Apron Strings

New Apron Discovery!

2011-06-13T09:40:00.001-04:00

Lucky for me the woman at the Sabbatus Antique Mall recognized me when she came shopping at Fort Andross. And super lucky for me that, when she leanred on that chance visit that I make vintage-inspired aprons, she put aside a special apron she thought might interest me.

My husband and I are regular visitors at her antique market where there can be found a wonderful variety of vintage and antique goodies. We make the occasional foray further a field to check out other markets but always find that her market is the most fun and has items we would like (and do) buy, all at reasonable prices. I’ve bought vintage aprons from her in the past and have used one to recreate an apron that I currently sell.

Upon walking in her door on a recent rainy Sunday she saw us and immediately said, “I wondered when you’d be back. I have something for you!” That was an intriguing way to begin our visit. She pulled out a paper bag and first extracted a pile of vintage fabric that turned out to be two unfinished basic aprons. The ties were made, the pieces cut out and they were ready for assembly. Tempting, very tempting. But what she showed me next was the most exciting: an old apron made in a style I’ve never seen before. When I held it in my hand it resembled a pile of fabric more than an apron but once I put it on I realized it’s great potential and one that is totally unlike the other aprons I make. This one should be adaptable to any adult body size because of its fundamental feature: it’s a wrap. Think mink stole (without the dead animal – faux mink stole, please) as if it was hung around the neck. Those two sections that hang down in front make up the apron! Ties on one section secure the apron to tie in the back and the two sections in front can be adjusted to fit just about anyone. Quite ingenious!

I’m calling it Wrap it Up! and if I had to venture a guess, I’d say the original is an apron from the 40’s or 50’s. I love this apron. It’ll be fun to see how it looks made with different fabrics and even more fun to see how people like it. I'd love to know what you think so please let me know.

Warp it Up!

A little bit longer....

2010-12-01T08:45:00.000-05:00

Swirly and Rick Rack Aprons up for auction at mpbn.net

I am postponing the drawing for the Holiday Swirly Apron until after December 6th. The reason? I have two aprons up for auction on the MPBN Online Holiday Auction and hope to gather a few more people interested in my contest.

You can check things out on the MPBN auction website and consider bidding on my aprons or any other tempting offering, knowing your money will go towards helping to keep our public radio station alive and well. My aprons are featured third from the bottom, #2547.

And if you haven't entered my Holiday Swirly Apron Giveaway, please check it out and know that it will benefit the Good Shepherd Food-Bank by generating a dollar donation when you "Like" my facebook page and leave a comment.

Keep 'em coming!

2010-11-12T08:52:00.000-05:00

Thank you new followers of Yo Momma's Apron Strings on facebook.

Because each new friend generates a donation to Maine's Good Shepherd Food-Bank I am doubly grateful. At $.25 a pop, it will take a long time to reach my goal of $100 so I'm upping the ante to $1.00 for each new friend who comments. I counting on reaching my goal so if everyone would be so kind as to share this post, it would give me a better chance of reaching that $100 benchmark.

The cost to friend Yo Momma's Apron Strings

one comment on Yo Momma's Apron Strings facbook page (I need that comment to differentiate new friends from old)

The benefit

$1.00 donated to the Good Shepherd Food-Bank

The big payoff

one person will win my Holiday Swirly Apron AND $100 goes towards feeding Maine's hungry this holiday season

Thank you for passing on this information to your facebook followers.

This apron could be yours!

2010-10-30T14:25:00.000-04:00

Holiday Apron Giveaway

To help celebrate the coming holiday season I am offering this cheerful Swirly Apron, ready to partner in your holiday kitchen adventures. To be entered in the apron giveaway I ask that you go to Yo Momma’s Apron Strings on facebook, click to “Like” my page and then tell me about the holiday treat you look forward to making every year. Or, if you aren’t a holiday treat-maker, tell me about a favorite holiday goody you look forward to eating every year.

For each new friend of Yo Momma’s Apron Strings I will make a donation to the Good Shepherd Food-Bank, a Maine organization that strives to feed Maine’s hungry families. My plan is to donate $0.25 per new friend up to $100 in total. If, by chance, you are already a friend, tell me about your favorite holiday treat and you’re entered!

So, in two simple steps you can be entered in a chance to win this sweet Swirly:

“Like” Yo Momma’s Apron Strings on facebook

Tell me about your favorite holiday treat to either make or eat (or both)

Your entry will generate a donation to the Good Shepherd Food-Bank.

The winner will be announced on the Yo Momma’s Apron Strings facebook page on December 1^st.

Stay tuned to learn who will be the lucky winner.

(It could be you!)

Yo Momma's Apron Strings Aprons in Action!

2010-10-21T10:12:00.009-04:00

Yo Momma's Apron Strings has made aprons for all ages, from wee walkers to those more seasoned.
What follows are some of my favorite apron models, in no particular order:

How cute is she?

Never mind, I already know the answer.

My crazy cookin' daughter

and designer/owner of Anne Bonny's Booty.

All right, I couldn't resist this image but their identities are kept secret

(even though many already have an idea, a very good idea, of who these two topless chefs might be).

Happy Birthday!

Now she has an apron in two states:

a summer Michigan apron and a winter Arizona apron.

Totally stylin' in the kitchen.

I would love more images of my aprons in action.

Anyone want to send some to me?

I should Have field tested that apron!

2010-10-06T07:47:00.000-04:00

I was excited about the new apron and rushed it out there after having only tried it on myself. One body shape and that was my mistake. I blogged about it, facebook-ed it and hung it out for sale for all to see.

"So, Zoe," I said excitedly, "try on my new apron.

"Ugh," she said having tried in vain to adjust the bodice to fit her smaller frame.

"But the fit is flexible. All you have to do is draw it up and the wide back will hold it in place so that it can fit any body size," I said desperately. I was beginning to sense that sinking feeling when I know something isn't right.

"I think you need to take this one back to the drawing board," she said kindly.

Ah, me. She was right. An apron with a distinct waistband and bodice will NOT fit any body style as I had so hoped. So that's why all the vintage aprons that have gathered skirts and bodices are sized! Well, any tried and true seamstress would have been able to tell me that obvious fact but I forged ahead thinking the one-sized medium would do it for all. After all, the skirt on the thing could wrap all the way around to the back ties, making that particular fit quite flexible. That bodice fit definitely was not.

So what happens to that new apron in my group of one-size fits all aprons? It becomes a half apron and can still fit anyone.

Tah-dah! (I hope.)

Yo Momma's Aprons & the Common Ground Country Fair??

2010-09-26T07:16:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm seriously thinking about it.

We made our biennial pilgrimage to Unity this weekend to walk and walk, talk and talk and eat and eat. If any of my readers aren't familiar with the Common Ground Country Fair, I'll summarize in a few quick words: sponsored by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA, as it's more simply called) it’s "an event like no other, that brings together so many people from so many walks of life, all in the spirit of celebrating the rural and agricultural traditions of Maine.
Want to learn how a basket is created from log to finished product? You can see that here. What to see to yarn spun, rugs hooked, sheep sheared, solar water created, bees habitat(ed), sheep herded and on and on? You can see all of that here and more. It is a celebration of life and community and is an experience not to be missed. So, we don't miss it. You can get a taste of what it's all about by taking this Virtual Fair Tour.
Next year Zoe and I are thinking seriously about applying for next year's three-day event. There are many crafts people and small business owners exhibiting their goodies and I think my aprons and Zoe's jewelry a prefect fit. A few of my fellow Marketeers are already hard at it and feel it is an event quite worth the time, effort and exhaustion.
Any hesitation I feel is due to the fact that I will have to have a lot of aprons. Actually, more than a lot and the thought how to build a deep inventory of aprons while maintaining my market presence and craft fair participation is daunting. But right now I'm feeling like, "What the heck? Jump in and give it a try."
How to have enough aprons for some unknown percentage of the gazillions of people who will pass by our booth and will want to buy one?

I need a plan. Gotta think about that.

Adding another apron! Think: Serious Pockets.

2010-09-10T11:44:00.000-04:00

Visit Yo Momma's Apron Strings website to see the Super Pocket Apron in detail.

Let me know what you think.

Apron Wearers: Do you do this with your apron?

2010-09-05T10:07:00.001-04:00

Hmm, interesting that zip-off terrycloth portion (not one of mine).

Once I became an in-the-kitchen apron wearer, I quickly discovered the ease with which I used my apron to wipe my hands when dusty or wet (though I do avoid using them to clean greasy fingers) and to clean off the flour, baking powder - fill in the blank - off utensils.

Have baking powder on that teaspoon? A quick wipe with the edge of my apron and that teaspoon can go back in the drawer. The flour scoop is dusty from dipping in the canister? Same thing and it is ready for a dip in another dry ingredient. Knife messy from chopping? A quick wipe and you're ready for the next ingredient.

Many customers talk of wiping their hands on their aprons. Do you? What about using your apron to wipe off your kitchen utensils?

R.I.P. Bernina. Welcome, Singer.

2010-08-23T12:25:00.000-04:00

I hauled two of my dysfunctional sewing machines to Joy Trott; one my beloved but definitely handicapped Bernina and an older and quite annoying White, to see if anything could be done to keep them operable.

The verdict: yes on one and no on the other. The White works all right but lacks the muscle for what I need. This one I am passing on to my non-sewing daughter to use until she figures out if she eventually will become a sewing daughter - good for light work but don't ask too much of it because it won't carry the load.

The No Decree goes to Bernina (sob) - it's not going to sew for me any longer and I'll donate it to Joy to use as a parts machine, should she ever see another of that age that might need a piece or two.

When I made the decision not to pour anymore money into the Bernina, Joy came to my rescue once again by allowing me to take home different sewing machines until I could find the one that is good enough to pick up where my Bernina left off. Luckily, this took just two attempts. I knew as soon as I threaded up the first one, a very cool looking retro Dressmaker, it was not THE one. Ugh. The second and what came to be the last one, is that Singer I saw weeks ago. Joy allowed me to bring it home, I set it up on blocks so the rocker arm wouldn't hit the desktop I use to sew on, threaded the machine and sewed away. Ahhh, success! This baby will plow through the doubled and tripled seams without a hiccup.

Today I returned to Joy's to pick up the sewing table that goes with the machine. My next step: move my current sewing desk somewhere (!?), rewire the Singer to its original sewing table and get sewing.

A side note: I was able to look up the Model Number on my Singer and found out it was made in1947! How cool is that? I'm in love.

Zaz and Moe. Zowie!

2010-08-13T11:41:00.000-04:00

Love Fabric? Love Unique and Creative Wearables? Then check out Zaz and Moe, Susan Delsandro Hellier's website for wearable art.

I was wowed when I came across her booth at the Yarmouth Clam Festival Craft Fair. The creative designs of her skirts completely took me by surprise with their unique approach to creating a woman's skirt. The simple cut of the common a-line skirt are a backdrop to the cut-through designs (there must be a formal name for this technique, but I don't know what it is), which are hand stitched to the backing fabric. In fact, Susan hand stitches her skirts entirely without any machine work. I get a mellowing and calming feeling about how she approaches her craft by avoiding the "machine."

Susan had other items in her booth but I can't remember what they were - her skirts loomed large in my memory, I guess. But you can check out her website and see for yourself. I urge you to do that!

Quick Note on Today's Freeport Community Market

2010-08-06T07:41:00.000-04:00

For anyone looking for Yo Momma's Aprons Strings or Anne Bonny's Booty on this perfectly lovely Maine summer day, please note that the market hours have been tweaked a bit:

Start: 1 PM
End: 6 PM

This is to accommodate the showing of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" on L.L.Bean's Discovery Park. This is free to the public and, from what I saw of the setup last week, looks to be quite a production. A perfect summer's evening entertainment after our perfect market day.

Come and experience a full day's entertainment in Freeport today.

Time for Aprons and Portland's Picnic Music + Arts Festival!

2010-08-05T22:08:00.000-04:00

Long time, no Sew.

A week's recovery after the Clam Festival quickly turned into three weeks of almost zero sewing. I think I managed to get two aprons completed fairly quickly during that first week, still being in that sew, sew, sewing mode. But then came two weeks of working my regular job during the day (my usual hours being from 4-9 PM) and all good intentions to keep up a reasonable sewing pace quickly went out the window. I pooped out once I get home after working during the day and was lucky to manage a few chores before hanging up my apron and calling it a day.

Now that those two weeks of working days are over (hallelujah!) it's time to step up production. August 28th is the 3rd Annual Picnic Music + Arts Festival in Portland and I have some serious catching up to do. In the non-sewing interim I went a bit crazy and did some serious fabric ordering so will have no lack of fun and exciting fabrics to choose from when I get back in the swing of things.

I'm ready now!

Yo Momma’s Apron Strings at the Yarmouth Clam Festival

2010-07-22T09:46:00.000-04:00

Aprons on display.

Holy Aprons, Batman!

That ClamFest was one heck of an experience. Prior to this event, Zoe and I sold our wares at local Farmer’s Markets and a very few (two, I think) holiday craft fairs, which were nothing to prepare us for what we were to encounter at one of the premiere craft fairs of the state. We had been given advice and warnings that this is a non-stop, hectic three days and to be prepared, whatever that meant. Well, we found out exactly what that meant and if it wasn’t for the advice and aide of our two neighbors: Allison Bramhall (festivefish.net) and Arlene Reny Mayhugh (handmade stoneware and pottery), we would have had a much more difficult experience.

All was going along swimmingly until we discovered, upon putting up our brand new, super-dooper King Goliath canopy (I wasn’t going to take any chances with nasty, rainy and windy weather on this 3-day adventure) that the company had sent an extra canopy top instead of the sidewalls. ARGH! With thunderstorms predicted for the next day we scrambled to come up with a solution. To make a long and stressful story short, we managed to get our sidewalls in time to safely enclose our tent in time for the last overnight. In the meantime, we used our extra top and borrowed sides (thank you, thank you Karen Marsden of Bowdoin Baking Co.) to keep our aprons and jewels safe.

A sampling of Zoe's lovely jewelry.

So, my impression? I loved it. Will I want to do it again next year? I definitely do want to do this again. When I hit my bed after that first full day my inclination was to answer no to that question. I was totally exhausted and the thought of two more days was daunting. However, I somehow gained my sea legs and was able to zip through the rest of the fair. Due in part, I certain, to generous the hits of Zoe’s iced coffee.

I do want to mention again how grateful we are to our immediate vending neighbors: Allison and Arlene. Their gentle advice and loaning of a bit of this and a piece of that helped to see us through that first bumpy day and their welcoming spirits made us feel at home and in the company of friends.

Zoe and I are forever grateful.

Next up: fabulous finds at the ClamFest.
Stay tuned.

Yo Momma's Aprons Strings at the Yarmouth Clam Festival.

2010-07-15T08:42:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post today.

Zoe (Anne Bonny's Booty) and I are setting up our space at the Yarmouth Clam Festival today. Three days of selling and do I have enough aprons and headbands ready for the hords? I have no idea but I have a feeling the answer is "NO!".

I've been sewing steadily, so much so that my poor Bernina gave up the ghost. I borrowed a machine from a neighbor that wouldn't cooperate either so ended up making a late night trip to meet my daughter in Freeport for a hand-off of my old machine. While the old White isn't as perfect as my Bernina (in its prior incarnation, that is) it gets the job done.

My daughter, Nyla, came to my rescue on Monday and we set up a headband production line, managing to increase my total dramatically.

I've made new signage for this sale. Here's a sample:

I'm off!

Ann Arbor Farmer's Market - Wow!

2010-07-06T07:23:00.000-04:00

Ann Arbor, Michigan. Year-round farmer's market.

I was visiting family in Michigan a couple weeks ago and was determined to visit a local farmer's market for a variety of reasons, though what I was most excited about was the opportunity of seeing what other markets have to offer. The best option was 20 minutes away in Ann Arbor. This town clearly values their farmer's markets as there is a permanent structure dedicated to sheltering their vendors, which I was told was built by the WPA during the depression. How cool is that? It was set up as a "T" shape with vendors up and down all the sides (though I notice there were a few spaces empty for what reason I didn't ask).

Being the apron maker that I am, I zeroed in on a vendor who sews and, to my delight, discovered she made unique children's clothing using - get this - vintage aprons as focal points. I wish I had taken a picture of her work as it was beautifully inspired. She used the accent pieces from handmade aprons and transformed them into accent pieces for a child's dress. Simply lovely.

Michigan is the land of cherries and our timing was such that the native cherries were everywhere and imagine my joy when I was able to find an organic option. Super fresh cherries and organic to boot. Man alive! And some vendors had the sour cherries, which are incredibly delicious when made into cherry pie. I remember my mother pitting these tart cherries with an antique cherry pitter and using them in her pies. I haven't had a homemade cherry pie since my childhood and if my family weren't such cherry wimps and if I could get my hands on a cherry pitter, I would have tried my hand at a pie. Somehow the prospect of hand pitting cherries put me off that idea...

Cherries, cherries everywhere!

I discovered I have great fun visiting other farmer's markets, especially markets in other states. It's fun to see the local offerings and look to see if there is space for me. That would be fun - to be a traveling/visiting vendor to markets all across the country. Hmmm, I think I'll ponder that one a bit.

Sunny and warm for the L.L.Bean Freeport Community Market

2010-07-01T06:49:00.000-04:00

...and I'll be there.

It feels like it has been weeks (two, actually) since I was last at Market so am grateful for a sunny Friday forecast. What could be a more prefect setup for a market day than:

1. Sunny and warm
2. Beginning of the holiday weekend
3. A perfect location on the L.L.Bean campus

Zoe, in her Anne Bonny's Booty role, will be joining me and bringing along her stunning jewelry.

Be there or be square.

More on Custom Aprons

2010-06-28T11:31:00.001-04:00

People ask whether I take orders for custom aprons. While I have many, many aprons in a variety of colors and patterns and styles, there are times when The Right One just isn't there and I'm asked if I take requests. My reply to that is, "Heck, yes!" I love special orders and relish the challenge of making something to fit an individual's personal taste or need.

The process can be quick if I have a suitable fabric on hand or it can take a few days of back and forth communication to nail the right fabric and style that fits my customer's vision. If we can coordinate things just right, I take my iPhone (gotta love it) to the fabric store and send pictures on the spot of the different fabric choices. If my customer is waiting on the other end a decision can be made while I'm still in the store, the fabric can be purchased and I'm off sewing. If my customer needs a quick turnaround because of time constraints, I do my best to accommodate that. With Priority Shipping and if all the stars are aligned, an apron can be sewn and mailed on the same day and the apron is received within a couple days of ordering. That is an ideal scenario, of course, and has happened but if the request catches me at the wrong time (say, when a big fair is looming and I am sewing like a maniac to feel confident I have enough aprons ready) then chances are the custom order takes a bit more time to complete.

A custom order takes me out of my day-to-day apron sewing routine and is greatly welcome. It puts me in a place where I have the opportunity to take the vision of someone else and make it reality. How fun is that? Totally fun.

Because the nature of my special ordering method demands a certain measure of trust on both sides, I am always willing to take returns of my custom work if, for some reason, we miss the mark. Thankfully (knock on wood) that hasn't happened and all have been happy with the results.

So, does anyone want an apron? Let me know!

Meet BERNINA, a very close companion.

2010-06-13T09:35:00.001-04:00

My trusty BERNINA.

She is a vintage sewing machine created sometime in the 50s and continues to be strong and steady and always ready to get down to work whenever I ask. I found her on craigslist, being sold by a man who thought he might like to try his hand at sewing. He never did and rather than keep it unused in a closet, posted it for sale. I learned it was once used by seamstress in California, repaired at one point (detective work: zero - there is a repair slip in the case) and what I learned upon taking it to my local repair shop, extensively robbed of original parts. I can only speculate how and why and under whose watch that happened but despite all the plundering she keeps on going. Straight stitch and zig-zag is all she's capable of and all I need and countless aprons are her current claim to fame.

I like the idea that a vintage machine helps me create my vintage-inspired aprons. It's fitting, I think.

Let us raise a toast: May she continue to accompany me on my sewing journey and stitch many more aprons. Here, here!

L.L.Bean + Farmer's Market + Aprons!

2010-05-27T07:25:00.000-04:00

It's looking like clear skies and sun, sun, sun for tomorrow's opening day of the Freeport Community Market on the L.L.Bean campus. Rain was predicted earlier in the week for Friday but I had faith in the changeability of Maine's weather and lo and behold - beautiful Maine weather for us after all.

With Friday heralding the official beginning of the Memorial Day weekend and the "beginning" of summer, the town will be chock full of visitors. And what is the ultimate destination for all those Maine visitors? Why L.L.Bean, of course. And who will be waiting for them when walk by on their way to retail Mecca? Why, the Freeport Community Market members in all their glory, selling an amazing variety of goodies from instant food gratification to plants for your garden and an incredible variety of gift ideas.

We will be in attendance every Friday afternoon from 3-7. It will be rain or shine for many market members but unfortunately, not for my aprons and me. Catch me on a dry day but don't look for me in the rain.

See you there!

I found the Mother Lode! Not really, but it felt so at the time.

2010-05-24T09:50:00.000-04:00

Not the best picture...sorry.

For those of you who have heard me mention this more than once bear with me for a minute. With the Yarmouth Clam Festival growing larger on my apron horizon, I am beginning the attempt to line up my duckies. Not in the sewing department, since I am plodding away on that constantly (or so it seems), but in general preparation. This will not be my typical farmer's market setup but something that I'll have to step up a notch with a tighter presentation and an attempt at "classy". This is something that comes easily to my daughter, Zoe, and she has a vision for how she wants to present her jewelry to the public. Me, I struggle with the basics and have a goal of presenting my aprons as efficiently and low-maintenance a way as possible.

To this end, I've made a bit of progress. Yesterday, while browsing a local flea market after Sunday breakfast at my favorite breakfast spot, I found a spiral clothing rack for sale. The vendor, one of my favorites because of her love of everything vintage, gave me a good deal and that rack came home with me. It is totally awesome, has a small footprint (very important when limited to a 10x10' space) and I should be able to hang about 50 aprons upon its descending spiral. Whaoo!

Now I want another one.....

Custom Aprons? Heck yeah!

2010-05-21T18:56:00.000-04:00

Well, that was fun.

The Wednesday before Mother's Day I was contacted through my website (hooray!) and asked if I could make a custom apron and get it to Mississippi so her mother would have it in time to open on Mother's Day. Well sure. Why not? Once we worked out the details I headed out to my local fabric store, found the right fabric, came home and made the apron. I had it in the mail on my way to work that afternoon.

The request was for an apron that would fit a generously sized woman and made of terry cloth. The 20s Flapper Apron fit the bill and with permission granted to add pockets of patterned fabric to give it some pizazz, it turned out nicely. So nicely that she has ordered three more aprons, all made of terry but with larger pockets to accommodate gardening tools.

From past experience I knew I wouldn't find a patterned terry cloth and I was grateful that the request was for a pastel color because when I got to the fabric store the only color available was a soft pink. Period. So soft pink it was and with the contrasting pockets, it came out great. With a bit more wiggle room to make the next three aprons, I was able to order online for a wider color variety.

I remember the terry cloth of old that was printed with fun funky patterns. That was then and I suppose there is no longer a demand for exciting terry cloth so it comes in plain and plain. sigh

Thank goodness for the pockets.

Yo Momma's Aprons Strings WON - Thanks Joann Fabrics!

2010-05-14T08:21:00.000-04:00

My local Joann Fabrics store rearranged everything - shelves, fabric, even the cash registers - making it totally unlike its prior existence with the result that loyal customers have to learn the new layout (not bad for aging brains, I'm told, so I'll stop complaining) and called it a Grand Opening. I filled out the contest form, dropped it in the slot, walked away and thought nothing more of it only to be called a week or so later and told I have won a $100 gift certificate to the store. I was one of those people who could say, "I never win anything." But no longer.

Yippee!

Couldn't ask for a better model.

2010-05-10T09:23:00.000-04:00

Meg fell in love with of my 50's Cover-Up aprons and decided she wanted one but out of a fabric I no longer had and doubted I could find again. My daughter, Zoe, asked if I would make the apron for Meg's birthday (Zoe and Meg are best buddies). Of course I said I would and was surprised to find the wished for fabric still being sold.

The apron was made and bestowed. It fits and looks beautiful on Meg. Wearing her apron and cooking on a vintage stove, she looks as if she stepped off the pages of a 50s advertisement, though with a wacky sense of fun that wouldn't be seen in a 50s ad.

The Cover-Up apron is the only style I make that is sized: small, medium and large. The reason for the different sizes is because it requires an couple extra steps to get the apron on - putting it over the head and drawing each arm through the arm openings. For that reason a small apron with its smaller arm openings will not work on a larger body that needs larger openings.

Let us pause for a moment for this commercial interruption….

2010-05-04T11:01:00.000-04:00

Holy Cripes, it's almost Mother's Day!

Have you remembered?

Did you find that perfect gift that tells her you love her?

Avoid that feeling of despair and of not knowing what to get by visiting Yo Momma's Apron Strings. An apron can be in the mail the very next day, winging its way to your mom in time for her special day.

Yo Momma's Aprons strings has many aprons in stock in a variety of styles. All that's needed is a quick communication describing a style and color preference, photos will be sent for choice and approval and the next day an apron will be in the mail. Priority or overnight shipping can get that apron where it needs to go.

Call 207 - 607-2111 or

email apronstrings@suscom-maine.net

for a speedy response.

And if an apron isn't your momma's cup o'tea then visit Anne Bonny's Booty and find unique and beautifully handcrafted jewelry made with semi-precious stones and sterling silver.

Now back to your regularly scheduled program.

I'm getting there, slowly.

2010-05-01T05:47:00.000-04:00

I am just beginning to recover from a debilitating fate, one which I hope no one falls victim - death of my laptop (gasp). A laptop that holds much of the information of my tech life and from which I am still recovering, literally. While I finally figured out how to migrate the old files to my new OS, many of them are no longer compatible. That means contacts, photos, music, apps (of the iPhone persuasion) and things I am sure I haven't realized yet.

But enough of that sad story.

Today is actually a great day as it marks the first day of the Cumberland Farmer's Market. Up and at 'em, rise and shine and I'm out the door. The car is packed with all buy my aprons and I sure hope I haven't forgotten anything since my packing list for the outdoor markets is one of the files that I haven't yet figured out how to open.

I will be wearing extra layers of clothes to stay warm this nippy Maine morning and until the sun is high enough in the sky to thaw my chilled body I'll be dressed to keep out the chill. On my way to Cumberland I'll pick up one of the incredible breakfast sandwiches made at Edna and Lucy's in Pownal, which have become the highlight on my hour drive. Totally yum.

I hope to see you at market!

Bye-Bye Brunswick Winter Market (for now)

2010-04-25T07:24:00.000-04:00

Another Brunswick Winter Market is behind us. What a wonderful market it is and I feel lucky to be able to sell my aprons there during the cold winter months. With the loyal following and new people discovering this market each week, it makes for a vibrant and exciting place to be.

Now to get ready for the outdoor markets with a whole different setup with canopy and a new hanging configuration, hauling everything needed in my Honda Civic which, by the way, can hold a heck of a lot of market gear.

Earth Day Swirly.

2010-04-22T09:54:00.000-04:00

As promised, here is a bright and happy Swirly Apron. I love green and I love orange and here is my apron for Earth Day, a great combination to keep in mind what this day symbolizes.

I was still in high school 40 years ago when the first Earth Day came into being as the result of a horrendous oil spill that killed thousands of sea living animals. With the world becoming increasingly consciousness of the condition of our environment this anniversary year seems especially compelling and thanks to the power of the internet, the word is spread keeping the Earth Day message alive.

It's simple to do your bit:

Use a canvas shopping bag instead of taking that convenient plastic bag readily available at your checkout.

Take your water in a reusable container instead of buying that plastic encased, disposable water bottle.

Pick up that trash lying on the roadside/sidewalk instead of passing it by.

Whatever you do, make it a habit instead of a once-a-year thing and the world will be a better place.

Happy Earth Day, Everyone.

Hard to find time to sew...

2010-04-21T06:47:00.001-04:00

....but I've managed to get a few finished.
I'm into the Swirlies! They are such fun to sew and look like they are ready for a good time. Ready to go out on the town or at the least, ready for a rollicking good time in the kitchen.

Next - some bright, lively colored swirlies. Stay tuned.

We have a winner!

2010-04-19T22:13:00.000-04:00

It's just 10 PM and I have drawn the winning name from 96 entries. Mary Benner, come on down!

It was great fun hearing from everybody during the course of this contest. People shared their apron stories and I learned about different laundry hanging experiences. This has been a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about the interesting things they're doing.

Keep hanging out your laundry and wearing those aprons and with any luck, I'll try for another contest in time for next year's National Hang Out Day.

Thank you to everyone who submitted their names.

Today's the Day

2010-04-19T10:14:00.001-04:00

My laundry: video taken on a sunny day, which is NOT today (but you get the idea).

The skies may be cloudy and the sun barely visible but my clean clothes are hanging in honor of National Hang Out Day. If it takes them until tomorrow to be dry enough to bring inside, so be it. That'll work for me.

Clothespin apron drawing is tonight!

Good Luck to everyone who submitted their names for the drawing.

2010-04-18T10:11:00.000-04:00

You can almost feel the thinly soft fabric of this much used and often washed vintage apron.

It's interesting the roll of generations play in whether a woman wears an apron or not. Years ago women usually made their own full aprons in order to protect their dresses. Doing laundry was not a simple matter of throwing everything into an automatic washer and walking away. It was a daylong chore and the less often it had to be done, the better. (I think we can all agree on that one even with our automatic everythings.) So an apron was donned in the morning and not taken off until bedtime. The apron may look a mess from the day's activity of cooking and cleaning and gathering eggs (or whatever) but the dress underneath stayed clean and presentable.

My mother didn't wear full aprons, though I do have an awesome 60s cover-up that she owned but rarely wore. She was a half apron devotee and always wore one when working in the kitchen. But it was put on and taken off as needed and definitely not worn all day long. While the half apron was zero protective of the upper half of the body it was great to use to wipe hands and keep the lower half of the clothing clean. It was a vestige of an apron. A remnant of the symbol it once was. A token protection.

I believe it was during my mother's generation that the hostess apron came into vogue. There are some great examples of hostess aprons made of organdy and laces and were put on after all the messy cooking was finished and before the guests arrived. These were fancy affairs and worn to compliment an outfit, not to do much in the way of protecting. Any vintage hostess apron I come across is rarely stained or looks in anyway like it was put through any cooking regimen.

My generation seemed to turn their backs on apron wearing completely. If our moms worn one then we certainly weren't going to wear one. Old style. Old fashioned. Square. So our clothes became stained with tomato sauce and splattered oil and we kept doing out stupid best to keep our clothes clean, which clearly didn't include the obvious matter of putting on an apron.

My personal light bulb went off when I thought to make an apron from a vintage pattern. Because I love most things vintage it made sense to go that route rather than something out of a current pattern book. Once I made that first one I was a goner and have been going strong ever since, wearing and sewing. If I am going into the kitchen to handle food and dishes I grab my apron from its hook inside the doorway, tying it on as I walk into the room. I don't wear it daylong and have the crazy habit of taking it off before sitting down to eat. (But a fabric napkin protects my lap and cleans my messy fingers).

It is interesting to note that what I sell almost exclusively are my full aprons. We have come full circle and women are starting to "get it" once again.

It's Almost Time

2010-04-17T17:08:00.000-04:00

Time is running out to register for the drawing for my clothespin apron commemorating National Hang Out Day. On Monday, April 19th at 10 PM (EST), I will draw the winning name.

If you haven't yet registered there is no time like the present. There are three options to assure your name will be entered in the drawing. Either:

Become a fan of Yo Momma's Apron Strings on facebook

Comment and follow my Apron Strings Blog

Fill out the contact form on the Yo Momma's Apron Strings website

I'm excited.

Aprons + Taxes = Done (almost)

2010-04-12T12:53:00.000-04:00

Okay, I did a good job of procrastinating on my taxes and there was no doubt that it was definitely niggling at the back of my mind. I determined that today, Monday, April 12th, I would attack them. Attack I did and I have finished my Federal taxes. Thanks to Turbo Tax and the business module, I plodded my way through the questions and options and came up with a refund. Unfortunately, it looks like the state of Maine is going to take a big bite out of that refund but the way I look at it is I'm doing my part to support my state. It doesn't hurt that even though I have to pay the state I manage to come out ahead overall.

So hooray! All that is left is the clean-up: filling out my state return by hand because I am too cheap to pay the $19 per state return for all my family.

Job done. Check. I am giddy with relief.

While we're on the subject.....

2010-04-09T09:12:00.000-04:00

I am pleased and surprised (but shouldn't be surprised, really) about how much coverage National Hang Out Day and it's sponsor, laundryist.org, is getting throughout the online communities. This latest article from Care2, Clean Clothes, Happier Planet, talks about more than just hanging out laundry - it goes into the whole washing process from the type of washing machine to using laundry soap that has less of an environmental impact.

Give it a read if you are interested in learning how to go continue to green up your laundry.

....and don't forget to enter my clothespin apron contest, winner to be drawn on National Hang Out Day, April 19th.

Introducing the Newest: Swirly Apron

2010-04-06T08:38:00.000-04:00

It's time to shake things up a bit and introduce a new apron style at Yo Momma's Apron Strings. I love this swirl on the skirt of this apron - it's a bit flirty and sassy and when worn makes the wearer want to sashay around the kitchen. How can it not with that twirly skirt?

This apron is sewn in one size and loops over the head and ties in the back; similar to the Rick Rack and Flapper Aprons. All edges are bound with bias binding and, as are all my aprons, made of 100% pre-washed cotton fabric. The price of the Swirly Apron is $30.

Top 10 reasons to hang your laundry.

2010-04-05T09:08:00.000-04:00

Project Laundry List provides 10 reasons to hang dry laundry:
1. Save money.
2. Clothes last longer.
3. Clothes and linens smell better.
4. It conserves energy and environmental resources.
5. Hanging laundry is a moderate physical activity that can be done outside.
6. Sunlight bleaches and disinfects.
7. Indoor racks can humidify in dry and cold climates.
8. It is safer. Clothes dryer fires account for about 17,700 fires, 15 deaths and 360 injuries annually.
9. It is a fun outdoor experience that can be meditative and community-building.
10. Small steps make a difference.

Don't forget to enter my contest to win a clothespin apron:

Fan Yo Momma's Apron Strings on facebook
Visit the Yo Momma's Apron Strings website and fill out the contact form
Leave a comment on the Apron Strings Blog

Body parts all over the place.

2010-04-02T07:23:00.001-04:00

Hugh would look silly in one of my Rick Rack Aprons

When my son moved on to begin his life away from home, I quickly spread my sewing odds and ends into his bedroom. Grateful to finally find a space for my full-sized male mannequin, he lies dismembered on my son's bed and must be transported, body piece by body piece, to another location when someone stays for the night.

This handsome inanimate being tends to freak people out when glimpsed in passing, looking very much as if someone committed human carnage around here and was negligent in hiding the evidence.

I had the foolish hope that if I were to put a wig on this strapping figure and dress him in an apron that I could pass him off as a female. Ha, fat chance of that happening. He's tall, square-jawed and muscular as opposed to the typical female mannequin's slight frame and softer features.

One of these days I will find a new home for Hugh but until then he will remain in pieces, called into service only to photograph another chef apron.

The word is out! Read all about it.

2010-03-31T11:27:00.003-04:00

http://www.theforecaster.net/content/n-fptfarmers-1

L.L.Bean is knocking on our door

2010-03-30T07:24:00.002-04:00

If you look to the left from this scene you will find our market!

During the spring/summer/fall market seasons, Freeport is one of the Cumberland Farmer's Market setup locations. In the past we could be found in the parking lot of the town office on Friday afternoons. This year marks a significant change in our Freeport experience because we have been invited by L.L.Bean to set up on their campus as the Freeport Community Market.

Freeport has always been a good market for my aprons and we could always count on a modest number of tourists stopping by our market to see what's going on beneath all the brightly colored tents. This spring we will now be within the actual realm of that legendary store and within spitting distance of the thousands of visitors who come to the mecca that is L.L.Bean.

Excited? Yes, I'm excited. Unlike the farmers who sell consumables to their regular customers each week, fresh faces are necessary when selling non-food items. And to be in the middle of all those fresh faces each week throughout the "tourist" season - well, you can't get any better than that.

My aprons and my daughter's jewelry (check out her wares on etsy) will be ready to go on the official opening day on Friday, May 28th, from 3:00 through 7PM.

See you there!

The washing machine ate my apron.

2010-03-28T19:42:00.001-04:00

Bunny apron before

My daughter asked for an apron to wear when washing dishes while on her job as a nanny. I made one for her out of a whimsical bunny print, which would appeal to her small charge. One day her employer added it to a load of laundry, probably with the thought of doing a simple favor. Unfortunately, when the apron came out of the wash its look wasn't improved but instead emerged much worse for the experience - the washing machine had grabbed onto that apron and mangled it. Rip, tear, shred and it was no longer wearable.

She brought it home, I hung it in the laundry room and promptly forgot about it until I found myself in a mood to take care of the incomplete apron odds and ends. Remembering my daughter's apron, I found it amongst other, older aprons and took a closer look at the damage that was done. I realized how simple it would be to fix and that it was definitely not worth the long period of procrastination. It was a matter of ripping out the stitches holding the torn binding to the apron, finding new matching binding and sewing away. It was finished in a few short minutes, ironed and ready to report to work once again.

It felt good to have finally put that repair behind me and was grateful for the easy fix that it was.

Bunny apron after

How about a contest?

2010-03-26T11:38:00.003-04:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, I learned about a day created to celebrate hanging laundry outside to dry:

Every year, on April 19th, Project Laundry List joins together with hundreds of organizations from around the country to educate communities about energy consumption. National Hanging Out Day was created to demonstrate how it is possible to save money and energy by using a clothesline.

Because I think this is a great idea I've decided to spread the news by creating a contest to give away the clothespin apron pictured in my March 25th post. From now until April 19th I will accept entries in one of two ways: though becoming a fan of Yo Momma's Apron Strings on my facebook page or by posting a comment on my Apron Strings blog.

All you have to do on either site is post a comment. On facebook you first become a fan of Yo Momma's Apron Strings and then "Share" by mentioning something about the contest. On my blog you will need to post a comment under my contest entry post (dated March 26). I will keep both sites updated and use them to announce the winner. In the event the winner is not within delivery distance, I will cover all shipping charges. There is absolutely no cost to the winner other than participation on one of my web pages.

For lack of being able to think of a more creative method, my plan is to write each entry on a separate piece of paper, stash them in a hat(?) for safekeeping, and draw one lucky winner on April 19th. If I can get my act together and find a person willing to hold my camera, I will post a video of the event. Sounds like fun to me!

Enter as many times as you'd like and tell your friends and don't forget to spread the word about National Hanging Out Day and this opportunity to win a clothespin apron.

Green up your laundry.

2010-03-25T10:50:00.001-04:00

That time of year has arrived. Give your clothes dryer a rest and pull out those clothespins because it's time to hang out the laundry. Hanging your laundry outside to dry means you will NOT be using your clothes dryer, which are notorious for their energy-gulping ability. They are typically the second-biggest electricity-using appliance after the refrigerator, costing about $85 to operate annually.

Believe it or not there is an official day to commemorate the practice: National Hang Out Day. But don't wait until April 19th since an early spring is upon us here in Maine and that sun is shining warm and bright, a perfect combination for drying clothes outside.

There is no reason for laundry hanging to be a mundane chore when you can become a stylin' laundry hanger-outer and wear a clothespin apron. With an apron designed for easy clothespin access, they will be forever handy and in one place when you hang and then take down your sun-dried, sweet smelling laundry.

So be green and, while you're at it, buy a clothespin apron and be good looking.

Wow! Mind-blowing social networking overload. Thanks, Rich Brooks of Flyte New Media!

2010-03-23T11:10:00.000-04:00

Fueled by caffeine and a mind roiling with more information than I can process, I am ready to put some of Rich's incredible knowledge to work for me. It doesn't hurt that it involves using my trusty laptop (MacBook Pro for those of you who care) and the internet, two of my favorite tools.

Blogging, facebook, twitter, website, rss, and more, more, more are all at my fingertips if I can figure out how make the best use of what they can do for my business. I have my blog, facebook page and website but definitely have not tapped their potential beyond their surface application.

Rich Brooks is the Social Networking Man and I am his convert. The test will be to see how well I mange to keep up with this whole new aspect of my business while still taking care of the other facets of my life.

Crossing my fingers and I'm off!

Head needed.

2010-03-22T08:39:00.000-04:00

It's spring here in Maine so it's off with the winter hats and on with my reversible headbands so the hair can flow in the breeze (but not in the eyes). They're what is selling these days at my booth at the Brunswick Winter Market so I'm pulling out my fabric scraps and sewing up new combinations. I would like to post ...some images on my website but my dilemma is how to photograph them. My lovely half mannequin has a wig that slides off and a head that is sub-normal in size. I think I need to borrow a head....

facebook!

2010-03-04T07:55:00.000-05:00

All right then. I've created a facebook page dedicated to

Yo Momma's Apron Strings.

Want to become a fan?

And the winner is......

2010-02-25T14:53:00.000-05:00

When I read about the opportunity to contribute an apron to the Evening Star Cinema's Annual Oscar Party I jumped into action. My donation gives Yo Momma's Apron Strings a listing on their website along with a mention in the Oscar Party marketing, a listing in the March calendar as well as on their website. That works for me and all for the donation of an apron. I have seen my business mentioned twice so far and that is without purposefully searching.

I enjoy donating my aprons to various events and fund raisers, though maybe I shouldn't say that too loudly. It is a relatively painless way to spread the news about my aprons.

Which apron to donate? I haven't decided yet and may sew an apron specifically for the Oscars.. whatever that might look like. It will be one of the 40's Rick Rack aprons - that style is my best seller and appeals on several different levels. I'll be sure to post a picture once a decision has been made and an apron sewn.

Stay tuned.

Evolution of an Apron for Sale

2010-02-22T10:02:00.000-05:00

I was asked (and felt quite honored) to submit something for a gift bag to be distributed to the attendees of the Bowdoin Women in Business Convention. Because giving away free aprons to all 50 people is not a viable option, I chose to write a brief history of how I got into this apron making business and attached a postcard offering a 10% discount towards a purchased apron.

The person who contacted me, Rori Cremer, is a self-possessed and energetic young woman who, I am sure, will be successful in whatever she chooses to undertake after graduation. She appears to thrive on the challenge of organizing such an event, one which would paralyze my brain at the get-go.

My thanks go out to Rori and her fellow Bowdoin Women in Business partners for asking for my contribution.

* * * * * * * * *

Chocolate cake was the beginning of it all, which is as good a place to start as any, I think. It was a 2-part chocolate cake mix, to be precise, which I used as the focus of my small business course. I labored through the whole process from developing a marketing strategy to creating a business plan. In all earnestness, I finished my class and embarked upon my journey as an entrepreneur. Unfortunately, I quickly discovered that I had no taste for one of the most vital aspects of my business – that of wholesaling my product to retailers. Even though my cake mix practically sold itself once I presented it to prospective buyers (accompanied by tasty samples), I had to continually talk myself into the process and it became progressively harder to set out, cake mix in hand, to make my pitch.

In the meantime, I had sewn an apron from a 1920’s reproduction pattern. I then made another from a 1940’s pattern. I was having fun and was making more than I could use or give away so a friend took a few to sell through her booth at a farmer’s market. People bought them, I made more and I came to the realization that the process of apron making proved to be more satisfying than bagging up and pushing my cake mix.

Then came the opportunity to sell in the newly formed Brunswick Winter Market. I brought my cake mix and aprons to present to the market membership, was accepted and eagerly set up shop on Saturday mornings. I dutifully brought fresh cake samples each week and they were certainly gobbled up but I sold very little of the mix. But my aprons began to sell. Of course I had to replace those sold aprons so would go fabric shopping. Unlike the process of readying my cake mix for marketing, the whole process of apron making was fun and satisfying- beginning with shopping for the right fabric through to seeing how that fabric looked as a finished apron. It began to dawn on me that I was having much more fun with fabric than chocolate (though that doesn’t include eating it) and made the decision to drop the cake mix and keep sewing. Once I allowed myself to accept this simple fact, it was as if a weight had been lifted and my business became exciting once again.

The journey from Maine Mud Mix to Yo Momma’s Apron Strings is an experience I value greatly. I believed I couldn’t go wrong with chocolate and had I the personality for salesmanship, I do think it could have been a successful product. With my aprons I find I am quite happy selling at the local level and when and if I grow, it will be at a pace I determine is right for me. I can take things at a more leisurely pace with aprons as they have an endless shelf life. I can take on custom work and commissions, all without the necessity of pushing my product on wholesalers. I have the opportunity to know my customers personally and, most excitingly, learn their apron stories.

I don’t foresee my aprons being the source of my first million and that isn’t the impetuous that drives my business. I create my aprons for the joy of the process and in return receive satisfaction in a job well done, feedback from happy customers and, of course, monetary reward. It took me some time to get to this point and the outcome has been extremely fulfilling.

May your journey, if you decide to enter the realm of business ownership, become a learning and growing experience, as rich and fun as mine has been.

Lovely, but missing vital body parts

2010-02-08T13:49:00.001-05:00

I 've arrived at the unfortunate fact that the top half of this beautiful female mannequin definitely doesn't work on the bottom half of the handsome male of the same species. I had great hopes for her but the combination of her twisted body angle and narrow waist make for an oddly proportioned figure.

I spent part of the morning devising a photographic backdrop to use when she wears my aprons - sewing seams, inserting dowels, creating a hanging system - and when I arrived at the point where I joined the two disparate parts to take test photos, I quickly realized my blending of the sexes wasn't going to work. The aprons hang badly, the male hips jut out from the female hips creating a shelf that, combined with the upper torso skewing, makes her look terribly deformed.

The search begins for a suitable female mannequin. I'll settle for just the bottom half and hope that with a set of proper fitting hips, the twisted upper body won't be so glaringly wrong but I think a whole figure will ultimately be the answer.

Anyone out there have a lead?

Another new face

2010-01-28T10:26:00.002-05:00

It's interesting how things can accumulate. When I started out on this apron journey I borrowed my daughter's vintage half mannequin (Barbie), set her on the tabletop and dressed her in a tank top and apron. She was wonderful at her job but because she is made from a soft plaster/paper material, would not work for the outside markets.

Enter mannequin # 2 (Jayne), a vintage dress form who wore my aprons through the summer and fall months. She took a major hit when a gust of wind knocked her over, requiring chiropractic adjustment to realign her various sections. Currently she is hard at work at the Brunswick Winter Market, displaying my aprons to all who stroll by my booth.

During this time my daughter's friend found another mannequin at a yard sale and bought it for her. Because she is in no position to store another dressform, she asked me if I had a use for her. The timing of this acquisition was perfect because in November I began selling at two different venues and I was able to leave the second model in place in between market days. This currently nameless dressform is vacationing at the end of my sewing table until the next time she will be called into action.

But that isn't all. A fellow vender asked if I'd be interested in a male mannequin, saying if I dressed him up he'd pass for a woman. What she didn't realize was this gentleman is a jogging fellow and TALL. He stood in my living room for a week or so while I tried to figure out what to do with him. The solution was a dismemberment and storage. He is handsome and quite suave but I couldn't figure out how to use him. He certainly isn't easily portable for markets and somehow a running apron-wearing cross dresser is not what I have in mind to showcase my aprons.

Not long ago my son asked me if I'd like the top half of a female mannequin. Well why not, and he brought her home. No arms, legs, stand or hair but she is lovely though virtually useless in her current form. I put a hat on her, stuck an earring in her ear and realized the potential she represented. My husband brought in the lower body of the male mannequin - sans those jogging arms - and I discovered the lovely lady's torso fits on the handsome man's lower half, kind of sort of. Presto - an apron-wearing body! Gail, who owns Second Hand Rose in Brunswick, Maine, let me bring home two wigs to try on her bald pate and voila - she gained her crowning glory. Yet to be named, she will become my photographic model dressed in apron and (hopefully) period dress and used to upgrade the photos on my website.

That makes five extra bodies hanging around here, each one with it's own function. I'm grateful they don't consume food or precious resources but just hang around being useful and looking lovely.

She's here

2010-01-21T10:34:00.002-05:00

She has arrived - my greatly anticipated wee apron-wearing doll! She was created for me by Holly Morrison in trade for a special order 50's cover-up apron. I can't remember whose idea it was initially but I jumped in with both feet, excited about the prospect of owning one of her miniature creations.

Holly requested fabric featuring crows and at the time (fall and Halloween) crow fabric was abundant but most choices had the added extra bonus of jack-o-lanterns and lots of purple and definitely not what Holly was imagining in an apron. I embarked upon an internet search for crow fabric and was lucky to find someone selling discontinued yardage of an amazing fabric covered with crows in tones of deep brown and tawny, which I thought perfect for Holly and her apron. The fabric was ordered, delivered and made into her apron. Holly has her apron and I have my market muse.

I've named her Clara and she will accompany me to my markets and fairs, bringing me good luck, good customers and good business.

Thanks, Holly!

Ahhhhhhhh

2009-12-31T06:53:00.002-05:00

The Saturday after Christmas I sat down and couldn't get out of the chair for half the day. It's my version of jet lag - a post sewing frenzy coma - and my body was not going to cooperate until it had a chance to rest. Half a day and a cup of green tea put me back on my feet. I have yet to sit at my sewing machine since finishing that last apron but I've orders to full and promised I would get to them after the new year.

What an exciting experience was my sewing-approach to the holidays. I had custom orders to fill and was constantly sewing to keep up with what was selling off the racks. Because I had absolutely no idea of what to except demand-wise from the two craft fairs my daughter and I participated in, I sewed every opportunity I had in order to feel reasonably ready for an unknown demand. I did all right in that department, though of course could have done more. Now I can take a break and no longer be concerned about back stock but sew to fill the space left by a sale.

Thank you to all who admire, buy and wear my aprons. I am grateful and humbled that I have been able to create something that appeals to others.

Happy New Year to all.

Nearing the End

2009-12-16T06:26:00.000-05:00

It has been a wild apron ride this holiday season, mostly because I didn't know what to expect. Zoe and I were accepted into two holiday craft fairs: NYA Holiday Craft Fair and PICNIC Holiday Sale. Both of them were great experiences and we did well. I came away from both sales with special orders and I have four more to make, which I hope to finish today. Once they are finished I am calling it quits for the season as I have plenty of aprons on hand to get me through the end of the year.

I have been sewing, sewing, sewing. So much so that I looked up and realized I had done nothing towards my own Christmas. With our annual neighborhood party looming and no tree up, I began to do a bit of a panic. But (trumpets here, please) my dedicated Christmas decorating daughter, Nyla, is coming to my rescue and we will assemble that 60's aluminum tree and dress it up for the holidays and be ready for the annual gathering of the tribes.

It has been fun making my aprons and getting such an overwhelmingly positive response from those who buy them. In the process I learned what sells and what doesn't and as a result have made the decision to focus on my aprons and let go of the fringe elements. I will keep making the headbands, though, as a way to use the leftover fabric.

Aprons are definitely the way to go!

Where to find me:

2009-11-23T06:18:00.000-05:00

Buy locally and support Maine's small businesses. To state the obvious, I am not the only crafter selling at the markets and fairs where can be found unique and well made items. I have bought and will continue to buy Christmas gifts from my fellow vendors, discovering I now think twice about giving my money to the big guys when well made and one-of-a-kind goodies can be found in my own backyard.

This holiday season I am selling weekly at two markets and am venturing out into the world of the craft fair.

Here are the wheres and whens .

Back in Brunswick!

2009-11-15T17:51:00.000-05:00

The start of the Brunswick Winter Market heralds the approach of the holiday season and Zoe and I are back, catching up with our winter customers and fellow vendors. This market has grown! From the original 13 founding members of last January, the vendors now add up to over 40 with farmers, crafters and live music. It is THE place to be on a Saturday morning. The building management has added tables and chairs so friends and families can take a break to enjoy the music, each other’s company and feast on the variety of ready-to-eat goodies available each Saturday. Thanks to the management a banner has taken it’s place outside Fort Andross to tell the world we are back and we are ready.

I’m sewing like crazy to build up my stock of aprons for two holiday fairs (the Annual NYA Holiday Craft Fair on December 5th and the Picnic Holiday Sale in Portland the following Saturday). Because I have no idea of what to expect and dread the thought of not having enough aprons to sell, I will keep up the production until it’s time to pack up and go.

Exciting fabric keeps showing up and I keep on sewing. There is nothing like the new to keep me leaping from apron to apron. I sure have a lot of ‘em hanging around my sewing room.

Hope you see you soon, you know where you can find me…..

Mom's terrycloth half apron

2009-08-18T06:05:00.000-04:00

I have one of my mom’s aprons made of terrycloth in a green and white checkerboard pattern (a really cool pattern that alternates a flat weave with terrycloth squares). The colors are woven and not surface-dyed. Can I find anything at all similar to that old fabric? I’m not even coming close.

My search was prompted by the request of a woman asking if I would make a terrycloth half apron using a bright, exciting pattern. I love custom orders and jumped on the project. So far all I can find in yardage is solid colors and one French terry with blue stripes/banding, which to me is not exciting and not the type of terry I know and love.

I’m beginning to wonder if my mom’s apron was made from a towel. It makes sense when one thinks of the whole apron history of women making their own, using fabric that would be on hand. (Though I seriously doubt my mom made this one, she was not a sewing mom.) So I will search stores for interesting towels. My hope is to find a good quality cotton towel with the pattern and colors woven instead of surface dyed. So many of the good cotton towels are made of thick terrycloth, which won’t translate well into an apron.

It looks like I am beginning a quest to find the right terry for her apron. I like quests.

Wish me luck.

Website!

2009-08-07T10:08:00.000-04:00

After many attempts and false starts I finally managed to create a website to showcase my aprons: yomommasapronstrings.com. Once I talked myself into sitting down and focusing on the project I discovered I was having fun and, when it was ready to publish, I wanted to do more.

Years ago I had attempted to learn html and found I retained enough to be dangerous so needed an editor to help me along. I found weebly.com, a free site and I do mean free - no ads, no cost whatsoever for their basic plan - and went to work. There are limitations as there would be for any editor but I was able to work with what is offered and am happy with the outcome.

I did buy in for a domain name through weebly but won’t buy into any ads. Even with the lure of money to be made, I’m not biting.

So if any of you out there are reading this post, please stop by my website and take a look around and if you sign my guestbook, I would know you were there. Any questions, comments or encouraging thoughts will be appreciated.

Headbands Save Sanity: or how to grow out short hair

2009-05-28T08:17:00.000-04:00

After years, and I do mean years, I have figured out how to survive the transition from very short hair to longer locks. My solution is no breakthrough technique but instead my return to my childhood method – a headband. Short hair has been a no-brainer for me because there is zero fuss; just wash and I’m done. No gelling, no curling iron, no combing. Wash and go. Nothing, in my book, could be simpler.

But then came the not-quite-right cut that convinced me to try once again to endure the growing-out process. I’m sure most know what I’m talking about: bangs that won’t stay out of your face, crazy layers that go every which way and just that appearance of yuck in general. Enter the headband.

I started making headbands to sell at the Brunswick Winter Market after talking to a woman who told me they are an easy seller. Sounded like a good idea to me so I began making the reversible fabric miracle workers. I tried on one of my creations and decided I could live with this look. The timing of making headbands and my frustrating haircut was perfect; I could now virtually erase my longer locks from my consciousness by sweeping them out of the way.

Many months into the process I am still weirded out by the feel of all that hair on my head but am sticking with it to see what happens next. I have no idea where I am going with all this hair or what I want to do with it. Never having been one to fuss with hair since leaving behind my high school ritual of sleeping in curlers every night, I wonder if long hair will ultimately become too much trouble for my no-fuss preferences.

Time will tell.

Spring and a new Market

2009-05-09T08:34:00.000-04:00

Spring has sprung, which means the end of the Brunswick Winter Market and the beginning of the summer markets. Starting on May 22nd I will be selling on Friday afternoons at the Freeport location of the Cumberland Farmer’s Market http://www.cumberlandfarmersmarket.org/index.shtml. I’m excited to discover how well my aprons and other sewn goodies are received in the new location. My hope is, with the constant stream of tourists coming to Freeport for the ultimate Maine shopping experience, my aprons will prove to be a good seller to all those fresh customers.

Currently I am having a blast making work aprons for our local natural foods store, Morning Glory Natural Foods in Brunswick, Maine. Susan, the owner, saw my aprons at the Brunswick Winter Market and asked if I would be interested in making aprons for her store staff. I designed a simple half-apron with multiple pockets that run across the front and bought a variety of heavy cotton fabrics so I could make each apron of different fabric. Fun, fun, fun! I like them so much that I plan to make some for market.

I have added children’s aprons, fabric corsages and hand painted clothespin-headed creatures to my inventory. My plan is to add reversible jacquard ribbon belts and baby slings in the near future.

I hope to see you on Friday afternoons in Freeport.

It isn't over yet...

2009-03-25T08:57:00.000-04:00

Last week Zoe and I presented our market goodies to the Cumberland Farmer's Market membership (http://www.cumberlandfarmersmarket.org/) with the goal of being accepted into their fold. I had examples of my different apron designs along with my new reversible headbands and fabric corsages and Zoe presented a number of necklaces, many of them newly created. There were a number of other hopefuls and many fellow vendors from the Brunswick Winter Market.

Zoe and I were accepted and soon will have to make the decision of which of their various town markets we want to work. The umbrella of the Cumberland Farmer's Market covers Cumberland, Freeport, Yarmouth and Falmouth. It is proving to be a tough decision and we find we can consider two of the four markets, those two being the only ones we can attend due to our other jobs: Freeport on Friday afternoons and Cumberland on Saturday mornings. We have considered trying both days but before we have even made the decision official, I fear two markets a week will be too much to handle on top of the rest of my life's duties: shopping for fabric, sewing, marketing and making time for eating, creating the sembelance of order in my home, interatcing with my family, caring for my animals - ad infinitum.

In the meantime, I must sew, sew, sew.

Brunswick Winter Market, and more!

2009-03-16T04:13:00.000-04:00

Long time, no blog. I see lots of room for improvement here.

These past many weeks since my last effort on these pages have been happily spent in attending the Saturday Brunswick Winter Market as a vendor. This market has become a hot spot for those who prefer to spend their money locally. From what had started out with thirteen vendors has, over the weeks, grown into something like thirty. Here the shopper can find bread and delicious baked goods, local produce and pre-cooked savory treats. Along with my aprons and Zoe’s jewelry, there are a variety of other handmade delights such as rustic furniture made from recycled wood, photographs of nature, more jewelry, and wood turned beauties. There are too many to list and too many others to remember but it all adds up to a happening place that helps keep money in the community, meet friends and liven up an otherwise long winter.

Personally, I have been having a blast. I get to see many a long lost acquaintance and forge new ones. It is a good excuse for a cup of coffee (have to keep it decaf) and a morning treat from one of the bakers. On top of that I make a bit of money, which is the object of this game after all.

The fun doesn’t end after market is done. During the week I get to buy more fabric and create more aprons. I have branched out from the two original patterns and have added three different half-apron styles, a more masculine apron, and little girl’s designs. And this week my plan is to add a little boy’s apron because of a few requests for less frilly, little lacy things. (Actually, no frills and no lace so far, but I couldn’t resist the quote from a Pee Wee Herman Saturday morning show.)

Also, making their debut next Saturday, are reversible headbands for women and girls. Acting on a tip from another seamstress who said that making kid’s items draws in the customers, I decided to give these headbands a try. I made prototype and have been wearing one for a couple weeks so expanded on that and pumped out a selection to offer next week. My fingers are crossed.

Following are a couple of articles that mention the Brunswick Winter Market. I had hoped to add a link to the Times Record articles that mention my booth specifically but I their website must be down and I can’t access their site. I will leave that for another time.

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=233232&ac=Home

http://www.chowmaineguide.com/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=132&cntnt01returnid=67

Beginnings

2009-02-02T06:45:00.001-05:00

When trying to remember how I began this journey of making vintage- inspired aprons, I can trace a metamorphosis. Because my parents were antique dealers after my dad’s Air Force career, I learned an appreciation of items made in past eras, things both functional and aesthetic. So much so that if given a choice, I will opt for things that have been deemed to have already lived a useful life.

Having grown up an officer’s daughter, there was a fine line between buying something used to express an aesthetic and buying something used because you can’t afford to buy otherwise. In my family buying a fine antique table was something to be proud of but buying used clothes was to show need. Antique can depict distinction and good taste, used expresses a more undesirable trait. But when I left home and went to college, I found I liked looking at and buying used clothing and I suppose it was for the same reason my parents were drawn to antiques - to express a love of the beauty and uniqueness of the past.

That attraction for those things that have been cast off has stayed with me my adult life and in the past years that appreciation had evolved into a love of the things I remember from my youth – an appreciation of things, which I believe is common to many who have fond memories of what surrounded and shaped them during their childhood. Now “retro” has become fashionable.

Okay. Aprons. I have to admit I don’t know exactly how I got onto this kick but there is a world of wonderful fabric out there and combined with my stumbling upon two apron patterns that were created from vintage aprons, I was launched on this journey. It didn’t take much to get hooked and soon I had more aprons than I could use. I gave them away but still found I wanted to keep creating them. The lure of finding a great fabric and seeing the end result was too much to resist, so aprons accumulated.

To my rescue came the Brunswick Winter Market. I took the chance, was accepted into the fold, and now rent a space on Saturday mornings along with a growing number of vendors of both food and craft. Each Saturday I sell at least one apron and that is enough to keep me going and, to my mind, justifies my venturing out each week in search of new fabric.