Apron Appeal

I'm not sure who the author is, of the following, however several people (mom, sallie and pat) have sent this to me via email as they know how I love aprons!

They bring back fond memories of my Grandma, who made everything from scratch, as she always wore one when cooking. I can see her now! I don't own any vintage aprons, but own several new ones that I wear all the time. If you come to my house I am usually wearing one, as they save your clothes from stains when cooking.

Photo: BHG

History of the Apron:

Aprons, I don't think kids today know what an apron is.

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

Photo: Jessica Steele

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids. And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Photo: SCAD

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove. Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

Photo: Jessica Steele

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.

Do you wear aprons? What memories do aprons conjure up for you?

Check out www.tipnut.com for 52 free apron patterns.

Greeting Spring

Spring is right around the corner! I love the change of seasons and am thankful I live in an area that truly has four seasons!

Things are starting green up, from the grass to the swelling buds on the trees, soon it will be time to move outdoors and enjoy all of the colors of nature.

It's time to start thinking about the garden, whether it's flowers or vegetables, and remember to consider the unusal but eye catching containers you can use to make your outdoors as welcoming as your indoors.

Take a look at a few of these incredible ideas:

A Bucket with drainage holes, with hand painted lettering or vinyl letters featuring words of your choice, from your monogram, last name to your address, it makes the perfect container for an herb garden, annuals or even a tomato plant. The skys the limit!

Photo: Cherry Hill Cottage

A great old chair with a fresh coat of paint and a bucket or pot (remember to add drainage holes) to greet your guests or liven up a boring spot in your yard.

Photo: Cherry Hill Cottage

What a great use for an old sifter. So unexpected and so fun! A great way to bring some color inside!

Photo: Cherry Hill Cottage

On old drawer from a chest, night stand, etc painted with chalboard paint!

Photo: Cherry Hill Cottage

Those flea market and yard sales will be starting now that the weather is getting warmer, be on the lookout for unusual and unexpected containers for your outdoor space!

I can't wait to see what you find!

The Difference is in the Details

As the saying goes, it's the little things in life that really make a difference. Whether it's at dinner, at home, in the garden or wherever, it's the little unexpected touches that truly make a difference.

How many times have you seen something and thought, wow, what a difference a simple touch makes. Things that get our creative brains (or even those non-creative brains) churning and visualizing how you could replicate it with something similiar you already have! I especially love the little details when they utlize things that have been repurposed.

Here are some of those very things, that make me say WOW, what a great idea. Where and how can I use that idea:

What a great use for an old door... whether it's leaning against a wall, hung on a wall or supported with brackets, it's not something you expect!



Two old shutters simply leaning against a brick wall, with a plain grapevine wreath.




Old flatware framed and placed in an area of prominence...use baby spoons, family silver, old monogrammed flatware found at a flea market, etc.




A set of nesting tables used as a coffee table!



Old Sunday School classroom chairs hung from a large wall.

What do you have stored in your garage or basement that can give you that "WOW I would have never thought of that" comment from your guests? Drop me a post and let me know what you come up with!

Punch Needle 101

I have always loved to create things with my hands! From jewelry to applique clothes, you name it, I love to create. It's what I do instead of reading, I do of course read my Bible! I love the satisfaction I get from starting and finishing something!

My latest craft addiction is Punch Needle! You can create some beautiful things and it is relaxing and most importantly so easy! One of my dear customer's Karen introduced me to punch needle, she is so talented, she quilts, makes pillows using her quilt and punch needle creations, makes wool runners and candle mats featuring handmade pennies. Her work is incredible, I long to have her skills! Maybe if I hang around her long enough some of her skills will rub off on me!

Here are some of the things I am working on or will be working on in the coming weeks and months!







My sweet friend Ginger found this little cutie online and I will be working on this one for Easter! Design by: Threads That Bind



This was my first Punch Needle Pattern, there is a different design for each month and you switch the punch needle design and the wool background out each month. Design by: Buttermilk Basin.



This little cutie is going to get attached with buttons onto a little black boiled wool shoulder purse I have and will get toted around next winter. Design by: With Thy Needle

I love snowmen and want to get this one done for Christmas. I have plenty of time and it will take my mind off of the oppresive heat of July, which is when I will be working on it! Design by: With Thy Needle.

I have started a punch needle class and Karen has graciously offered to teach others this wonderful craft. We meet monthly and it is so much fun, we of course eat, laugh and punch. The fellowship is wonderful and it's so much fun to see what each other are working on.

If you are interested in learning to punch needle, just drop me a comment! Happy Punching!