Grandma's Aprons

I have two of my grandma's aprons, still stiff with starch from the last time she ironed them. When she died 30 years ago, Mom got the aprons during the post-funeral free-for-all booty grab. I have Grandma's antique sewing cabinet (don't know what happened to the machine). That and a couple of pictures are all the cherished treasures I have from my grandparents. The rest was carted away by greedy grubbers, which I'm sure has long since been sold or trashed.

But, I digress.

Grandma always wore an apron, and she always had crocheted pot holders. I loved the hot pot pads that were on her stove. They were bottle caps inside little purple yarn covers, sewn together to resemble a cluster of grapes replete with green crocheted leaves and stem.

Mom gave me the aprons several years ago, and every few years when I go on a cleaning binge, I run across the aprons. I found them last weekend tucked inside a shoe box. I almost tossed the box because I though it was empty. Glad I looked!

It amazes me that she put such time and effort into making something to wipe her hands on or catch grease splatters. The two aprons I have are embellished by hand and exhibit patience that I could never hope to have.

The rows of green rick rack are hand sewn with orange embroidery thread. What amazes me is that the stitches that attached the bottom row of rick rack are also the stitches that hem the apron. I have too many thumbs to do something like that!









I'm sure this was one of Grandma's Sunday aprons. The handwork on it is too nice for everyday wear.


They've been aired out and admired, and now they are folded up and put away again... this time in a cigar box with one of Dad's Bibles. I don't want to risk accidentally tossing them again!