Thrift Thursday - Vintage Crochet Apron
How about a happy post?
I've been hankering for a crochet apron ever since I saw this beautiful tunic apron. At first, I thought I would just make it, but then I realized I have no crochet skills for this project. Then I found another crochet pattern, and another, and each time I thought, maybe, maybe, maybe!
And while reading The Apron Book by EllynAnne Geisel, I realized that I really wanted a vintage crochet apron, made a long time ago, by someone else, who sat down and poured hours of love into their handiwork.
While perusing eBay a few weeks ago, I came across one - and while not exactly thrifted, it fits the bill.
I couldn't believe nobody else came and snatched it away from me in the final moments. It was in perfect condition, albeit a little discolored and had a few brownish/rust stains on the front. It was the discolorations that gave me the perfect excuse to try some Retro Clean, which I had heard about on Flickr. Retro Clean is available on its' own website, as well as eBay - check it out, it really works!
Just 2 tablespoons in some warm water (I threw in some other laces and those vintage doily's from last week) and soak for up to two days. I put the bin outside in the sun, but I think you can also soak indoors.
It came out pristine white, and the colors so bright! Did you notice those little crochet flowers along the waistband? Love those.
Love my vintage crochet apron.
Love Retro Clean.
Wow, that is an amazing difference.
What an adorable apron!
Posted by: rohanknitter | October 25, 2007 at 09:12 AM
Cute, cute, cute! I have several vintage aprons, but don't think I have ever seen a crocheted one. This kind of surprises me since both of my grandmothers crocheted, as did one of my great-grandmothers. I have a beautiful crocheted tablecloth my great-grandmother made that I may try the Retro Clean on. The extent of my crochet ability is to crochet around the edges of my knitting projects! Here is another great apron book that I have:
http://www.amazon.com/Aprons-Icons-American-Joyce-Cheney/dp/0762406941/ref=sr_1_1/102-2681928-5480913?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193329842&sr=1-1
Posted by: Pamela | October 25, 2007 at 09:39 AM
Such a lovely apron! Wow that retro clean really worked well too:)
Posted by: Chara Michele | October 25, 2007 at 09:59 AM
Good find! It is so pretty. I would like to expand my handcrafts repertoire by I'm not sure my old eyes can handle it. The patterns you show make me want to try, though :-)
Posted by: Rosie | October 25, 2007 at 10:44 AM
fantastic! i love this super adorable apron - what a find! and i just went and bought some retro clean. can't wait to try it on some vintage linens...thanks for the tip!
Posted by: liz elayne | October 25, 2007 at 11:08 AM
that is really amazing! really amazing! love the apron.
Posted by: erin | October 25, 2007 at 11:28 AM
i love the look of crocheted aprons! you sparked a new interest in me and so i started searching online for any free crocheted apron patterns out there and guess what i found! i found the pattern for the apron you bought from ebay! here is the link, in case you are interested. http://twosisters.lothruin.com/crochapron.html
Posted by: analilia | October 25, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Thank You Carrie for the wonderful endorsement of Retro Clean and link to my site!
Posted by: Melinda Gonzales | October 25, 2007 at 02:03 PM
Cute! Cute! Cute!
I'm gonna have to get me some of that Retro Clean.
Posted by: KB (kokoleo) | October 26, 2007 at 01:48 PM
Love crocheted aprons! I just purchased some Retro Clean. I noticed they are in the area of big fires but seeing as Melinda commented here on yesterday they must be safe! Yeah! Can't wait to try it.
Posted by: Ann | October 26, 2007 at 08:49 PM
That apron is adorable. I appreciate seeing the before and after. I will be buying some Retro Clean!
Posted by: Lallee | October 29, 2007 at 06:00 AM
I have never heard of crocheted aprons before.
Thanks for bringing to my attention I will have a look out for them.
Posted by: feli | October 29, 2007 at 09:27 PM