These are a sampling of the vintage aprons I'm going to part with at this year's Great Glebe Garage Sale on Saturday. Maybe I'll change my mind about one or two and place them back in my collection but most of them, and others, will be there.
To me, these aprons are such a symbol of the housewives of days gone by. They make me think of all the baking and dinners that must have been prepared while they were worn. They are all shapes, colours and sizes, no two the same.
You can tell that many were handmade... some using left-over bits of fabric , no doubt from other sewing projects. Some aprons are plain and utilitarian, others are embellished with ruffles, rickrack, trim, eyelet lace and even embroidery. One of these aprons is reversible, with pockets on both sides. You really get a sense of the owner's style and personality by the little details they put into making them.
Often used as a teaching tool for learning to sew, these old aprons can exhibit all sorts of sewing techniques: smocking, embroidery, gathering for ruffles, fancy stitches and hemming. The levels of sewing skill, from the novice to the more experienced, are apparent on close examination.
A source of nostalgia, these aprons bring to mind a time when not only were all meals home-cooked, but the baking was too... they speak of time spent in the kitchen, hard work and loving duty to family.
For the retro-chic hostess to wear, or just to collect as an appreciation of what they represent, these aprons are a little piece of history to wrap yourself in.
Hey,
ReplyDeleteFinally made it to your blog. I bought an apron from you (the second image with green/red & blue flowers), and my sister bought the apron from that is reversible (one of the main reasons why she bought it)- and we love them! I rarely ever cook (just bake), and I cooked my first main meal that night I bought my apron. The first meal that I cooked and it turned out great! I think my apron is good luck. Maybe those housewives fashionistas good cooking skills rubbed off on my new piece. What luck! Thanks again for parting from your collection.
Blikittay, so pleased that you stopped by and I'm thrilled that you and your sister love your aprons. Glad that the apron inspired you to cook your first meal. The apron must hold some culinary magic of its own. Or perhaps you have a talent that you're only now about to discover! I must confess that I like to bake much more than cook myself. I'll probably blog about "new" vintage aprons as I find them, so hope you'll return from time to time. Bon apetit!
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