Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Old Age Spots

I was visiting my 96 year old mom-in-law. We were going through a box of "stuff" she had in a closet. I pulled out some vintage aprons. I was admiring them, and my MIL told me to take them, but she wondered why I like them, since they had seen better days.

Two of them have stains and spots, and even a bit of paint. I washed and ironed them today. It's interesting the work that was put into utilitarian cover-ups , rather than sewing a couple of ties to a simple piece of cloth.

Here is a maize-colored gingham. It's pleated at the waist. There's a strip of trim at the hem and waistline, embellished with cross-stitches.



This is turquoise gingham. There is smocking on the waistband, on the apron below the waistband and on the pocket.
Last, this white apron is embellished with embroidery. The ruffle is series of small pleats. This one is in very good condition--no spots at all.

I was happy to get these old aprons. They were given to my MIL many years ago. I knew the lady who gave them to her, who died a long, long time ago.
They may have old age spots, not unlike me. But, they are mine. And I love them.














15 Talk to me:

JoanneM said...

Beautifl items. What a trip down Memory Lane.

Anonymous said...

I love aprons and the older the better. All the hand embroidery is beautiful on vintage aprons. I would treasure them too.

The Sewing and Knitting Loft said...

How nice that you have the aprons to admire and love. My grandmother was always making "fancy" aprons. She would smock them, embroider them, put ruffles on them, use a special piece of colorful cotton. She would wear them when she cooked for family holiday dinners. One time I was in a bake-off when I was in high school and she made a really pretty apron for me to wear in the competition. Memories indeed.

Myra said...

Beautiful aprons, I have always marveled at the work put into utilitarian items years ago. Like embroidered dish towels, crocheted dishcloths, embroidered table linens, etc. And the aprons...

Linda T said...

It's so wonderful to be gifted with such beautiful items that you love and cherish!

Trudy said...

What a treasure. I love vintage aprons. These are very pretty.

Elizabeth said...

It is so nice that you knew the lady who made the aprons and I'm sure your MIL is happy they went to a good home where they will be appreciated. BTW, my husband is from Walnut Ridge, AR not far from your home in SE Missouri.

Uta said...

Gorgeous aprons. And what is better than a piece of cloth with history? On the embellishments, the garments I find most wearable and which age best are, in my opinion, the ones made of simple fabric with stunning, yet subtle technique. Too bad I'm lacking a bit of skill and patience for it!
I hope to see some more of your sewing soon!

Tanya said...

They are beautiful and they have wonderful stories, a lot can be learned from the way simple things were constructed. Thanks for sharing.

Jean said...

Beautiful aprons --- I love that you know their history.

Aminat said...

Those are beautiful aprons with nice details.....

Meg said...

I love vintage aprons! They're fun to give to girlfriends.

Diana said...

Thank you for showing those lovely aprons. I want to make some as Christmas gifts so I'll use these for inspirational. Thank you for commenting on my grand-daughter's jacket!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful treasure! Enjoy!

Linda T
http://vernonfashionstudio.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

Beautiful aprons, and what a great example of depression lace in something that was actually used. I think I'm jealous.

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