"There’s something about aprons that really evoke a true pioneer urban homesteading spirit.
Aprons are very “eco conscious” if you think about it. In the old days they couldn’t just up and throw their dirty clothes in a washing machine — it took hours to do the laundry, so aprons were a practical way to keep clothes clean, saving both time and water. Saving water is a big deal these days, so who knew Grandma was such an eco chica.
Besides the their eco qualities, aprons are so very feminine! And we gals certainly need a dose of femininity with chicken crap on our feet, flour dust in our hair and hands, well, hands that are on the “rough” side!" --- Anais Dervaes
If you've been a long time reader, you know that Sis and I have a love affair with aprons. 'Tis the essential wardrobe of a modern homesteader. I wouldn't think of doing chores without one. Seems aprons aren't considered a fashion gaffe and are making a comeback. Here is an interesting read about aprons making a huge comeback! Aprons are now being touted as "sexy"! (pfffft, maybe they should come out a muck out a chicken coop!) Of course, if you are BBC period piece watchers, apron clad ladies are everywhere!
And even more appropriately, aprons even are having their own celebrated day - November 23 is"Tie One on Day"
“Women clad in aprons have traditionally prepared the Thanksgiving meal, and it is within our historical linkage to share our bounty.”
Participation is simple. On the day before Thanksgiving, November 23rd this year, pause in the preparation of your own meal, wrap a loaf of bread or other baked good in an apron, tuck a prayer or note of encouragement in the pocket, and tie one on…an apron, of course! And deliver the wrapped bundle to someone without your bounty… a neighbor, friend or family member in need of physical or spiritual sustenance, a bit of recognition or just a kind word.
"Aprons don't hold us back — they take us back," she added. "They honor women of an earlier generation. And those women were doing the best they could."
-- EllynAnne Geisel
Apron Pattern Giveaway!
To enter, share your apron string stories by commenting on this blog entry and you might just win yourself this darling apron pattern from the lovely Long sisters.
Winner will be picked at random.
Contest ends Tuesday, Nov 22 at midnight.
Happy Apron Day!
I love aprons! So far my collection includes a green gingham with brown rick-rack that my hubby got me at a yard sale, a pale green with vines that my great grandma hand stitched, a denim pocket with a red-white- blue ruffle from my sis in law, a orange gingham and now a hostess apron I made out of blue tiedye trees with ruffles to wear when my hubby came home from deployment. Which he said looked very good on me. My next apron is planning on being made out army digital camo and will be a halter neck line. I don't know what accent color I will be using with it yet but I leaning towards a little funky but classic. I am also looking forward to enjoying the Tie One On Day for the first time this year. Thanks for a great site!
This brings back such great memories! My mom used to make and wear the aprons she made from left over scrap material. I can just see her in the kitchen making homemade tamales wearing her aprons. I would love to win an apron pattern to keep the tradition going. Thanks, I love your website and the story of your family.
I only recently finished sewing my first apron from a pattern. It's one of those "functional chic" types and I absolutely adore it. But in the giving spirit I have decided to give it to my little sister who is just learning to cook. I really enjoyed the idea of giving a loaf of bread wrapped in an apron, and now I'm thinking about this for my sis! I know she will love it!
My mother wore aprons all the time. She had her everyday aprons, and fancy ones for special occasions. I would love to win this pattern, so I can carry on the tradtition.
I love my aprons so much that they are now in pieces and pinned together. I still wear them...they are not as pretty as these...my favorite is a denim pampered chef hand-me-down with frayed edges. I also have a bright red apron, but that one is not faring so well these days (stains, holes, and pinned strings). Despite their age and wear, they have served me well in saving my clothes from messy kitchen adventures!
When I was a child all women wore aprons, from the every day to the pretty ones for special occasions. The aprons I wear bring back good memories; like the one that I always wear to cook Thansgiving dinner in. It is held together by a safety pin, and faded and worn, but I still love it. I so enjoy the pictures of you two wearing them.
Grandma loved aprons. After she passed away my mom took the special time to stitch patchworks pieces from grandma's lovely collection into aprons for all of the daughters and granddaughters for birthday gifts It is one of my most cherished heirlooms.
I am a Resident Advisor in a dorm at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and recently started holding cooking classes for the residents. In the true spirit of cooking and delicious food creation I wore my full-length checkered apron (my clothes are apparently a magnet for food, so a full-length one is definitely needed) to teach the class. Whilst running around the dorm getting stuff for the class, I ran into one of my residents, a girl who is in a sorority and very much into the current fashion. Accidentally bumping into me, seeing I was wearing my Little-House-on-Prairie-esque apron, and asking why I was wearing it, she exclaimed, "Oh my goodness, I absolutely LOVE long aprons like that! I've always wanted to get one... thank you for convincing me to finally get one!" Now a few of the girls who attend the classes started wearing aprons of their own. Apron Wearers Unite!!!
Grandma and mom were never without an apron. Mom's sometimes was a make do affair, a dishtowel folded in a triangle tied around her waist. Grandma always in a cobbler style except for a special occasion where she had a fancy once that was for looks.
I would love to have a real pattern for an apron. I made mine by trial and error.
I will tie one on tomorrow for sure. Cooking for T day at a friends.