Aprons

Scott and I have referred to ourselves as the "Delinquent Duleys," because we have missed the last two family weddings. I wanted to make wedding gifts, so I decided to make aprons... no big surprise to many of you!

This was one of the wedding gifts- Katie and Brian got married almost a year ago. I have been wanting to try this pattern for a long time!

One thing leads to another, and then I thought that I would make one for Scott's sister also, since she was turning 40 last week. Then, I also wanted to make a gift for Scott's new aunt that we would be meeting... etc. Before I knew it, I had a 7 apron project going on.

Scott's sister, Stefanie- Happy 40th birthday!

Why don't I think of these great ideas a little bit sooner? Or is it that I just chronically wait until the last minute to start a project? Who knows... Anyway, a few all nighters, and Voila, aprons!

Happy Early Birthday, Grandmama Sharon! We love you!

An apron post has been ruminating around in between my ears for a while, and this seemed like a good opportunity to put pen to paper... or fingers to keyboard, I suppose.

Aunt Connie modeling the "Basic Bib." Happy Whatever!

Why do I give aprons as gifts? Why do I wear aprons when I cook and do house chores? Why am I particularly drawn to aprons from the thirties, forties, and fifties?

Aunt Lisa in her apron- It was so nice to finally meet you! Thanks for hosting us all!

The answer to all of these questions primarily stems from sentimental reasons. In my mind, aprons are a symbol of an ideal (I stress ideal, because I realize that my view of reality comes from my imagination and black and white TV shows!)

An apron represents warmth, love, and contentment.

In addition, aprons truly serve a very practical purpose. They give a fabri-holic an opportunity to do something with bright, fun fabrics that would not necessarily make cute dresses! Aprons also provide a much better place for wiping hands than the seat of my pants or skirt! (My mom would be so proud... I'm learning!) Here's the best one yet... recently I discovered the trick of tucking your dishtowel in your apron string, thus keeping it handy all over the kitchen! (I never was adept at balancing it on my shoulder like my mom, although I have tried and tried- she is the true kitchen cleaning pro!)

So, if you have ever received an apron from me, please know this: I am not covertly trying to snare you into bonds of domestic slavery... I just want to share the joy and hope that sweet memories will be created! :)

I received the following in an email several months ago. You might have gotten the forward also, but it was something I wanted to save, because I can relate to the experiences of the author, both with my grandmother and also for myself!


The principle use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, because she only had a few. It was easier to wash aprons than dresses, and they used less material. Along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out 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, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.

And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons 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, the apron 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 old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, 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 someone invents something that will replace that "old-time apron" that served so many purposes.