Just a few months ago a precious friend gifted me with an apron. Now to some this may seem old fashioned or out of date. To me it was a gift of love. I use it often and keep it handy so I can easily reach for it when cooking. Each time I put it on I think of the work that went into making it. It has a bib (an added bonus when cooking), deep pockets and ric rac - it has been years since I owned anything trimmed in ric rac! That alone made it extra special. But she took it to an entirely new level by using fabric printed with wine bottles! That is a nod to the special dinners and times together with my friends enjoying a glass (or two) of our favorite wine.Aprons are a long standing staple in the home of every southern woman. I cannot remember ever seeing my grandmother when she was up and about without her apron. It was just a part of what she wore everyday and a part of who she was. It was more than protection for her skirt or dress while she was cooking. The pockets held her "hankie" and other assorted treasures. The hem of her apron was used to grasp a loose tooth of many a neighborhood child while she assured them "I am just gonna look at it". Before we knew it, the tooth was in her hand and we had something to put under our pillow that night.
The apron is also the best thing to wipe tears of a child who runs in with a skinned knee or bruise from playing in the yard - which is how we spent our days. Never inside unless it was below freezing or raining. Even then we might beg to play outside.My grandmother made biscuits everyday for her family. The extra flour on her hands was patted on the apron. When she was sitting on the porch sewing, the apron held extra thread. When we took a walk in the woods or by the creek it was where we put our rocks or moss to take back to the house and even on occasion a frog may find his way in there. If someone wanted to take a photo, she would take off her apron and smooth her hair beforehand. The photo above was captured when she was in her 80's and "taking in some sun" on the deck while enjoying lunch - and she has on her apron and her sun hat.
I am blessed to own aprons owned by both of my grandmothers, and a few from my husband's grandmother as well. They are treasured and I often wear one on special occasions. I still own the apron that was made for me when I was a child. I felt grown when I wore it to help mama cook.
Not since then has anyone made an apron just for me - until now. I love my apron and I love my friend who made it. I will consider it a precious addition to my collection of aprons and will make memories wearing it.
