Every Apron Tells A Story

Well, maybe these don’t have a story to tell just yet...

I used a McCalls Pattern when sewing the BBQ apron and used a cotton canvas and made it reversible

The cute black apron is a trendy retro style by Butterick. I used a black cotton batik fabric for this and added white trim.

 

 

 

 I’ve had a soft spot for aprons ever since I inherited my husband’s grandmother’s apron. Here is a photo of me 25 years ago wearing one of her handmade aprons preparing Thanksgiving dinner (thank you Mrs Smith for lending a hand!) It was already thin and a bit threadbare and I wore it out till it was in tatters and no amount of repair would salvage it but I still keep it safely stored away in the drawer. I love a bit of nostalgia :)

 

I found this delightful and engaging book about aprons titled The Apron Book by EllynAnne Geisel. It’s loaded with fabulous photos of the author’s vintage apron collection.

 

Cafe Aprons

A few years back I made these Cafe Aprons using Amy Butler's Reversible Cafe Apron Pattern. For the two on the left I chose cotton fabrics.

The one below I used a light cotton canvas and one of Amy Butler's fabrics. The aprons are reversible.

(excuse the poor quality of the images...made these few years ago so resolution wasn't as sharp)

 

 

 

 The Amy Butler fabric I used was from her line called "Charm" for Free Spirit Fabrics which is now discontinued.

Azuma Bukuro ~ Bento Bags

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            A style of bag hailing from Japan, sometimes called market bags or origami bags. Use as a small project bag, take it to the market to get your fresh produce or convenient bag for your knit project. A stylish way to wrap a present!   

I made these bags in a variety of sizes. I used an array of fabrics which included linen blends, screen prints and some cotton and muslin for linings. 

 Popular bag, you’ll have no problem finding a tutorial on the web if you’re interested!

Vintage Stamp Moisteners

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stamp Moisteners ~ These were on every office desk once! 

Used for moistening stamps, labels and envelopes before introduction of self-adhesive types. Heavy white ceramic that just have a cool look of their own. The well held water and your stamp (label or envelope) was rolled over the roller to moisten it. Probably circa 1940’s - 1960's ? I used these at my first job!  I'm vintage!

General Store Receipt Holder ~ A cast iron receipt or bill spike typically sat on the counter next to the cash register at your local general store. Used in offices, general stores and convenient as memo holders. Possibly circa 1920’s ?

Purslane

  I’ve read that Purslane is related to Portulaca. I often find the names Purslane and Portulaca used interchangeably for this plant. Since these plants with the feathery looking leaves were tagged as Purslane at the garden center that’s what I’ll call them.

 A flowering succulent plant that grows vigorously and thrives in hot summer conditions with full sun and is drought tolerant. I love it when I read drought tolerant!

American Toad

The American Toad (Anaxyrus Americanus)

Maybe he's acquainted with the 'Common House Gecko'? Who comes up with these names? Sound pretty ordinary, nothing special about these guys:)  

Found in a variety of habitats, typically where moisture and insects are more abundant...a regular around our neighborhood.

They say primarily nocturnal...think we found this guy when we lifted a rock...must be why he looks a bit miffed...

Botanical File Folder Folio

 

This project was a joy to work on. It measures 4.5 x 6 inches. The base of this book was made using file folders. Great little chunky size book measuring 4.5 x 6 inches. I used patterned papers along with floral images from a vintage botanical book. Lots of flips, fold outs and tuck spots. Filled with handmade notepads and journaling cards to jot inspirational thoughts. Charming book to enjoy for a flower lover!