Apron of Quilt Squares
All hand-stitched, from the colorful patches to the bias binding, even the waistband and ties. I'd expected even stitches from a treadle machine, but found tiny hand-sewing, one spot still sporting light blue basting thread. Made by Grandma Ruby? Or by her mother-in-law, Nellie Neal, who helped on the many family quilts. Did this apron see action at family dinners? The blue bias binding and trim make it festive enough for special occasions. Even more precious since a grandmother's hands set together the cheerful squares, some probably cut from feed or flour sacks.
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This apron is a cousin to the one above, including some of the same fabrics, but this one is almost entirely sewn by treadle machine. There’s hand-stitching on the back of the waistband and bias binding.
Someone went to the trouble to whip-stitch the raw edges of the squares on the backsides of both aprons. She meant for these to last, and I’ve decided that these two aprons are “keepers.”
I remember seeing my grandmother wear similar aprons.
I started to write a story about Grandma Ruby’s aprons, needing to downsize the dozen I ended up with, then realized she’d already penned an apron story in her memoirs. She became my guest blogger for this one, which features her aprons. She was known more for the gingham ones with cross-stitch. That’s why this one caught my attention! I’m keeping it. https://joynealkidney.com/2021/01/22/grandmas-apron-guest-blogger-grandma-ruby-blohm-neal/
Those two aprons are definitely keepers!
Wish I could keep them all. Alas.
I know just what you mean.
Well I just love them both. True treasures Joy 🙂
Such lovely aprons…just beautiful!
What delightful heirlooms, Joy! They are beautiful pieces.
This poem reminds me of the tablecloth my grandmother embroidered for me when I married my husband I love your poetry. I look forward to reading more.
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Thank you so much for your note.