Apron strings

Prepare yourselves for an onslaught of aprons.

I know the vintage apron thing has been huge for the last several years. They're lovely. I get it. But I haven't gone bonkers for them.

Until now.

The parentals are visiting from the wet side of the state, and my mom brought with her some of my nana's (her mom's) old aprons. Nana wore them every day--for cooking, cleaning, everything. I remember some of them, but some are new to me and believe me, it's love at first sight.

They're so delicate. So time worn. And the fabrics are so fabulous.

Check out the aqua and red details on the Christmas apron. Hello!? What's old is new again.
And I just love the rusty safety pin on the pink apron. It had to have been my Nana who put it there (my mom doesn't use the aprons). How long ago did she do that? 15 years ago? 30? More?

Of course, Bo and I had to try the aprons on (what's with my veiny arms? Geesh. I'm like a monster).

I'm afraid to use the aprons for everyday, though. I'm going to have to come up with a pattern to mimic them and find some charming fabric to use, probably from here.

Comments

[Carolyn L.]

These are great! The pale green one is my fave. I have a few old-school aprons, too. Love 'em. I did finally get around to making my daughter and me a pair of matching aprons. I used a Simplicity Retro pattern and some cool fabric. I love how they turned out. Just don't look too closely at the one I did for my daughter. It was the first time I sewed anything beyond pants hems, curtains and baby blankets since the 9th grade, which was a very, very long time ago. It was the first time I tried to use a pattern since way back when, too. Needless to say, I learned a lot doing the mini apron. The grown-up version looks a lot better.

BTW, I have MaryJane Butters publication that may help you on your quest for vintage apron patterns ...

[Nis]

Meegs, a couple of years ago one of Jeff's great aunts passed away. After the funeral her kids held the "reception" at her home and one of the things that they did was give all of women one of his aunt's aprons! She had a ton just like the ones you show. I thought it was the coolest thing to get them (I actually swiped two!) so I understand the appeal.

xo
N

[Megan]

How great, Nis. What a wonderful way to remember her.
It's amazing how many aprons women from that generation had. I guess if you wear them all the time, you sort of have to.
Maybe I'll start making them part of my regular wardrobe. Not so much to protect myself from food or dirt, but from baby spit up. Magpie got me good today.