giving | 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

KINDNESS MATTERS

On November 2, 2018 By EllynAnne In Blog

According to Oprah, “Kindness matters.” Her sentiment is ever so timely, especially in light of recent events to the contrary.

Despite the turmoil, kindness does abound!

To lift spirits, be encouraged, and find inspiration, join in celebrating the 13^th annual Tie One On Day!

Leave a comment at the end of this posting

sharing how you will participate in this year’s Tie One On Day.

Thanksgiving is a holiday of sharing, recollection and traditions, and the apron symbolizes these concepts.

Please join in and tie one on…an apron, of course! and make a difference in someone’s life with a gesture of kindness.

TIE ONE ON … GIVE FROM THE HEART … THEN GIVE THANKS

Gratefully, EllynAnne

The Apron Book And Their Stories

On December 20, 2017 By EllynAnne In Blog

I am so fortunate to have a space in our home dedicated to just my apron world. With southern and western window exposure, the room light filled year around. Seven years ago I painted it a perfect deep yellow, and even on the chilliest days, with the sun and yellow walls, it feels warm and cozy.

But for sporadic attempts to keep the space tidy, it represents my habit of not putting anything away. Peruse a magazine source, find inspiration, and set it down; years of such a practice, and not to wonder the result.

The habitual habit of never putting things back in their place

What finally motivated an epic tidying was not my conscience nor Prince Charming’s eye rolling, but that all the pieces had fallen into place for promotional activity in conjunction with The Apron Book. With the support of the publisher, Andrews McMeel, Beth flew from her home to mine, where we were joined by Tracy Wahl, the producer of my 2006 NPR All Things Considered segment.

I had but days to “make it work.” Without an idea of how to begin, I just did. Loathe to hide away the collections I so love being surrounded by, I chose a selection to display. The remainder went into cupboards and bins and suitcases, hidden by the quilt and oil cloth covering tables. So I’d know at a glance what was in each storage point, I hung clues on the doors: a child’s apron designated children’s books and games; an apron with a tea towel embroidered with a lady reading a cookbook = cupboard of cookbooks; a vintage sewing manual….and so on. A selection of sewing patterns is lined up in a child’s valise, a picnic basket holds vintage black and white snapshots, pamphlets on food, etiquette and household tips peek out of perfectly sized make up cases. I was on a roll! And the end result is amazing and wonderful and joyous.

Organizing the collections seemed impossible, until the tactic began to make visual sense

Using pieces of my collections to hold like collectibles brought order to the room

The computer screen is tucked beneath the table until its needed

The filming of Beth and me chatting aprons was the gift of Dustin Hodges, a professional in the field and a best friend.

A happy hug after chatting for an hour about our apron journeys in cute aprons and fabulous heels

The next morning, Beth, Tracy and I discussed The Apron Book and why the apron remains relevant in the modern landscape of women’s choices. That discussion is a podcast, which you can listen to HERE:

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

This collage is a pictorial summary of our gathering. So many smiles, hugs, tears and love, as the best journeys are.

A summary collage shares the smiles, hugs, tears and love

Find us throughout social media! And join the movement of apron love by tying one on…an apron, of course!

Gratefully, EllynAnne

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 Kindness Catch-Up!

On November 16, 2017 By EllynAnne In Blog

Despite the recent events to the contrary, acts of kindness abound! To lift spirits, be encouraged, and find inspiration by others,

1. Visit the Tie One On Day page on EllynAnne’s website and honor #NancyZieman

2. Enter the Bernina USA / Tie One On Day apron event and giveaway

3. Join the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation’s #CaptureKindness Campaign

visit apronmemories.com to participate and enter the TOODay 2017 Giveaways!

TIME IS A-DWINDLING to participate in the 12th annual TOODay!

Tie One On Day’s loving sponsors are tied together by the belief that through kindness there will be change.

To bring attention to TOODay and encourage participation, sponsors Bernina USA, MikWright, Colonial Patterns, Heirloomed Collection , Amy Barickman/Indygo Junction, Andrews McMeel Publishing, Sarah Stitham-Workday Wear, author Paul Samuel Dolman, author Sherry Gore, Nails magazine, Union Stitch and Design, author Jill O’Connor, The Vintage Apron, Taste of Home, Schmetz Needles, Country Woman Magazine, American Sewing Guild, Cultivar Wine/Caspar Estate, and SewNews provide giveaways of their products, which are divided among four (4) randomly selected winners. Twelve years of TOODay giveaways = lots of very surprised and happy folks. To put your name in the giveaway hat, CLICK HERE FOR INFO AND ENTRY!

And this:

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!

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 #7 – Bennie Swanson

On October 28, 2017 By EllynAnne In Podcast

THE APRON BOOK : Podcast #7
While having lunch at her mom’s, Bennie Swanson opened a kitchen drawer and spotted the apron she’d sewn in her 1959 home ec class. Overwhelmed with emotion and memories, the apron reminds Bennie of her mom as a brave and beautiful woman who’d faced life’s challenges with a smile and a song.

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

Listen:

» Right-click and download here (10MB / 4mins 15secs)

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

Apron Love, a Tie to the Past and Future

On October 5, 2017 By EllynAnne In Blog

In 2006, Andrews McMeel published The Apron Book, trailblazing a non-existent landscape with a worldwide movement of apron love.

Seen as a symbol of drudgery and an obstacle to women’s success, the apron is being rediscovered in a new and modern context.

In recognition of the apron’s continued relevance in our daily lives, The Apron Book is releasing as a gorgeous softbound with a new foreword crafted by a dear friend, Beth Livesay.

As a founding editor of apronology magazine, Beth knows aprons. For three years, we emailed of our mutual love for the humble icon and the exhilaration of the apron’s recognition as a canvas of artistic expression, the premise of the magazine. In 2011, our paths crossed, a meeting captured on video, for revisiting and recalling our excitement.

Of course, when Beth and EllynAnne first met, they’d wear their favorite aprons!

Six years later and Beth is the executive editor of Nails Magazine, a professional publication showcasing nails as canvases of artistic expression. Aprons to nails puts Beth in the forefront of recognizing the possibilities of blankness, no matter the canvas.

Seeking a new perspective and voice for newly crafted edition of The Apron Book, Beth was my first and only choice. Beth’s foreword is an acknowledgment of aprons taking us back and honoring the women of earlier generations, for it is because of them that young women can make their choices in a landscape of opportunities. Aprons, writes Beth, take us forward…the only place really worth going.

Beth's nails — Beth Livesay, executive editor of Nails Magazine, coordinating her nails to the cover of The Apron Book

Please join Beth and me throughout social media as we tie one on…our aprons, of course! It’s a lovely ride, and we want you to be a part of it.

Gratefully, EllynAnne

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 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

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