my first
My husband and I were engaged in the fall of 1988 and that Christmas my mother-in-law-to-be gave me this handmade holiday apron. The look on John's face was pretty much "omg, my mom just gave Julie an apron...this is going to turn out badly". He tried to explain later that his mom was old and didn't know any better. All I really thought was "Cool...I'll wear this when I make cookies this year". I saw it as a completely practical thing. It never even crossed my mind that an apron had any negative connotations. It wasn't long after getting this first apron that I started finding aprons at estate sales and then at my favorite thrift store.
Now, nearly 20 years later, you would think that my apron collection is ginormous. But it's not. I think I have about 30 or so. I don't really feel like my aprons are a "collection" but rather I still look at them as practical...really, really cute...but useful.
If you have an apron lover on your Christmas list or would like to treat yourself, The Apron Book by EllynAnne Geisel would make someone very happy. I finally have my own copy (I learned from Genevieve on Trading Spaces to always remove the dust covers from your books...doesn't The Apron Book have the cutest cover?). One of my favorite ideas from the book is to create a patchwork apron from a child's old dresses...might just try that one.
Sweet post Julie. Thanks!
Posted by:jen | December 17, 2007 at 10:10 AM
It is a cute book.
Now I wonder how many aprons I have. LOL
Posted by:Sarah | December 17, 2007 at 11:04 AM
I too love aprons. I'll have to find that book.
Posted by:dana | December 17, 2007 at 12:07 PM
So sweet and how funny was your husband's reaction. I'll have to look for that book.
Posted by:deb | December 17, 2007 at 02:02 PM
I have that book too and love it! I love your first apron and think your mother-in-law was so sweet to give it to you!
Posted by:Jen | December 17, 2007 at 02:33 PM
I have that book and love it. The apron from your mother-in-law is something I would love to have gotten. What a special gift.
Posted by:Judy | December 17, 2007 at 04:55 PM
I have many collections, but aprons are definitely my favorite. I love examining the detail of vintage aprons, because even though they were almost purely practical, there was so much thought put into the design and embellishment. What a lovely gift from your future MIL.
Posted by:Carrie S. | December 17, 2007 at 07:17 PM
i would love to get my hands on that book! it looks great!
your holiday apron is beautiful!
happy holidays, karri
Posted by:karri | December 17, 2007 at 09:23 PM
I KNOW I would have wondered "What the..." if my mother in law had given me an apron! I Love love them now but then? Nah....In fact they had to buy us a microwave so my poor hubby would get dinner every night! LOL! I've come a loooong way baby!
Posted by:robin~thrifty miss priss | December 17, 2007 at 10:13 PM
Aw, it's a sweet first. Thanks for the book rec.
Posted by:stuffed | December 18, 2007 at 05:12 PM
Why do you remove the dust covers? I always thought you should never remove them. I'm curious.
Posted by:Susie | December 18, 2007 at 07:48 PM
I've seen that book on a few lists but never sought it out. I'll have to go find it now. Beautiful apron in your picture too.
Happy holidays!
Posted by:Lisa | December 19, 2007 at 12:03 PM
I'm behind in my blog reading, so I haven't been by in a while. Guess what!! I got that book for Christmas and I LOVE IT! It was sort of a gag gift, but the giver knows me so very well and knew that I would love it. Wow..I thought I was the only one!!!
Posted by:natalie | January 04, 2008 at 06:54 PM