Little Aprons & Vintage Dolls

Hurray ~ another UFO completed! Some time ago, I agreed to help a friend restore a rag doll that her mother made for her as a child. Originally handmade in the 1950's, this little doll came to me in a small envelope with no stuffing, no hair and missing her apron. And today I finally got her completed.



I was so pleased with my first attempt at a miniature apron. It's only about six inches long. New fabric just wouldn't do for such an old dolly. I was fortunate to have just the right vintage linen in my stash and was able to craft an apron that I felt she would be comfortable in. I think it suits her well, don't you?



She looks so pleased with her new yarn hair and fresh old apron. I sure hope she resembles the doll that my friend remembers as a child. Tomorrow she will be ever so carefully packaged and sent on her way to Mississippi. I wish I could be there when the packaged is opened!

I still have a few more unfinished projects to complete before I let myself begin a new one, but I can't help thinking how pretty a little kitchen Christmas tree would look covered in miniature aprons??? I hope I can make myself wait to begin.

Stay cozy & warm,
Lea

My Santa's Cookies Apron Giveaway

Are you ready for a giveaway? Seems I am "behinder" than ever this year but finally its ready to go! I made this Christmas apron to help a special someone make some sweet holiday memories. It comes with a sugar cookie recipe, cookie cutters and sprinkles! (You can click on the photo to see it close up.)


The big front pocket says: Santa's CookiesOne cup of chucklesThree sugarplums (finely chopped)Several toasted kissesA pinch of pixiedust (sifted)One teaspoon of loveA bowl full of jellyLots of fresh nutmegMix well and repeat after me: Ho Ho Ho

It's really simple to put your name in the cookie jar ~ Just leave me a note and that's it. No need to post my giveaway on your blog, and you don't even need to sign up for my newsletter. (Actually I don't have a newsletter! LOL) Just stop in and say hello!

My dear Colton will draw a winner on Wednesday night, December 17th. If you don't have a blog, please be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if your name is drawn.

Thank you all again for your sweet comments and prayers. Christmas preparations have been keeping me busy and though I haven't had time to visit with everyone, know that I appreciate every sweet word and thought that you've sent my way!

Wishing you Christmas Blessings,
Lea

Aprons for a Cure

This year for Christmas, I created some sweet half aprons for my mom, sister, niece and myself. We chose some lovely pink ribbon fabric that incorporates teapots and lace and all things pretty & feminine. I made each one a little bit different and added some vintage linens for pockets. I like how the pink polka dots add a little whimsy and fun.



On Thanksgiving, we each wore our aprons in support of those dear ladies in our lives who have fought and are still fighting the battle with breast cancer. I wore mine in honor of my dear friend Cora, Cousin Wilma, my sister-in-law Teresa and Deena. You are always in my prayers!

Mom, Me, Kaila and AngieNotice how Angie & I are the tallest in the group? We're only 5 feet tall! LOL

Finally, thank you all so much for your kindness and prayers for me and my cousin Mickey's family. They are still in such need of your prayer support.

Blessings,
Lea

A Worthy Endeavor from Apron Memories

I adore aprons and all that they represent for me ~ keeper of the home, service, and beauty are just a few. I read about the National Tie One On Day on at EllenAnne Geisel's journal, Apron Memories.



Here is a wonderful tradition that she has created. I felt it so worthy of my attention. She encourages:

"On the day before Thanksgiving, ... pause in the preparation of our own meal, wrap a loaf of bread in an apron, tuck a prayer or note of encouragement in the pocket, and tie one on...an apron, of course!, and deliver the wrapped bundle to someone in need of spiritual or physical sustenance. No matter which way you turn out of your own front door, someone who is deserving of a hug is very close by."

Wednesday will be a busy day for us as we prepare to for the long drive to my parents to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. But I already have someone in mind for my special package and know I can make the time to hopefully shine a little light into someone's day.

If her story has tugged at your heartstrings, you can read more about it on her web-site, Apron Memories.



Here is a little apron history that my friend, Julie, shared with me. I thought it so lovely and hope you will too.

THE HISTORY OF APRONS
I don't think our kids know what an apron is.
The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.
It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.
From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.
When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.
And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.
Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.
Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.
From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.
In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.
When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much
furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.
When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.
It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.

Don't forget to check my sidebar for lots of wonderful new giveaways. Seems everyone is sharing this time of year. I hope to host a Country Farmhouse Giveaway on December 1st, too!

Wishing you joy,
Lea

Antique Kitchen Utensils & A Fall Giveaway

A couple of weeks ago I was visiting my friend Sue of Country Pleasures. She has recently moved into a new home and has been sharing her amazing decorating talent with us in her journal. I sure have been enjoying watching her plain, empty rooms transform into the most cozy & pleasant living spaces.

One of things that Sue did in her big ole' country kitchen was to hang antique kitchen tools on the wall. I just loved the result and decided I would dig out some of my old pieces and hang them as well.

And I just love it!

Before:

You can see Colton's little school area below. One day I hope to have a Hoosier cabinet there, but I'm in no hurry for him to grow up!

After:



I kept the cross-stitched piece in the center because my dear traditional sons couldn't bear for me to take it down since it has hung in our kitchen since they were young. Change certainly does not occur easily around the old Blakney place! The green handled pie crimper was a very thoughtful gift from Sue. I'll think of you every time I see it, Sue! Thank you so much.

Across the room I have my antique rolling pins and some vintage aprons. I just adore aprons and wear one every day. There is just something practical and yet romantic about wearing an apron. It makes me feel so connected to my ancestors and their simplicity of life. Guess that's why I enjoy antiques as well.

Look how Sue's old pie crimper matches the green handled roller perfectly.



My only disappointment is that the lack of color in my walls makes everything look washed out. (Sue used Brazilian Flame and its gorgeous!) I have never used color on walls probably because I am so afraid to ruin it. But I am trying to work up the courage to try just one wall or maybe the laundry room where I can close the door if I really make a mess of it. Believe me, no one goes into the laundry room but me!

Make sure to stop by to visit Sue at Country Pleasures. I know you will enjoy browsing through her photos. She has transformed her laundry room into a place I think I could spend some serious time! LOL And right now, Sue is hosting a fun Fall giveaway too. You don't want to miss that!

Blessings,
Lea

Strawberry Delight Aprons

I just love aprons and wear one every day! They are perfect for keeping your clothes clean, drying tears, carrying veggies from the garden or for just looking pretty and fresh. Wearing one just makes me happy. For me, they are one life's simple pleasures.

Well when I finally got a little time to sew this week, I created these sweet summer aprons that I have decided to call Strawberry Delights! (I'm an Anne of Green Gables fan! Can you tell?)

Side View ~ Cuffed Pocket

Front View

Side View ~ Folded Corner Pocket w/Button

Front View

Both are 100% cotton and have big 7 inch pockets. They measure:
21" waist
19" length
The extra long ties measure 33" each on the blue ties/41" each for the strawberry ties ~ perfect for every figure!

These handmade aprons are available for sale for $14 which includes first class US shipping. International shipping also available at exact shipping cost. So just email me if you need an apron!

If you would like to make your very own apron, I recommend "The Apron Book" by EllynAnne Geisel and "MaryJane's Ideabook" by MaryJane Butters. Both are full of inspiring ideas and photos of vintage aprons.

Have a blessed weekend!
Lea

Apron Fun

When I've not been outside enjoying this beautiful spring weather, I've spent a little time doing a bit of sewing which is something I enjoy so very much. I thought I'd share a couple of the aprons that I've stitched up.

These two harvest aprons were made for two sweet ladies who have been so kind to me. You know who you are, and I hope you know how very much I appreciate your friendships!



Both aprons were made from a pattern found in MaryJane's Ideabook. It is a lovely but simple pattern that uses only 2 complimentary 1/2 yards of fabric. The panel on the front of these aprons is a large pocket ~ perfect for gathering eggs, veggies from the garden or to carry your small gardening tools.




I also completed this very special apron for my dear mom as a Mother's Day gift. (Love you, Mom!) For this I used a basic Simplicity pattern but added a flirty ruffle and some sassy oversized pockets. I sure hope she likes it!

Blessings & joy,
Lea

Apron Crazy!

I have gone apron crazy! Certifiably! My workspace is covered in fabrics, linens & trims. The sewing machine is humming at all hours. And I'm having so much fun.

Here is my latest apron creation. It is crafted from the "Harvest Apron" pattern in MaryJane's Ideabook using Mary Engelbreit fabric.



The large panel on the front is actually one big pocket. It is perfect for gathering eggs or vegetables from the garden. Or for wearing around the house and picking up stray items as I tidy my home. I thought it was a bit too short for most people, but then I realized that its size was intentionally created so that you can gather items in the pockets without them knocking against your knees! That MaryJane sure knows her business!

Here is another apron that I made for my blogging buddy ~ Katy at The Country Blossom.



I hope to have some more lovely "Harvest Aprons" in my FarmhouseBlessings etsy shop soon!

Blessings,
Lea