{round-up} Aprons on Etsy

It’s All About Friendship

September is International Women’s Friendship Month along with National Sewing Month. It seems that friendship and sewing often go hand-in-hand, whether it is stitching alongside my friends or making some fabric gift or another.

This makes September a perfect time to get together with your lady friends, sew an apron and enjoy some delicious Amish Friendship Bread. Really, what better excuse could you need?

First, you’re going to need an apron, of course. If you’re anything like me, you have plenty but will take any excuse to stitch up a new one. I recently tried out Indygo Junction’s All-Day Apron and loved it. I want to try the modern linen apron in Modern Mix (Stash Books, 2011). The box pleats are a different method for me–I usually just gather the skirt–so I am intrigued. What apron patterns have you been wanting to make?
Once we have our aprons, we need to bake and what’s better for Friendship Month than Friendship Bread? Here’s a favorite of mine:

Amish Friendship Bread
1 cup Amish Friendship Bread Starter
2/3 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 2 (9×5 inch) loaf pans.
In a large bowl, combine the Amish bread starter with oil, eggs, 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix well. Pour into prepared loaf pans.
Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes.

This recipe makes two loaves: one for you, one for a friend (of course!). We all have friends who need to know they are appreciated. September is a great time to show them. And you’ll have the chance again in November on National Tie One on Day. Get ready because that’s gonna be grand!

The Start of a Collection

What is it about aprons that makes us cling to, fall in love with and cherish them? I developed a serious crush on vintage styles back in 2003 when, looking through the vintage sewing books at the local university library, I stumbled into Roxa Wright’s 1953 classic, How to Make Aprons.

Ms. Wright included styles for every household task, variations on a theme like I’ve never seen: dressmaking, vacuum-cleaning, gardening, washing, baby-bathing, infant-feeding, wood-carrying and hair-washing.Each task has an apron pattern designed specifically for it. Who knew there was a style specifically for mending-while-you-iron? I was in awe of these and the styles we are all familiar with: patchwork and necktie aprons, ruffled and smocked aprons.

That book started an adoration with aprons that has yet to fade and for nearly a decade I’ve collected finished aprons and apron patterns, mostly of the vintage (or reproduction) variety. The ruffled pinafores and daintily embroidered hostess aprons are my favorites, but it doesn’t stop me from buying up patterns of styles I may only enjoy as cover art.

I’m happy to say that a quick search of the web found not only the original book (on Amazon for only $137?!), but it was released as a reprint this year by Bramcost Publications. If you love aprons, especially the vintage kitsch, this is one to add to your collection.

Where did your love of aprons begin?

My Aprons + A Giveaway!

The inspiration for the aprons I made was taken from “The Apron Book – Making, Wearing and Sharing a Bit of Cloth and Comfort” by EllynAnne Geisel – page 73. I liked the big pocket – great as a clothespin pouch or for bringing in green beans and tomatoes from the garden. The red apron could be given as a gift for National Tie One On Day. The green apron is just fun! I enjoyed the cartoons and bits of satire such as “I got a sewing machine for my husband. Good trade huh.” and “A clean house is a sign of a broken sewing machine.”

Now I’d like you to share your aprons with me!

Using random.org, on September 8, 2010, I will choose a winner and send the lucky person the pattern book “Little Retro Aprons for Kids” by Cindy Taylor Oates, as well as the pattern “Vintage Potluck” from Favorite Things and I’ll even include some 100% Kona cotton  ” Glam Garden” fabric stash builders by Josephine Kimberling for (c) Robert Kaufman Fabrics.

Provide a link to your photo on the AproniCity blog comments site. I may even post a few of your aprons on AproniCity.

Aprons Needed by March 1 for Enchanted Makeover Event

Enchanted Makeovers is a wonderful organization that is dedicated to transforming shelters for women and children into places of peace and possibilities—not just where basic needs are met, but also spiritual needs for hope and beauty. In some cases, this transformation is physical and includes an “extreme makeover” with new paint and furnishings; other times, it involves outreach events designed to strengthen and encourage everyone involved.

Their latest project will be in St. Louis, as part of a one-day event to bring a message of hope and love to residents of Newhouse, a shelter for victims of domestic violence. The event, called Recipes of Hope, will involve cooking with the 30 women who live at Newhouse and sharing laughter, tears and fellowship. They will also bring numerous inspirational, practical and personal gifts for the shelter and its residents. This outreach would not be possible without the help of numerous donors and volunteers.

They have already received donations of floral centerpieces, embroidered pillowcases, handmade slippers and journals, and other gifts and personal items for the women and children living at Newhouse. However, they are still seeking 40 handmade full aprons to give to the volunteers and residents during the Recipes of Hope event.

Can you help with the gift of a handmade apron? Contact Enchanted Makeovers through their website. You can ship your handmade apron to:

Enchanted Makeovers
12663 Hipp St
Taylor, MI 48180

New Arrivals for the New Year

New Arrivals for the New Year!

Be sure to check out Indygo Junction to kneed your creative spirit this New Year.

Look at these aprons featured in their New Arrival section.

Start the new year by treating yourself! These patterns are a must have for those who love aprons! Be sure to stop by your favorite independent quilt and fabric retailer for these patterns and more by Indygo Junction.