So many of the things I adore such as antique lace and vintage textiles I learned to love from my Grandma Jingles. This has resulted in a very special and heartfelt project, Eleanor’s Aprons.
Every time my grandmother and I were together we would hit the thrift stores and she would scour the newspaper for estate sales so we could go in search of hidden treasure. Neither of us needed a thing, but it sure was fun. If you add in the extensive collecting she had also done the 50 years prior well, her closets were like Ali Baba’s cave.
Family Treasures
After her passing last fall, I shared a good portion of this treasure trove with family members and yet still managed to bring several large boxes home with me. There they sat until one rainy afternoon I opened them up and little by little I hand washed, line dried and ironed every last piece. Then came the question “What do I do with it?” I began by making a few traditional aprons for friends and family members using vintage fabric and trims.
But what to do with the stacks of handkerchiefs, threadbare doilies, random quilting blocks, old pillowcases and small bits of old lace? Some things were so tiny it almost didn’t make sense to hold on to it. I began scouring Pinterest for inspiration and kept coming back to aprons.
The classic simplicity of the aprons worn by French waiters inspired me to create a similar design.
Aprons also seemed fitting because my Grandmother wore and loved them.
The Ingalls family circa 1957.
I knew if I were to share her treasures I would also have to give back. Because truly at the heart my grandmother was a giver. Just days before her passing I spoke to her on the phone and she talked about how she said she was knitting caps for Honduran orphans. In the end, it was her big heart that gave out. I decided that a portion of the proceeds would go to the American Heart Association.
Eleanor’s Aprons
Love is in the essence of these aprons.
They are made in a whimsical kaleidoscope of colors.
A crazy patchwork of lace and fabrics.
Separately the pieces are all little delightful bits and together they somehow make perfect sense.
Some have pockets.
The aprons all feature embroidery work, lace, vintage pillowcases, and fabric.
No two are alike.
All are reversible.
Ruffled sunshiny happiness.
Any way you look at it.
Eleanor’s Aprons can be found in my Etsy Shoppe HERE.
UPDATE: I am completely humbled, grateful, and blessed! The shop sold out within TWO HOURS! I have five more cut/laid out that I hope to have for another collection in the next two weeks. Thank you for helping support the American Heart Association!
Hearts and happiness,
Laura
You may also enjoy Becoming Jane.
Oh my goodness they are gorgeous!
You are such a sweetheart, like your grandmother! What a beautiful way to share her memory, your aprons are just beautiful!
Oh my gosh, Laura! Those are absolutely adorable – too pretty to wear and get dirty! Your Grandma Jingles has got to be thrilled.
Oh my word, wow, they are all stunning works of art. You totally amaze me.
Dear Laura, what a neat post. I love that. And the aprons are art pieces for sure! I am sitting here reading this with an apron on – I put them on in morning and wear them all day…..usually my work horse heavy duty white twill ones like a Chef wears,…..I am rough on them. When the first one dirties I change before going back to start cooking or baking something else. : – ) I have a wonderful collection of vintage or pretty ones, that are for the collection or for when company is coming mostly. I don't want to soil those! I should post about them one day. I can't wait till life slows down for me to do just that!
Have a blessed wonderful week.
Dear Laura, what a neat post. I love that. And the aprons are art pieces for sure! I am sitting here reading this with an apron on – I put them on in morning and wear them all day…..usually my work horse heavy duty white twill ones like a Chef wears,…..I am rough on them. When the first one dirties I change before going back to start cooking or baking something else. : – ) I have a wonderful collection of vintage or pretty ones, that are for the collection or for when company is coming mostly. I don't want to soil those! I should post about them one day. I can't wait till life slows down for me to do just that!
Have a blessed wonderful week.
You are so talented and creative, Laura! I LOVE these aprons, and what happy memories they must bring.
Mary Alice
What cute aprons…my favorite is the blue/green one. Your granny sounded like a wonderful woman.
Have a great week, Laura.
Well, boo. You are all sold out. I guess, good for you!!!
Great idea!! You are so talented, and also a giver, just like your grandmother. Love you girl! xoxoxo Lidy
Oh well… Those were beautiful.
My daughter is an apron lover.
Oh well… Those were beautiful.
My daughter is an apron lover.
I would love one! Those are beyond adorable! I'll keep checking your shop so I can get one.
This is great! Can't wait for the next batch!
Laura, Laura, Laura. I must have one of your darling aprons. Let me Know how much for the Ceekay apron. I am patiently waiting….well, not patiently!!
So Darling! 🙂 I love each and everyone. I'm sure they will be well loved. 🙂
~Liz
I'm not surprised they sold out right away. They are adorable! How lovely that you are honouring her spirit by donating to the Heart Society.
Perfect use of all those sweet pieces of hand made history. I am sure the women who wear them will feel blessed every time they put them on.
Oh darn! I was so taken with your aprons that I was going to head over to your shop to get one. I just have to have one to put in my blue and white kitchen! I will have to check back.
These are wonderful, Laura! I'm not surprised you sold out so quickly! What a special way to honor your grandmother's memory.
Laura, how lovely these are, the aprons and where they come from, the story is lovely and in the end it all ends up for good. Your family is looking down on you with pride and love. I am so happy that you got the affirmation from selling out so quickly! That is so cool! xo
Very cute!! Thanks for joining HSH!
Sherry
these are so lovely !! And the story as well : )
Oh my goodness, how gorgeous are these!!! And I love the story as well. What a great granddaughter you are. Your grandma is so proud of you right now! I want one of these beautiful aprons!!
Thanks so much for sharing such a wonderful story!
Oh! The aprons are really lovely! And I love the story behind them!
Besos from Argentina,
Silvina
I admire the way you used all of your Grandmother's textiles to recreate something so filled with love and useful. Your grandmother was a beautiful person. Love what you did with the aprons. Great design eye! I just signed up to get your posts after I read about you on An Old-Fashioned World. ~Ginene