Monday, July 27, 2009

Grandma’s Apron

vintage style aprons When I used to visit Grandma, I was very much impressed,
by her all-purpose apron, and the power it possessed.
For Grandma, it was everyday she chose one when she dressed.
The strings were tied and freshly washed, and maybe even pressed.
The simple apron that it was, you would never think about;
the things she used it for, that made it look worn out.
She used it for a basket, when she gathered up the eggs,
and flapped it as a weapon, when hens pecked her feet and legs.
She used it to carry kindling when she stoked the kitchen fire.
And to hold a load of laundry, or to wipe the clothesline wire.
She used it for a hot pad, to remove a steaming pan,
and when her brow was heated, she used it for a fan.
It dried our childish tears, when we’d scrape a knee and cry,
and made a hiding place when the little ones were shy.
Farm produce took in season, in the summer, spring and fall,
found its way into the kitchen from Grandma’s carry all.
When Grandma went to heaven, God said she now could rest.
I’m sure the apron she chose that day, was her Sunday best.   

- author unknown

My paternal grandmother always wore an apron similar to those in the above pattern.  I remember as a little girl following her around as she went to the chicken coop, to the garden,  and back to the kitchen.  I can only remember seeing her a few times without her apron.

These days there has been a renewed interest in vintage aprons.  The Apron Book by Ellyn Anne Geisel is a great book loaded with photos of vintage aprons, stories of the women who wore them, recipes, hints and patterns to make your own aprons.  A fun blog to visit is Apronista where you can shop, gather info and find a list of many other bloggers who love vintage aprons.

10 comments:

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

I love that poem, reminds me so much of my grandmother who always wore an apron!

I've been browsing through your blog and catching up, enjoyed all of the posts!

Katherine

Teresa's New Life said...

I think I have this same Apron pattern in all my old stuff!! It looks so familiar, I'm going tohave to go digging.
BTW, I love your new back ground.

Duchess of Tea said...

What an era, ladies look great in the kitchen as well as Park Avenue. The aprons were a work of art. I do own a few vintage aprons and use them often. Thanks for this great post darling and again I love the new look.

Duchess xx

Marilyn Miller said...

Enjoyed the post on aprons. On Afternoon Tea Across America yahoo group today there has been quite a discussion on aprons; so your post fits in well. Thanks! I also love vintage aprons, as you have seen on my Delights of the Heart.

Mary said...

I bought a pattern of e of the most adorable vintage aprons, and make them for gifts, but have yet to make one for me! I first went to ebay to buy a pattern, but they were going for quite a lot of money - not surprising. They are wonderful, and bring back the fond memories of Mama in the kitchen. Thanks for posting - I can smell the cookies now!

Lallee said...

I love seeing vintage aprons and I enjoy the new varieties too. I hope the renewed interest will continue! The poem says it all.
~Lallee

Lisa said...

I love the comment at the top of the pattern: "Slimming Aprons for Stout Women!"

How purposeful! These aprons do look wonderful though. As an apron wearer myself, I think having one of these would be very special. :)

PS on the Chanterelle Mushrooms, at the market I could smell the apricot of the mushrooms but on the ones I gathered at my house they smelled more earthy. The taste was wonderful.

Steph said...

I have several from my grandmother's stash, and they are very special.

Angela McRae said...

I love this poem, and ironically enough, my paternal grandmother as well was one of those women who was rarely seen without her apron! Happy memories!

Tina Trivett said...

I wanted to write and clarify that the poem you printed, is an altered version of my own. I am the original author. Thanks.

http://tinatrivett.blogspot.com/2007/08/grandmas-apron.html

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