Waiting on Field Fresh

Last week-end up in Denver, we took in the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Strolling up one block and down the next, we came upon a culinary student demonstrating watermelon carving.

So there we are, surrounded by exquisite glass, fiber, ceramics, paintings and the like, and we're

mesmerized by the art of fruit carving, which is a far cry from the hollowed out watermelon basket filled with melon balls that we're used to!

Standing there in the hot, hot sun, I ached for a piece of chilled melon.

Summertime is all about watermelon. In this snapshot taken around 1915, a Boy Scout troop on a camp out takes a watermelon break. The boy in the trio at the bottom left, with a quarter of a melon in his face, is my dad.

Watermelon is the best treat when eaten outdoors, even to the Victorians, who were particularly fond of picnics. Perhaps because it gave them a rare opportunity to socialize without all the formality.

Watermelon reminds me of sweltering August evenings, when my dad would bring home a pick-up of watermelons, and every house on the block would empty of kids and parents, all of us waiting our turn to receive a thick slice, which we’d take to the curb, and sitting side by side, arms sticky with melon juice and legs akimbo, spit seeds between our knees and into the street.

The watermelon crop in my area is still a few weeks from coming in. While I wait for "field fresh," I'm partial to the Pixie because it doesn't take up half the refrigerator, it's seedless and tastes as sweet as its name.

Plus, when I hold Pixie just so, it resembles a little purse... a most adorable accessory to my melon feed sack apron.

If you've not yet signed up for the Apron Memories newsletter, please do! The latest edition includes watermelon poetry & a vintage watermelon recipe, + you're automatically entered in my Sunday celebration giveaways. Yay to that!

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

A Little Something

I'd been saving my cute new botanical print dress to wear to a July 4th party, so when the late afternoon sun disappeared behind treacherous looking dark clouds, and the temperature dropped in ten-degree increments, I nonetheless zipped up, did a twirl, admired myself in the mirror, and promptly forgot to snatch a shawl "just in case." Following the storm, the clouds blew to the east, and the temperature went south. Atop our hosts' roof, PC and I posed for a snap. My smile isn't the only thing frozen.

Overlooking the Denver skyline, I held up 2 toothpicks adorned with little flags, and with fireworks going off in the background, took this picture, which blurred because I was shaking so in the cold night air. But hey, I got to wear that dress!

As we rode the elevator down, I asked a fellow passenger to pick a number at random. 313 he said. And that's how the winner of the first Sunday giveaway was chosen. #313 Apron Memories newsletter subscriber is ginaloya. Congratulations! You'll be receiving a personalized copy of my exhibit's catalogue, Apron Chronicles. I'll be emailing you for shipping details!

The second Sunday drawing celebrating-features-in-Cooking with Paula Deen-and-Romantic Homes-magazines will be for a set of these: Apron Memories notecards

plus this one - the latest notecard design!

To be eligible for the July 12th (and upcoming July/August giveaways), just sign up to receive the Apron Memories newsletter!

Wherever you celebrated America's birthday, I hope the fireworks didn't fizzle and you dazzled in a pretty little something,

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Sunday Excitement!

I wasn't the only one making an early run to the grocery store this morning. Not that I had to fight for the last ears of corn of anything, but when it came time to check out, I was three carts back from my turn to unload groceries onto the conveyor belt. I used the idling time to look through the magazines, and when I saw the July/August issue of Cooking with Paula Deen...

I shrieked, decibel-wise a bit less than if I'd just been stung by a bee, BECAUSE I am the featured Woman of Note!!! Three pages worth yet!!! And this, on the heels of a beautiful spread featuring The Kitchen Linens Book in the latest Romantic Homes.

It's taking me forever to write this blog, because I keep staring at the covers and rereading the articles, which, of course, I knew about, but to actually see the magazines and hold them is a whole other thang!

So, to celebrate that a Sunday grocery store excursion turned into an icing on the cake moment, I'm holding a giveaway drawing each Sunday during the months of July and August. On July 5th, the first present is a personalized copy of my Apron Chronicles exhibit catalogue. Apron Chronicles represents 4 years of my apron journey, and it truly is a most stunning presentation of the American experience as examined through photography, storytelling and the fabric of the apron. I love this exhibit.

Each Sunday, the winner of the week's giveaway will be selected from the list of subscribers to my Apron Memories newsletter. So, to be eligible, just sign up!

Every day should have a little icing on the cake!

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Muchas Gracias, Daddy-O

On CBS Sunday Morning show, the Father's Day tribute was to our dads no longer here and those adults lucky enough to still have their Daddy-Os around. It's that sort of day for me, where I'm a bit heavy of heart thinking about my father, and on the flip side, joyous to see my husband basking in the glow of his sons' love.

From my bilingual boyz to their jefe, a Father's Day card with a kick of kitsch - the sombrero's dingle balls are felt!

and inside, notes of gratitude... A card and handwritten sentiments - the best parent-present there is!

And speaking of presents: Backyard Daddy-O Giveaway lucky winners are ejaskol & aialvarez7.

And this, by anonymous

4 years: My Daddy can do anything!
7 years: My Dad knows a lot…a whole lot.
8 years: My father does not know quite everything.
12 years: Oh well, naturally Father does not know that either.
14 years: Oh, Father? He is hopelessly old-fashioned.
21 years: Oh, that man-he is out of date!
25 years: He knows a little bit about it, but not much.
30 years: I must find out what Dad thinks about it.
35 years: Before we decide, we will get Dad's idea first.
50 years: What would Dad have thought about that?
60 years: My Dad knew literally everything!
65 years: I wish I could talk it over with Dad once more.

Have a Happy,

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Road Trip to Smallville

Unlike travel by air, car travel allows for the impulse of exploration. This one time, only because I was at the wheel and spied the smallish, hand lettered roadside sign proclaiming Exotic Zoo Next Right, did my family get to experience taxidermy at its most bizarre.

And so it was recently, on our return from a southeastern Colorado 2-day loop trip, that we pulled off a stretch of state highway and followed the signs to downtown smallville, where there just happened to be an antique mall shoppe...my very, very favorite type of store, and a soda fountain. With PC parked on a sidewalk bench and happily sipping a rootbeer float, I made my way through the mall. About halfway through was a dining table covered with sheet music, and right there on top was this

Wow! and Wow!! I could not believe it. Copyrighted MCMXXV (a google search converted the letters to 1925) , the two verse ode to every fool of a fellow who'd tossed aside the love of a good woman, has a refrain begging forgiveness :

Tie me to your a-pron strings a - gain....I thought I was right but I was

wrong...Please take me back to-night where I belong....Won't you tie me

to your a-pron strings a - gain__________ gain._______________

Oh, what Toby Keith could do with this song, or Dolly Parton for that matter!

5 days left to enter the Backyard Daddy-O Giveaway. News to share about the book,

which by the way, was previewed in Sunday's Parade magazine - I contacted the authors, Ardie Davis and Chef Paul, and they will be personalizing the book to the winner!!

Later today, we're driving to Breckenridge, where I'll be presenting my Apron Memories program at a luncheon tomorrow. It's a 3 1/2 hour drive, and along the way are a handful of smallvilles. I won't be at the wheel (I'm a scaredy cat when it comes to mountain driving), so I can be extra vigilant for signs that beckon to pull over on our return. Such is the joy of a road trip!

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Vintage Backyard Daddy-O & Giveaways

Hey! And hey again! Following a bit of bad judgment which left me flat on my achy breaky back, it’s lovely to return to the land of the upright. In celebration, I gave a party, featuring my favorite food - the hamburger.

Following some ancient law of barbecue etiquette, the burgers were grilled by the testosterone duo in attendance. While the meat sizzled, the fellows modeled Fifties backyard daddy-o attire from my apron collection

This genre of apron is hugely collectible because of limited availability. Grimy from charcoal, grease flare ups and hand wiping, such daddy-o wear was more often tossed in favor of a new one. Considering their vintage, the screened designs are amazingly vibrant.

These two aprons are sewn of a fabric flimsy in comparison to the heavy duty cotton of others in my collection, which leads me to think they were not meant to last - perhaps tied on for a single event or received as a Father's Day gag gift in lieu of the perennial tie.

Then there's this apron, with the Emergency Only zipper's placement just oh, so risque. Hardly x-rated by today's standards, but definitely titillating at the time.

In further recognition of Daddy-O Day, my publisher has provided me this timely giveaway:

America's Best BBQ: 100 Recipes from America's Best Smokehouses, Pits, Shacks, Rib Joints, Roadhouses, and Restaurants by Kansas City barbecuearians Ardie A. Davis and Chef Paul Kirk!

This is a mouthwatering collection of recipes from starters to meats, classic side dishes, sauces, rubs and decadent desserts.

I like the format of tips, tricks, techniques, memorabilia, color photos and firsthand recollections of tales from the 'pits.

Entry is easy as pie-just leave a comment & your email address (for winner's notification). Drawing held early am Sun., June 21st.

Plus, sign up to receive my newsletter, and you're also in the drawing for "Dick," my Apron Memories bistro-style apron!

Guy-sized in girth and length, it's hand sewn of heavy weight denim with a detachable wipe cloth.

I named this apron after Dick Cline, a most affable fellow who is one of the 46 storytellers in Apron Chronicles. Dick told me that it was from his mother that he learned Wearing an apron makes good sense.

Good sense. Good times. I don't think I'm alone in welcoming more of both!

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Happy Donut Day!

Today is National Donut Day and as a Krispy Kreme devotee, I am in celebration mode. Two glazed donuts for breakfast, and now I'm wishing I'd saved one for later or at least bought 3.

I'm not alone in my love of donuts. According to one of my favorite little pamphlets, published in 1945 by the Doughnut Corp. of America, the donut is a symbol of fellowship, friendliness, and a good time.

                       

 31 pages in length, this pamphlet is filled with party games that revolve around donuts!

 There's the Donut Archery Contest, Donut Nose-Pushing Race, Donut Horse Racing, Donut Pirate Party and Donut Buffet.

 

 

And what had to be the most popular game of all: the Donut String Kiss Stunt, 

                  

where  "...it will be a minor miracle if this little divertissement (that's French for amusement) does not end in a kiss...which is an appealing idea to young couples who are just looking for a good excuse anyhow."

And if a planned event weren't enough reason to bring on the donuts, there was this announcement:

               

Page after page of creative ways to serve donuts, like Donuts as Cereal and Sandwich Donuts with fillings of pimento cheese, cottage cheese and jam, or peanut butter and steamed raisins.

A Donut is a happy food, that satisfies the spirit as well as the appetite. Not many foodstuffs can measure up to that. Or not in my tummy, anyway.

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Wild, Wild, Wild West Fest Mess

The Professional Bull Riders Association moved its headquarters to my town and then threw a four-day party dubbed the Wild Wild Wild West Fest to celebrate the relocation. Since Thursday, there's been non-stop activity down on Union Ave: pancake breakfasts, a mercado, an exhibit of western boots, a parade, outdoor concerts, vendors galore and bullriding by the primo cowboys in the world.

                     

Deciding what to wear to the party in their honor was an easy choice - this Colorado Centennial apron and my embroidered cowgirl boots!  Too wonderful.

                  

Before the final competition, we walked around and came upon this very long, long horned steer, and for $10.00, you could sit in the saddle and get your picture taken. As I contemplated whether I really wanted to climb up the step stool and wearing a skirt, hoist myself atop Oliver, he pooped.

              

Oliver appeared quite content to have someone clean up after him, not unlike most men, I think.

            

Had there not been the delay, I would have clamored into the saddle and had my picture taken. In hindsight, Oliver did me a heck of favor. 

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

A Slice of Celebration

When the cause for a celebration is upcoming, an announcement or invitation to attend is usually sent prior to the event's date.  However, there are some events that take place spontaneously and but for the quick of eye & camera, will go unheralded.

      

I think all levels of achievement - from graduation to mastering the hoola hoop - are deserving of a nod and a cake, or this Refreshment Hour Sandwich Loaf, which appeared in a 1949 Workbasket:

                 

I can personally vouch for the delectability of the Sandwich Loaf, which was served at the  reception of my exhibit's  opening at Ironworld in Chisholm, MN, back in January of this year. When I first noted it on the buffet, it had yet to be sliced, and I thought it was dessert.

That I'm still talking about it, let alone took a photo of it during the event, is telling of my fondness for cake, even when the cake is a loaf.

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Tying One On in the Front Yard

We've been a one-car family for many years, and only on the odd occasion would a second car have made the day a tad easier. Today was one of those days. Without transportation, I was forced to celebrate National Wear Your Apron Day in my front yard, not out and about as planned. Here I am, wearing an especially cheery apron, and pulling weeds. The photographer 

is a passerby, who very nicely stopped her dog walking to accomodate my plea for a pic. Today was lovely - sun shiny, not too warm, and the ground still moist from the early a.m. watering...perfect for losing track of the time, singing Elvis songs, and filling a wheelbarrow with weeds.  Showing off my pretty apron would have been nice, too, but tying one on in the front yard was good enough.

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Mother's Day Vintage egreeting card

 I recently bought a stack of old calendars for the art.  As with the covers of pattern envelope, magazines, and the early reader series like Dick and Jane, the illustrations were printed from original art, which somewhat accounts for their value among collectors. But it is the artists' talented rendering of those moments in our lives that are experienced by everyone: first haircut, heads bowed at the Thanksgiving table, F on the report card, muddy footprints on a freshly mopped floor, that draws us to adore and relate to the pictures.

This illustration is by Russell Sambrook, who charmed America with his talent from the Twenties to Fifties.  What mother hasn't been in this mom's shoes - on the receiving end of a child's idea of the best present in the world.  

 

I'm a bit late getting this illustration to webbie for posting on my site's homepage as a complimentary vintage egreeting download, but despite the tardiness, it should be loaded in time for sending. Happy Mother's Day!

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

the luck of the draw x 6

The lucky winners of the FABULOUS not-a-contest GIVEAWAY prize packages are Liz Mandle, Bea, MaryAnne, Llyn M, tara and Rebekah !!

Biggest hugs and thank you to all for entering. The creativity and talented eye for repurposing is amazing. I always think there simply cannot be one more apron design or inventive reuse of vintage household cloth, but surprise surprise! Colonial Patterns/Aunt Martha's transfers and I have so enjoyed looking at creations and reading the postings.

xxea and the Price family of Colonial Patterns, Inc./Aunt Martha's

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Tweaking Tradition

A holiday rolls around, and I immediately begin searching for new recipes to shake up the traditional table spread, I of the mind set, that recognizing the occasion is tradition enough. 

Since only the holidays most widely celebrated are treated to massive recipe makeovers or menu innovations by the media and its celebrity chefs, my holiday, Passover, receives little attention when it comes to recipe reinvention of the seder particulars.  

A late start left me with only a day and ahalf to devote to the endeavor, and after scrolling through dozens of on-line sites, I happened on a recipe for chocolate covered matzoh. The perfect tweak, it turned out, because not only is it easily prepared, it is over-the-top delicious! Addictively so. And when paired with a colorful trio of sorbet scoops... 

In this photo, the bowl of dessert matzoh is  side by side with a gravy boat holding freshly made apple/pear sauce, yet another recipe so simple and delicious it's ridiculous not to make it every day! (saute peeled & sliced fruit in water until soft. drain. in a bowl, sprinkle with a small amount of sugar and mash with a fork)

And now the finale photo to the evening - a red wine stain on the hand stitched tablecloth.  

I'm sure it will wash out or at least fade through subsequent laundering.  Such is the risk of using a beautiful cloth, but better to use it with joy than to keep it stored in a drawer and out of sight. 

xxea

3 weeks left to enter the FABULOUS (not-a-contest) GIVEAWAY!

Vintage Easter is all charm

Vintage greeting cards have an indisputable charm, with this one the loveliest of examples. I have a photo of my mother as a little girl in a similar outfit and Buster Brown haircut, which leads me to guesstimate this card was created in the 1930s.  

She's been gathering flowers in a little basket, but has set it aside to what?  I think she is admiring her new patent leather Mary Janes, which will soon enough bear a first scratch. 

We could all do with such a pastoral moment, and a pair of shiny new shoes, now and again!

xxea

Take time to enter the FABGIVEAWAY at my March 25th blog entry, then

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Cocktail Napkins' Barnyard Roots

Telephone interviews can be a tad nervewracking, if only for the throat glump that always seems to settle in just as the phone rings.  Clearing the pipe with a tad of aplomb rather than a hack is, to say the least, difficult. So it was with some excitement that today's chitty chat with a Dallas newspaper was glump-free...a situation I attribute to just how much I enjoyed the questions. 

The reporter, a fellow, queried from a male perspective on vintage household linens, which translates to: he knew not of what he was speaking, but gave it his best shot. The questions ran the gamut of "what would I say to a guy about setting a table with a cloth" to "what would I say if a guy used my pretty towel to wipe his lawn mower greasy hands." Delightful!

One thing we touched on was home entertaining, and my hoorah! for the return of the cocktail hour, a time of day when adults can do with a little grown-up hooplah without a huge commitment of time or effort or expense to the host/hostess. Gathering is the point of the invitation, and to frou frou it a bit, add cloth to the service. Cloth, as in cocktail napkins.  

Bitty bastions of the 1920s, these small-sized napkins were often decorated with a rooster, the pictoral for the word cocktail. Another Vintage Tidbit! This set, which includes glass bottom covers to shield wooden furniture from the horror of moisture stains, was photographed for The Kitchen Linens Book. 

And this set, which is cross-stitched, I just picked up at a local shop. Er, snatched up is more like it, because not only is there a rooster, but it appears he's attempting to pick up a martini...a real feat for his little claw foot.  

xxea

Don't forget to enter the FABULOUS not-a-contest GIVEAWAY! and then

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Vintage Inspiration meets Rick Rack

When in need of an apron as an accessory, I look first to my collection. Yet even should I spy the perfect apron, I may still decide to just sew one up - the decision coming much faster than the actual stiching! So it was with this apron, which boasts not only a vintage embroidered hand towel but  

rick rack...my all-time favorite embellishment. I made this apron 4 years ago to wear with a chintz strapless tea-length dress.  I've worn it dozens of times since - not only for its charm, but it took me forever to apply that rick rack!  Time, I know, to let that go.

Counting down the weeks left (four) to enter the FABULOUS not-a-contest GIVEAWAY! Check my March 25th blog entry for details. Here's another look at the prizes 6 lucky winners will receive!  

I'm preparing for a two week tour with my beautiful new book, and the details of that will be coming at ya very soon! Meantime, I'm laying out my dresses and thinking apron-as-accent. A fashion show moment perhaps?

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

a Domestic Archive

When I first set about writing The Kitchen Linens Book, I called friends who were into antiques, hoping at least a few were also enamored of vintage household cloth.  My dear friend, Jan Means, was a Bingo!  Within a week or so, a box arrived with a selection of exquisite family heirlooms, and this set of DOW (days of the week) towels

To see this set in person is to experience the true definition of adorable. I immediately wished I'd discovered "Cherubs" first, so I might own the set; instead, I immediately broke a commandment and coveted my friend/neighbor's possession. I kept the set so long, Jan was forced to delicately question if I was ever returning them, which I did with much reluctance. 

Seven or so months later, I contacted Colonial Patterns/Aunt Martha's about my use of the company's vintage reproduction dishtoweling as the basis for my apron-ology magazine apron design. Kindness itself, vp Chris Price not only provided the toweling but also a bundle of Aunt Martha's transfers, among which was this one!

Correctly titled Busy Babies (not Cherubs as I'm still inclined to do), the popular design has been around a very long time, and as with all the Aunt Martha packaging graphics, the original art work for BB resides in a vault at company headquarters.  Oh, to see this cache of original packets in person!  

Before computers and graphic design programs like photoshop, art was drawn and colored by hand. And therein lies the true value of the old pattern envelopes, early primers like the Dick and Jane series, calendars and transfer packets.  Simplistic in presentation and without the manipulation of today's graphics, the drawings are a part of our colorful domestic history.  

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Embroidery not by the numbers

Inspired by the creativity of the entries to the Fabulous not-a-contest Giveaway!, I decided to take a bit of break from what I must accomplish and so spent the entire day attempting to embroider a reduced-sized transfer to an even smaller surface. I've now set the project aside. Hopefully, I'll arise in the morning with a new perspective (literally) and stitching prowess.  

I do so want to embroider better, a longing that has intensified as my collection of household stitchery grows. In my writing room, I'm surrounded by not only hundreds of aprons but also stacks and bins and shelves of luciously stitched goods, with this set of His and Her towels as one of my favorites 

Oh, to drape a lavatory towel bar with handtoweling such as this.  In my dreams. For honestly, I couldn't bear for either towel to be really used. I can just hear myself shrieking NO!!! as HIS swabbed at shaving cream residue.  Of course, HERS would remain pristine. ha

Which brings me to sharing this 3-D marital portrait:

I purchased this bit of high end art for $10.00, which I think was an absolute steal. It's about 3/4" thick from the inside ledge where the couple "rests" to the back of the frame.  Figuring out how it was done provides endless fascination and entertainment.  Or just a giggle, which I sure needed after a day lost to expressing myself through thread.

Oh, well, as my favorite literary muse would note, Tomorrow is another day.

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

the FAB (not-a-contest) GIVEAWAY countdown

April 1 is a day of universal gaiety (check out vintagepostcards.org for French foolery!). It's also the beginning of the countdown to the end-of-the month drawing of the FABULOUS not-a-contest GIVEAWAY's six prize packages: 

For enumeration of the goodies and entry details to this fab giveaway, visit my March 25th blog or the front page of my website apronmemories.com and click through to 3/25.  

My partner in this promotion, is Colonial Patterns/Aunt Marths's Transfers, owned by the Price Family of Kansas City, MO...where the corn is as high as an elephant's eye and license plates declare it the Show Me! state. The citizens of KC have a long-standing geographical and historical acquaintance with lean times, and throughout is their relationship with doing the most with the least. Cotton feed sacking exemlifies this.  

Whether inspired by the fabric of a 1940s bag or the mentality of making something new of something done-for, please create and enter this FABULOUS not-a-contest GIVEAWAY!  

xxea and the Price Family

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

a Happy Birthday Portrait

After 5 days of storms, the weather has cleared, and our final day at the beach will be spent toodling about on coaster bikes and basking in sunshine!

Occupying ourselves during the depressing weather took a positive turn with the arrival of my eldest, his sweetie and an Apple laptop. The built in camera feature and an Andy Warhol-ish photo program provided much amusement, artistic expression and this:

...my birthday portrait. Now for some cake for breakfast!

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

the Fabulous Giveaway's Exquisite Stitchery

Embroidery is the easiest of embellishments because it is the most forgiving of the needle arts. Unlike knitting and crocheting and machine sewing, embroidery can be delved into with little to no instruction and supply-wise, we're talking a needle and colored floss.

My embroidery skills are alongside my sewing skills - slow and steady, but refinement of my stitches is still something I aspire to. The embroidery on the prize packaging is of an altogether different ilk, so exquisitely executed by Amanda Thomopson, I had to show it off.

A self-taught seamstress and stitchery artisan, Amanda produced the six prize packages, each adorned with an adorable Aunt Martha transfer.

But you must enter in order to be eligible to win one of the Fabulous not-a-contest Giveaways! So, get goin'!

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

the FABULOUS not-a-contest GIVEAWAY!

Here ‘tis – the most FABULOUS not-a-contest GIVEAWAY!

Celebrating the debut of THE KITCHEN LINENS BOOK, Colonial Patterns, Inc./Aunt Martha’s Transfers and I are giving away six (6) prize packages, each bursting with these goodies:

Vintage Red Striped Towel

Vintage Blue Striped Towel

Vintage Multi Striped Towel

Vintage Green/Yellow Strip Towel
2 - Flour Sack Towels
1 - 7" Embroidery Hoop

6 - skeins of embroidery floss

2 - Aunt Martha's Embroidery Transfers "Busy Babies and Barnyard Romance"

A sheet with basic embroidery stitches, and

My 3 books: THE KITCHEN LINENS BOOK, THE APRON BOOK & APRONISMS

Prizes are packaged in vintage toweling envelopes, each hand sewn and beautifully embroidered by mompreneur Amanda Thompson of Spokane, WA.

To enter this Fabulous not-a-contest Giveaway!

1. Create something wonderful re-using household goods from the past, such as fabric, hotpads, handkerchiefs, table coverings, curtain paneling, toweling, embroidery, doilies, placemats, napkins...

2. Post and boast about it on your blog and leave a comment here with the link to your post. 

Note: Leave an email address, too, so you can be contacted if you're a winner. No blog? Not to worry. Leave a comment here, telling us what it is you're creating & your email.

3. You can share your creation here, in our Kitchen Linens Flickr group.

Ta Da! You’re entered to win one of the six prize packages!

Deadline for entry is Thursday, April 30. Drawing held Friday, May 1, using random number generator to pick the six winners. Winners will be immediately notified by email (see #2!) for delivery information.

Please post our buttons on your blog, so your readers will know about this Fabulous not-a-contest Giveaway! too.

In the tradition of women creating, sharing and inspiring through the artistry and industry of our handiwork, let the fun begin!

xxea and the Price Family, owners Colonial Patterns/Aunt Martha's

Vintage Trivia

Celebrate Spring with a new hostess ensemble! Such was the yummy advice to the 1956 homemaker with a bit of time on her manicured hands.

Coats & Clark's creative vision for "the discriminating homemaker who likes to be different" was page after page of apron and coordinating table settings, "...that we have christened "Hostess Sets." " There it is - a wonderful tidbit of Vintage Trivia! Now we all know when and by whom the phrase Hostess Sets was coined. Ah, such is the stuff I live for!

I utilized yoyos and moire to create this happy combination, which is perfect for a party luncheon.

And as the favor for my three special friends, a sweet hankie tied with ribbon and slipped in between, a sprig of fresh lavender. Now, what to serve?

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Traincase Story

This traincase is my travel carryon. It's perfectly sized to slip under an airline seat, and the flip top makes the interior easily accessible. Inside, there is ample room for necessities, including a shawl, book, Peter Paul Mounds bar and my little mini computer. An assortment of elasticized compartments hold my phone, sunglasses and lipgloss. Within the carryon, I am a CEO of organization. It also serves as the best foot rest. 

When I purchased this case, I peeked inside but didn't examine its nooks carefully. Upon its first usage, I discovered a folded piece of paper tucked into one of the zippered pockets.  It was a letter of confirmation from a hotel in Hawaii. Dated December 21, 1967, the letter assured Mrs. Barbara Lee that a room awaited her at the rate of $10.00 a day for twelve days in January of the new year.

On the backside of the hotel's stationery, in blue pencil, was written her husband's name, Company and Platoon information, and the base's location. Looking back to the date, it occurred to me that Barbara was possibly meeting her husband in Honolulu for a holiday before he left for Vietnam.  

A traincase was the luggage of women, often part of a two-piece set received upon college graduation. Purchasing such luggage secondhand wasn't so common in the Sixties; Barbara was most likely its original owner. 

The case and I are leaving for a holiday with my prince charming. I so hope it was up for purchase because Barbara received a new set of luggage from her soldier...as a twenty-fifth wedding anniversary gift. 

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Quick Like a Bunny_Another Giveaway Deadline!

My friend Shawnee, of the very popular and lively flirty apron swaps, has put together a Kitchen Linens Remix. The swap requires registration, and the final day to register is TOMORROW, Tuesday, March 17th.

At last count, over 65 had already signed up to sew an apron from kitchen linen goods! Do hurry and register - and by doing so, Shawnee will enter your name in the drawing for a copy of The Kitchen Linens Book!!  

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Final Day to Register for TKLB Giveaway

A quickie post to remind all of the giveaway of The Kitchen Linens Book at LuLus Vintage. 

A not so quick-but hopefully entertaining-read is my Lulus Style Council interview, posted below:

The Style Council! EllynAnne Geisel, Author of The Kitchen Linens Book, The Apron Book, and Apronisms

This month's vintage lover is EllynAnne Geisel of Pueblo, Colorado. EllynAnne is the author of Apronisms, The Apron Book, and next Tuesday's giveaway: The Kitchen Linens Book- don't forget to click here to leave a comment for you chance to win a copy!

EllynAnne will be on tour with her book from April 20-May 2. Here is a list of dates and locations:

Monday, April 20th Seattle, WA; Tuesday, April 21st Lake Forest, WA; Friday, April 24th San Francisco, CA; Saturday, April 25th Dallas, TX; Monday, April 27th Coral Gables, FL; Tuesday, April 28th Concord, NC; Wednesday, April 29th Greensboro, NC; Friday, May 1 Denver, CO; Saturday, May 2nd Littleton, CO. For more info on tour dates and locations click here 

-How long have you been collecting vintage textiles?

Only for the past nine years have I decidedly and purposefully collected textiles. With cloth, there's an instant visual, and in my case, a visceral connection...or not. There are colors, for instance, that I am absolutely not attracted to.

-What got you into vintage textiles?

I grew up in a household where my mother had one tablecloth and napkin set, and that was reserved for holiday dining. I loved that cloth- washed over and over, the drape was melodic, like a soft waterfall. With so little personal history of cloth as more than just for a special occasion, I was quite surprised that the discovery of a cache of vintage textiles that had belonged to my mother-in-law would bring me such joy and awaken this need to have lots of textiles in my life! I love vintage fabric in all forms. From aprons to household linens, to me, each is a celebration of the artistry and industry of women.

-What are your favorite eras of textiles?

I use vintage fabric within my apron designs, and so purchased table coverings, toweling and curtain panels in order to get the most yardage for my buck. But I was always setting aside certain purchases, especially from the thirties, forties and fifties, not so much for design as the colors. The hues were different back then...softly intense but not overbearing, and agreeable to juxtapositioning. When we recently repainted our home, the palette I selected was straight from my fabric collection!

-What is your ultimate vintage find?

Without hesitation, my ultimate find is the 1945 Butterick transfer pattern. Of such significance, I wrote about this on my blog, Apron Memories Even two years after the fact, I'm emotional over this pattern. Not only how I discovered it, but there's such gaiety to the dancing mommy, daddy and baby plates, cups and saucers, etc.- which to me, is symbolic of war replaced with hope.

-Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores of eBay?

My finds are always in person- the thrill of the hunt, so to speak. I tend to favor antique malls because of the diversity of the individual shops, and the number of vendors.

-Who are some of your favorite style icons?

I live in New York City for a few years, and as a poor art student, spent great chunks of time roaming the expensive stores like the oh so chic Henri Bendels and the village shops for fashion inspiration. One of my favorites, though, was a little storefront named Betsy Bunky Nini. It held a grand mixture of second-hand (wasn't called vintage then!) and one-of-a kind creations. Unbeknownst was Betsy was Betsy Johnson. I have an original Betsy Johnson, which has been carefully stored for many years. This past September, I presented it as a birthday present to my eldest son's special sweetie. It was time the dress was worn again. So, in answer to the original question: Betsy Johnson.

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

Oh, yes! Eye glass frames, bow ties, Archie comics, early readers and the Dick and Jane primers, children's wooden toys, barware, Viewfinders and reels, metal workman lunch pails, etiquette books, cookbooks and magazines, all of the 1900-1950's. I surround myself with these items, along with my aprons and fabrics- they are my inspiration.

xxea

Vintage Transfer a Priceless Gift

I love antique malls, especially when I'm on my own and can roam and root about at a dawdle. In the Denver neighborhood where my sons live, there's the most divine mall. Cavernous and dimly lit, the old wooden plank flooring creaks as you mosey in and out of one vendor's display after another. Heaven. Two years ago, I was in one such booth, where I noticed a cardboard box tucked into a corner, almost invisible beneath a pile of stuff. What possessed me, I'll never know, but I set down my purse, cleared the box of its burden, and began removing the contents. And there, at the very bottom (music swells here), was this...

...an original Butterick transfer pattern from 1945. I about wept with excitement and joy, because I knew what I had unearthed from the box was very, very special. Raggedy and lacking a price tag, the staffer on duty asked what I thought the pattern was worth, and I, who loathe bargaining, shrugged and said two dollars. From the look that crossed his face, I realized two cents was the response he'd expected. Ha! on him...for this pattern turns out to be history and priceless.  Not even the McCall pattern company, which purchased Butterick, has a copy! 

Through the largess of Butterick/McCall, "...permission to publish is granted for the use of archival imagery (Butterick transfer pattern 191, Feb. 1945) to EllynAnne Geisel." And so it is that my wonderful publisher, has packaged this transfer within The Kitchen Linens Book as a gift to you. 

Sixty-three years since the original printing, The Kitchen Linens Book's reproduction transfer has also been printed in the U.S.A.  

                                                                                                           

Looking at the torn envelope-almost too fragile to handle at this point-it's a miracle the transfer sheets aren't damaged in the slightest. But a greater marvel is the adorable designs were never used, and so could be reprinted in their entirety. Lucky for us. Enjoy! Have fun! Stitch away! 

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Aprons Don't Hold Us Back, They Take Us Back!

Apron-ology magazine exists because women have a long history of sewing their own aprons. Luckily for those of us who rely on patterns to guide our creative bent, companies like Butterick and McCalls have been selling patterns since the 1860s. When I contacted McCalls to learn about the company's history, Kathleen Lenn, the company's senior Vice President, took patience and gracious to a new level when she visited the company's archive office and copied images for me to share with y'all.  !!!!!

This first image is the cover of an 1886 McCall pattern magazine, THE BAZAR DRESSMAKER, which was established for the purpose of selling apron and fashion patterns through the mail.

This ladies' pattern is actually classified as a Kitchen Apron - domestic armor, I say! The button at the apron's bottom would have been sewn with double the thread to the fabric, when you consider the volume of panteloon, petticoat and dress the apron was attempting to squish and contain.

Not as easy to see, but I hope you'll try - even if it means squinting - is this page of girl's aprons. Between the button up boots, layered clothing, apron protection and primped hair, girls of the time dressed as a mini-version of their mothers...a reflection of the pattern company's awareness of society's expectation of its younger females.

Patterns have always been created to be disposable, so it is lucky for us indeed that Butterick/McCalls donated the majority of the companies' patterns to COPA, the largest pattern archive in the world. It's located at the University of Rhode Island, and you can visit it on-line at www.uri.edu.

The apron has always been a great first time sewing project, and to see up close the patterns of over a hundred years ago - aprons don't hold us back...they take us back, and in the nicest way imaginable.

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

The Luxury of Cloth

Vintage fabrics are so lucious to the eye and touch...justification enough to explain my love for household cloth goods of decades gone by. And I'm far from alone! One of the joys of working on The Kitchen Linens Book was making the acquaintance of others also so enamored. 

This dining cloth is part of a collection in the care of Jan Smallwood. Vintage 1930s, the printing technique is called grinning - where an area of white was used to separate designs and colors, so as to lessen the chance of colors overlapping. It's in perfect condition, with hardly any fading, 

although it was often used and washed and line dried by Jan's mother-in-law, Mona Gae Presley Smallwood, whose father was a first or second cousin to Vernon Presley, Elvis's father!!! (a bit of detail so personally exciting, I think it's worth the 3 exclamation points)  Mona Gae's household goods were her personal wealth, and she would be amazed to see the cloths she so carefully tended now safeguarded by Jan as precious family heirlooms.  

The Depression was a terrible time, when a brightly colored cloth was for many women all they had to lift the spirit.

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Seeking the Portal to a Book

Four or so years ago, through a joint love of aprons, I made the internet acquaintance of Janet Downs. Janet, who lives in Goods Mill, Virginia, is a storyteller and fabric historian, her wealth of both drawn from a family that goes waaaay back.  

So I might put faces to her stories, Janet provided me dozens of black and white snapshots, among which was a photo of a woman standing at her stove. The details of the picture - a dishtowel folded over a hanger, the pots on the burners, her aproned self looking at the camera as if to say Well, take the picture already! Supper's ready... I fell in love with its authenticity, and thought it the perfect voice and presence to be the portal to The Kitchen Linens Book. Turns out the picture is of Earl Downs' mom, Virginia.

Forever, I am grateful to Janet and Earl for sharing this cherished photo. Does she not speak volumes without saying a word?

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

The Voice of a Book's Cover

Choosing the cover to a book is akin to naming a baby. Once all contenders have received equal consideration and votes are taken, the semi-finalists are picked apart then put back together, with everyone weighing in. My voice was for a cover that conveyed warmth and vibrance, with a kick of kitsch yet coaxing of nostalgia. 

Of the boxes of vintage fabric and household cloth I provided for consideration was flour sack toweling that my mother-in-law had embellished with embroidery.  This grouping of 3 - China, Glasses and Vegetable Polka - were the finalists, with China the hands down winner. 

Else, my mother-in-law, had apprenticed in England as a seamstress in a couture shop. Her speciality was handbound button holes. Imagine the intensity of the stitches required for a buttonhole! So, the gaiety of these transfers must have appealed to her lighter side, yet her professionalism never left her - check the backside of the towel. Over fifty years later, and the stitches are still intact and immaculate.

That's the thing about stitchery and the women of earlier generations - the embroidery is their voice, telling us...I was here. 

I hope you love the cover as much as I do. It honors Else, and my PC, her only child. 

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Opportunity Disguised as Flu

Recently felled by a touch of flu, I followed the old-fashioned prescription for illness, and took to bed in a darkened, cool room to wait out recovery. The upside to feeling so crummy was shutting the door to all communication, reclining on a plump of pillows, and luxuriating in my beautiful book. Since its arrival and my peekview video, I haven't really processed The Kitchen Linens Book...then along came opportunity, albeit, disguised as flu.

In the coming days/weeks, my plan is to personalize for y'all the people, the stories, and the fabrics within TKLB's pages. 

To begin, the hardback cover of TKLB is texturized to feel like the feed sack cloth that is photographed. I purchased this bit of feed sacking from my friend Carolyn Gilbert, owner of Pandora's Antiques in Electra, Texas.  What drew me to this particular fabric were the holes from the original hemming were still visible. In my mind, I could see the thrifty homemaker carefully removing the string, which would prove servicable in another capacity, and then using the feed sack to sew a garment or table covering. 

To brush your fingers against the cover is to feel the fabric and if just for a blink, connect to the women of earlier generations.

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Celebrating the Artistry of Women

I'm always on the look out for new ways to incorporate vintage goods - whether a doily, handkerchief, hot pad, household linen or just a bit of pretty lace - into a new sewing or craft project...not that I'm any great shakes at either!  I'm more about embellishments than the details of construction.  

Aprons from the 1920s -1940s are my endless inspiration. Without the mind-boggling aisles of craft stores to provide materials with which to be creative, women relied on the ladies' magazines of the times and pattern books for new projects to beautify their homes and their clothing, like this sweet butterfly lace pocket:

Prettying up an apron with a lace pocket or embroidering a name on a handkerchief or crocheting a lace edging to a muslin dishtowel were how women used to embellish and enliven the mundane through stitchery.  

Aprons to linens - celebrate the handiwork and artistry of women.

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Egg Money and the Homemaker

Along with aprons and linens of earlier days, I find it fairly impossible to resist purchasing household tip pamphlets, cookbooks and homemaker magazines of the 1900-1950s. They're my pre-sleep reading. 

Last night, I was looking through a recipe booklet from the 1930s, and found this folded sheet of paper between two pages. I was suddenly very awake, as I realized I was holding a financial document over 70 years old: a woman's egg money accounting for the month -

Women have always been industrious when it comes to creating the enterprise that will augment her family's income or provide her a secret fund for extras, like fabric for a pretty apron:

This fabric from the 1930s was sewn into full body domestic armor by Jeanne Froeb's mother. I met Jeanne in Tulsa, and she lent me this apron so I could share it with y'all:
This apron is slightly faded in the lap, perhaps from Jeanne's mother wiping her floury hands or her daily use of the apron as she drew it up to hold eggs gathered from the coop.  In 1931, eggs sold for 20 cents a dozen, and if I've done the math (ha!) correctly, my list maker made about $7.90. 

1931 was a tough time for America, despite what the cost of goods sounds like against today's exchange - a loaf of bread was 8 cents, a pound of hamburger meat 11, and a can of pork and beans 5. 

But we managed, because we've always known how to tighten a family's belt and save a bit of egg money for ourselves.

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Bit O' BizWizdom

A year ago or so, I responded to a call out by WomansAdvantage.biz for calendar quotes to be used in the 2009 edition. Despite that when it came to creating Apron Memories or any of my other apron projects, my business plan is Ready! Fire! Aim!, I tried my hand at it and sent an entry. Knock me over with a feather, my bit o' BizWizdom was selected!

The calendar question I posed is actually a variation of a question I ask myself on a daily basis: Would I want to be married to me today? I just grimaced as I wrote this - yikes! There've been days....

Anyway, for a simple enough question - Would I want to ____________ today? - it's really quite amazing how adaptable it is to professions, relationships, situations... Would I want to be my student today? Would I want to be my child today? Would I want my groceries bagged by me today? And as I was sitting with my girlhood friend as we awaited her turn for lab tests, I held her hand and asked myself Would I want to have me offering comfort today?

February 11th - my bit o' BizWizdom day. Ha! Life is just one big surprise.

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

www.apronmemories.com

Best Super Bowl Sunday Ever!

Traveling to the venue that's hosting Apron Chronicles and assisting with the opening activities is always a fun and busy time. My visit to Chisholm, Minnesota and Ironworld has been pedal to the metal since I arrived last Wednesday. Promoting the museum and Apron Chronicles took me all over, which gave me the chance to see the beautiful landscape of this part of the country, plus ice fishing! In hopeful anticipation of glimpsing this activity, I'd brought my snowglobe, and together we posed by a portable man cave:

 Highlight #2 was today's apron fashion show. I'd written a script and provided aprons from my collection, which were modeled by the contestants in the Miss Hibbing Winter Frolic Festival. Giggly and adorable, they tied on vintage aprons and with much flirt and frolic, were absolute stars. 

The show was filmed (I'll post a video as soon as I receive a copy), and upon the finale with all 16 wearing the frou frou aprons of the Fifties, I was surprised with a presentation: a vintage apron signed in colorful markers by the girls - Dannelle, Michelle, Dana, Whitney, Angela, Rachel, Traci, Elizabeth, Morgan, Tiffany, Devany, Jennifer, Christine, Sabrina, Amy and Jaimelee. 

An apron memory to cherish. 

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

The Apron Magazine is here!

Hey! and Hey! Lots of excitement today - I received my advance copy of the most anticipated magazine: apronology!!  A hundred plus pages devoted to the beauty and artistry of the apron, it's a creative and inspirational masterpiece! 

So, how come I have a preview copy? BECAUSE my apron design, Domesti-Chic, was selected for this premiere issue!!  Pages 32 and 33 are all EllynAnne.  I am positively honored - wait until y'all see these gifted apronologists and their designs...and the photography. swooning here.

Beth Livesay, managing editor, and Jenny Doh, editor in chief, generously included me in the magazine's editorial introduction and reviewed the original literary apronista, The Apron Book.

apronology is a must-have, and it is available for sale February 1.  Let the countdown begin!!

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

a Perfect Purse

 Yesterday's unseasonably warm weather called for a lunchtime stroll by the river, which required an apron change-out to one with ample pockets. Here I am, looking very pleased with myself for tying on a purse rather than carrying one.

I stuffed the left pocket with life's necessities (phone, $ and pink lip gloss) and the right with the camera, because you just never know... 

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course! 

the original A is for Apron

Before A is for Apron was appropriated as a book title, it was the description on an early apron pattern. This is the oldest pattern I own, and I love sharing it:

For the clearest picture, I scanned the apron packet and surrounded it with a black border to contain the rips in the paper envelope, which I think exist because the paper is over 80 years old.  The printed muslin is still in pristine condition, as are the tidy bundles of embroidery thread. The thread colors are subdued - a light pink, soft lilac and yellow with a tint of green, which are consistent with the dyes of the time. 

Oh, whether to leave it as history or cut, sew and embroider it as art. I just don't know.

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

the Scarlett O'Hara Principle

This past summer, I created an apron and purse ensemble that adheres to the Scarlett O'Hara principle of reinventing vintage drapery into clothing and accessories. I started out with two different panels, but had to call in a third to add additional ruffling to cover up a catastrophe of badly sewn top stitching. The Melanie purse is petite and charming, like its Gone With the Wind namesake. The corner buttons are vintage, too, and the prettiest pink, my favorite color. 

I'd been saving this creation to wear at my April book signings, but today was warm like spring, so I tied it on and with Melanie in hand, took a walk...more of a saunter, really. It was a glorious day to debut a new apron. Now, to design a new pretty to tie on when spring truly does arrive!

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Apron Displays

My nine-year apron journey has presented the opportunity to visit the most inspirational apron displays, which like their subject matter, are without pretention yet infused with dignity. You've seen what I'm talking about in those old, sepia tone photos, where the subjects stare at the camera's lens without intimidation, conceit or a molecule of self-consciousness. They reveal their truth, and never more (to me, anyway), when photographed in an apron. 

In a local apron display at the Wichita Falls, Texas, historical society's museum, I was enchanted by this photo of Mary Eliza Darden Renfro (1873-1932) and the accompanying poem, Mother's Old Checked Apron - "which had no lace nor ruffles-just a simple garment, but an epic of its day."  Epic, as in a symbol of heroism, strength, something that surpasses the ordinary and is worthy of celebration. Epic. What a wonderful word to reference the humble yet lovely apron.

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Joy=Lickin' the Puddin' Spoon

Vintage is my addiction and Chocolate Pudding is my favorite dessert. Not instant pudding, oh never, no no no, but real chocolate pudding, for which, like real whipped cream, there is no substitute.

Dinner need be no winner when the dessert is.

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

A Treasure Found

Writing about the state of chaos in my creative space prompted an effort to clear just one shelf of shoebox jumble. The box I picked to go through revealed this gem - a letter I'd penned to Dr. Kildare, the love of my 6th grade so-called life (after Elvis, of course):


The envelope was addressed but not licked shut, because I used to copy all my correspondence!

Discovering the photograph and handwritten letter reminded me of my dreamy-eyed girl days. My bedroom was total chaos. Nothing has changed, but the girl is now grown up.

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Organizing Chaos

A recent publication of Stampington & Company showcased the inspirational work spaces of very creative and successful women. To a one, their areas were extremely tidy, unlike my creative space, which is a mess. I poured over the feature, hoping just one would reveal her secret to organizing and maintaining order within her surroundings, but no.

My creative space is a jumble with the tools of my inspiration and creativity -
aprons, linens, boxes of photographs, files of research, and bins of patterns and magazines and cookbooks of past decades. Every new year, I resolve to replace this chaos with calm. 2009 is but days old, and I see no light at the end of this tunnel. Although I've read articles galore on organizing, I don't seem to know how it is accomplished and maintained. If you do, please, all suggestions to organizing this chaos appreciated!

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Vintage Capery

What began as the most gorgeous morning with a sunrise of every hue of pink, has shifted to a gray sky and ferocious winds...sure signs of a storm on the horizon. A quick check of the refrigerator and cabinets indicates a trip to the grocery would be a good idea. Sigh. A gloomy day now looking to be even more so, what with the grocery store my least favorite destination. What to do to cheer myself up but to wear my special cape.

Created during my artistic residency in New York City when I studied to be a fashion illustrator, I purchased the cape from a vintage shop in the Village. It's a deep navy blue, 100% wool, practically drags the floor and weighs a ton.

My decoration of choice utilized felt squares, the psychedelic palette indicative of the Sixties color wheel. The cape had such voice, it announced its own entrance:

At first, I glued the pieces to the wool, but with the acquisition of a sewing machine that included the zig zag stitch option, I affixed the designs permanently.

The back of the cape is an explosive garden filled with all things happy.

Not exactly a sophisticated design, it represents the spirit of the artist wannabe that was and is me.

I deem this cape so special, it is stored in a container, swathed in archival tissue. But not today -today I will wear it to the grocery store. While I'm prepared for stares, I also anticipate smiles. Brightening someone else's day brightens mine, too...no better way to face a coming storm.

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Once-A-Year Outings

Tonight is the once-a-year outing of my black pumps with the diorama lucite heels:

Purchased from a JCPenney catalog many, many years ago, they are style-wise a tad dated. I care for them like I would a piece of art, which they are to me. Paired with my finest LBD and my favorite jewel, Prince Charming, I'm all set to ring in the new year.

Also outing is my penchant for a good toast. Toasting has a long history, begun by the ancient Greeks who had the habit of spiking the punch with poison. Offering a toast was deemed a gesture of good faith. And as to the theory of clinking glasses with a toast, one idea is that by clinking glasses, you could slosh the poison someone may have put into your wine back into theirs. A fun bit of alcohol chit chat that might liven your own toasting experience tonight.

Not one to leave this one-a-year toast to spontaneity, I found this year's toast in a magazine ad of years ago: To Life - and knowing that things don't have to be perfect to be perfect. Clink.

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Tie One On...a vintage Christmas apron, of course!

Oh, which to tie on this Christmas eve? Perhaps a softly pleated waist apron with a holly berry and pine cone motif...

Poinsettias, embroidered or flocked, are always in style...

Maybe cotton or chintz, fancied up with rick rack...

Then there are aprons with fabric so adorable, oh, how to choose...

Flocked panel aprons in different colors and designs...an apron change out is a must!

As for me, I must wait one more day before tying on Jingle Belle

my one and only Christmas apron creation and jingling 'round the block to Heidi and Phil Marin's home for a holiday dinner. To only wear this confection once a year is a pity - then again, what comes but once a year is also most anticipated.

As I imagine the women who once tied on the vintage Christmas aprons in my collection, I'm thinking of all y'all, and sending you and your families my best wishes for the merriment and rejoicing that is Christmas.

xxea

The Perfect Card

I'm a huge fan of holiday cards, especially those that include a holiday letter and/or a family snapshot as an insert, perhaps because I view seasonal greeting cards as a perennial opportunity to catch up friends and far flung family on what's going on in our lives. This year's batch was quite wonderful, to the point of overshadowing the e-greeting from an intellectual property attorney and his firm, who used to acknowledge my patronage with a Harry & David crate of rock hard pears. Times are tough, so receiving an actual card with a stamped envelope is quite the gift.

What I really adore is how the picture cards continue the Kodak tradition begun in the Fifties, of showcasing a new home or new landscaping or remodel:

or sharing the filling of an empty nest with pets:

or proudly displaying the growth of a beloved child:

or my favorite, the family holiday picture:

Our greeting card will be late, because I took forever to find just the right card. I don't know how many I reviewed before turning to my on-line addiction, etsy, and coming across graphic artist Laura Bolter and the perfect card!!

If I get going, I might yet get our cards out before the year's end...each s.w.a.k.

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Snowy Sunday

Awakening to snow is a big deal here in the southeastern part of Colorado. After finally locating my red wool chukas, and bundling up as though braving several feet of snow rather than inches, I shoveled a foot path out to the sidewalk to retrieve the paper, but before stooping to pick it up, I noticed the vibrancy of my shoes against the sweet, pure snow, and so took a picture of the view:
Yes, I had my camera with me, because upon seeing the snow falling, the first thought I had was to take my snowman snow globe outside and get a picture of it in the real element:

Normally, this little snow globe sits by my computer. I must shake it several times a day, year round. There's something about watching the flakes swirl then drift then settle that I find calming.

I just looked out the window, and the snow has stopped. Glad I didn't tarry! Hopefully, there's more snow still to come, at least enough to collect for snow ice cream. m-m-m-m-m. Now there's a treat!

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

EA's Publisher Offers a Real Deal!

Andrews McMeel is my wonderful publisher, and I just received this amazing coupon offer

At 35% off and free shipping, The Apron Book and Apronisms are genuine deals. That goes for all the other books, too, plus calendars, games and craft titles. Hope this helps with your shopping budget! My shopping dilemma is suddenly solved!

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Santa Land

Impersonating an icon like Elvis is a lot easier than impersonating an iconic illustration, which accounts for the army of badly done Santas that are everywhere. Because Santa is an illustration, we have no idea what he sounds like (were Santa a dead recording artist, at least the impersonators would all similarly deliver their Ho Ho Ho's!), however due to the groundbreaking 1930's Coke advertising campaign that featured a jolly fat man with a long white beard dressed in a fur trimmed red suit, we all know what Santa looks like

So at the least, a Santa impersonator should have blue eyes that twinkle, a plump belly that shakes like a bowl full of jell-o when he ho ho ho's, and not be the least bit weird or scary, like the

Santa I met at an open house hosted by my new friends, Pamela and John. As far as Santas go, this Santa was a ringer for the original Coca Cola Santa. He was so Santa-like, I bet he would win first place in a Santa competition. Seeing him was like seeing Elvis, before he left the building.

Do visit the Coca-Cola website for the history of the Santa illustration, and to learn the answers to burning questions like Is Santa's coat red because that is the color for Coca-Cola? and Did Coca-Cola invent Santa Claus? Knowing the answers will make for the best holiday cocktail party chit chat.

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Like Mother, Like Daughter

My very favorite essay is titled I Never Saw My Mother Do a Sit-up. Written in 2002, it was published two years later in Chicken Soup to Inspire a Woman's Soul. And it is with considerable joy that I announce its publication as a Chicken Soup 101 BEST selection in a new Chicken Soup title, Like Mother, Like Daughter

The timing of this announcement is not without purpose, as today, December 5 is the date of both my parents' deaths, Daddy in 1999 and Mama in 2003. The saddest thing for me is that neither lived to 2006, the tipping point of my apron journey. Oh, how they would have delighted in it all.

And it is with delight that I share my favorite bit of storytelling http://www.apronmemories.com/index.php/press/

and my favorite photo of Mama and me

In memory, love and laughter,

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

New Owners to Tie One On

Choosing five aprons from my collection to offer as  National Tie One On Day giveaways was not easy. I had to consider which aprons I could send off and never see / admire / or wear again. At the same time, I wanted each giveaway apron to represent a unique design or handiwork. After all, they are presents, and I wanted each winner to delight in its ownership, as I have. Here are the five, with a bit of apron commentary.

The Hawaiian applique was sewn with machine zig zag stitching, but the rick rack was applied by hand. The stitches are so precise as to be a marvel. This apron may have been worn by a hostess throwing a luau, a popular Fifties party, with a pineapple speared with toothpicks of fruit kabobs as the centerpiece.

This apron's pocket is so well aligned as to be almost invisible! To draw your eye to it, that's my sweet little book, Apronisms, peeking out. The colors of the fabric are between pastel and saturated, from the 30s or 40s I'm guessing, and overall, very feminine in appearance and design.

 

Handkerchief embellishment was very popular in the Fifties. This apron's border may have been sewn from one large hankie, which wouldn't have left any hankie to sew as a pocket. The seams are finished, providing a very neat appearance to apron's overall construction.

          

The sewer was not a beginner! I have many aprons utilizing hankies as pockets and/or the border, and worn over a solid color sheath, they are among my favorites to tie on.  

These aprons represent opposite purposes - as a hostess accessory and as daily wear. The organdy apron is entirely bordered in a narrow, narrow pink bias tape that is machine sewn in tiny even stitches, a testament to the talent (or patience) of the sewer.  

                           The gingham apron is almost entirely sewn by hand. At the waist are a dozen embroidered flat pleats. The same design is repeated on the pocket and border, between two rows of doubled rick rack. The shine you see is the reflection of the camera's flash off the sparkly thread. For a daily wear apron, this one is haute.

So now it's bye bye, time to send them off to their new owners...who I hope will provide us with pictures tying one on...an apron, of course!

xxea

Winners Plucked from Vintage Peanut Tin

I am overjoyed with the success of the third annual National Tie One On Day. To the one hundred + participants, thank you for bringing a bit of happiness to someone in need of a little kindness.

Now, to the drawing for 5 copies of The Apron Book, 5 copies of Apronisms, and 5 vintage aprons from my very own collection - rather than allow my computer to randomly select the winners, I decided to choose the winners the old fashioned way: by drawing their names from a hat...only not a hat, but rather from a wonderful old tin that is normally my peanut holder. So I wrote out all the entries, cut the paper into slips, folded them, and dumped them into the tin

Then I set up the scene and took this photo

Then, with my eyes closed, I plucked 15 entries, and here they are:

The Apron Book : Monica (Nov 6), Cindy (Nov 12), eternalsunshine (Oct 30), jana (Nov 17), and marissa (Nov 7)

Apronisms: Toiling Ant (Oct 31), whoopsiedaisiesgal (Nov 7), Paula (Nov 8), Jill (Nov 13), Paige (Nov 10)

Vintage aprons: Sheila (Nov 7), Christie (Nov 4), Becky (Oct 30), Laura (Nov 8), Cheryl Janeen (Nov 20)

To all y'all who participated in National Tie One On Day 2008, thank you thank you thank you!

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Leftover Friday

There's nothing like being invited to a Leftover Friday party when the invite is from a chef who insists we leave our own Thanksgiving leftovers at home. Good news, given the pumpkin soup and cranberry cream pie I'd made were deemed inedible, which reduced my family's feast to fowl, potato, and vegetable, all of which we'd gobbled up. The sweet potato casserole was especially set upon. Gleaned from the November issue of Saveur - a magazine I subscribe to for its unique presentation of food through travel, photography, and storytelling, this 'tater dish was the first recipe I've ever made from its pages.

And that it turned out exactly as the photograph only enhanced my excitement. Of course, it was ridiculously easy, and halving the topping with one part marshmallow, the other part crushed salted cashews - yummy brilliance. I deemed it a gourmet success.

True gourmet, however, is how our Leftover Friday hostess, Pamela, created entirely new dishes from yesterday's meal. Ham was redressed with a warmed cherry chutney, baby cabbage reappeared in a casserole, sweet potatoes were tossed with hash browns and potato chips (!), cranberry sauce baked up into a coffee cake, and the fruit of the centerpiece chopped into a compote. I, who celebrate when the finished dish looks like the picture, cannot cook by invention. That's talent.

Adding to the esprit of the gathering was the brunch beverage, a mixture of champagne and ruby grapefruit, our host John's creation. Toasting our new friendship, we handed the camera off so we could pose for a picture. It's a tad fuzzy, but nonetheless a keepsake.

And adding to the jubilation was the presence of our sons. It's been eight years since Noah and Gideon were last in Pueblo for Thanksgiving at the same time.

Family! Food! Photos! Happy Thanksgiving!

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Kitchen Saviors

When it comes to recipes, my philosophy is If you can read, you can cook. And my very favorite recipes are those that include a photograph of the finished dish. I create whole menus around pictures, which is how I chose my Thanksgiving dessert offerings: A pumpkin lattice tart from The Food Channel and a Cranberry Cream Pie from Real Simple magazine.

The tart was going great until I set the pie crust strips a'top the batter for weaving, and they promptly sunk. That glump at the left are the fished out strips. This dessert has a good ending - it baked nicely and dollops of whipped cream will fancy up its lack of a lattice topping.

Not so nice is the cream pie. I'll be serving it in parfait dishes, as it never set up. The recipe noted it would be ready to serve in 4 hours. Well, 10 hours later, it's more puddin' than pie.

For my Tie One On Day delivery, I dressed up the #1 disaster dessert by pouring the cream pie into a Fiestaware cup, and

wrapping both the cup and pumpkin tartlet in clear floral bags. But still, the offering looked a tad underdone, so I took a clear plate and to the bottom, performed decoupage with a circle of vintage fabric, like this

Then wrapped the whole shebang in a red gingham apron, and ta da!

I should have learned my lesson long ago about baking an un-tried dish for a festive gathering, but I like change and to that end, this isn't the last holiday meal that may call upon my secret kitchen saviors: whipped cream and

a frozen cherry pie.

Kitchen fiasco or not, Tie One On...an apron, of course! and give thanks we have pie at all.

xxea

The Food Channel Ties One On!

Ohmygosh! My interview with The Food Channel is up! Senior Writer Bill Bailey is a dream come true reporter. He truly appreciates the goal of National Tie One On Day, and indicated he and his wife will be participating.

"Tie One On Day" Offers a Way to Give Back - on The Food Channel

Source: www.foodchannel.com

Dinner will be soooooooo late tonight - I'm busy doing the happy dance!

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

a Tie One On Day Note Card

Hey, y'all! Whether your Tie One On Day baked offering is purchased or homemade, it is a handwritten note that truly personalizes this gesture of giving. United as we are through our participation, I wanted to further tie us together, so I created this Tie One On Day note card.

Front Image & Backside Text:

THE FIRST THANKSGIVING

Of the eighteen married women who sailed on the Mayflower, only four lived through the first winter to see fall of 1621. With the assistance of five surviving girls and one maidservant, the four, thankful to be alive and grieving for those not, prepared a meal of gratitude.

Visit my website http://www.apronmemories.com/ to download and print out this Apron Memories® National Tie One On Day 2008 card.

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Splurge!

Last January I decided to remodel, just a tad, just enough to sort of freshen things a bit. We'd been in our home for 20+ years, and January's gloom needed a bit of twinkle. What resulted was a year and ahalf of unexpected tear up, to the house and our wallet.

During those 16 months, we entertained zip-o and oh, my, are we making up for lost time! Hosting a series of dinner parties, Prince Charming and I are having the most fun: he as Mixologist, reading my vintage cocktail primers, and me as menu and ambiance planner.

To my way of thinking, ambiance - not food - is the Splurge, and for Saturday's gathering, peach roses were my extravagance. Roses in rural-ly Colorado define splurge.

As special as these blooms were the guests. I adore bringing diverse people together. One couple, Pamela Nelson and John Tan, were actually total strangers to us!

I'd read about Pamela and John in our newspaper about a year ago, when they'd moved from California to purchase the Abriendo Inn, Pueblo's premiere B&B. They warranted a nice mention, and I'd meant to call, to thank them for their relocation and faith in our town's supporting their new venture, but I forgot. A few weeks ago, the paper again heralded Pamela and John... as the family of author Amy Tan. Amy, who inspired me nearly 20 years ago with The Joy Luck Club, that I might one day find an outlet for the storyteller in me.

So I called. And I asked Pamela to please take a chance and accept our invitation to a dinner party two weeks hence, and to trust that we weren't weird.

This is the hostess gift Pamela and John presented

a lovely wine wrapped in an apron designed of fabric selected by Pamela's mother.

New friends. The best gift of all.

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Bow Wow Fundraiser

The Whisker Ball, my town's annual fundraiser for the animal shelter, is truly fun. This year's attendance was at 400, not counting the dogs. We had preferred seating in the canine section, which meant we had chairs at a table while the pets flopped on the floor. We sat with our friends John and Terrie and their pups Cody and George. A dressy affair for both guests and doggies, black proved to be a magnet for dog hair. Despite George's seemingly lack of excitement to be my lap dog, he was actually very happy to be off the floor and at table level where he could lick plates. The brooch I'm wearing is doggie jewelry, and holds a picture of our departed pet, Truffles.

I love my children, yet I don't wear their pictures on my clothing! What is it about pets that we do such wacky things?

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

VOTE - Because You Can!

Dressed in my favorite early day apron and adhering to my motto Apron + Pearls = Every Day Chic, I voted on Friday. The voting site was a-buzz with energy and anticipation, and standing in line was an opportunity to chat it up with folks ahead of and behind me about how fortunate we are to live in America. When I exited the booth, I handed my camera to Issac, the voting proctor closest by, and asked him to snap a picture of me having tied one on...an apron, of course! to vote. Issac is a better voting booth monitor than photographer:
I hope this picture will inspire you to dress up in Every Day Chic tomorrow and show off your Vote-stickered apron here!

Voting is a family affair for my friend Emily Kenyon and Nina, her college-freshman stepdaughter. Traveling from San Francisco and Oregon, they arrived in Pueblo on Saturday to canvas for their candidate...who just happened to be here! Talk about serendity!!

Tuesday, please, vote for your candidates! Because you can.

xxea

National Tie One On Day

I am very excited to announce the launch of my National Tie One On Day campaign. Participation in National Tie One On Day is simple - on the day before Thanksgiving, pause in the preparation of your own bounty, 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 in need of spiritual or physical sustenance.

As encouragement to your assistance in the promotion of National Tie One On Day and its message of sharing and gratefulness, Andrews McMeel, my wonderful publisher, is offering 5 copies of The Apron Book and 5 copies of Apronisms in a giveaway, along with 5 vintage aprons from my personal collection! That's 15 wonderful giveaways!

To enter the giveaway, follow the instructions on the home page and post the National Tie One On Day button on your website or blog, then leave a comment on this blog. Please provide an email where I might contact you, should you be a winner. Entries accepted until 9 pm Mountain Time, November 26th.

Thank you so very much for embracing National Tie One On Day!
xxea

The Real Grandma's Apron

In the nine years since I began my apron journey, I've read and received I do not know how many versions of "Grandma's Apron." Whether in rhyme or essay format, the basic "telling" is always the same, as is the title, Grandma's Apron. The only difference is when the piece is accompanied by a claim of authorship. Grandma's Apron has been around on the Internet for so long now, and with so many insisting he/she is the original composer, I wondered if the true writer of this beloved piece could even be found.

Well, thank goodness I hven't yet tidyied my writing room, as I've promised to do for the last, oh, 9 years. For what I found may come as close to authenticating the authorship of Grandma's Apron as can be got.

In 2004, I received a letter from Mrs. Lucille Norton of Marion, Ohio. She'd read an article about me and my aprons, and thought I'd enjoy reading a poem titled Grandma's Apron!, which had been printed in her local newspaper, the Marion Star. This is a scan of the letter and the article:

The article's lead off is in tiny tiny font, which I have typed word for word here: The following was read on WMRN Betty Newton show some days back. More than one farm woman, as well as others, said it brought back fond memories. It was written by Rev. Don Hart of Mount Vernon, chaplain of the Ohio State Grange. Through the couresy of WMRN, we got a copy of "Grandma's Apron" for reproduction here. Does it strike a cord of nostalgia for you? The reminisce that follows is likely the original Grandma's Apron. And if delivered from the pulpit, that had to be one Sunday when no one took a snooze during the reverend's sermon!

Rev. Hart's commentary on his grandma's apron struck a cord that continues to resonate. Any writer would be pleased for his or her writing to be the inspiration to so many.

xxea Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Zack the Electrician Draws the Winner

How serendipitous that on the day of my Patriotic Apron Giveaway Drawing, our electric line was being serviced by Zack the Electrician. An affable fellow, Zack the Electrician obliged my request that he assist in choosing the winner of the Vote Apron. Giving the workingman's lunch box a good shake and rattle, he plucked a name...

The winner is Hadley Austin at Hadley Gets Crafty

Hadley's Post: This is the most wonderful idea. I teach English at the university level and am always so addled by my students' failure to participate in elections and other civic functions. The girls are always astonished to realize that women have had the right to vote for under one hundred years. The things we take for granted...

Hadley promises to send a photo of her wearing this vintage symbol on November 4th, as she votes.

How about we all tie one one...an apron, of course! when we VOTE.

xxea

Blogtoberfest Apronfest

Blogtoberfest is b5media Lifestyles Channel's two-week giveaway extravaganza. Donated prizes are in excess of $7,000, and include one of my aprons (Deni in red or fushia - winner's choice) and a personalized copy of APRONISMS.

The giveaway is already a week underway, and truth be told, I meant to post about this before leaving for Abilene and forgot. Gayla McCord at momgadget.com (she writes a guide to gadgets - gizmos and domestic bliss) provided the entry information, which follows:

1. Browse the channel or just go straight to where my prizes will be listed (Baking Delights)
2. Watch for sponsored prize winning posts wearing the official Blogtoberfest button
3. Leave a comment on that exact post. Your comment IS your entry.
4. Check back with that blog within a week and see what the prize is and if you’re the lucky winner.

I'm participating in Blogtoberfest because it offers hundreds of opportunities for readers to win really good gifts...a timely giveaway during a tough time for many.

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Abilene Set to Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Following my appearance on my favorite television show, CBS Sunday Morning, I received a call from The Grace Museum in Abilene, TX, about engaging my exhibit, Apron Chronicles. That was two years ago, and tomorrow we're leaving for the exhibit's opening! I am so excited. I love love love traveling to the exhibit's venues and assisting with the opening events.

The exhibit will be at The Grace through December, however, if you're anywhere within striking distance of Abilene, please try to come over while I'm there (Sunday-Wednesday). The exhibit is the most wonderful juxtaposition of fabric, storytelling and photography - to see it is truly a lifechanging experience.

A selection of aprons is framed and travels with the exhibit - framed because they are works of art, so rare as to be irreplaceable or treasures on loan. This clothespin apron is one of those that is framed. It was given to me by Ronnie Crawford. His story is about his mother, and like all the stories in the exhibit, Ronnie's shares an experience that we recognize as a part of life.

Such a Deal! 1000 Tips for $1.00

Imagine - a thousand tips that promise to make your daily life less burdensome, and the cost for such wisdom? A buck. I have a cache of pamphlets such as this one
Tips in this particular pamphlet are arranged in chapters that include the expected, such as Baking, Canning, Freezing, Sewing, Gardening, and Laundry to the unique - a four page Children's Section.

A few of my favorite tips are:
Baking - Do not grease the sides of cake pans. How would you like to climb a greased pole? Paints - When painting steps paint every other step, let dry, then paint the remaining ones. Painted in this way the stairs may be walked on without injuring the paint. (sure wish I'd read this about two months ago!) Sewing - When sewing plastic material, baste with paper clips instead of pins or a needle and thread. This kind of cloth should not be punctured except by the permanent stitching (now I know how to sew oil cloth/laminated fabric aprons!)
Miscellaneous - Spinach may be the broom of the stomach, but sauerkraut is the vacuum cleaner. And this one - To catch mice, place a gumdrop in the trap, instead of bacon or cheese. When the mouse goes to eat the gumdrop his or her teeth get stuck and causes the trap to go off (brilliant!).

It's the Children's Section that provides the most enlightenment of a time long gone - Never let your mother or father bring you a chair or get one for themselves. Wait on them instead of being waited on.

Given our present state of economy, the frugality and household tips as printed in these old timey pamphlets don't seem old fashioned but rather seem filled with old fashioned good sense.
Are you with me on this? Share your tips, please!

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!
www.apronmemories.com

Patriotic Apron Giveaway!

'Tis timely to laud the women of an earlier generation who'd had it up to here with their lack of rights. Thanks to the feisty suffragettes, who put the walk into their talk, picketed the White House, and participated in hunger strikes and other forms of civil disobedience, the 19th amendment was ratified to the Constitution in 1920, giving women the right to vote.

The intervening 80+ years have wrought significant changes for women, including whether or not to tie one one...an apron, of course!

In celebration of Voting and Choice, I am giving away this vintage apron

The cobbler-style apron pattern is copyrighted 1952, the presidential election year that voted Eisenhower into the White House. 1952 was also Elvis Presley's junior year in high school, which is beside the point of this giveaway, but for Hunk a Burnin' Love's military service (1958-60).

To enter this giveaway, simply share your patriotic apron comment. To double your chances, post this giveaway on your site or blog, and leave a comment with a link to your post. Comments espousing a particular party, candidate or ballot issue should be saved for fights with your family, friends and co-workers. Such comment will cancel your entry to this giveaway.

This giveaway will close to entries on October 15th at 8:59 pm mountain time - one minute before I shut the computer for the night. Drawing October 16th.

Please enter often and increase your chances to tie one on...this apron, of course! and wear it November 4th when you Vote.

xxea

www.apronmemories.com

Apron Parade

When I accepted the invitation to travel to North Carolina and share my apron journey with the Triad Quilt Guild, I worried just a tad that given the date was Labor Day, attendance would be sparse. Well, fiddle dee dee! to that notion, was President Laura Skinner's response to my concern, and was she ever right! Seems the Guild's monthly meeting is high priority to the membership, even when it falls on a holiday. So it was no surprise to Laura nor anyone else

when over 100 members arrived, most donned in an apron. The most fun aspect of my traveling about is the aprons I see and the stories I hear - always something new.

At the Triad's meeting, I was also treated to an apron parade. Once everyone in their aprons got up and marched to the front of the room, Laura read the well-oft quoted poem, Grandma's Apron. Of the many versions I've read and heard, this one has the sweetest last stanza. I took a video of the reading and have posted it here. I hope you enjoy it.

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course

Oh, what to wear?

My sons are both teachers, the youngest, Gideon, just entering the profession as of last Tuesday. He sent us a photo via the camera on his phone of his first day on the job, standing outside his classroom wearing a big smile and a new outfit. New-ness is a first-day tradition, for students and teachers alike.

There's such hopefulness in new school supplies, a new lunch box, and a new pair of shoes. Perhaps the anticipation of a new beginning accounts for the family affair school shopping has become.

If a new beginning were just around the corner, my new outfit would combine two of my favorite vintage finds: this apron and coordinating purse.
I've had the apron for years, purchased because of the embroidered figures and their thread hair dos appliqued against a blue the color of a cloudless sky. The purse was a much later find. Discovered in an antique shop, I was captivated by the dimensional paper cutouts and their frizzy thread beards.

But putting the two together was an olympic moment, an inspiration that hadn't occurred to me until the opening Olympic ceremony. I so loved visiting China three years ago, and now I have a new outfit to remind me of the specialness of that trip. Something old is now something new.

xxea

Tie one On...an apron, of course!

Dr. Seuss and EllynAnne

Question: What do Dr. Seuss and I have in common? Answer: One of the most mispronounced last names on earth. A German surname, Geisel is pronounced Guy-zul. Not Geezel. Geesell. Jesel, Guzel or southern-style Gi (as in Hi! long i) sul. Good efforts all, but incorrect. Of foreign origin, Geisel is immune to the grammar rule that governs "ei" : When two vowels go a walking, the first one does the talking. Once a year I can count on Geisel's correct pronunciation, and that is on March 2nd, the Cat in the Hat's author's birthday. The rest of the year, I just wince.

So, as I'm slicing cantaloupe for tonight's dinner and listening to the news, I almost cut off my thumb when the broadcaster announced "Raymond Hunter Geesell had been arrested today for plotting to kill Barack Obama." Not that I know this guy Geesell - my almost dismemberment was a reaction to what I instinctively knew was a mispronunciation: Geesell is really Geisel. A quick hit to the Internet and my instinct is confirmed.

My German father-in-law, Albert Geisel, was always so proud that during his immigration procedure, he managed to spell his last name in English to the officials at Ellis Island. He, along with Dr. Seuss, must be rolling in their graves that their honorable surname is also that of a would-be assassin. Would-be. Thank God.

xxea

Calling All Sleuths

My cache of old books include the Nancy Drew series. Read first by my older girl cousins, I inherited these original volumes while in elementary school. Nancy Drew, along with Penny (Sky King's niece) and nurse Cherry Aimes were my girlhood idols. Their lives were so much more interesting than mine, what with a bit of unsolved mystery here and there. The Nancy Drew books were the last mysteries I read with a fan's fervor. Turned out mystery writing isn't a genre I enjoy; however, that doesn't mean I don't enjoy a good puzzler now and again. Especially when it involves an apron.

The Mystery of the Margie Ruth Apron was sent to me from Michelle Salazar: My Mother is 79 years old and was named "Margie Ruth" by my Grandmother. Granny was born and raised near Waycross, GA. She saw the name in an apron advertisement in a catalog. I am hoping to find out more information about the apron and the company who sold it. That would be a nice surprise for Mom. Granny must have liked the aprons to name her child after them.

Does anyone know of the Margie Ruth apron? Solve this mystery, and receive an apron from my collection.

Let the sleuthing begin!

xxea

Dress Up and Drink Up

Yes, it's hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk, but to do so would be wasteful of an egg. Better to make a Coke float.

While there is gentle disagreement in my family as to whether the ice cream goes into the glass first and is topped with Coke or Coke is poured into the glass and the ice cream follows, what's not up for discussion is a Coke float is drunk from a chilled tumbler that is all dressed up in a Glass Jacket.

A Glass Jacket is something I discovered in one of my collectable books, Golden Treasury of Needlecraft. A postwar publication, it's a gathering of over two hundred things for the homemaker to crochet, knit, sew, and embroider for herself, her children, her home, her husband or "...as gifts to give to those you love." I don't crochet beyond the simplest chain stitch, but if I could crochet, I would spend my time making these Glass Jackets:

Instead, I discovered a baggie of multi-colored crochet Glass Jackets at a thrift store: I used to dress up my dolls. Then I dressed up my babies. I never dressed up the dog. However, I do accessorize drink glasses with the occasional little umbrella, marachino cherry, and a little Jacket. Sweet.

How to Make a Coke Float
Scoop vanilla ice cream into a glass. Pour cold Coke over the ice cream. Serve with a tall handled spoon and a straw.

xxea

But It's Dry Heat

Summertime in the High Plains is brain fryin' hot with zero humidity. The consulation to living in such heat is conditions are perfect for sun bleaching. Today's candidates for a good sun bleach are two of my favorite vintage cloths, both bearing grease stains that are likely fifty years old or more.
The steps to bleaching cloths are 2: layer the cloths on grass and wait. Why this works, I had no idea, until I mentioned sun bleaching in an email to my friend Grace. An encyclopedia of organic knowledge, she educated me that it's the combination of sun and chlorophyll from the grass that bleaches stains from linen. Seems women of the Victorian era utilized sun bleaching to remove stains from their white tablecloths.

White cloths, I'd learned from research for my new book, because the staid times did not encourage the use of color. Which in a round about way brings up the point of whether sun bleaching also fades a cloth's colors. My experience has been that the old dyes were so intense, it takes more than a day in the sun to wreak fabric havoc.

The bonus to cloth spread out on a sunny day is the smell of natural heat, and how it lingers in the fabric. Better still is this decidedly un-Victorian but heavenly tip from Grace: Drape a blouse or under girliewear over a lavender bush to dry.

An outdoor sachet for a drying rack!

xxea

What the Heck is He Thinking?

Perhaps it is the heat but I've gone dotty over the illustrations on pattern packets. In particular, this one is making my day:

Copyrighted 1945, this underwear pattern's illustrations appear to advertise that Real Men Wear Skirted Underwear and a Smirk, Patent Leather Shoes sans Socks and Smoke (has to be an unfiltered Camel) while awaiting...what? That's the question.

Have answers? Do share!!!

xxea

Victory Apron Still a Patriotic Icon

For many reasons, this apron pattern is one I cherish. Firstly, the pattern packet is as delicate as the surviving veterans of World World II. Secondly, I recall my mother reminiscing about her days as a coed and USO greeter. I've seen photos of my mother during the war years, and the way she wore her hair and dressed are exactly as illustrated by the woman on the pattern's cover. The slim fitting dress and apron connote the lean times
The paragraph of text at the bottom of the pattern states:

Tie this apron round your waist

And join the Victory war-on-waste.

Plan your meals for zest and vim

And don't forget Ye Vitamin!

Remember that the right nutrition

Is Uncle Sam's best ammunition!

The pattern's envelope illustrates women wearing patriotic aprons as they are serving their country by participating at a USO. The USO is an organization about which most of us are sadly ignorant. In celebration of America's independence, let us also celebrate the USO.

In its 67th year, the USO continues its mission to deliver a touch of home to those serving in the military in a faraway place.

Organized in 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a "Home Away from Home" for U.S. troops, the United Service Organizations (USO) is a non-governmental organization still run by civilian volunteers. Throughout World War II, USO centers in over 3,000 communities provided the military with offerings as diverse as child care for military wives to a quiet place for talking, writing letters or receiving religious counsel to an off-duty place for dancing and socializing. And on hand to greet, comfort and serve a cup of free coffee, sandwiches and doughnuts, were the young women and ladies in their victory aprons.

As the icon of America’s mothers, the apron symbolized the comfort and security of the home, with the red, white and blue Victory Apron a reminder of motherhood and the American home as patriotic symbols worth fighting for.

Printed and copyrighted in 1943 by McCall Corporation, the Victory Apron pattern was One Size and cost twenty-five cents. What would today be described as a beginner sewing project, the Victory Apron and its pocket variations could be easily sewn, either entirely by hand or machine stitched.

For sixty seven years, where America’s men and women in the military have gone, the USO has gone. Today’s USO continues this tradition at more than 120 USO centers worldwide, in order to fulfill its mission to U.S. military personnel and their families “Until Every One Comes Home.” The Victory Apron is a reminder of that mission.

visit www.uso.org for more information on this decades old, volunteer organization.

xxea

Happenstance and Pie

It's a hundred degrees outside, and I spent Saturday morning in my hot-box of a kitchen baking a pie. There's only one reason for such insanity - out-of-town guests arriving in time for dinner. We live an inconvenient distance from anywhere, including Denver, and friends or family making the drive to visit us is cause for celebration and a special dessert. This pie's filling is a combination of sweet peaches and tart cherries in an almond flavored syrup with a sugar-sprinkled top crust. I added the cherries because I wanted the ingredients to match the apron I planned to wear when serving the pie (a la mode, of course).

Taking a hint from the movie Waitress, I considered the elements of Anne and Chris Weiland's visit and accordingly named this pie: Serendipitous Detour Pie.

Anne and I met at The Farm Chicks event. From our brief exchange, I learned she'd traveled over from Portland, where she is the city's Vintage Maven. Anne is all vintage, and aprons are especially dear to her. This past Wednesday, I contacted Anne about a kindred vintage friend visiting Portland. I'd hoped they could get together, but the timing was off, because Anne and Chris were leaving for a vacation that would take them first to Denver, "...and then we're renting a car and driving to Bishop's Castle, a home I've wanted to visit ever since seeing it on a television show ten years ago." When I heard that, I sputtered, literally, because Bishop's Castle (click on the link to see this thing-it's a true wonder) is located outside the little mountain community of Rye, which is 40 minutes from Pueblo. Guess who's coming to dinner!

On her website, Lulu's Vintage, Anne is hosting a giveaway of two copies of The Apron Book and Apronisms. No pie, but perhaps a slice of serendipity will have you the winner.

xxea

Book Club Treats

Despite my love of reading, I've never belonged to a book club. I don't know why I'm a lone reader, considering I know lots of women whose bedside tables teeter with books. Of late, I'm talking a year or so, I've often thought of The Apron Book as a unique yet perfect choice for a book club, but I'd done nothing to foster a club's interest. Luckily for me, my friend Judy Parry does not so tarry.

Six months ago, Judy invited me to share my apron journey with her group. They arrived wearing aprons in honor of the subject of their choice read. Dave, Judy's good natured husband, took this photo for me:

I'm wearing a reversible apron, the pretty pink roses side showing. I think I tried on at least ten or so aprons before settling on this one. Choosing which apron to tie on shouldn't take so long, but so be it. 'Tis my albatross.

The unusual aspect to this apron presentation was the opportunity to share my acquisition of two traits: the art of listening and the every day-ness of writing...the latter the one element to a book for which there is no substitute. I'm often asked how I came to write a book, but rarely about how I write. The other unexpected treat was the refreshments - wine and cobbler straight from the oven and real ice cream. I love book club!

xxea

Strike a Pose!

These sunny companions are the latest eVintage Greeting Card offered complimentary at my website, Apron Memories. When I first saw this snapshot, I was struck by their pose - so straightforward and without any obvious self-consciousness. Oh, for the days when such summer apparel was worn by everybody and tummy control panels were yet to be a part of the design. This photo is part of the hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of black and white snapshots I purchased while traveling through west Texas.

My friend Katherine Frame was with me when I first spied and bought boxes of pictures. She questioned, politely (as is her style), why in the world I'd made such purchases, and my explanation...that I found other people's albums historically fascinating and their tossed-away status too sad...satisfied her naught.

But later that evening, as she watched me open a hefty bag filled to the brim with pictures, her curiosity snapped to. Ladeling two huge handfuls onto the bedspread, she began to go through her pile of snapshots, and soon enough, we were into Show & Tell mode. What became obvious to us is that what we tend to photograph hasn't changed.

Within a short time, we had piles of unrelated families and their pictures of Baby Comes Home From the Hospital, Birthday Parties, Christmas and Thanksgiving. Photos of new appliances, new cars, new homes. Vacations. Anniversaries. And pets.

The days and nights here on the High Plains have turned hot hot hot, and relief for me is to quietly sit and sift through other people's lives.

xxea

Tie One on...an apron, of course!

When the going gets tough...

Since my boys took up residence in Denver, my life has gotten so much easier. Not only can I count on one of them (or their friends or Sweetie Pie) to accompany Hank to a season of Rockies baseball, but they also pony up as his cycling companions on century rides. Such was his 2008 Father's Day gift from Gideon, who had the good luck to be in the country while his brother, Noah, is not. As a present to my youngest for such expression of Dad-comradery, I baked his favorite cookie bar, Hello Dollies
While the sweet was in the oven, I took to the basement to iron, and in the solitude and quiet of the environment, I heard water running. Hard. Like PC was taking a shower at full blast for a longer time than was necessary or sensible. Oh, that he had been.

The cause of the Niagra Falls soundtrack took a day of diagnosis by my pals at Cut Rate Sewer and Drain

and a day digging up the yard to locate the break in the waterline

It's not every day that I have a front loader as a lawn ornament

I often deal with stress by baking, but having already baked Hello Dollies, I instead turned to my second favorite stress-dealer, whipping up a boat load of Banana Puddin'.

The recipe for this most delicious concoction is from a booklet titled Quick & Easy Desserts, published in 1986 by the Borden Kitchens. And with that recognition of provenance, I happily share the recipe:

1 14 oz. can Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 1/2 cups cold water

1 4-serving size package instant vanilla flavor pudding

2 cups (1 pint) whipping cream, whipped

36 vanilla wafers

3 medium bananas

In a large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and water. Add the pudding mix & beat well. Chill 5 minutes. Fold in the whipped cream. Stir in the bananas and wafers. Now, pour the mixture into a presentation bowl. Chill thoroughly.

My addition: Banana pudding tastes oh so much better if served a day later, which allows for the wafers to soften a tad.

Caution: Eating just one bowl is oh so difficult, especially upon receipt of the bill for a waterline break!

But then again, oh how joyful if all our bumps in the road could be soothed with homemade banana puddin'.

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Hasta la vista, Farm Chicks

Not even a freak June snow storm could chill Spokane's warm welcome, and especially that which I experienced at The Farm Chicks fair. With over 5,000 admissions on Saturday and likely double that on Sunday with re-entries, I can say with certainty that Spokane Came, Spokane Saw, and Spokane Tied One On...an apron, of course!

If you weren't able to attend this event, please visit these links to see photographs taken by Anne Weiland of Shop Vintage Portland.

xxea

Spokane Love Fest

The Farm Chicks show was a love fest of aprons, vintage goods and comraderie. Although the thousands who awaited entrance to the great silo and hall were drenched, the rain failed to dampen the festive atmosphere. My own spirits were in high form, surrounded as I was by what seemed a community of apronistas.

Here I am smilin' to beat the band with Monica Willis of Country Living. I'd hoped I'd meet her one day so as to thank her in person for my feature 3 years ago, and so it finally came to be. Throughout the two day fair, I presented a mini version of my Apron Memories program. The intimate setting allowed for a personal exchange of apron stories and the posing for pictures, both of which I enjoy. This delightful couple sat through one such presentation and waited a bit before approaching me to discuss her desire to sew an apron but lacking the skill to do so. She is so adorable, if I'd had my machine with me, I'd have sat and sewn one for her! Spokane is so supportive of The Farm Chicks and this fair, I look forward to returning next year with my new book.

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

New Friends Tie One On

Farm Chicks and aprons are naturally compatible, which led Grace's friends to volunteer their time and help out during the week-end's book signings at The Farm Chick's Event. "Strategizing" over dinner, we chatted as if we'd known one another for years.

My new Spokane apron-lovin' friends Amanda, Heather, Judy, and Christina. And Grace, who is exactly as her name.

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

The Farm Chicks

So how do The Farm Chicks greet their 100 vendor participants? By posing for a snapshot and
with individually boxed homemade cupcakes, of course!

Imagine - 400 cupcakes, baked, decorated, packaged and delivered to each set up site. A sweet beginning to what I know is going to be a fun week-end! Aprons are the dress code at this event. Never have I seen so many fabulous designs, and oh, the vintage textiles!

xxea

Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Wanted: Cinderella

Only a day left before I fly off to Spokane and The Farm Chicks annual fair. I'm more than a tad thrilled to be a part of this fun event because I not only get to finally meet the Chicks, Teri and Serena, but also the editors of Country Living magazine, specifically Monica Willis. Courtesy of Monica, I was featured in an article 3 years ago (1 full year before The Apron Book even published), and I now get to thank her in person for that coverage.

Only a day left, too, to prepare house and husband for my week-long absence. My check list for Hubby Comfort reads like it was written by Fifties television mom and wife, Harriet Nelson. For my sweet "Ozzie," I've baked his favorite cookies, precooked and frozen casseroles, and there's a roast in the oven. Where I'm behind...seriously behind...is with the laundry. Oh, how I'm wishing Cinderella was real and in need of a home. And if she were, just what perks would woo her to my home (and laundry) and not yours? Giving that a second of thought, I've come up with this "woo-her," an apron sewn from her namesake pattern:
One of my favorite apron patterns to look at, this one is printed on heavy stock versus tissue, and it unfolds to reveal the pattern, as well as colorful ilustrations that show how the apron can be sewn in several variations and in different fabrics.

Cinderella, sweetie, if you're out there, it's Show Time or this apron. But hurry, just one day left to apply.

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Grillin' in Style

When selecting the aprons to accompany me as I travel and present my Apron Memories platform, I also pack apron patterns. The pattern packets intrigue me, for just as with the Dick and Jane primers and early nursery rhyme books, packet illustrations are not slapdash, but mini works of art that are often historical commentaries.

This past February, I was the guest speaker at The Woman's Forum in Wichita Falls, Texas. During the program, I passed around apron patterns, including this one:

Aside from the arcaneness of the man wearing a suit and tie to grill hot dogs in the backyard, the illustration is a reflection of gender relationships in the mid-1940s. Additional commentary is in the name of the pattern: Mr. and Mrs. Aprons - the precursor to His & Hers, modern day's tendency to be less specific when it comes to our relationships.

As it circulated, the pattern stirred the memory of Peggy Thornton, who turned to her daughter, Suzanne Staha, and announced I sewed these aprons for Daddy and me. Having never seen such aprons among her mother's possessions, Suzanne was a bit incredulous, but figured what the heck, and mentioned her mom's comment to me. Having witnessed the power of the aprons as memory triggers, I didn't doubt for a second Mrs. Thornton's recollection. And when I visited her in her home, I was rewarded with this:

According to Mrs. Thornton, she purchased this pattern in 1944 or so, along with the exact fabric as the pattern's illustration. She cut out the pieces, but never got around to actually sewing the aprons. Several years later, 1947 she thinks, her mother sewed up the aprons, which she and her husband wore at their first backyard barbecue.

Such is the joy of my apron journey - I never know what aprons I will see, what stories I will hear, nor who I will meet. What I do know is I am never disappointed.

Oh, if you're ever in Wichita Falls, do stay at Harrison House, Suzanne's historic and fabulous B&B.

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Where in the world is EllynAnne?

I know. It's been months since my last blog. March 20th to be precise, when snow fell on blooming periwinkles. Well, the snow is long melted, and in the weeks and weeks since that spring storm, I've been on an extended apron journey, traveling to Arizona, North Carolina, Michigan, Georgia and Florida (upcoming blog entries will share the aprons, stories and apron lovers I met along the way!); completed a new book (due out next spring!), and wrapped up a 1 1/2 year home renovation (marriage intact!). All causes for celebration, but not today. Because today is Memorial Day, and while I enjoy summer's traditional kick off , I'm also a tad melancholy.

Today has me thinking about my dad, whose military service was one of the highlights of his life. He was attending college on a football scholarship when he joined the navy because "it was the right thing to do."In a faded blue envelope with the prettiest white scalloped edging, I found this photo and a newspaper clipping dated May 25, 1941-the date in ink, handwritten by my grandmother-and it's headlined Beaufort Man Joins Navy. The "man" is Daddy. Twenty-one years old, eight years younger than my own first born. I wonder how many times Grandma opened this envelope and looked at the annoucement, praying, as all mothers do, that he would come home. He almost didn't make it, surviving a D-day sinking of the destroyer Glennon and a Kamikaze attack on a second ship, the Douglas H. Fox. My siblings and I proudly display his commendations, of which he was humbly dismissive.

Following his retirement, he revisited Scotland and the village that gave him refuge following D-day and wrote a hilarious story about reconnecting with a beautiful lass he'd met during his stay, the two of them over fifty years older. The piece is poignantly observant and funny - to read it is to know my dad through the vehicle of humor. What a gift.

His truly was a generation that loved this country. Time to tie one on...an apron, of course! and raise a toast to America.

xxea

Prairie Spring

Living where less than 12" of annual moisture is the norm, droplets of any accumulation are cause for celebration. So it is with considerable jubilation that we're toasting the fat fleeting flakes of spring's snowy arrival.

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Mommyhood in Shades

March 14, 1979 - two weeks before my 31st birthday, and I received the very best present - a baby! Having prepared for my new role as a mommy by reading every book available and purchasing the latest conveniences (the folding stroller) and bonding invention (the Snuggly baby carrier), I was nonetheless unprepared for the defining detail of parenthood: the utter and complete lack of sleep.
If I thought I was sleep deprived during my baby's infancy, I quickly learned that Sleep Interruptus and raising children go hand in hand.

Waking to check on a child's fever, sitting by the phone two hours past a teenager's curfew, checking email by the minute for word from the one traveling a third world country or the other from a new job in a far away city, parents gladly forego a decent night's sleep if their baby is safe.

March 14, 2008- HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NOAH. Sleep well. Your time is coming. Love, Mom.

a Celebration Breakfast

I got up extra early to bake a cranberry loaf for a Let's Celebrate! My Apron's In Vogue breakfast. Still in the throes of a year long home renovation, I set our little card/dining table with a "new" cloth and kept the bread warm in an orphan napkin so cheery it made the dimly lit room seem brighter.
As if the excitement of Smoochie's appearance in the holy grail of fashion isn't enough, Jennifer at Across the Fence, my favorite Mary Jane's Farm forum, provided this incredible link to the layout.

How this came about: Vogue contacted me last October about providing Fifties aprons for a photo shoot, and in the mailing, I included one of my designs, the Smoochie. About a month ago, Vogue emailed me that Smoochie had been photographed for the upcoming March issue, but I assumed it would appear the size of a postage stamp, one among many aprons or something like that.

So, I’m at a book signing in Tulsa, and I mentioned to the store owner that I’d been on the look out for the March Vogue but hadn’t yet seen it. She walked over to her magazine rack, plucked Vogue, handed me it to me, and I started flipping through the pages. I was about through the magazine, figuring the photo had been so tiny I'd missed it, and then I turned page 529 to page 530, and there it was - an entire page with this gorgeous model wearing a Mui Mui silk blouse, Piazza Sempione pants, Marc Jacob mules and my Smoochie. ohmygod.

Hadtosharehadtosharehadtosharehadtosharehadtosharehadtosharehadtosharehadtosharehadtoshare.

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Kitschy Kitschy Koo

I'm still not believing this - my Smoochie apron featured on a Vogue model! Page 530, the March issue.


xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Survivor Chocolate

Oh, to be a bear and sleep through February. Such a bummer month, stuck between January (the very definition of winter) and March (the cusp of spring month). With hibernation not an option, there are but two cures to February's doldrums: a vacation to Turks & Caicos and Christopher Elbow chocolate. From experience with both, I'm can tell you that one bite of "Elbow," and you're transported alright, but at a nibble of the cost of a beach in February.

Christopher Elbow produces candy that is art and dreamy tastes, like Lavendar Caramel.
Three weeks to go until the first crocus blooms is 21 days. That 21-piece box will make the rest of my February bear-able.

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Saucy Search

Depending on which part of North Carolina you're from, you like barbecue that is either vinegar-y or tomato-y. Growing up in the Piedmont area, I prefer a less tart sauce with only a hint of sweet and with a tad of kick. My favorite sauce isn't available outside of the southeast, and when I'm back there, I purchase a half dozen or so bottles to bring home. Running out is normally just a matter of calling my friend Ginny Ray to mail some to me, but this time 'round, she reported no bottles are to be found because the last holder of the secret sauce recipe has stopped production. If you'd ever tasted Boar and Castle sauce you'd understand my dismay.

In search of a substitute, I found Carolina Sauce Company. Saucy Lady Gloria Cabada-Leman appreciated my taste bud preference and sent a regional selection of North Carolina sauces for me to try out. This one caught my eye straightaway because I like the label. I've been known to choose a particular wine because of a cute label, too, not always the smartest move.
Whether Big Time's becomes my new favorite sauce, time will tell. I need to cook with it, splash it on french fries and shake it out on a hamburger. More than once.

Carolina Sauce Company has an extensive website menu, not all of which is about food stuffs. Through Operation Sauce Drop, Gloria and her company send sauces free of charge to any member of the US military with an APO/FPO address. They accept monetary assistance in defraying their costs. Visit the website for more information. To chat with Gloria about Operation Sauce Drop, contact her directly at gcabada@carolinasauce.com.

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Quilters R Apronistas, too

The Road to California quilt show was a great time. For four days, I was surrounded by color, texture and creativity. A very energizing experience. The layout of Road is huge. It took me a day and a half just to figure how to find my way back to the booth from the ladies.
















On this particular journey, I was also delighted to reacquaint with Betty Faye Ortiz, a friend of ages ago, who I haven't seen in almost ten years! Turns out we're both textile crazies, and Betty Faye took me shopping down in Orange County at some of her favorite haunts for undiscovered bargains. Well, bargains may be the wrong word, but undiscovered for sure. I'll be sitting on my suitcase to get it to zip.Another surprise was meeting up with Andrea Pitts, who has been a devoted purchaser of my aprons since I started Apron Memories, and her best friend Kim (now my friend, too). They found time in their busy lives to rescue me from dining alone. Twice. Sweeties both.
AND, two aisles away sat Mark Lipinsky, editor of Quilters Home Magazine and the darling of the quilt world. Mark was an early-on reviewer of The Apron Book and continues to support me in my book ventures. Meeting like-minded apronistas is one of the perks of my apron journey. And with only two copies of The Apron Book left for sale, I kept hoping the purchasers would be memorable in a good way. Well, I got my wish. Thank you, Urbana Schneider (L) and Jan Bowden (R)!

xxxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

almost on the Road 2 California

I leave tomorrow for a 5-day appearance at the RoadtoCalifornia quilt show, and have yet to begin packing. The days of my preparing a family of four for a week's vacation with foresight and zero aggravation are apparently no longer. Why I stopped being efficient and exchanged calmness for stress is the question, and if I were packed, one I might ponder. Alas. Truth be told, I know exactly what delays my ability to organize - it is the state of my writing/apron storage room. What was tidy turns to chaos as I choose which aprons to pack and which
aprons to coordinate with my outfits. On the surface, my indecision seems ridiculous, but my reluctance to leave behind a particular apron is about my not wanting to hurt the feelings of the apron - not the fabric, mind you - I'm talking about the woman who once wore it. Giving an apron a human condition, like "spirit," is anthropomorphizing, and in the time it took to look up the correct spelling, I could have been packed!

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Little Book APRONISMS debuts

APRONISMS: Pocket Wisdom for Every Day is my new book! It's a Little Book, a gift line byAndrews McMeel, publisher of The Apron Book. Here it is in the hands of Gideon, my youngest son, who was visiting when it arrived in the mail. It really is little, 3" x 3 1/4" , and so beautifully designed - the cover looks and feels like linen! Here's the cover up close - it really is this vibrant!
It's so adorable, I can hardly let it alone. Let APRONISMS inspire you to write down your own pearly wisdoms!

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Truffles' Portrait

Our beloved pet was a rescue dog we plucked from a cardboard box on a horrendously hot August day. We paid the box's warden $5.00 and took home an animal that for the next fourteen years showed us each day her gratefulness. The way we talk about that dog, you'd think she died yesterday, but the reality is she was "on the roof" (vet speak for a dog about to head off to Doggie Heaven) four years ago.

We were so wacky over Truffles, we commissioned a life-size oil portrait, which hangs on the wall of her favorite room: the dining room. Truffles portrait was painted by Shawn Bridges (www.shawnbridges.com), a friend and creative personality of such production, I question whether she ever sleeps.
I became curious about pet portraitists and their ability to imbue a painting with a pet's essence and began communicating with pet portraitist Ellen Silverberg (www.paintedpetportraits.com) about this particular talent. Through our correspondence, I learned that Ellen wears an apron as she paints pets, a notation not lost on me! Ellen became one of the forty-seven storytellers in my exhibit Apron Chronicles: A Patchwork of American Recollections! (www.apronchronicles.com)

Now, all these years later, I happened upon an apron mention by Sandra Spencer (www.sandraspencer.typepad.com), a pet portraitist who loves The Apron Book, a notation not lost on me!

Neither our parents nor our children are memorialized in the dramatic fashion that is portraiture...the four-inch faux gold frame the deciding bit of finish. Call us nutso, but this purchase brings us daily joy.

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Lost and Found

Back in 1999, when I first began listening to apron recollections, a common lament was We threw out all her aprons, never imagining we'd regret doing so or I saved a single apron, and it is my prized, most precious possession. That refrain is one I continue to hear, as in this email:

I ran into your book at the bookstore today and hope you can answer a question. My grandmother was always making aprons for people. The one we remember most was one we knew as the necktie apron as it was made of many sections shaped like neckties ( folded up similar to the umbrella skirts of yesteryear). The apron had a skirt only, no bib. Grandma died many years ago and now we realize that none of us have any of her aprons or even a picture of the "necktie apron." Have you ever seen an apron of that description. Am really looking for a description, picture, or directions to make to make to put in our memory book of Grandma. Thank you.

I could hardly write back fast enough, Is this the pattern you're seeking?

My collection of patterns isn't all that extensive, but I happen to have this one, printed by McCalls in 1941.

Before I opted whether or not to share this pattern here, I considered the copyright (a mere 66 years) and contacted McCalls. Elizabeth Moss of the company's consumer affairs department consulted with the legal department and archivist. Seems the disregard for pattern copyrights is flagrant and pattern companies are on the lookout for illegal use of what is rightfully theirs.

I approve of their protective posture, and thusly, only the pattern's face is published here, which is exactly what Grandma's family was hoping for.

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

I

Living a Dream

Fall 1999, I purchased one apron to inspire me as I wrote an article about the old-fashioned symbol of mothering and domesticity. Six years and 400 aprons later,
Fall 2005, Andrews McMeel Publishing took a chance on a first-time author (me!) and the idea of a book about aprons. Here we are - Prince Charming and me - smilin' to beat the band and celebrating that life-changing moment:
Fall 2006, THE APRON BOOK debuted on CBS Sunday Morning and at a party hostessed in the Good Housekeeping dining room by Ellen Levine, executive director of Hearst magazines and a true, real-life champion of women and their dreams. Here we are - Ellen L., my sons Noah and Gideon and me - smilin' to beat the band and celebrating that life-changing moment:
Spring 2007, THE APRON BOOK is awarded its first piece of jewelry - a gold medal by the Independent Publishers of America. Here we are on the steps of The Palace Hotel in New York City at Book Expo America, smilin' to beat the band and celebrating that life-changing moment:
Fall 2007, THE APRON BOOK enters its sixth printing. Here I am celebrating that life-changing moment with a bevy of apron lovers at the BookMark in Atlantic Beach, Florida:
New Year's 2007: Thank you for embracing THE APRON BOOK and its message. I am forever indebted to your appreciation that aprons don't hold us back, they take us back.

Wishing you a new year of Kodak moments.

xxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Jingle Belle

I wear my Jingle Belle apron but once a year, saving its seasonal outing for that special invitation. This go round, the wearing was to Christmas dinner at Heidi and Phil's, our adorable neighbors. Just in case there was a scarcity of appropriate apron-wear, I brought a tiny valise filled with a selection from my collection.

Christmas is also the once-a-year outing of my black pumps with the diorama lucite heels.
Purchased from a JCPenney catalog many years ago, they are man-made cheap-o's, and by now, style-wise a tad dated. I care for them like I would a piece of art, which they are to me.

xxxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course!

Holiday Miracle

As late shoppers scurried, my brother-in-law's aorta shredded. A healthy fellow who began his day with self-directed yoga on an ocean-side deck, he had no inkling of a health crisis, much less his aorta peeling like a Vidalia onion blossom. But that's exactly what occurred and he is now one day into recovering from open heart surgery. 'Tis a miracle that he is alive.
This is a photo of Dave and Carol that I took Thanksgiving, both the picture of health and happiness. Prayers appreciated this picture is their future.

xxxea
Tie One On...an apron, of course

Christmas Jewels

Two blocks down and one block over from my home is the Beauty Chalet, an old fashioned beauty parlor with two wash, cut and curl stations and four chairs with attached bonnet dryers. For years, my mother-in-law had a weekly appointment at the parlor, and I was her transportation.

As her escort, I'd usually just take her into the salon, leave and return an hour or so later. Except in December, when I would stay through her appointment and after, because that's when Ellen Donaldson and Judy Krasovec, the owners, put up the jewelry tree, a wall hanging made entirely of costume jewelry donated by their customers.
The first time I saw the tree, I asked Judy about its history. Her eyes shimmered with tears as she recalled the women whose jewelry made up the tree and how all of them were no longer here to enjoy it.
To see the tree in person is mesmerizing. Tiny colored lights create prismatic reflections in Lucy Caffaro’s Austrian crystal earrings, dazzling the Eisenberg earrings donated by Mary and Dorothy Dunlap, and illuminating the jewelry of Leotus Seybold, Nona Miller, Erline Darris and Maurine Miller.

My mother-in-law died two years ago, but come December, I still walk down to the Beauty Chalet to experience this truly beautiful display and tribute.