Sunday, September 20, 2009

Vintage Aprons and Bias Tape Birds

I have been intending, for awhile, to go through some of the boxes and storage totes full of stuff in my 'room where no sewing occurs'. We have lived here three and a half years, and we have a little more than that left before we move again. I am not one of those folk who subscribe to the 'if you haven't used it in 6 months - get rid of it' theory, but I have a lot of stuff.

Before we moved to the desert, I loved going to estate auctions and sales. Lots of things went on ebay, but there was always stuff that just seemed to accumulate. When I think about moving it all again, well, I just don't think I need to.

So this weekend, I began the process, (which will surely be lengthy) to go through the things I have and sort into 'things I love' and 'things that I don't need to keep'.

I don't think this is something I 'love', but I love some things about it!

This apron is a sheer "hostess" apron adorned with birds made of bias tape and embroidery!

Aren't they the cutest?

The apron is very stiff - I am thinking it probably has never been used or laundered. To me, the way a fabric feels is as much a part of the appeal as the way it looks, so stiff is not something I am drawn to!

This apron is well used and very soft!

It also uses bias tape for embellishment - at the waist and the hem.

But look at this applique!

Someone put a lot of effort into making a very utilitarian garment pretty and whimsical! I love the colors of the bias tape and applique against the gray.

I have not decided where these aprons fall on the 'love or not' scale. After going through the storage tote and ironing 20 or so aprons, I am pretty sure that is more than I need! But when I was done - I put them all back in the box.

I will think about them another day!

8 comments:

Iron Needles said...

You crack me up! Keep the siesta-ing folk. The bias-tape birds can fly away!

20 aprons? And the last time you used an apron was...

I bet this is not your only box of aprons.

jan said...

I wore an apron at work when I was a waitress and at the cheese store...(okay, not since the 80's)

And, I never said that I ironed all the aprons that were in the box...

Lynne said...

I agree with Becky. I like the Mexican fiesta/siesta apron. Why didn't you photograph all 20 freshly ironed aprons for us to help you decide? Hmm? My poor Mother had to suffer through an apron every Christmas from me when I was really little. I can remember them being silly frilly affairs that I really can't remember her ever wearing.

I think you're going to have a few difficulties in pairing down your stuff ...

(not to say that I am any better at that!)

Allie said...

Nope, I couldn't do it, I couldn't part with either of those. Especially the Mexican one. Some things you just have to keep, ya know?

Unknown said...

OMG MOM I NEED THAT BIRD APRON SAVE IT SAVE IT SAVE IT!!

Martha said...

Austin has good taste -- that organdy bird apron is awesome! Don't feel bad about all the stuff -- I do this all the time....sort, label, re-organize & put it all back. You've got 3+ years -- there's plenty of time.

jan said...

Well, the apple doesn't fall far, does it? The bird apron is saved!

Iron Needles said...

Put it in an envelope and send it to Lovely Niece! I am sure she entertains in her mid-century modern surroundings in a suitable fashion for such attire!