- dancing in a studio and enjoying the freedom of a child's life? Very sweet! Great job, Terry! You were inspired when you stitched these up --- and now you inspire us!

Autumnal Aprons

The last days of summer are upon us. Where did the season go? Autumn will be here this week, and it's being ushered in with rain and gentle breezes. A few dry leaves were scattered by the wind across the back porch today, making things look even more autumnal as the equinox nears. Although the rain was needed and welcomed, I did worry a little about sisters Paula and Terry today as they conducted their '1st Annual Sale' at Elm Street. I hope rain didn't hamper their celebration. By the way, the aprons shown here were stitched by Terry --- beautifully! I just had to share a picture with blogland, they are so cute!