generosity | Apron Memories

#JUSTDOIT

On November 20, 2019 By EllynAnne In Blog

When I created Tie One On Day fourteen years ago, I had hopes its essence – that giving from the heart made someone else’s day brighter – would be embraced worldwide. And if ever there were a need for a worldwide hug, it’s now.

A few weeks ago, our little Temple in Pueblo, Colorado, was the proposed target of Nazi hatred. Thankfully, the FBI and local police thwarted his plan. Tho’ the attack did not take place, the idea of such violence against our Jewish community left us shaken. Friends from around America reached out, and in doing so, made us feel safe and loved. That’s kindness.

Thinking kind thoughts is empathizing. Acting on empathy is kindness. #JUSTDOIT

I like most people and enjoy showing them as much, especially with a delivery of a homemade food.

My first Tie One On Day delivery was to an artist. Upon attending a pop up art exhibit by neon artist Scott Young (find him and his talent on instagram @scottyoungstudio), I was immediately caught up in the excitement of his work and his genuine niceness. It was his description of a hectic schedule through the end of the year that led me to one thought: this man needs the sustenance of a hearty soup. Yes, that’s how I think.

A reusable wrapping of cloth and a handwritten note are tenants of Tie One On Day

The bean soup recipe I use is easily made in a crock pot. Freezing the soup and delivering in a container that does not need returning is always a good idea. Here we are at the pop-up. That we’re both smiling is the win-win of Tie One On Day, for the giver and recipient. #JUSTDOIT

Delivering in person is a Tie One On Day bonus

Following the thwarted attack, a neighbor to one of our children gave our Jewish community a gift that required more than the requisite thank you note. For them, I baked Pecan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls…from the latest cookbook by my friend, Eliza Cross.

Whether store-bought or home-baked, a pretty plate will be used later and serve as a reminder of thoughtfulness

Because the delivery was on a Thursday, I chose this days of the week toweling. The note expressing gratitude was tucked beneath.

The rolls were first covered with plastic wrap to prevent sticking

Kindness is taught, not by talking but by example. Accompanying me on her first Tie One On Day delivery, my granddaughter.

There is no age too young to begin teaching kindness

Gestures of kindness during the month of November are especially relevant. With all my heart, thank you for making Tie One On Day a part of your Thanksgiving tradition.

Gratefully, EllynAnne

THE APRON BOOK : Podcast #9 – Erin Owens

On November 14, 2017 By EllynAnne In Podcast

THE APRON BOOK : Podcast #9
The women in Erin Owens’ family were renowned as good cooks and gracious hostesses, attributes Erin embodies. She is also a born storyteller, as evidenced in her colorful recollection of the miniature Coke bottle aprons she inherited from her mother.

Everyone knows what an apron is and everyone has a story to share!

Contribute your written apron story and pictures at apronmemories.com/stories
Share your apron story recordings and videos at facebook.com/apronmemories
#theapronbook on Instagram & Twitter

Listen:

» Right-click and download here (9.8MB / 4mins 05secs)

About The Apron Book:

Warm and inviting, but (like an apron) quite practical, The Apron Book is a celebration of a great American icon. Apron enthusiast Ellynanne Geisel, who curated the traveling exhibit, Apron Chronicles, returns us to hearth and home in this updated edition of the award-winning book. In this paperback edition, EllynAnne reflects on the grassroots movement of apron love in a new introduction, and a new foreword by the former editor of Apronology magazine expounds on EllynAnne’s mantra that aprons don’t hold us back; they take us back because the connection to the past is a strong one.

The Apron Book showcases full-color photos of new and vintage aprons from Geisel’s vast collection, patterns for four basic apron styles and myriad variations, recipes, tips on collecting and preserving vintage aprons, and heart-tugging stories from the traveling apron exhibit. The book also explores the history and heyday of aprons and looks at the various roles aprons still play when worn in the kitchen, around the house, by the backyard grill, on the job, or for a special occasion.

Available To Order:

Order at Amazon.com

Order at Barnes & Noble

Order at Indiebound

Order at Booksamillion.com

Order at Andrews McMeel

THE APRON BOOK : Podcast #6 – Cristie Coffman

On October 22, 2017 By EllynAnne In Podcast

THE APRON BOOK : Podcast #6
Cristie Coffman is a professional caterer, a career that requires apron coverage. But the apron she holds most dear is from her childhood – bright yellow gingham with a flower pot shaped pocket, sewn for her by her doting Grandma Lily.

Everyone knows what an apron is and everyone has a story to share!

Listen:

» Right-click and download here (9.6MB / 3mins 50secs)

About The Apron Book:

Warm and inviting, but (like an apron) quite practical, The Apron Book is a celebration of a great American icon. Apron enthusiast Ellynanne Geisel, who curated the traveling exhibit, Apron Chronicles, returns us to hearth and home in this updated edition of the award-winning book. In this paperback edition, EllynAnne reflects on the grassroots movement of apron love in a new introduction, and a new foreword by the former editor of Apronology magazine expounds on EllynAnne’s mantra that aprons don’t hold us back; they take us back because the connection to the past is a strong one.

The Apron Book showcases full-color photos of new and vintage aprons from Geisel’s vast collection, patterns for four basic apron styles and myriad variations, recipes, tips on collecting and preserving vintage aprons, and heart-tugging stories from the traveling apron exhibit. The book also explores the history and heyday of aprons and looks at the various roles aprons still play when worn in the kitchen, around the house, by the backyard grill, on the job, or for a special occasion.

Available To Order:

Order at Amazon.com

Order at Barnes & Noble

Order at Indiebound

Order at Booksamillion.com

Order at Andrews McMeel

Tie One On Day and Ellen March

On November 19, 2015 By EllynAnne In Blog

In 2009, I put together a mini-exhibit of my aprons and vintage domestic goods at the American Sewing Guild’s conference in Albuquerque. There, my path crossed with the sweetie pie editor of Sew News and Creative Machine Embroidery, Ellen March. Tying one on (…an apron, of course!), we discovered a shared passion for celebrating women of earlier generations and their talent in expressing themselves through needle and thread.

Ellen March_ea asg albu — Ellen March and EllynAnne first crossing paths at the 2009 ASG conference.

Two years later, Ellen invited me to appear as a guest on the inaugural season of her new venture, SewItAll TV. I was thrilled, very nervous and much relieved when Ellen brought her sewing skills to the Awesome Apron, and together we completed the project.

Ellen’s support of my love of aprons extends to her traditional sponsorship of Tie One On Day, my annual call-out to tie on an apron and bestow gestures of kindness to those in need. Responding to my yearly request for a TOODay goodie giveaway, she always provides…this year with a packed box of SewNews and Creative Machine Embroidery publications.

It was but a day or so after our TOODay giveaway emailing that I learned of Ellen’s concerns for her health and family’s well-being through her posting HERE. Please take a read, then take a look at this beautiful girl.

ellen m pic — Ellen March is asking for our **support** in her fight against breast cancer.

Wife, mama, daughter, sister, friend, colleague – Ellen is much-loved, admired and deserving of the very tenant of Tie One On Day: imparting gestures of kindness and especially in this situation, donations to her campaign: Ellen’s Breast Cancer Fight.

When considering kindness as a dollar point, imagine the campaign as the March family’s Thanksgiving dinner – instead of baking Ellen a pumpkin pie, donate the cost of the ingredients; in lieu of taking her a sweet potato casserole, donate the price of a sack of potatoes. I “fed” the fund a turkey dinner. Whatever your contribution, any amount will help to set the table.

The sooner the campaign’s goal is met, Ellen’s financial worries ease and she can completely concentrate on kickassing her cancer. So, please Tie One On (…an apron, of course!) and give from your heart and wallet to Ellen’s Breast Cancer Fight.

“Women clad in aprons have traditionally prepared the Thanksgiving meal, and it is within our historical linkage to share our bounty.”

TOOD 2015_x360 — visit www.apronmemories.com for TOODay inspiration, details and giveaway entry!

Thank you, everyone, for sharing this blog posting, participating in Tie One On Day, and putting the give back into Thanksgiving through acts of kindness to those in need.

xxEllynAnne

Tie One On Day 2015

On November 4, 2015 By EllynAnne In Blog

“Women clad in aprons have traditionally prepared the Thanksgiving meal, and it is within our historical linkage to share our bounty.”

November 25, 2015 - Tie One On Day — Tie One On…Give from the heart…Then give thanks

On the eve of Thanksgiving some twelve years ago, I wrapped a pie in an apron with a handwritten note of sympathy slipped into the pocket, and delivered it to a neighbor experiencing more heartbreak than should be. Her response of delight and warmth was unexpected and very touching.

In offering a small gesture of recognition to the family’s situation, I was surprised at the unexpected joyfulness that I experienced. The win-win of the exchange was so memorable, I knew it had to be shared. So I created TIE ONE ON DAY™.

Celebrated on the eve of Thanksgiving – Wednesday, November 25 this year – TIE ONE ON DAY is an annual opportunity to share our good fortune by wrapping a loaf of bread or other baked good in domestic cloth and tuck in a sweet note; then tie one on…an apron, of course! and deliver the offering to a neighbor, friend or charity in need of a bit of kindness.

ENTER! ENTER! ENTER! ENTER! ENTER! ENTER! ENTER!

To encourage y’all adding TIE ONE ON DAY to your holiday tradition and embracing its message of sharing and gratefulness, a dedicated group of generous SPONSORS are putting some fabulous “give” into the TOODAY 2015 Goodie Giveaway!

To enter the TIE ONE ON DAY Giveaways, leave a comment at the end of this blog posting, sharing with others how you plan to be a part of this year’s TOOD. Your comment is your entry into the November 24th drawing for the giveaways. Four (4) Giveaway winners will be randomly selected and contacted via their provided email.

*TIE ONE ON DAY Giveaways are open only to entrants living within the United States

Thanksgiving is a holiday known for recollection, making new traditions and sharing. The apron symbolizes these concepts. A small bit of your time will make someone else’s day brilliantly brighter. And the more who participate, the more who receive. Such is the win-win of TOOD.

So please join me and tie one on…an apron, of course! and through Tie One On Day, make a difference in someone’s life.

Tie One On…Give from the heart…Then give thanks

xoxEllynAnne

To accompany your Tie One On Day delivery, this complimentary note card is available to download HERE.

PLEASE INCLUDE AN EMAIL WITH YOUR COMMENT, SO I CAN LET YOU KNOW IF YOU’RE A GIVEAWAY WINNER

3rd TOOD Giveaway Winner and Pie or Biscuits?

On November 20, 2013 By EllynAnne In Blog

Happy Wednesday, #124 Kathleen! Via a random number generator, you’ve been selected the third Tie One On Day Giveaway WINNER.

Here’s how Kathleen will be participating in TOODay:

With the rush of life, I constantly check on at couple in their late 80s, bringing them meals. They are a delightful couple who have weathered 67 years of marriage. By making her an apron and filling it with baked goods, it will make their day! Thank you for a wonderful idea!

I love my aprons. It is one thing that I do to keep memories of days gone by. Soon it will be time to bring out the holiday aprons for all to enjoy (and put everyday ones away for awhile).

The generous sponsors of this third giveaway are: 5 green boxes, Heavenly Hostess, CKMedia: SewNews/CME, Andrews McMeel, Colonial Patterns, Susan Marks (author), Simplicity and My Memories.

For a complete listing of Tie One On Day sponsors and their giveaways, please click here. Without hesitation, sponsors responded to Tie One On Day as consistent with the heart of their companies, and I am extremely appreciative of their support.

Remember, you need only enter/leave a comment once to be eligible for the remaining giveaway !

Entry is HERE

MyMemories is also providing its giveaway of the My Memories Suite v4 and two Gift Certificates to four additional randomly selected winners:

#39 Mildred #94 Barbara Kratz

#139 Lee Newcomb #62 Linda VanDervoort

I thought I’d decided on biscuits and a pot of jam as my Tie One On Day offering, but this flashcard may be influencing me otherwise.

Busy days ahead, but filled with good things. Tie One On Day takes a lot of energy, but the results are so worth it. Thank you for helping to spread the word and love of the day.

xx EllynAnne

2nd Wednesday Winner & Table-Scaping for Fall

On November 13, 2013 By EllynAnne In Blog

Happy Wednesday, Deborah Johnson ! Via a random number generator, you’ve been selected the second Tie One On Day Giveaway WINNER.

#63 Deborah writes:

I love the TOOD idea! I have made aprons for friends for years, and have enjoyed your books so much…they inspire me. The thought of sending someone a little encouragement in such a creative way sounds good to me, and I purchased my apron fabric over the weekend. I have a friend who has had a very tough year, and has managed to maintain a thankful spirit in the face of adversity. I will acknowledge that with an apron and loaf of something delicious on the 27th, thanks to you!

The generous sponsors of this second giveaway are: Craftsy, National Association of Baby Boomer Women, IceMilk Aprons, MikWright, Nancy Zieman, Simplicity and MyMemories. For a complete listing of Tie One On Day sponsors and their giveaways, please click here. Without hesitation, sponsors responded to Tie One On Day as consistent with the heart of their companies, and I am extremely appreciative of their support.

Remember, you need only enter/leave a comment once to be eligible for the remaining two giveaways !

Entry is HERE

MyMemories is also providing its giveaway of the My Memories Suite v4 and two Gift Certificates to four additional randomly selected winners:

#50 Mary Jo Sommerfeld #24 Alice Happe

#75 Betty Lou #105 Mindy

Tie One On Day received a major shout-out by AP Reporter, Jennifer Forker ! http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/thanksgiving-handmade-apron-20862831 . Jennifer’s reportage will appear nationwide over the next two weeks. Thank you, Jennifer, for including me and TOOD in this so-sweet article.

When entertaining, I enjoy the table-scaping as much as the actual event because it’s such a creative outlet. For a recent fall-ish gathering, I dug out from the stash this quilt topper, which I’ve had forever. Not once making a move toward sewing it to a bottom, I used it as a tablecloth.

The fabric squares date from the late 1930s into the 1950s. The borders aren’t finished, so there are lots of threads dangling, which one day/some day, I will or not get to.

I set out to buy a bouquet for a central vase arrangement, but then I saw
the price of green peppers, 4/$1.00, and instead used those at each place setting. So easy and so beautiful. Love it when a spontaneous inspiration turns out much better than the plan.

Extending kindness is such a great All American impulse!

Katherine Frame via @tieoneonday/facebook

Give from the Heart. Then Give Thanks!

xx EllynAnne

Giving from the heart.Then giving thanks

On November 6, 2013 By EllynAnne In Blog

Happy Wednesday, Cyndi Swank! Via a random number generator, you’ve been selected the first Tie One On Day Giveaway WINNER.

#56 Cyndi Swank says:

I just love sewing aprons, and I just love baking bread. This is a win, win, win (giving) for me! I even have some people I know picked out to give an apron and a loaf of bread to. Some are in need as well as some who give so much to others. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in TOOD, as well as model giving for my children.

The generous sponsors of this first giveaway are: Marula – the Leakey Collection, Chaps, Country Woman Magazine, Eleanor’s NYC, Bernina USA, Simplicity, MyMemories. For a complete listing of Tie One On Day sponsors and their giveaways, please click here. Without hesitation, sponsors responded to Tie One On Day as consistent with the heart of their companies, and I am extremely appreciative of their support.

Remember, you need only enter/leave a comment once to be eligible for the remaining three giveaways !

MyMemories is also providing its giveaway of the My Memories Suite v4 and two Gift Certificates to four additional randomly selected winners:

#86 Linda Kernodle #19 Jane Pearson

#42 Patty Phillips #6 Debra

My Tie One On Day recipients are no longer in charge of their own kitchens, so baking for them is an enjoyment from the past. Imagining myself in their shoes, my offerings always include something sweet. As I’m still deciding just what to bake, I’m playing with the packaging.

Last year, I saved up those plastic food (mushroom) containers, which are perfectly sized for lining with toweling and nestling a small sweetbread loaf, a petite jar of jam and a miniature serving spoon.

Another year, I used florist corsage bags to package individual pumpkin pies and old cups (literally a dime a dozen) filled with a cranberry compote. A vintage apron wrapped around an old plate (dime a dozen on these, also) provided stability as well as an eating utility.

In our rush-about world, though, perhaps more meaningful than the creatively packaged food, was visiting at each delivery. I take that to heart and make the time.

I love reading everyone’s gestures of kindness – thank you for sharing and continuing to spread the word and love of Tie One On Day.

From my heart to your pocket…apron, of course!

xx EllynAnne

Tie One On…Give from the heart…Then give thanks