Christmas Bells and Gingham

When I got out the Christmas decorations it remined me that I had picked up a couple aprons at an estate sale in the fall. And one was a Christmas apron! I love the bells on it!

Large bells and tiny bells...… It is a little hard to see the seam, but it has a curved pocket. I love discovering all the small details!

The other two aprons are gingham and well loved with quite a bit of staining. I couldn't decide between the two, so decided I needed both!

I don't think I have ever seen ties sewn this way before. So easy to sew and a nice touch!

Such simple embroidery on the pocket, waistband and hem, but so cute!

Someone really took a lot of time and care making these aprons. There is even handsewn decorative rick-rack on the ties!

I love the use of the two sizes of rick-rack! 

Are you getting ready to tie those aprons on? I have a few things that need to be baked last minute and I think it will be fun to the Christmas bells apron!

New Apron Finds!

Lately, it has been a bonanza of  apron finds! In the last two weeks I have ended up with almost a dozen! Today, I am going to share eight with you as I have already gifted a few. Since it is summer, and all the aprons smelled of moth balls, a photo shoot on the clothesline seemed very fitting!

 The majority of the aprons came from an estate sale. The lady was a seamstress and amazing embroiderer.

 This one needs a little help. I didn't notice if I bought it with a rip or if it happened in the wash. (Have you ever tried to remove the smell of moth balls from fabric? It likes to linger...) Surely, I can think of something creative to hide/fix it.

I love all the sweet details.

This striped one isn't my favorite. I think I need to pass it on to someone that can appreciated it more!

But the construction is marvelous! I think I might even have a similar pattern. And as always, the attention to detail is perfect. Ric-Rac around the edge, french seams and a notched waistband.

 This is a cheery little gem! I think Mandy might adopt it, as she loves red.

More details; a horizontal piece of fabric for the hem creating a lovely stripe. Stripes also on the pocket and waistband.

 A sweet little dotted swiss apron. This one looks commercially made for a costume as it has embroidered straps.

I love textured fabric! And the bitty lace edging is the perfect accent.

 This one I picked up at an antique store, I fell in love with the fabric!

How could I resist fruit clocks?

 How much more classic can you get then blue gingham? This apron was meticulously hand sewn.

 I had to add an extra picture of the embroidery, it is so exquisite.

 Here is another cute frilly apron with white eyelet.

Love this fabric! I wonder if it was scraps from a project, as it is pieced in several places. Perhaps leftovers from a shirt dress?

 A printed fabric apron with large pockets. Don't they look practical? I love the size.

Vintage Handkerchief Inspiration

I think I might have found a new favorite blog! Have you ever visited Flamingo Toes? My sister discovered her and knew I would love the blog. There is a fabulous post on 30 Projects with Vintage Linens including this lovely apron using handkerchiefs.

Love this idea!

And aren't these pillows beautiful!

1910 and 1920 Apron Inspiration

I found these lovely 1914 and 1922 apron images while browsing Etsy.

Aren't they lovely! From a 1914 catalog. See Vintage Ad Gallery for more details.

These three are from a Women's Institute of Art and Science booklet on Aprons and Caps for sale by Sew Much Frippery

Cherry Apron

The newest addition to my apron collection! How could I pass it up? Such a cheerful bit of cuteness. 

It is all machine sewn, even the applique, out of a light semi sheer cotton. I love the accent of the mini ric-rac.

There is a tag on one of the ties. When I googled it quite a few aprons popped up by this company, even an apron dress with appliqued cherries!

And some other Cherry goodness from Doris Day!

Spring Apron Inspiration

I thought we could use a little inspiration today! It is a very dreary day here. I shouldn't complain, at lest it is April Showers and not an April Snowstorm. Hope you enjoy!

April Showers Apron

Bluebirds over Dover

Tulip Apron

Green Tulip Apron

Floral Half Apron

Peach Apron

Brown Striped Apron

This is one of my newest additions to the collection. I simply love the way the stripes are used! Horizontal in the center and vertical on the sides.

As I was browsing around the antique shop a little gray haired lady came up and asked to see the apron I was carrying around. We had a nice little chat on the popularity of the apron and how easy they are to make. She was so cute!

The construction is lovely. Double stitching, hidden pocket, ric-rac inserted in the seams.....

A view of how the apron is made of three panels.

P.S. Would you like to see a pattern for this apron? I think it is going to be an Apron of the Month!!