The Apron Book And Their Stories

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.

Creative Chaos or Creative Clutter
Creative Chaos or Creative Clutter
The habitual habit of never putting things back in their place
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
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
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 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
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
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:

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 #9 – Erin Owens

THE APRON BOOK 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:

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 #8 – Lynn Holle Moore

THE APRON BOOK Podcast

THE APRON BOOK : Podcast #8
Lynn Holle Moore inherited Grandmother Lynums aprons, as well as her hardy Norwegian spirit and instincts. Her grandmother’s aprons strengthen Lynn’s sense of heritage and roots, traits she shares in her writing and storytelling.

Lynn Holle Moore
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 (9.85MB / 4mins 04secs)

About The Apron Book:

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 #5 – Ray Moore

THE APRON BOOK Podcast

THE APRON BOOK : Podcast #5
Ray Moore has loving memories of his grandmother. Always wearing her gingham apron, she showed him how to safely gather eggs from pecking chickens, then set the eggs gently into the lap of her apron. Focusing on her kind demeanor, Ray recalls the difficulty of her life and his last visit with her.

Ray Moore
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 (11.3MB / 5mins 40secs)

About The Apron Book:

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 #2 – Judith Olson Gregory

THE APRON BOOK Podcast

Installation artist Judith Olson Gregory was seeking an object through which to explore the word grace, when she received an apron that ultimately inspired an exhibit

THE APRON BOOK : Podcast #2 – Installation artist Judith Olson Gregory was seeking an object through which to explore the word ‘Grace’, when she received an apron that ultimately inspired an exhibit.

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

Listen:

» Right-click and download here (9.92MB / 4mins 9secs)

About The Apron Book:

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 #1 – Apron Memories

THE APRON BOOK Podcast
Storytelling and aprons go hand-in-hand. Share your stories and pictures at www.apronmemories.com

 

New: THE APRON BOOK : Podcast #1 – Author EllynAnne Geisel, foreword contributor Beth Livesay and producer/interviewer Tracy Wahl, formerly of npr, chat about their connection to aprons, the continuing relevance of aprons in today’s world, and connecting to the past while moving forward.

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

Enjoy listening to the podcast!

» Right-click and download here (31.3MB / 27mins 47secs)

About The Apron Book:

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 Pre-Order:

Order at Amazon.com

Order at Barnes & Noble

Order at Indiebound

Order at Booksamillion.com

Order at Andrews McMeel

Mail Order Nostalgia

My bedside reading looks like the drop off to a recycle center, with stacks of magazines and catalogs awaiting my attention. I have favorites, like Johnnie Boden, from which I will order baby gifts for two sets of newly arrived twins, and for me, a brightly patterned skirt and a pink sweater, as proof positive and spirit lifter that spring is but a few months away.

Blog_catalogue [640x480]

New catalogs arrive several times a week, and their delivery elicits genuine excitement. From the way I behave, you’d think the year was 1930, I lived a rural existence, and Montgomery Ward’s “Wish Book” had just arrived.

Back then, millions of Americans shopped “Monkey Ward’s” catalog for items unavailable to them locally. Everything imaginable was offered, from full-sized bungalow-style homes (delivered as individual pieces requiring assembly) to Famous Broadway Records (5 for $1.49). While the larger catalogs showed over 10,000 items on 200 pages, there were smaller, seasonal editions as well, like this one advertising a summer sale Blog_Windsor Stove_Wards front cover [640x480]

During the 90-day sale, every item was priced at a savings double that of the regular price. With money scarce because of the depression, any savings was a good deal Blog_Windsor Stove_Wards fabric page [640x480]

And if one was in the market to upgrade an appliance, this was the time to buy. $59.95 during the sale, double the amount come September 1.

Blog_Windsor Stove_Wards color pic [640x480]

The 1930 MW catalog is one of many in my collection of vintage publications. I’ve been working on a piece about the old catalogs and had recently looked through this particular edition, which is why this item in the February Country Living really got my attention.

Blog_Windsor Stove_CLiving_MWard catalogue [640x480]

I just knew I’d seen it advertised in the MW catalog, and sure enough. Valued today at $2000.00, the original was featured in the 1930 summer sale catalog for $48.45!

Montgomery Wards Windsor ad black and white

The Windsor of 1930 would have been purchased when women knew how to use it up, wear it out, make do or do without. And what they did own was carefully tended.

The value of this immaculate antique stove in today’s market would flabbergast the original owner. Were she here to see her Windsor featured in CL and appraised at 40 times what she paid in 1930, her reaction would be one of those glorious Antiques Roadshow moments, and absolutely priceless.

xxea

Tie One On…an apron, of course!

An Almost Clean Sweep

Last week I received a ring a ling from a columnist with a big, BIG national newspaper. She wished to interview me for a Mother’s Day article…if I was available. A two second pause on my end as I gleefully cleared my mental calendar of all domestic duties. We chatted like old friends…always the sign of a great interviewer.

Our last bit of conversation was about inspiration and as I described my creative space, she suggested I supply a photograph that might accompany the article. Sitting on my balance ball, phone to ear, I looked out at the mess I’d given up trying to tame. Definitely not the picture the reporter was envisioning.

I began to slump as I took in what a total lack of control-over-chaos now wrought, when I was inexplicably galvanized by a surge of optimism that I could, and I would, put the room to picture-perfect rights.

Two days later, the room is staged and photographed by David Foxhoven, the most obliging spouse of good friend Irene Rawlings (author of my Sisters on the Fly 2-Winner Giveaway). Through the south window, light filtered through budding leaves and sunshine sprinkled the room. The yellow walls turned a hue in sync with the surrounding vintage palette. Picture perfect.

David and Irene had driven down from Denver, an act of generosity I repaid with yummy currency – homemade poundcake. After they drove off, I spent the rest of the afternoon sitting at my cloth covered desk, in love with the beauty of the room. Then came the evening, and I was forced to disassemble and retrieve all that was stashed…from beneath the desk’s drape,

from the closet, hallway, atop our bed, the guest bed, my youngest son’s bed…

Back to my old ways but not without this memory of what can be

xxea
Tie One On…an apron, of course!

National Tie One On Day Packaging To Go

With National Tie One On Day almost at the doorstep, I wanted to share upclose a few ideas for easy baked goods and even easier packaging.

This photo is from my girlfriend gathering – such a jumble, I labeled things to make it easier viewing. Or tried to, anyway. The text is a little small – what you’re looking at is a spread of old Jell-o molds, cups, plates and jars. And in the back, a fabric covered bake bean can. The baked goods include egg nog cookies, mini pound cakes and little muffins. In the lower right is an egg holder that I filled with candied ginger slices. Emptied, it’s a perfect ring holder.

Table with text (Medium)

Last year, I filled cups with individual slices of quick breads, wrapped those in plastic and delivered on a plate that was wrapped in a tea towel.

This Wednesday, I’m delivering a loaf of Cranberry Almond Bread to someone who’s been more down than up lately. I wanted the presentation to be really standout, so I’m first wrapping the bread in a cheery hand towel and setting that on a soft “bed” of another vintage towel. The tote is a wire basket of some sort – maybe from a freezer. In the space that’s still available, I’m adding a bouquet of flowers, specialty teas and a lavender-scented sleep mask. The note is on plain card stock, prettied up with some stretchy gold cording.

Best lrg loaf_carrier(Medium)

With quick in mind, here’s the recipe for the Cranberry Almond Bread – my changes in( )’s

2 cups flour

3/4 cup sugar

2 tsp baking power

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup milk (I used 1/4 c eggnog, 1/2 c milk)

6 T butter, melted

1 egg, beaten

1 T orange zest

1 t almond extract

1 cup cranberries (chopped or “pulsed” in food processor – stop before it turns to mush)

1 cup sliced almonds (I toasted the almonds, then put the nuts in a baggie and “roller pinned” to break into smaller pieces)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour 9×5 loaf pan (or prepare mini muffin/little tart/small loaf pans & fill halfway with batter).

In a large bowl, blend the flour, sugar, baking power and salt.

In another bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, egg, zest and almond extract.

Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until thoroughly moistened. Fold in the cranberries & nuts.

Pour this better into prepared pan(s) and spread evenly.

Bake for 70 minutes (for the large loaf). For the smaller portions, check for doneness at 20 minutes.

Cool 5 minutes or so in the pan, then turn out onto a cookie rack to cool completely.

Of course, make extra for you and yours!

xxea

Tie One On…an apron, of course!

· The packaging should be usable by the recipient, or at least recyclable.

** Utilizing what is old to package what is new is especially appropriate as we seek to reduce expenditures but not our giving nature.

· Browse secondhand shops for unique containers and wrappings, like a glass candy dish, silver tray, and china serving bowls. Glass plates are my favorite to snap up and dress up: affix a circle of vintage fabric to the plate’s bottom with decoupage glue.

· A gravy boat can later be used as a vase, a jewelry holder or filled to the brim with M&Ms.

· Line a gelatin mold with a sweet hankie.

· An embroidered Damask dinner napkin will later be a lovely guest hand towel.

· Vintage dish towels have years of good service left.

· Wrap an empty can with fabric and fill with a selection of baked goods.

· Purchase bars of gourmet chocolate, loaves of specialty sweet bread, brownie bites, bakery muffins, mini cinnamon buns and cookies; then package individually as slices and nibbles in a selection of vintage cups. The cups will make good loose change/key/jewelry holders.

· Visit a discount store for apron pocket stuffers, like aromatic hand soaps and votives

· A handwritten sentiment to a purchased card is the defining homemade touch.

**Note card may be downloaded. Compliments of Apron Memories®.

Mighty Oaks From Little Acorns Grow

My every day life is quite basic and without much distraction. So when I am struck with inspiration, the details are very clear and stay so. For instance, I can describe the exact moment when I considered that aprons held the voices and spirit of the women who’d worn them. So, too, can I recall the second of spontaneity that, in a gesture, became Tie One On Day.

Press Release #2

EXPERTCLICK_Size_tieoneonday_nov2009

National Tie One On DayTM a Win-Win

Gesture of Kindness a Win-Win for Participant and Receiver

PUEBLO, Colo. – Four years ago, EllynAnne Geisel was rolling dough for “one more pie” for her Thanksgiving feast, “When I suddenly took stock of the amount of food I’d prepared for the next-day’s holiday meal.” For a dozen guests, Geisel recalls, “there was just too much!” Deciding that her company “absolutely did not need another dessert choice,” she spontaneously wrapped a sweet in a handy piece of cloth…an apron. “Then I wrote Thinking of You on a notecard, and still wearing my own apron, walked out the front door.” Within a block, Geisel was presenting the wrapped treat to a very surprised neighbor, “who I’d heard was experiencing a difficult time.”

Turns out, Geisel was in for a surprise herself. “I hadn’t anticipated that acknowledging my neighbor with a baked good would have me feeling positively buoyant.”

It is that win-win for participant and receiver that Geisel is promoting through her National Tie One On DayTM.. Celebrated on November 25, 2009, Tie One On Day is an opportunity for people throughout the country to put the “give” back in Thanksgiving.

According to Geisel, a store-bought item is as easily wrapped as homemade, “and the cloth can be anything from an apron to a napkin.”

Geisel’s lemon quick bread recipe can be made in advance, wrapped and kept fresh in the refrigerator for Tie One On Day delivery.

clip_image001

A Lovely Lemon Bread

1/3 cup butter, melted

1 cup sugar

3 tablespoons lemon extract

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 ½ cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking power

1 teaspoon salt

½ cup milk

2 tablespoons grated lemon peel

Lemon Glaze

¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed for zestier flavor)

½ cup sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl, mix the butter with the sugar, lemon extract and eggs.

In a separate bowl, sift the flour with the baking powder and salt.

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating flour mixture with the milk, stirring each addition just enough to blend.

Fold in the lemon peel.

Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Use a spatula around the four sides to loosen the loaf from the pan. Remove loaf from the pan onto a cooling rack. With the wooden pick, poke holes in the loaf top.

Drizzle the lemon glaze over the top (Tip: Place rack over a piece of wax paper for easy clean up)

**Wrap the cooled loaf in foil and store in the refrigerator for 1 day before serving

**Plastic or foil wrap will protect the cloth from the syrupy glaze

EllynAnne Geisel is the author of The Apron Book: Making, Wearing, and Sharing a Bit of Cloth and Comfort; Apronisms: Pocket Wisdom for Every Day; and The Kitchen Linens Book: Using, Sharing and Cherishing the Fabrics of Our Daily Lives

Additional information about National Tie One On Day can be found on Geisel’s web site, www.apronmemories.com.

Recognized by Chases Calendar of Events, National Tie One On Day is sponsored by Mom Bloggers Club, American Sewing Guild, The Women’s Museum, McCall’s Pattern Company, Stampington & Company, Aunt Martha’s Colonial Patterns, Inc., Simplicity Pattern Company, National Association of Baby Boomer Women, Creative Machine Embroidery, SewNews, Apron-iCity and The Fabric Shop Network.

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Easy Entry for National Tie One On Day’s Goodie Bag Giveaway here! Thank you for sharing National Tie One On Day through chit chat, blogging, tweeting, facebooking…the more who participate, the more who will receive.

xxea

Tie One On…an apron, of course!