While tending to the hearth and home

A Simply Lovely Life

A lovely article written by dear Nancy Campbell for Above Rubies Magazine.

I Love Aprons
WHERE’S MY APRON?

What would I do without my aprons? They are an indispensable part of my homemaking equipment and I have a pile sitting in my pantry.

I use them to protect my clothes.

Without aprons my clothes would be ruined. I have never been very good at working in good clothes. I have a dear friend who can paint in her high heels and Sunday clothes and not get a drop of paint on her. I am sure she is just as good in her kitchen. Not me. When I paint, I have paint all over me. When I work, I get stuck in, and invariably get dirty marks on my clothes. I don’t like to go around like a rag bag and therefore need an apron to cover me when working in the kitchen.

I have working aprons and pretty frilly aprons for special occasions. However, I rarely used my pretty aprons. When it is time for the meal, I take my apron off to sit at the table. If we have visitors coming, I throw it off as I hear their car coming in the drive. Now all my guests know my secret!

I use them to wipe my hands.

I keep a towel hanging in my kitchen to wipe my hands. However, I find it much easier to wipe them on my apron. It is right on me and I don’t have to walk a step to do it. Consequently, my aprons become stained and dirty, but isn’t that what they are for!

For awhile I got into the habit of throwing my tea-towel over my shoulder on which I could wipe my hands as necessary while preparing food etc. One time I had to urgently pop down to Office Max to do some photocopying. I wondered why so many people looked very interestingly at me. I thought I must have looked very special that day - until I got home and looked in the mirror. There was my dirty tea-towel draping across my shoulder! Help! Back to aprons!

I use them as a basket.

It is so convenient to go out to the garden and gather my harvest for supper - zucchini, cucumbers, squash, basil, tomatoes, lettuce etc. All I have to do is lift up the bottom of my apron and I have a perfect basket to carry them inside. When gathering “things” that have accumulated upstairs
and need to be taken down, once again, all I have to do is lift my apron to carry them all down. And if your apron has a pocket or two, they are even more versatile.

It is my symbol as Manager of my home.

I do not put on my apron to sit around the house. I put on my apron to work. Although all our children have grown and have now established their own homes, we still currently have nine of us living in the home - and usually extras beside that for the evening meal. I have great work to do. It is not insignificant. And when I put on my apron I am aware I am accomplishing good things.

There are young wives today who do not even own an apron. They are missing an important part of the baton that should have been passed on to them. Of course, you don’t need an apron when you don’t work in the home. You don’t need an apron to pop a microwave dinner in the microwave, get pre-packaged food out of the freezer or open some tins of something for supper. However, when you prepare food from scratch as I do, you need an apron.

Aprons are symbolic of hearth and home. Sandy Driver writes, (1)”The symbol of homemaking most vividly emblazoned in my memory is bright yellow with four large black and white polka dot pockets lining the front. Mother made it from scraps early in her domestic career to hold lots of wooden clothespins. She called it her “hanging out clothes apron” and never dared cook a meal with it on.

“It’s too ragged,” she said with a discerning look. I would have gladly worn it all day long because it smelled like sunshine and felt like home. When I wrapped those strings around my waist, I was a Mommy, which was every little girl’s dream in that long ago era. I loved to fill the empty pockets with
crayons, rubber balls and little metal jacks while our sheets and socks blew in the afternoon breeze.

“When my aunt Mamie died a few years back, I added one of her green flowered aprons to my nostalgic collection. It was my daughter’s favorite when she was a toddler and she insisted on wearing it whenever she played with her assortment of dolls, even though the big wide strings wrapped around her
tiny body three times. “I have to wear an apron to be the Mommy,” she proclaimed. I have taught her well.”

A lady named Maggie writes, “I wear my aprons every day now I have come to believe they are like lacy bits of lingerie, only worn on the outside, and a quite a bit more respectable. When I put on my aprons the children mind mebetter, wandering visitors immediately know my role as a stay at home mom.
Fred thinks I look cute as a button, and neighbor children hug me more often.

I like my aprons. They have changed my life, raising my standards, inspiring me to greater feats of home making skills, and making me more effective as a parent. Whoever thought that a dollars worth of fabric and lace could effect so many changes on one woman and one family?”

A friend of mine, Terry Leib writes, (2) “Woven into the cloth of an apron are unseen threads of a sweet feminine spirit, a spirit of meekness, humility and contentment. That little flap of frilly, feminine fabric tied around a woman’s waist symbolized her acceptance of her role and duties. It was her badge of honor, and represented submission to God, and to her husband. Without saying one word, or one syllable, it said, “I am a woman, made from a man. My place is at home, guiding the house, loving my husband, loving my children, teaching my children to love, honor and obey God by my example in obeying God’s Word and my own husband.” Its strings gently tug at us, tenderly, softly calling us to turn back to the old ways, the Biblical ways of order in the home.”

At the turn of the century, children could identify the days of the weeks by the different apron their mother wore each day. I have aprons that tie at the waist and barbecue style aprons, but my favorite is one that was given to me by a lady who attended an Above Rubies Retreat. It is one that completely covers my clothes. I think she made it from Simplicity Pattern #3064 B.

Apart from putting on my material apron, I am challenged to put on the attitude apron. 1 Peter 5:5 Williams says, “You must all put on the servant’s apron of humility to one another, because God opposes the haughty but bestows His unmerited favor on the humble.” The apron is an emblem of
servanthood. It’s good to not only put on our apron, ready to work hard in the home, but to have the same attitude in our hearts. When we wear the servant’s apron of humility, no task will seem too menial or too difficult to accomplish.

NANCY CAMPBELL Above Rubies

(1) From A Cherished Apron by Sandy Williams Driver

(2) From Joyful Help Meet at Home by Terry Leib.







Above Rubies is a wonderfully encouraging magazines for wives, mamas and grandmothers, whose heart is to make their home a haven of love, peace, celebration and joy, for those they care for dearest and best.

The magazine is written by the readers, with Nancy serving as editress these past 28 years. She likewise shares her loving thoughts in a letter and an article or two, each issue as well.

It's available simply by requesting, here. As God provides the funds, the magazine goes to print and is sent out--which is often. Nancy Campbell, herself, is one of the most gentle, loving, encouraging woman that I've ever known. She and her husband Colin--who are both in their mid sixties were just recently blessed with 4 precious children, through adoption, from Liberia--a son 16, 2 daughters who are both 16, and another dear daughter who is 15. She shares the very beautiful story of their recent arrival into their hearts and lives, in the latest issue of Above Rubies, which I believe you could still email and request--perhaps requesting a bunch of back issues, too. If you would like to write her, rather thann just requesting the magazine through the form that's provided on the site, you might want to put **request for most recent above rubies and back issues**, in the subject line in nice big letters :o), and then just be sure and include your name and address in the note. I have found so much encouragement over the years, to just be me, and celebrate my own precious family, day-by-day, through this labor of love of dear Nancy's, and her huge heart for women and the priceless, irreplaceable role they play, as nurturers and keepers of their warm, inviting, lovely homes.



The real estate agent came today and all went very well. It was a really busy day, with a picnic at the park for supper (so the house would be all nice and tidy when the real estate agent came just after the supper hour) and lots of fun at the playground for the little ones, with Mama, Julia and Chubb, while the older children and Big Papa met with the realtor and got down to business--my business was keeping the little ones happily occupied and the home front quiet for business :o) It's nice to know all the children are tucked in and peacefully sleeping. Everyone was bushed.

Thanks again for your loving thoughts and prayers, and kind caring notes. What an encouragement you are to me. I hope you had lovely day, today.
Warmly, Jewels

P.S. Above are the aprons that we made for Jenny and Stacy (we didn't use a pattern of this, so I don't have a pattern to share). I thought you might enjoy seeing them as inspiration and encouragement, to try out a new apron pattern that you especially like, or as we have done here, just make up a simple pattern of your own, in a fabric that you especially like.

Comments

[Regina Clare Jane]

Thank you for the article! The one precious thing I do not have... an apron. I have looked every time I visit a thrift store but to no avail. Where I live, the most expensive county in FL, I don't think the women here did much of their own cooking and cleaning...:) The next best thing would be to sew myself up one!
Oh, and yes, I love the Above Rubies website as well. Very inspiring!
So glad everything went smoothly with the realtor- this kind of thing can always be trying on everyone's nerves.
Bless you dear friend... and all your little lovebugs- and of course, the big lovebugs, too!
**********************************************
You are *so* sweet :o) Good night dear Regina Claire Jane, sleep well. I'll pass your love along to *all* of the lovebugs :o)

[Kimberly]

I love my aprons! I went through two today. There was a bread making disaster that occurred requiring a lot of clean up and a new apron to finish.

I honestly feel lost without an apron on when I am at home working.

I was surprised a few weeks ago when a friend decided to help me in the kitchen a few minutes before our tea started. She was dressed nicely and offered to put to together sandwiches. I was grateful for the help and offered her an apron. She put it on awkwardly and said that she didn't own an apron herself. I laughed and said I can't cook without one! She gamely wore it, removing it as I did when the last few items were in place and our guests arrived.

My mom only wore an apron on rare occasion. I often saw my paternal grandmother in one while she made dinner, but never my maternal grandmother. Now, I am in one everyday. I'd like to make some like yours, Jewel, as they look like they'd fit better over my ever-expanding tummy. I wonder how easy it would be to hand sew one as I do not know how to use a machine. *Sigh*

Have a lovely day!

[Aussie Homemaker]

Thank you Jewels. I love Above Rubies magazine also. Over the last 16years the magazine has helped me have the courage to live by my convitctions on family and homelife. Although I knew none personally who welcomed each child as a blessing from God, I knew it was right for us. We are all so excited to be expecting baby number 8 next February.

Trust God will continue to guide you by His grace as you look to buy, sell and move.Thank you for your gracious example in all things.

[Kathy]

Oh, I just love Above Rubies magazine! It is so uplifting, inspiring and energizing! I remember that article, and it reminded me so much of my maternal grandmother.
I love the aprons in your pictures. My daughter, Mary, has a lovely apron that I had someone make for her. I still haven't learned to sew. I need to find myself some aprons, but it is hard to find nice ones in the larger sizes.
I am glad it went so well with the realtor. I know all to well that it can be a stressful time, sometimes. It sounds like you all had a wonderful picnic and I bet you all were bushed and ready for bed!
Well, keeping you all in my prayers and I pray you have a blessed day tomorrow.

[Tina Michelle]

very lovely aprons that you and your daughters make and wear. my dear grandmother wore an apron every day.I will have to make myself an apron or two now.I have a small collection of vintage aprons..some of which date back to the early 20's with handmade tatting on them, and one that dates back to the late 1800's. Of course those one's aren't for me to wear..they are a good bit fragile.
So, I will have to find some cheery fabrics and make some for every day use. I do know that when I start wearing them I'll most likely feel quite close to my grandmother.(might find myself tearing up a little too at first)(she passed away nearly 3 yrs ago in August) So when I do certain tasks like baking bread..which she was very good at..I just feel like she would be proud of what I am doing now..and the way I am striving to live a quiet,simple life serving the Lord.So when I think of aprons and wearing aprons I think of my granny.Thanks for sharing the article about apron wearing.
Glad that the realtor's walk thru went well today.
God bless you and yours.
~Tina

[Sommer]

Thanks for sharing that article. I've only had the opportunity to read one or two Above Rubies issues...I must check the site out.

I only have one apron myself, and I am still trying to get accustomed to using it. My Mom never used one and I saw my grandmothers on either side very little...so I've no example of it. I'd like a couple more, that way I always have one on hand. Yours look fairly simple...perhaps I will have to try my hand at making one myself:-)

I'm glad the realtor visit went fine. I have a dear friend close by that is trying to sell their home as well and possible move a bit further south. I am sure it is quite difficult to show a home when you have wee ones about.
Still in my prayers dear Jewels.

Lots of love,
Sommer

[Aunt Jenny]

I love aprons too, and have always worn one every day. I hardly get comments any more since everyone expects to see me in one if they come to my house. I loved the article..exactly how I feel. My daughters now wear aprons too. I love that.
The pictures of the aprons are so pretty! (all your pictures always are!!) I love that style! I tend to wear a 1940's style alot.

[Kristi]

I wondered if you read Above Rubies!! I just recently "discovered" it and have devoured some back issues that Nancy was kind enough to send me. Wonderful stuff. And those aprons are beautiful, the ladies will love them.

[mumintroll]

I love my aprons. I need it when I'm working in my garden.
The aprons that you have made look so nice. I really like them. So I will try to sew my own, Who looks exactly like yours ;-))
I wish you a beautiful day.
Bettina

[Jodi]

Oh, I do like the slip-on ease in the construction of your apron ~ very clever. I love walking into the kitchen and seeing my girlies in their aprons. :o)

One cannot say enough nice things about Nancy Campbell and Above Rubies. Lovely, lovely lady ... beautiful family ... uplifting magazine.

[Brenda@Coffee Tea Books and Me]

When I slip an apron on, I feel I am ready to work.

I still have Above Rubies sent to me and then I pass it on to Stephanie.

[chas]

I love aprons! I wear the 2 I have all the time.. My Mom laughs if I have to run out to the store and I am sill in my apron. I said, just because I ran out, doesn't mean my work is done at home... why take it off?!?! :)
My Honey called me from work one day and wanted me to go and pick up his vitamins, I was right in the middle of baking zucchini bread but I of course wanted to do as he asked of me... so I got the kids and drove to the local herb store. While I was paying a the cashier said... I like your apron... Where do you work???
I said (with a big grin across my face! ;) I work at home!!!! :)
I was right in the middle of making zucchini bread and my sweet husband called to see if I would come down and get his herbs! :)
I don't think she knew what to think! :)
Needless to say, I enjoy my job and my apron is part of my uniform! :)
Love you Jewels,
Chas

[Lisa]

Oooh, I love Above Rubies. In this last issue, there was an article about funny nursing names where I have a story printed! I'm published! Mine is the one about our daughter, Ruby, and "coffee"!
And aprons. I began wearing them a few years ago when I inherited quite a few handmade ones from my Aunt Anna when she passed away. They are very dear to me and I love wearing them throughout the day. I just got some lovely white muslin with blue roses that is just enough to make up an apron. Another special one I have is one that my hubby and girls made me for Christmas with an old, soft, flannel crib sheet and a pretty doily. So very sweet!
Many blessings to you, Jewels,
Lisa in NJ

[Andrea]

Jewels,
I think it's funny you just posted on "Above Rubies". :) I just wrote a post the other day about how to look for Titus 2 encouragement on the web. I linked to you and to Nancy's site. :)
Blessings and thank you for your ministry here. :)

[Mrs. Rabe]

I remember this article! I could relate to it because I always get dirty painting and cooking etc.

My apron is really worn out, and I want to make some. Simplicity has great patterns for aprons, I will need to pick a pattern when they go on sale. Or perhaps get brave and figure out how to make one like yours!

My girls like them too!

[Zsuzsa]

I always look forward to reading the Above Rubies magazine! I get a couple more to share with friends.
Those aprons look lovely! And I agree, they are so versatile.

[Lori]

I have been recieving Above Rubies for over a year now and it has been so encouraging as you already know. Nancy seems like the sweetest lady with a heart for God. I would love to go to one of their retreats one day! I have been working on sewing my very first apron. I'm not used to wearing one and didn't grow up with anyone who did but they are so lovely and practical. I'm going to hopefully have mine finished up today. Jewels, yours are very pretty. You and your girls sew the prettiest things. I am praying for your family!
Blessings,
Lori

[Carrie]

Dear Jewels, I like that all you have to do is slip them on. Sadly, I barely know how to sew, let alone make an apron. I do have a beautiful sewing machine I bought a few years back. So, I do want to learn how to make an apron. My children would love it. I know what Nancy means when we "steal" the towel from others in the kitchen and they find it on my shoulder!
Have a beautiful day, love, Carrie on the Meadow.

[Christi]

I just love my Above Rubies Magazine - I just finished my most recent issue last week sometime.

And I love aprons, too - although I've never made one myself, I have several. My mother also had one that she used just for hanging out the laundry. Wonderful sweet memories for me.

Glad to hear all went well with the Realtor. As always, thinking of and praying for you!

Christi

[Maria S.]

Aren't aprons wonderful? I do not feel dressed without one. In fact, I am wearing one right now as I am writing this to you (he,he,he). My boys and hubby think that they are definately me! Your daughter, as always looks beautiful modeling them. You and your husband have been blessed with such lovely children. My prayers are with you and your family during this big change. God bless!
Maria S.

[Monique]

Hi Jewels,
such lovely aprons !! We don't use them a lot anymore here in The Netherlands. Unfortunately The Netherlands are very modern is all kinds of aspects and this is one of the things that have disappeared. I can recall seeing my grandma using an apron, it was kind of a coat without sleeves and she put it on all day and took it off when she had visitors or when she went out. I would love to have a patern for such a lovely apron. I think they are very beautiful !!
Sometimes aprons are used for cooking, but those aprons don't look like the ones you use and aren't very practical in use.
Living from the land is getting more popular here though, so maybe it's something that has to grow and aprons will come back too.

[Lisa]

Hi,
I stumbled upon your blog and just had to stop and leave a comment. Coming here just leaves me with such a relaxed and peaceful feeling. It is truly a blessing to visit with you and read about your day(s) and view the gorgeous photos. Thank you for sharing your gentle spirit with others.

Many Blessings to You,
Lisa
And I am praying for God's leading concerning the Big Old House and your future move.
**********************************************
Hello and welcome, Lisa :o)
Thanks for your friendly hello and for praying.
Warmly, Jewels

[Stacy]

Jewels,
Oh! They are lovely; the aprons! :)
Many blessings to you and your family as you prepare to purchase a home!
~Stacy

[Anna S]

Thank you for sharing this with us, dear Jewels. Yesterday, it was so hot that I didn't put on an apron while I was making lunch (our current kitchen is windowless; what a thrill it will be to move in to our new, shiny, breezy kitchen with a large window!). Later I wished I had! My clothes had to be tossed into the laundry basket right away ;)

[summershine]

This is a very thoughtful, beautiful post.
We live in an apartment at this stage in our lives so there is really only one item for which I pull out my apron.
I love that my sons know exactly what it means when I do. They excitedly run to get their aprons knowing that I'm either going to decorate a cake or cook or bake. And I love that they wish to help me.
I have always had a love for hard work and old ways.
My boys and I always make cookies from scratch and most dinner's from scratch. I love to make pumpkin pie straight from the pumpkin every fall.
And just today we went blackberry picking and I'll be letting them help me make some blackberry skillet cobbler tonight.
I am slowly teaching myself to sew and hopefully soon I'll be able to make the aprons we wear.