Who doesn’t love a beautiful apron?Ā Ā Modern apronsĀ do more than just keep your clothes clean.Ā These days, aprons oftenĀ reflect the personality of the person who made them as well as the person who wears the garment.
As you read this tribute to aprons,Ā stay tuned to the end of this post for more on this pretty yellow apronĀ in the photo below as well as a special introduction to theĀ lady wearing it.
SinceĀ we’re talking about aprons, let me start by telling you about a fantastic new publication that may get you thinking about aprons in a way you never have before.
The magazine is called Apronology.Ā Ā The editors define Apronology as the “study of the art of the apron”.Ā Ā ThisĀ premier issue byĀ Stampington and CompanyĀ is loaded with dozens Ā ofĀ “aprons with attitude” and a ton of amazing ideas to spark your own creativity.
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My multi-tiered, sheer, pink cocktail apron in the photo below isĀ featuredĀ in this issue, inĀ one of theĀ Spotlight articles.
I have some fun plans in the works centering around thisĀ apron design so this definitely won’t be the last time you see this pretty garment.
It’s really greatĀ to see my creative efforts recognized in print this way.Ā The magazine editors gave myĀ apronĀ a nice double page spread that includes my thoughts on being an “apronologist” as well as a short essay I wrote.
TakeĀ a second look at anyĀ original apronsĀ you may have in your closet because Apronology editors are now considering submissions for theirĀ 2010 Apronology issue.Ā The deadline for submissions is September 15, 2009.
One of the things I love about aprons is how wonderfully varied and versatile they can be. I know thisĀ floral apron inĀ the photo belowĀ may look more like a skirt but it really is an apron.
Actually, I made this apron for me butĀ my daughter quickly swiped it for herself.Ā I figured sinceĀ she helped cut it out and sew it , she could have it.Ā It’s too long for her now, but she’ll grow into it.
Of course,Ā you don’t always have to make an apronĀ from scratch.Ā A little embroideryĀ can go a long way when applied to a ready-to-wear apron.Ā Ā IĀ bought these plain canvas aprons and spiced them up withĀ embroidered images and personalization forĀ teacher gifts.
YouĀ can never go wrong withĀ personalization and theseĀ apronsĀ were a big hit.
Here is another take on embellishingĀ aĀ store-bought apron with beautiful embroidery.
This embroidery techniqueĀ is called Cutwork and involves stitchingĀ out an outline of theĀ image and then cutting out portions of the fabric within the image before resuming the embroidery process.
Here’s a closer look at the cutwork detailĀ on this apron.Ā As you can see, there are areas within the butterfly designs which areĀ cut out for a really nice see-through effect.
I’llĀ shareĀ some more pretty cutwork embroidery projects later in an upcoming post.
Often, the fabric you use helps make the apron that much more spectacular.Ā I made this bibbed apron a while backĀ out of fabricĀ from designer Amy Butler’sĀ Belle collection.Ā I just can’t get enough of Amy Butler’s vibrant and coordinated fabrics.
My friend Beena, modeled this apron for me a while back.Ā HerĀ adorable baby girl is nowĀ two years old.
Of course, so-called apronologists come in all ages.Ā Enter myĀ 10-year oldĀ daughter again.Ā She really enjoys whipping up aprons (and other items)Ā on my old SingerĀ sewing machine that my parents bought me when I was about her age.
I’ve been workingĀ with Cameron on learning to read sewing patternsĀ but she oftenĀ prefers to designĀ and sew her own uniqueĀ ideas.
Cameron is always happy toĀ show off her handiwork too and I think her apron is quite imaginative.Ā Check out that scalloped bottom.
Like mother like daughter when itĀ comes to scallops (my scallops areĀ typically on quilt edges).
Cameron is aĀ quick study and while I still supervise her use of the sewing machine, she’sĀ getting better and better at flyingĀ solo.
She’sĀ also very focused and conscientious about every project she takes on.Ā Good qualities to have.
(Noteworthy:Ā Cameron is also quite the budding photographer.Ā She snapped the photo of me in the orange sweater that is located in the left sidebar on this blog’s homepage.)
Aprons do seem to be all the rage lately and they all have such flair and whimsy.Ā There are plenty ofĀ apronĀ books and patterns available withĀ a project to fit just about any taste.
IĀ think the simplicity of most apron patterns makes themĀ very accessible to sewers of every skill level.Ā If you’re a beginner sewer, an apron would be a great first project to build confidence.
Meantime,Ā Ā here are a few more photos of the apron you saw at the very top of this post.Ā I embroidered thisĀ apron as a personalized gift for my mom, Elaine.
SheĀ enjoys being calledĀ Nana Banana and I think this banana-yellow apron suits her perfectly.
I wanted you to meet Nana Banana, because this is who I inheritedĀ my creative instincts from.Ā As far back as I canĀ remember my mom has always encouraged me and my siblings to sew, paint (sometimes on the walls) scrapbook, make our own gifts and holiday ornaments andĀ use our hands inĀ creative ways.
I’m so pleased my mom can seeĀ for herself how I put all those early lessons to good use, not only through this blog andĀ other outlets but also with my efforts toĀ fosterĀ the same love of creativity in my own children.
By the way, for Nana Banana’s apron I added aĀ border of embroidered strawberriesĀ forĀ additional color.Ā I love this splash of red.
Now,Ā this gives meĀ a taste for real strawberries (dipped in chocolate, of course).
I think one of the things that makes apronsĀ so wonderful is that they are not only functional but also fun to wear.
Aprons can addĀ a delightful element to a day’s activities andĀ aprons also happen to lookĀ fabulous on anyone who wears one.
I’d like to give a special thanks to my mom for agreeing to model her apron for me so I could use it in this post.
Of course, I’mĀ even more thrilled to finally have a chance to introduce all of you to the special person who set me on my early path to creativity.
Thanks Nana Banana-for everything!
I have the issue Apronology and purchased a new book about aprons entitled “The Perfect Apron” that also have some beautiful aprons to sew with patterns inside to do some of projects. I think Cameron did a great job in creating a unique apron.
Nana Banana is beautiful. I see where the rest of you gals get your looks!
I love the flow of the design on your daughter’s apron. Very nice.
Congrats on your apron being published ! You are very talented.
What a wonderful post. I like aprons. They are super cool. I have several myself and I’m contemplating how to display them around my kitchen.
Kudos to Cameron for designing her own apron.
You look like your mom. She’s very pretty.
Thanks for the heads up on the apron issue. I must check it out!
So lovely to meet Nana Banana. I love her gorgeous yellow apron. And Cameron’s apron is just adorable — it’s so wonderful to see the creativity passing to each generation!
Oh! She is lovely, nana banana.
And, it reminds me that I STILL got “an apron” on my todo-list. Which probably will result in at least three aprons getting sewn, since I suspect my children will put in an order for themselves too!
Cameron did a fantastic job on cer creation and Nana Banana is beautiful! Great post!
How nice to meet Nana Banana! Her apron is beautiful – congrats on your spread! Your daughters apron is great – love seeing her individual sense of style in it š
Nana is GORGEOUS!!! Just beautiful! Great post!!!
Another great project Lisa. You’re Mom is a doll!
What a fun post. Love ALL the aprons! The one featured in the magazine is for evening wear, yes?? So elegant and unlike any I’ve ever seen before. Love it!…Your whole family is so photogenic. So nice to get to see your Nana Banana (made me laugh, her nickname—no longer the “Mother Woman”, huh??) Your daughter’s a cutie! Can see she has the makings of a fashion designer! Fantastic that you’re teaching her to sew. That’s a skill she can always be grateful to have.
A very talented family of ladies…Nana Banana, your daughter, and yourself! I have one of my grandma’s aprons. It’s a special treasure and I have a poem about aprons. I had planned to eventually share it on a blog post and now I’m inspired to share it for certain. Your creations are always lovely.
Coolest words of the day! Apronology & Nana Banana! I never knew there was a magazine all about aprons! There is so much to learn from you Lisa! Beautiful work on Nana’s apron!
Nana banana just brought tears to my eyes what a beautiful lady. My mom is long gone and she also taught me to sew,crochet and so many other stuff. How wonderful 3 generations into the same stuff. Just beautiful stuff.
I have a collection of vintage aprons, and have just started sewing aprons myself for fear I’ll ruin the vintage ones (which I’ve been wearing!)
I had no idea there were others who loved aprons as much as I do.
Really enjoying your blog. š
Lisa Dear, thank you for the validation of my parenting skills. As children are growing up, parents want to impart values that result in ethical, productive, caring adults. On aprons,I like them to have big and multiple pockets to save me steps as I garden and do housework. If they are also beautifully decorated, well, that’s such a bonus. This yellow apron is one of my favorites. Love to you and your wonderful respondants. Nana Banana (Mother Woman)
Your mom is a cutie! congrats on having your apron published. My apron was also a feature apron in Apronology. It was the Black and Creme evening dress apron that was featured on page 34-36. I love the apron you did. I may have to try that out for the holidays. I have your blog marked as one of my favorites. I love making aprons and other creations. Stop by and visit. Blessings…Sherry
Your mother and daughter are beautiful! You look so much like your mom!!! You are going to age well!!! I am in love with the pink apron that was in the book! Love your Blog…Julie
I love all the aprons. Your mother is adorable!
Mom looks great. Please make an apron for your sister that says, “Please kiss the cook NOW!”
what a sweet post. how wonderful that you, your mother, and your daughter are all so creative and beautiful! great aprons lisa. is it bad to say that i have never worn one. what kind of farm wife am i? have a great day!!
How lovely to meet your family! Go Woman-Power!! š Cameron’s apron is really pretty and Nana’s is a work-of-art!
Great Post, and I love that your mom taught you to be creative, it is important! Love the apron you made for her..and her sweet little nick name!
I love love love the pink one with the bow!
What a sweet post. Love all the aprons. Love how you’ve posed them too. Your mother and daughter are beautiful just like you. I feel the same way about my mom. Though she isn’t around anymore I feel I honor her and her talents through creating. Where would we be without wonderful mothers?
Best post yet, I say.
I love that you blended your mother and daughter into this post. This will truly be a keepsake in cyber space to look back on and read one day.
Cameron is quite the designer. I, too, enjoy designing rather than following newspapertextured quidelines and tissue papered patterns.
Steno notebooks, Bic Minis, and my noggin do just fine!!
Keep it up, Cameron!
Your mom is beautiful. Natural in everyway.
What a lucky daughter; what a lucky mom…
Cameron
Lisa
Elaine
You fit in both categories!
.mac š
You brought me back to the pretty aprons my mom had when I was a little girl. What a great post Lisa! š
Congrats on the publication of your beautiful apron! Your work is always stunning, what a blessing it can be shared with so many.
I wondered in the first photo if this might be your mom. Drop dead gorgeous! Now I know where you and your daughter get it. And creatively talented to boot — what a delightful family. I’m sure you know how blessed you are. š
A beautiful tribute to your mom and daughter – what a touching post!
Congratulations on your pretty pink apron getting published Lisa! It is beautiful! I have that see and sew apron pattern too and just picked up the A is for apron book last week! I’m excited to try some of the ideas in the book and put my own spin on them!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Your Mom is DARLING!!!!!
What a precious post. Nana Banana is a beautiful lady, even more so because of the legacy she created for you and your children! Your daughter is amazing, that is so cool that she is able to sew and whip up her own creations! What a great family you have! You are so blessed!
PS. LOVE the aprons! I’m now thinking I need more fancy aprons. š
What a great post! I love aprons and loved reading all about what you’ve done! Good job on passing the torch along to your daughter too! Your mom is adorable…
Lisa – I am always inspired by your blog postings. Aprons are just perfect for a quick project. How nice that you get your love of crafting from your lovely mom and are passing it on to your beautiful daughter!
Here’s an interesting apron website if you are not already aware of it:
http://apronaday.blogspot.com/
cheers, Claudia W
I love aprons and wear them everyday in my studio. For me they are like a uniform so I like them to be decorative and pretty as well as functional. I love your pink apron – now that would never get worn in the studio!! LOL
It was nice to meet your mum and daughter. Looks like that creative gene has been passed down through the generations.
Great post Lisa.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Congratulations on the feature in the magazine. I picked that one up a few weeks ago and it was so fun to look through. Your mom is a beautiful lady!
I love the Nana photos and Cameron’s creativity. And congratulations on being in Apronology! Beautifully done!
Cameron’s work is fabulous funky-cool! I have seen the ads for ‘Apronology’ and can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. This post is simply charming! I am curious to see what you are doing next with the pink apron design.
Gorgeous photos — and gorgeous mom!
Your Mom is very beautiful. Thanks for sharing a picture of her and her special apron. Love the aprons!
Jocelyn
http://happycottagequilter.blogspot.com/
Your daughter’s apron is great–really creative! Of course, your apron in Apronology is lovely–congrats on that!
This stuff is really creative. Thanks for sharing
Oh dear I have far too much to say in one post so will (try and) keep it short.
Firstly your cocktail apron is superb, I know a lady that would love one of those. Your daughter modeling her apron looks so pleased her happy smile brightened my day, and her apron if fab. And finally I have to have an apron for myself, my mission will be to make one when I have finished all these other projects I have lined up! Thanks for sharing the lovely pics of your family. Sorry for the long comment!
What a great post, well all your posts are great. That is fantastic that your daughter has shown such an interest in sewing. I wanted to teach my daughter, but she just had no interest. I am sure once she starts her own family that will change. What great pictures of your mother…I need a wedding gift, I am now going to put a hand crafted apron with her gift.
Such beautiful examples of aprons. I love them all. Thank you so much for letting us know about this new magazine. I definitely will be purchasing it to see all the lovely aprons inside! Amy
Hello Lisa! Been a while, eh? š Your aprons are to die for! Do you sell them? and your daughter… wow.. she’s quite something!! so talented!
Oh I love that pink apron!! All of them are beautiful but that is my favorite!! I am so excited for you! It is so nice to be recognized for talent and good work!!
God Bless you!!
Love Lilly
Congrats on your pages in the magazine! Your work is beautiful and it looks like your daughter is also going to be gifted.
What an incredible blog you have! I gave my old sewing machine away years ago, thinking I’d never sew again, too busy with other things. Now I want to make aprons. I bought a small Singer yesterday, so I’m on my way. My friend and I are in the process of opening a room in an antique and gift shop, and I can see a multitude of things to sew for our new venture. The apron you made for your mother is exquisite. Thanks for the beautiful inspiration! ā„
Completely blown away with your site!!!! I am totally obsessed with aprons and want to start my own blog to share. I love so many crafty things and love to create. You have so inspired me with this visit to lovely readings, pictures and aprons!!! Great work.
I love this post for two reasons: 1. Nana Banana I love creative grandmother names; I’m Grammy myself (the grandgirl is my reward for surviving raising her father). And 2: I love aprons. A friend embroidered My nickname on one for me and I embellished it with stencils and rubber stamps. Thanks for sharing!
Lisa, I knew that the lady in the picture was going to be your dear mother Elaine. She has not changed except for the haircut. What a blessing to have her in your life now where she can share with you what Grandma Furr (thought I forgot?) taught her and then pass on to beautiful Cameron. I still have my rag doll you gave me in college. Congrats on being published. I can’t wait to meet my god-neice and nephew. Love you, Marilyn
I am astounded by all things precious, beautiful, charming, and stylish on your blog. There is always soul matching your style. Pictures to go with the creative tales you share. I think your aprons are beyond compare. I love the image of your 10 year old daughter learning to make her apron. Reminds me of when I was her age! Congratulations on your blog success (I found you in a bloggin book my mother gave me for Christmas), and THANK YOU for sharing with us your creative mind and treasures–a gift for us all! Thank you! I am new to the blogging world. I just started my own business of creativity, planning classic parties for young children, and creating a line of custom partyware for children with an old-fashioned, traditional, whimsical, simple, charming, darling feel (I hope, anyway!). It would be an honor, a true privilege if you may take a moment to view…I think you will particularly appreciate my aprons. š
Kindest wishes to you and much joy and creative love and laughter in 2010!
Kate
Hello Lisa,
I just stumbled onto your lovely blog and I see we have something in common. I was also in the premiere issue of Apronology. My half apron was called ‘A Rose is a Rose’ . I am happy to say that I am being featured again in this years issue which is hitting the shelves next week…so exciting! Happy to be a follower.
I really enjoyed reading this post
Janet xox
Just wondered if anyone knows where I can find apronology vol.1. I’ve looked high and low. would love my own copy. karen
taylzee@hotmail.com