Keep Smiling

Keep Smiling

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Aunt Olga's Apron


My Steve's Dear Aunt Olga
went to live with the Lord.
Among her belongings was this wonderful old apron.
She always wore an apron when she was working in her kitchen,
so it seems that this was a lovely way to keep her memory alive.

 Hand embroidered and so delicate.
I cut the hanger out of plywood, just like the one I made for my clothes-pin bag.
Then used rubber stamps and washi tape to decorate it. 
 And then I glued on clothespins that I had painted red with white polka dots:)

Speaking of red and white polka dots . . . check out my new boarder.
We even added a little boarder just above the window:)
Putting up the boarder was a three man job.
Steve doesn't want me going up a ladder without him being home 
and he was doing a project out in the garage.
So I called my friend Shirley and asked her if she would come babysit me:)
So I went up the ladder, while Shirley glued and handed me strips of boarder.
When Steve came back in he helped by holding the ladder.
We had a great little bit of teamwork going on:)
I love how it turned out.
See the old scale . . .
Shirley ran home and brought this back for me . . .
don't you just absolutely love it!
It could not have been more perfect:)
Back to Aunt Olga's apron,
it now has a place of honor in our kitchen.
Look at this, Aunt Olga was known through the family as being very fugal . . .
see where she darned a hole in the apron . . .giving it even more charm:)
 Well, that is how I spent my Saturday.

That and going to Home Depot and ordering new windows. 
There is never a dull moment around here.

Thank You,
so very much for visiting 
and for following my blog.
Blogging has become such a special and sweet time in my day.
I just love you all and feel so connected...
We are all women who love creating a comfortable home for our families.
We also like the uniqueness of decorating with repurposed, handmade and found items.
 &
I believe that we all have a soft spot in our hearts 
for kindness and caring of others.

This is just a place to share.
Not for the purpose of showing off,
but for the purpose of inspiring and sharing ideas.

You are all so special.
Your blogging sister,
Connie :)

 

43 comments:

  1. What a great way to display a family treasure. That is so clever. It looks great hanging there in your kitchen. I really love your border too. I always enjoy seeing what you make because you come up with the best ideas.

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    1. Ann, you are so sweet. My ideas are simple and fun . . . and very fugal. . . kind of like Aunt Olga. We had that in common :)

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  2. I love your ideas! Oh how sweet to display the apron. Good job! I adore polka dots. Your boarder is so cute and perks up a room.

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    1. Hi Nancy . . . I'm very pleased that you like my ideas. I think that the polka dots work well with my vintage kitchen . . . they bring it back to around the last time that it was remodeled. I really want to work with what is here, rather than to tear it all out and make everything new. I do have a few new things to add, but nothing that will rob it of it's vintage charm. Thanks so much for stopping by to visit, you are a sweetheart:)

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  3. I love sharing!
    I'm not showy either. Well, at least I don't think so...;)
    but I do love coming here and seeing all of your craftiness and comforts you create in your new little house with Your Steve. :P
    I love that little apron. I had a lovely apron that had belonged to my Great Grandmother and in a giving moment, I handed it down to a young lady that is dear to my heart. (not a daughter) Anyway, she was learning to cook and putting a hope chest together.
    I don't know if she still has it or appreciates-- but there was a day when I thought about that apron and almost regretted giving it to her. Then I remembered-- God loves a cheerful giver! I no longer regret giving it away-- whether she still has it or not. I trust the LORD that little apron with it's hand tatted lace is appreciated!
    Your little Aunt Olga apron reminded me of that time...and the blessings that God gives us through his promises. He loves me, when I give cheerfully!
    Thanks Connie

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    1. Good Evening Patricia, You may not have your great grandmother's apron any longer, but you gave it away with a pure heart and a wish to bring good cheer to this young lady. The Lord knows this and that is what matters. I'm honored that you would share your story with me. The more we share, the more we grow as a stronger sisterhood. I love kowning that you are a cheerful giver and that you walk with the Lord. He has to be the reason behind the way we live our lives; if He is not, then we miss the joys of life that He so freeing wants for us. I can not imagine choosing to live without Him in my life . . . It would be heartbreaking and beyond sad. Thank you for visiting my blog and for taking the time to write a comment, I truly appreciate your friendship.

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  4. Hello my dear friend! Since I been away for awhile it feels great to visit here again :). It's quite obvious that you and Steve are busy as usual with new projects and the house. I hope you are both well!
    I must say I love your new border. Red and polkadot can never be wrong :). And the apron is impressive! So beautiful and full of memories of course. And the fabric looks so thin! Thanks for sharing.
    I wish you a blessed Sunday.
    ~ Maria ~

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    1. Good Morning Maria, how nice it is to have you visit . . . you were missed. Sometime life gets very busy, or we just need a break from the computer and the media in general. It's great to have you back:) I'm happy that you like my improvements it is always fun to fix and fluff around the house. We are loving our new little country life. Yes, this apron is very thin, it was stained badly, too, but with today's great stain removers I was able to get them all out:) I think that it is a great addition to our kitchen and a reminder of a dear sweet lady. Thanks again for stopping by to visit; I appreciate our friendship.

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  5. What a fantastic way to preserve memories of a loved one. I always wear aprons when I work, but I have to admit that I have to wear a full apron as I am so messy! But I love these pretty, tie-round-the-waist ones, so much more stylish.

    Helenxx

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    1. Hi Helen, I need the full length aprons, too. I can be so messy at times, LOL. The kitchen in this little bungalow has solid wood cabinets and they look like they were build in the 1930's or 40's. There is no dishwasher. My Steve's reaction to the kitchen was a full gut job, but I had to protest, I love the vintage look. He said that we at least need to put in a dishwasher, but I really don't want one. It is just the two of us and this little home is not big enough for huge dinner parties. So who needs a dishwasher, right:) The only thing is, I seem to make a mess when I wash dishes so an apron is a necessity. The counter along the wall that has the sink is about one or two inches shorter than normal, so we will be building that up later this year, it's not go for the back and it could be part of the reason I have become overly messy when doing dishes,LOL. It is always wonderful having you stopping by to visit, Thank you for taking the time to comment:)

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  6. That is a lovely way to keep Aunt Olga's memory alive. Your spotted border is great and very sensible to have someone around, you have some lovely friends, both real and virtual. Love from you blogging pal xxx

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    1. Hi Fran, isn't Aunt Olga's apron sweet . . . I love having it hanging there to remind us of her. As for friends, I am totally blessed both real and virtual . . . hey, you virtual girls are real too, you know:) I'm happy that you took the time to visit and to leave a comment, I know that your life is very busy. Weddings, new babies, helping Pete with all the barge projects, tending your allotment . . . you have lots of "pots on the stove" girlfriend, LOL
      Thanks so much for your sweet friendship I truly appreciate our visits with one another:)

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  7. How lovely, Connie, that you have honoured her memory in this way, and such a beautiful way to do it. I love your polka dot border - and I laughed at you saying you have been forbidden up the ladder on your own - I have recently had to tell Jim the same, as he wobbles about up the ladder with a saw on the end of a long pole trying to get down the spindly branches on the overhanging tree in this garden! It shows we care! Love love love the decorative touches you have put about your home. Lxxxxx

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    1. Good Morning Lynne, there comes a time in our lives that we just have to admit that we are not the same strong person that we use to be, and I don't want falling off a ladder to be my wake-up call to that fact. It is true, this restriction that the two of you have put on us is out of love. If Steve hadn't of made me promise . . . I would probably still be climbing tall ladders and thinking that falling would never happen to me. Short ladders like three steps I'm still doing, but I had a short ladder with wide steps. I'm delighted that you like my little kitchen touches . . . I do enjoy having Aunt Olga's apron hanging there. She was a sweet soul and never had children of her own; I think she would like knowing that we are remembering her in this way. You are one of my very first followers and I have loved each and every comment share between us. If we were neighbors I'm sure that I would be calling you to see if you had a minute to babysit me while climbing, or better yet to go shopping for yarns, threads and fabrics:)

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    2. Oh Connie, wouldn't that be wonderful! And swap decorating ideas, and ....and....and...... - ah well, at least we can share our blogs across the ocean and air miles! Lxxxx

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    3. I guess swapping ideas through blogging is what we will have to be content doing, but if you ever make it across the pond to my neck of the woods . . . you better let me know. We could, if nothing else, at least share a meal and a visit together:)

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  8. I love aprons myself and use them all the time. I love how you kept hers and the cute hanger you made. Love the touches to the kitchen.

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    1. Hi Betty, thank you so much, I appreciate you taking the time to comment and your sweet and encouraging words. I love my little kitchen and it is so much fun adding vintage touches. Aunt Olga's apron is a wonderful addition and a great way to keep her memory alive and the antique scales are amazing . . . they are a perfect touch and certainly accent the vintage look that I'm going for. I am so richly blessed. Thank you for your blogging friendship I have enjoyed getting to know you better, with each and every communication our blogging sisterhood grows in kindness and love:)

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  9. Oh Connie, I read this whole post with a smile on my face! So very touching and lovely. I adore what you've done with Aunt Olga's apron and I am sure she'd be quite delighted that you treasure it so much! The little darn in it is so precious... Your little red and white polka dot borders are so charming, and I love the account of the team work, holding the ladder etc.! You have so many pretty and delightful things and I love the kitchen paper holder, and how you keep the rolling pin on the window! I love the whole cottage style you are achieving in your new home and so enjoy reading all your posts about it and seeing the lovely photos. Thanks for putting a big smile on my face!

    Shoshi

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    1. Hello Shoshi, knowing that I put a smile on your face has made my day. I love my little kitchen and I feel so blessed by my friends, family, husband and blogging sisters ( not necessarily in that order), LOL. Life is good! You mentioned the paper towel holder. The reason that I purchased that was because I went into this gift shop and there it was looking at me and smiling, and it looks just like Steve's nephew, who is a chef, LOL. Every time someone for the family see's it for the first time they smile and say" It's Barry" . . . he is the only one that doesn't see himself in it, LOL. We've had it for around twenty years now:) Thanks so much for popping in to visit, I feel like I am getting to know you better and better and I treasure our blogging friendship.

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  10. It's lovely that Aunt Olga's apron's is on display for you to enjoy. That border is just wonderful and what a lovely friend to give you those scales. They fit in with you kitchen theme perfectly.
    Ali xx

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    1. Hi Ali, I love my new additions. You're right the scales are perfect and Aunt Olga's apron seems to belong hanging there on the wall. Having the kitchen coming together in such a bright and cheery way, makes it a fun place to cook and even do dishes, LOL. Thanks so much for your warm and friendly comment, I appreciate our correspondence and growing blogging friendship.

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  11. What a wonderful tribute to Aunt Olga, and your new border makes everything that much more cheerful.

    Hugs,
    Kathy M.

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    1. Hi Kathy, thank you . . . do you recognize the boarder? I ordered it from a teacher's supply catalog:) I think it gives the kitchen that cute vintage look with it's cheery polka dots and scalloped edges. Cheaper that wall paper, too and easier to change when I decide to do something new:)

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  12. You have turned Aunt Olga's apron into a very special piece of art for your kitchen. Great idea! And your border and kitchen curtains are wonderful because I LOVE dots! : )

    Have a unique and beautiful day,
    D~~~~

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    1. Hi Donna, polka dots just scream vintage . . . I love them , too. I remember Momma making me this little dress for school that was navy blue with white polka dots and over in was a pinafore that was white with red polka dots. I wish that I still had it, it would deserve a place of honor in our little home, too. Oh, and the fabric was from flour sacks. I don't know if you are old enough to remember flour coming in cotton print sacks. Momma would take me with her to the grocery store and let me pick out the printed flour sacks that I liked.
      I guess that it is not hard to see that I am having a lot of fun decorating our little bungalow. Thanks so much for visiting and always leave such sweet comments. I love reading them and feel a closer connection with each correspondence . . . I am blessed with wonderful blogging sisters. Thank you:)

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  13. Connie, I adore your aunt's apron. My MIL always wore them...sheer looking ones for card party and holidays. My own mom may have had one, I am not even able to remember. It's so good that we pay tribute to our loved ones. We all want to be remembered. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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    1. Hi Susie, my favorite mementos are kitchen items. I have mixing bowls that belonged to my Husband's Mother and Grandmother and a mixing bowl that was my Momma's. When I use them I always have a connection with these ladies. I can not pull one of these bowls off the shelf without thinking of them. I also have a cookbook that was my Momma's and one that was my Husband's Great-grandmother's along with recipes. Last year I made a pot holder for my Sister-in-law that had a photo and sugar cookie recipe that her Grandmother made every Christmas. I know she liked it because she almost cried:) Having little reminders around us that keep family roots alive is good for us, but even better because it reminds us to share these people with our children and grandchildren and give them a roots to cling to:) Susie, you have been a woeful blogging friend and sister, I just want to thank you for your sweet and thoughtful friendship:)

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  14. I love that little border, it adds so much country charm! The apron is a piece of beauty.

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    1. Thank you so much and thank you for popping in to say "Hi!" and leaving your thoughtful comment.
      If I had known you were coming I'd of baked a cake . . . maybe a pot of tea, too:)

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  15. Hi Connie - Love what you did with the apron. It's nice to have it out on display where you can enjoy it rather than being stuck in a drawer or box somewhere. I have so many things of my parents and grandparents that I need to do something with like that. Love your border you put on your kitchen - really pops!

    Judy

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    1. Hi Judy, thank you so much . . . I do like displaying family treasures and I would like to make a quilt with old family photos, but I just haven't found the right fabric yet to inspire me:) I appreciate you popping in to visit and want to thank you for your blogging friendship:)

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  16. Connie, I love, love LOVE what you did with your Aunt Olga's apron! Aprons are special to me - I have several. My mother has made some aprons for me and I have picked up some antique aprons at thrift shops - I wear one every time I cook. I'm also crazy about your border and the scale :) Thanks for sharing your projects!

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    1. Hello Marie, It is great to see you . . . I love reading comments and getting to know my blogging sisters better. I love wearing aprons, too.
      I think they are so pretty and besides that . . . I can be a bit messy:)

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  17. Hi Connie,

    Just popping by to say Hi and see what you've been up to. Of course, everything looks cute, just like I knew it would! I just love vintage aprons, and I've bought a few patterns at flea markets and such that I hope to make this winter. I already told my Shug if I have to live in this tiny room one more winter, expect to see the sewing machine on the table!

    Cindy Bee
    PS - My guitar teacher got a different job and is commuting and not teaching guitar anymore :-( I'm still practicing, but not as much.

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    1. Hi Cindy, it is great to hear that you are still practicing your guitar. I have slowed way down since buying this house . . . there are only so many hours in a day, but I think that next year will be so much better. We should have all the major jobs done. We just got the underside (crawlspace) insulated and we ordered windows last Monday, so hopefully we will have them all in by cold weather:). I am absolutely delighted that you stopped by to visit. I have missed you and think about you often. So, much, that now that I have you here, I am going to put you back on my blog-list. I deleted everyone from it a few months ago because I was having problems with my computer and trying to find my problem. I love that you are putting your sewing machine out . . . and your vintage patterns sound wonderful. It will be great to see the aprons that you make with them.
      Happy October! and again thanks so much for stopping by . . . I love seeing your smiling face in my comments. Now, I'm coming over to see your blog:)

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  18. Thanks for the lovely comment on my blog!
    I think a rusty old bike with a lot of flowers in the baskets wit fit nicely in front of your beautiful house!
    love the polka dots! Groetjes Karin

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    1. Hi Karin, thanks so much for stopping by to visit. I think that I will keep my eyes open for an old bike:)

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  19. A memory apron, Connie! So creative, and what a perfectly lovely tribute to Aunt Olga. She must have been a very special woman. I'm pinning this. Thank you, and enjoy your weekend. ~ Nancy P.S. The border is so cute and I LOVE that red scale.

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    1. Hi Nancy, I am so happy that you came by to visit . . . Aunt Olga was a very special person; I will remember her with warm and cozy thoughts:)

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  20. I love your keepsake apron and the splash of red that you added to the kitchen. I just love that color and think it really works well in the kitchen.

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    1. Hi Terri, thank you so much . . . I'm having a lot of fun tweaking my vintage kitchen:)

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  21. That's such a lovey way to remember Aunt Olga, it looks great! Love that sweet red and white polka dot border too, it is so very cheerful! The accessories you add are making it very vintage :)

    Gill xx

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