Thursday, June 24, 2010

Her Sunday Apron

Hello friends...it seems as if for someone who wasn't going to blog a lot, I am blogging a lot. Funny how that is working out. I am happy to say that I am blogging about what I am doing in my studio...so I guess it is justified. That's my story and I'm sticking to it ;-)
I have been working on a new Couture apron for my Etsy shop.
Well I just finished her..she is called 'Her Sunday Apron" and she is my homage to the American farmers wife. Farmers wives would always reserve their best dresses for Sunday and church. I imagine my Couture apron being only worn for Sunday dinner at the farm. My inspiration was the three vintage linen napkins I found at a rummage sale (look here). One look at the pretty wheat pattern and I immediately thought American wheat farmer. I decided it was destined to have some denim also, so I fashioned the underskirt from a thrifted mens denim shirt. This shirt must have loved and worn many times because it is super soft.
The bib is fashioned from an antique napkin and is the brightest yellow, representing the golden sun that is so needed for a good crop. I love the flower motif in the middle and I think it works beautifully as a bib.
I only found three of these napkins, so I laid them out in an overlapping diamond design and sewed them together with the points turned down for more layering.
Now you knew I had to create a big beautiful bow...you should know me by now. I used a pretty pink cotton with red cherries. What's more 'down on the farm' than cherry pie?
The blue of the soft denim represents a few things....the prayed for rain, the clear blue open skies of our farmland and the ruggedness and strength of the farmer.
Of course I had to add a little secret pocket for the farmers wife to put that handful of grain when she joins the farmer to inspect the crop. I can't wait to write my little story to include in my Etsy listing. That's always fun and I get the nicest e-mails about them (thank you!)
So it is back to the studio..I think I will start working on my Bridal Apron. I think I have collected lots of great fabrics, trims and inspiration for her.
Until next time...be kind and stay creative.
PS...I might MIA for a while..driving back up to NY for a HS Graduation for my beautiful niece Cindy. Computer use will be scarce.
PPS...I can't wait for Cindy to open my gift..I created something very special for her.

14 comments:

Amy said...

That apron is very pretty- your hard work shows! :D

Annette said...

I not only love this apron but also what it represents! That makes it all the more special and I can't wait to read the little story that will go along with it! Have a fun safe trip to NY!!

w said...

drool. i'm gonna need an apron soon. to wipe my drool. not for cooking.

Danielle said...

Oh, it's so beautiful and vintage-looking. You're very talented!

Kathleen Grace said...

I love this Janet! As a girl who grew up on the farm and who had a grandmother who ALWAYS had a Sunday apron, this apron really touches my heart. I love how you look at things and can put each part together into such a beautiful whole:>)

Maryanne said...

Beautiful! I really love the yellow in the bib!

Marie said...

It's gorgeous. I love the look - makes me wish I wore aprons but then I'd have to cook or clean or something else totally unhealthy.

Hugs - Marie

Wanda..... said...

You are a creative genious, Janet!
♥...Wanda

Aprons and More said...

What a great story to go with such a nice apron! The napkins looked like handkerchiefs to me when I first look at it! But up close I saw the wheat! Great paring of items!! Someone will be lucky to have this one!
Thanks for reading my blog! I knew I liked you for some reason! What a small world! I'll have to go to NY and see Eleanore's place next!

Katy ;)

Bargain Hoot said...

That apron is so pretty, I love all the thought and details.

Jennifer Juniper said...

Darling, as usual :) I love that you used the shirt underneath! Thanks for not robbing me while I was away - I was so happy to see my tv still there :)

K-Sue said...

So creative - I would not in 10 years have thought of simply cutting the bottom off the shirt to make an apron.

Kim @ Everything Etsy said...

Really beautiful! :)

~Kim

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.mulberryinoutlet.co.uk]Mulberry Mitzy Bags[/url] And I had a baby. [url=http://dkgoose.com]Canada Goose tilbud[/url] Twtxvjxyv [url=http://www.louboutinoutletuks.co.uk]louboutin outlet[/url]
rsngvz 268604 [url=http://www.chilliwackbombersoutlet.com]pictures of canadian geese[/url] 242484 [url=http://www.beatsbydreaonsales.com]beats by dre christmas[/url]