Antiquing

I have been inspired lately by some podcasters, to visit some local antique stores. I found a wonderful little sewing machine in one store. I had been keeping an eye out for a Featherweight and this one is similar, only older. I ordered a book that tells all about it and how to maintain it. I thought it might have to be rewired but the wiring looks good. The foot pedal looks almost new and the handle on the case was replaced. Best of all, it works! It came with lots of attachments. I tried out a few and they work very well. All it needed was a little oil and it was good to go.

I also found a wooden form, possibly from a window display, that will be great to hold my creations.

I'm also into aprons. Don't know why exactly. I remember my mother wearing one all the time when I was little. One day my daughter and I were looking at some of the "stuff" my mother has in her basement. We pulled out an old cedar chest to look at. My daughter thought it would be just the right size to fit in her house, since it was a small one. Well, when we opened it, it was full of aprons. As we carefully removed each one, we were surprised to see that most were in good condition. Of course, my mother told us the story about who each one belonged to, either my grandmother or one of my aunts. But some even she didn't remember. Now, my daughter and I were intrigued! She got the chest and I got the aprons! I washed them, hung them up and stood back to admire them. There were work aprons and dressy ones, full length and half, faded and worn and almost brand new ones. I remember my grandmother wearing some of them. I also noticed how aprons have been used to try out lots of design ideas. There were so many different designs and shapes. Then I found The Apron Book by EllyAnne Geisel. That was it! Now I have become interested in finding more, sewing a few and even wearing one. It makes perfect sense! When I'm working around the house my clothes stay cleaner, I have something to wipe my hands on and I have POCKETS. Who doesn't need pockets when working around the house! There is always something you find in one room that needs to be put away in another room. So, you stick it in the apron pocket until you get there. And they are great for holding a few fresh veggies when you are out in the garden. If you need more room, just use your apron as one big pocket.
Well, I bought another apron at the antique store. I couldn't resist! It has such finely sewn applique flowers on it. I don't think I could sew them as well with my machine, let alone by hand. It is light blue with white binding around the edges and is definitely a dressy one, not a work apron. Hard to believe women actually had work aprons and dressy aprons. I am a product of the "Women's Movement" and was influenced by the idea that aprons were a sign of domestic bondage. That is nonsense to many of us today. I think many women are embracing the idea of "Housework". There is much more interest in cooking, sewing and home decorating. Even women who have careers are taking up knitting, crochet and other handcrafts. There seems to be an urge to make things by hand for the family and home. We are becoming more aware of the impact we have on our environment and are trying to make things and recycle items we might have easily discarded in the past. Today, aprons are gaining popularity. I'm really glad more women are beginning to appreciate aprons, whether they wear them or not.