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Across the Fence:  What does wearing an apron symbolize to you?  |
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
 Posted - May 10 2007 : 6:28:24 PM
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Or, is it just a utility item of clothing? Does it somehow transform you? I know Mary Jane wrote a lot about this in her book- but I'd like to hear from you guys too. Is it a political statement? I just saw the link to the "I wear an apron and I vote" checkbook cover in the Marketplace forum... what should a politician do when confronted with an apron-wearing woman?
I suspect the answers will be varied!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
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Mikki
True Blue Farmgirl
1510 Posts
Mikki
Austin
Indiana
USA
1510 Posts |
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Mikki
True Blue Farmgirl
1510 Posts
Mikki
Austin
Indiana
USA
1510 Posts |
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candismom
True Blue Farmgirl
560 Posts
Elizabeth
560 Posts |
Posted - May 10 2007 : 6:51:49 PM
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I love wearing aprons. To me it is part of my uniform I wear when I am doing what God has called me to do. Serve my family.
Hugs,
Elizabeth
www.athomewithelizabeth.blogspot.com
My shop www.theclothesline.etsy.com
I sell Crabapple Hill Studio and other Patterns. Pluse lots of other handmade items.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
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sunshine
True Blue Farmgirl
4877 Posts
Wendy
Utah
USA
4877 Posts |
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mommom
True Blue Farmgirl
854 Posts
Susan
Lancaster
Pennsylvania
USA
854 Posts |
Posted - May 10 2007 : 7:18:28 PM
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| Thank you for spelling APRON out for us! I love it! My son once told me that when he sees me in an apron he knows I mean business! When I wear one, I know that what I'm doing is important. I have a mission in mind. It says that I'm a feminine farmgirl who isn't afraid to work hard! Susan |
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MariaAZ
True Blue Farmgirl
203 Posts
Phoenix
AZ
203 Posts |
Posted - May 10 2007 : 7:46:51 PM
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To address the the question of what a politician should say to apron-wearing women; I would think anything that treats them as intelligent decision-makers would work ;) Of course, I'd expect that even if the women AREN'T wearing aprons!
As for what aprons mean to me, I have to admit it is mostly a nostalgic trigger, a harkening back to a simpler time when home cooked dinners were more common than take-out. I'm a practical person (TOO practical at times I'm afraid!) so my recent fascination is because they are just so practical; protection against getting dirty while doing kitchen work, plenty of pocket room to carry necessities instead of setting stuff down and forgetting where I put it.
Visit my blog at www.craftyfool.net |
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sweetproserpina
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
meg
Vinemount
Ontario
Canada
535 Posts |
Posted - May 10 2007 : 7:59:47 PM
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At first I was just going to say utility- it's practical and protects my clothes, but as I think about it more, I think that I wear it to feel connected. Connected with those millions of women in years past who donned them while doing their little bit to change the world and keep it spinning - and connected with all those thousands (millions?) of women today who still think that what women in aprons do is important. In our society we are pushed into careers, pushed to achieve power and wealth, and pushed to put those aprons, and all that they mean, away. But when we wear our aprons, and bake our bread, and sew our cushions, and hang our laundry- we silently proclaim that what we do is still important and good. That the world needs aprons and the women who happily wear them!
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world."
http://theprimroseway.blogspot.com/ |
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Vintage Redhead
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Kaylyn
Saint Charles
IL
USA
233 Posts |
Posted - May 10 2007 : 8:28:12 PM
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To me, women who wear aprons symbolize any and all of the following:
~ A woman who isn't afraid to get dirty and remain lady underneath the mess.
~ An organized woman who takes advantage of pockets as nooks and crannies close to her to tuck away the meaningful "...little things..." she runs across during her day that should not be merely thrown away.
~ A woman who loves the job she does.
~ A woman who treasures the [likely few] nice items of clothing that she has in sacrifice for the nice things her family. She wears her apron to absorb that which could ruin the things she takes precious care of.
~ A woman who isn't afraid to wear an apron as a uniform of family life. It symbolizes the honor of service to her family.
~ Kaylyn ~ (Living in Suburbia with a FARMGIRL Heart!)
My Cause: http://nickspavilion.blogspot.com/
My Life: http://vintageredhead.blogspot.com |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - May 10 2007 : 9:07:12 PM
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For me (someone who has been wearing either an apron or overalls each day for the past..hmmmm at least 28 years) it is a uniform, and a way to honor both my Grandma's who wore them every day of my childhood. I feel almost naked without my apron (if I am not wearing overalls) and my older sons have told me that it was comforting to come home after school and see me in the kitchen in my apron. THAT is the best thing...my memories of my beloved grandma are all with her in her kitchen in her apron. I am so proud to wear an apron.
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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synapases
Farmgirl in Training
13 Posts
sherrie
san francisco
california
USA
13 Posts |
Posted - May 10 2007 : 9:11:13 PM
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i completely agree with "sweet proserpina's" opinion of aprons. i love the nostalgia and connection i feel with womens' work.
farmgirl at heart
my cause: afghans for afghans |
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Photobugs
True Blue Farmgirl
363 Posts
Pamela
Post Falls
Idaho
USA
363 Posts |
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BotanicalBath
True Blue Farmgirl
1014 Posts
Elizabeth
Ohio
1014 Posts |
Posted - May 10 2007 : 10:56:13 PM
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quote:
A woman who isn't afraid to get dirty and remain lady underneath the mess.
I like that.
To me it keeps my clothes a little cleaner, and extra pockets.
E-
BotanicalBath@peoplepc.com
www.Botanical-Bath.com |
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Maryjane Lee
True Blue Farmgirl
2195 Posts
Maryjane
CA
USA
2195 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2007 : 11:55:54 AM
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Oh, my goodness sweet ladies! All your thoughts are so endearing. You have touched my heart and made it a better day! My 5 year old Granddaughter Hailey and I have been wearing "our" aprons today! She came over to play today...I feel what my Grandmother must have felt when I came to visit her! Aprons for me bring a warmth of years past and now of today!
Hugs,
Maryjane Lee
P.S. As I am writing this my husband walked in with a box FILLED with wonderful things from MaryJane's Farm!!!!!! My heart is beating fast and is full (and of course tons of happy tears)! What a sweetheart.....favorite thing a F.A.R.M Project APRON!
"Cherish the memories and in our hearts they shall live forever!" |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9093 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9093 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2007 : 2:52:23 PM
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All of the above plus when I put one on I'am probably about to make a big mess.
NANCY JO
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
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Shirley
True Blue Farmgirl
734 Posts
Shirley
Olympia
Wa
USA
734 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2007 : 4:39:45 PM
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I like to wear aprons to, except they do get kinda warm when the kitchen gets heated up from cooking, but they protect my clothes.
My grandmother ware them alway, and as I think back my Great grandma also ware aprons to, Now hers looked glued to her like they fit her body, kinda round.
I have gotten some fabric that looks like my grandmothers aprons, but havent made them yet.
Wish I had one of her old aprons, wonder if my mom has any of them.
My Mom never did wear aprons. maybe its a every other generation thing!!!
shirley |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9413 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9413 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2007 : 4:56:06 PM
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| I think wearing an apron means you are ready for the business of the day. The things we do for our families and such. To keep us protected and presentable should company show up. My grandmom always tossed hers aside when she had company coming. she was always ready to greet everyone with a clean dress and a smile. |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17161 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17161 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2007 : 5:01:56 PM
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I never get tired of looking at them, seeing how they were sewn, by a beginner or seasoned seamstress....& I wonder what the person was like who wore the particlular apron. Then I reflect on days gone by when my own mom use to wear her fancy fluffy aprons when hosting the neighbor ladies for coffee & tea. But the best memory is that of my Oma (german grandma) she would let me sit by her side while she was baking, always chatting, & her apron always seemed to be "schmutzig" - dirty from wiping her hands after baking/cooking/gardening. Her aprons were simple and always well used. I miss my Oma.
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom.
www.katmom4.blogspot.com |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9413 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9413 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2007 : 5:06:22 PM
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Grace,
Isn't great when something as simple as an apron can conjure our memories of special times and special people in our lives?
"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof and all that dwell therein."
www.torismimi.blogspot.com |
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Ronna
True Blue Farmgirl
1891 Posts
Ronna
Fernley
NV
USA
1891 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2007 : 5:17:40 PM
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Always has to be a rebel...and I'm it. Mother insisted I should wear one in the kitchen, so I wouldn't. Same with rain boots, umbrellas and scarves. I have the apron I made in Jr High home ec class with my name embroidered in black on the waistband...and it's still new after more than 45 years! I don't recall coming across any aprons in my mothers stuff, maybe she wore them all out before she stopped cooking. Same with her mother, unless my sister has them. I've bought and given away more than a few vintage aprons and in the process of putting some in RAOK packages today.
Ronna |
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Past Blessings
True Blue Farmgirl
1083 Posts
Brenda
Orchard Prairie
WA
USA
1083 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2007 : 12:24:07 AM
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Aprons go so far beyond utilitarian. The conjure up the past and remind us to pass on those lessons to the futures. We know that the apron wearing women of times gone by were hardworking women with a desire for excellence in all they do. They expressed their love to their friends and family through the service done while wearing the apron, they demonstrated the importance of a good work ethic and the peace that comes in knowing you did your best. They spoke of simplicity which goes hand and had with peace and order. They spoke of creativity . . . both in the apron itself and in the creative endeavors that took place by the woman wearing the apron. When we put on our aprons today, we need to remember the values that it represents and strive to continue them into the next generation.
With warm blessings . . .
Past Blessings . . . Celebrating Life as it used to be . . . when people loved God, loved their families and loved their country. |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17161 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17161 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2007 : 11:06:52 AM
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I so agree,
Something as simple as an apron, whether it is handmade or store bought, used for a formal coctail party in the '60's or bread making in the the '40's.....race or religion was not a factor.
This simple object had & still has many uses.....but best of all (for me) is it's use to bring back sweet memories. And for that I am ever so greatful.
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom.
www.katmom4.blogspot.com |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17161 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17161 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2007 : 11:12:38 AM
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*Denise*,
by-the-by, I luv UR green & yellow lemon motif apron....it is so summer....makes me want to hop the neighbors fence & sneak over to her lemon tree & pilfer an apron full of lemmons....oh wait, she's always telling me to come over & bring a bag....but somehow sneaking over the fence sounds like fun mischief....tee hee!
tata-4-now
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom.
www.katmom4.blogspot.com |
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UrbanChick
True Blue Farmgirl
331 Posts
Ayako
Atlanta
GA
USA
331 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2007 : 7:10:16 PM
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My apron symbolizes my important place in my household. As mom, caretaker, worker and it is my uniform that I wear. I love my aprons and they always make me smile when I do housework. It lightens my load with extra pockets and a place to wipe wet hands. I answered the door the other day with my apron on when the contractors were working on my new front porch and the contractor had a big smile on his face and said it reminded him of his mom when she would answer the door with a fresh clean apron on. It was nice to hear that.
"Courage dosen't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying: I will try again tomorrow." |
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Horseyrider
True Blue Farmgirl
1045 Posts
Mary Ann
Illinois
1045 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2007 : 05:00:34 AM
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I rarely put mine on unless I'm going to fry bacon or make a really huge kitchen mess. My grandmother was a very proper lady who had a housekeeper and staff, and she rarely wore an apron even though she had a degree in Home Economics (got it in the early 20's). When she did put one on, she wore the kind that covers your whole front, and it was usually to make oatmeal for us before Pearl (the cook/housekeeper) was up. My mother, on the other hand, wore the kind that just goes around your waist. She had a few frilly party ones. I do have one red and white striped one that was hers. I don't wear it; I just keep it. It makes me happy to see it, even though I have no memory of ever seeing her in it. Mom gave up aprons in the sixties or seventies.
For me, they don't have quite the nostalgia they do for some of you. They're delightfully utilitarian, though. I have a springy one with cherries on it, and a fall/winter one in a toasty tan with cabbage roses on it. They cover my whole front, because when I'm cooking bacon, the popping hits my shirt, not my thighs. Most of the time I forget to even put it on, because I'm in and out of the house a gazillion times. I'll be out in the barn or the garden, check my watch and run in to punch down bread, and then go back out. Outside they seem too long to do much more than get in the way. And to me, they look vaguely funny over jeans. But I do wear them (looking funny and all) when I have to flour a surface and roll dough. It keeps that white stratus cloud from appearing right about waist high.
Hmmm, I think I'll go put the horses out on grass and come back in and make scones. That's an apron thing because sometimes I cut them with a biscuit cutter. 
Interesting thread! |
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_Rebecca_
True Blue Farmgirl
568 Posts
Rebecca
OK
USA
568 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2007 : 07:07:53 AM
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Ronna, Yes, I am hearing you about the scarves!!! My mother always insisted I wear one in cold damp weather. I insist the same for my daughter and she likes it!!! I think she just eats it up. I was such a turkey child. : )
.·:*¨¨* :·.Rebecca.·:*¨¨* :·. |
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Across the Fence: What does wearing an apron symbolize to you? |
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What does wearing an apron symbolize to you?
