The Art of the Apron

07/29/2026

Reminder: I’ll be out at Miss Effie’s Flower Farm tomorrow (June 29) from 4-7 pm. There will be plenty of vendors and a beautiful location to explore. I’ll have an apron display and will also be selling some of my handmade cards. Hope you will come join us!

Donahue, IA 27387 130th Ave.

07/23/2026

Had a great afternoon visiting with the residents at Wheatland Manor Today. Thanks, Kimberly Grell Eaker for inviting me out to present my apron program.

07/19/2026

I’d like to give a shoutout to the DeWitt Ladies Study Group for hosting an apron program yesterday. We had a really nice time and had an added bonus. The meeting was held at the Central Community Historical Society so we got a chance to see some of their collection of aprons, too. So many lovely pieces. It was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with these ladies.

07/17/2026

As many of you know, I’m on the lookout for items that depict aprons. I like to share these as part of my programs emphasizing the importance of aprons in our history and cultures. I found this sweet young lady at an antique store yesterday. Resembles a Tinker Toy in that each piece is separate and can be reconstructed time and again. No one seems to know what she is or if it was part of a game or set. Anyone know?

07/12/2026

I’ll be displaying some of my (never seen the light of day) aprons. I have close to 350 aprons in my collection and usual only showcase between 20-30 at each program. Miss Effie has graciously agreed to let me bring some out to her FarmHers Market on July 29. If you’re local, I hope you’ll come join us at this beautiful You Pick Flower Farm in Donahue, IA. A wide variety of products are offered each week. I’ll also be selling some of my vintage apron inspired notecards and other new creations.

06/28/2026

Ladies Home Journal, February 1945
Frigidaire advertising

06/11/2026

Ever had the urge to sew a genuine looking vintage apron? This recent article from Sewing.com has some great useful information. For apron collectors it provides you with tips about dating fabric, patterns and sewing techniques. Definitely worth a read!

https://sewing.com/vintage-reproduction-apron-sewing-patterns/

Find free vintage reproduction apron sewing patterns from the 1940s and 1950s. Learn authentic construction techniques and fabric choices

06/11/2026

One of my favorites. Only the waistband and ties are made of organza, the rest is made totally out of lace. A piece like this would have been found in the wedding aisle at the fabric store. The ivory lace came with a scalloped edge so it made for a no-sew hemline. The lace pocket, while similar to the recent ones I’ve shown, is much larger. A different gathered lace makes the “horseshoe” and then a piece of lace creates the actual pocket. Topped with a satin bow for the perfect detail. I can also see this one used for a 50th wedding anniversary celebration. I believe this is a home-sewn piece. Perfectly stitched and no tag present. Lori Stamp this is another show-stopper! Thank you.

06/10/2026

It’s a bit hard to tell, but this is a pale pink apron. The same style as yesterday’s piece - gathered waistband at the right and left, flat in the center. The pocket is also similar, but the base is more rounded. The pocket is made from larger flat pieces of lace, but the trim on both the pocket and edge are gathered lace. A tiny satin bow embellishes the pocket. This is another from the collection provided by Brenda Eickert.

06/09/2026

The details are definitely what makes the difference. This example features the fitted waistband shared previously. But the pocket detail is the star. Reminiscent of the “horseshoe pocket” the lace starts at the waistband and creates an angular pocket shape. The pocket lace is a flat style, where the skirt trim is a gathered style. The inset, which forms the actual pocket is made of the same material as the body. A small, simple satin bow tops a metal Holy Bible charm decoration for an extra special touch. Several of us wondered if this might have been used for a christening, but any that I have attended never had official servers. This is one of my favorites. Thanks again, Lori Stamp!