Apron Strings

This is the first of a few part series I want to share with you about aprons.  Specifically, I thought this would be a great way to showcase my small(ish) apron collection and what each of them means to me and offer you the opportunity to share some of yours!

The timing of this series is intentional as March 11 was Mammaw Brooks’ birthday. She always wore aprons and she gave me my first. If you’ve read Our Story, you know the word “Apron” is part of our name for a reason. So, to celebrate aprons (and Mammaw’s birth month), I thought it would be fun to share some of ours!  I hope you enjoy this peek into my apron world. If you ever catch me in the kitchen, you’ll probably see me wearing one. I’ve grown to adore them!

My love for aprons started well before Floured Apron came to be. I didn’t realize it when I was a kid but I was always fascinated with Mammaw’s aprons. I remember her wiping her hands on them all the time, using her apron as a potholder to move an iron skillet from one burner to the other or take a pan of hot biscuits from the oven. She also tucked dishtowels into the waist of her apron, so she’d always have one handy.  She made most of hers and she always had big safety pins on the pockets. One day I asked her about the pins and she said, “Well, you just never know when you’ll need one.” Fair enough!  Especially, from a woman who was a master mind with duct tape!  I bet she fixed a million things with duct tape and big safety pins!  At the time, I didn’t think much about aprons or how many she had or their purpose. I just knew she had one on most of the time and she often let the grandchildren wear them.  While I wish I had more of hers, I’m thankful for the ones I have; they bring me comfort and inspire me to do what I do.

This apron was a gift from Mammaw when I moved into my first apartment. I was so happy to receive it and I loved that she made it just for me! Check out the embroidery. She embroidered anything she possibly could:  napkins, pillowcases, towels and, thankfully, she added that special touch to my apron.  Can you believe how sweet this is?  Precious.

As the years went by, I treasured this apron and used it frequently (it has lots of stains!). Now, I treasure it even more and love that it has my name and sweet details straight from Mammaw’s hands.  The pink bow and the basket of fruit are simply adorable.  The pink flower between “Shannon’s Kitchen” served as inspiration for the pink flowers in our logo. I can just feel the love and care she put into this and it is one of my most beloved possessions. I have often wondered how she came up with the design and wish I would have spent more time talking with her about that when I had the chance. As much as I miss her, I always feel there’s a part of her baking right along side me. I know how much she enjoyed filling our stomachs with food, and our hearts with love.

She also made this one for me. The gingham fabric and rick-rack trim are so cute! I have worn this one quite a bit and it just makes me think of spring.  I’ve used this apron as a background for some of my cupcake photos.  You can’t go wrong with gingham!

Now, I’d like to share photos of aprons I’ve collected from antique stores. One of the many things I love about old/vintage aprons is that they must have so many stories!  I enjoy thinking about all the women who wore these and often wonder what types of foods they prepared while wearing their aprons.  For me, it’s fun to look at the handmade details such as the different shapes, embroidery, pleating, pockets and fabric styles.  The combined elements make each of these aprons unique and special.

The first is a sweet pink apron I found at an antique store in North Carolina when we were combining a vacation with college visits.  How cute is this?  It always brings a smile to my face and I wear this one a lot.  This little number takes my ordinary yoga pants and t-shirt ensemble to new levels!

Here’s a close up of the pocket.  It is slightly stained along the top edge and the fabric is very thin behind the pocket.  I  can just imagine someone’s flour covered hand reaching into that pocket countless times.  What do you think has been in there?  I am a big fan of pink and this apron always makes me feel happy (and girly) when I wear it!

Next up is another antique store find.  This one was purchased in Glacier National Park in Montana (my happy place!). This apron represents so many things about that vacation.  It has a natural beauty and soft flowing lines.  It’s pretty but not over the top fancy.  It has rick-rack along the entire outer edge and at the top of the pocket.  This one doesn’t have any stains, so I’m guessing it was not used for everyday cooking but maybe for a Sunday supper in a quaint cabin, nestled in the mountains of Glacier.  Yes, I think that’s it!

This little gem is quite beautiful and is one of the fanciest aprons I have.  I found this one on a different North Carolina trip.  We spent a few summers looking at colleges so I was able to get to a few antique stores on occasion.  I love North Carolina and the aprons I purchased there serve as joyful reminders of our summer trips with Hannah and Carrie.  This apron is made with a sheer ivory fabric and the pockets and waist are adorned with a light blue floral pattern.  The trim is a delicate blue and ivory lace.  It’s simple and lovely and represents all things southern to me.

That’s it for some of my older/vintage apron collection.  The next post will feature a different set of aprons that have been given to me from many people.  I hope you will share pictures or stories of your favorite aprons!

From the heart, Shannon