Fall Market Sunday October 8th

So Sunday October 8th is my wedding anniversary, what better way to spend it then working in the first big market of the season! My husband was understanding. You can also come by and visit, pick up some fall picnic blankets, napkins for Thanksgiving or a new apron for the holiday cooking coming up!

This market is in Manhattan in the Upper Westside at 77th and Columbus.  The group that I am part of, the NY Handmade Collective, has joined together with Grand Bazaar NYC.  There will be about 30 Etsy NY vendors.  Hope to see you there!

Tracey

Vintage Aprons

I am always interested in seeing older aprons, be it 20 years or 50 years.  Inspiration comes from all places and to see the fabrics, the style and the fit of aprons from the past gives me ideas or sometimes a laugh or wonderment.  Delicate pockets, frilly trims, ruffles, sheer fabrics, reused fabrics, flour and grain sacks, every apron tells a story. Women wore aprons in the home all day to protect their clothes while they tended to their chores and duties.  The thought of this makes me shake my head but those were the times. I won't glamorize or romanticise it.  I think it must have been a very difficult and not a very satisfying life for most. On the other hand, it may have been very satisfying and fulfilling for some women.  

 I received an email newsletter the other day about vintage aprons from Threads Magazine. The writer found a collection of aprons in her parent's house.  The collection is varied, functional and pretty.  As I start a new season of design and making, this article inspired me to pull out some of my vintage apron books. 

from the book Aprons by Joyce Cheney, a 1940's apron. Very wearable today in 2017.

This apron is genius! Perfect for bathing a new baby. Terry cloth is sewn on top of the apron.  From the Apron Book by EllynAnneGeisel

The best for last, a Kitty Apron. The date is not given but looks like a 1940's or 50's graphic on the apron. Also from the Apron Book by EllynAnneGeisel

Have a great weekend!

Tracey

Summer Pop up this Sunday

This Sunday on June 11th I am so excited to be selling with Brooklyn Makers at the Down to Earth Farmer's Market in Park Slope Brooklyn.  I have been thinking of selling at the farmer's markets and when Teresa of Brooklyn Makers announced she was collaborating with Down to Earth I nearly jumped out of my seat I was so thrilled!  Brooklyn Makers will be showcasing 5 to 6 brands at the market this Sunday and Wednesday June 21st in Dumbo.  I will be selling at both.  

Conductor Stripe Denim Picnic Blankets with twill ties, carry strap and d-ring closure.

You can find new aprons, tea towels, picnic blankets and napkins. I have added quite a few new things for the summer season in bright pinks and adding some tassels too!  

New apron style, the Conductor Shortie Full. 

Pink, blush and grey napkin collection, reversible to pink pineapple, gold metallic dots and grey squares.  Mix and match!

You can see the whole list of makers by visiting Brooklyn Maker's website right here. 

Hope to see you this summer and for an extra 10% off your purchase at the Park Slope of Dumbo pop up,  mention you read my blog post about the Brooklyn Maker Pop Ups!

Tracey

New Kids Apron - Color it up!

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color me apron Space Adventures

A new apron added to my collection just in time for back to school is the Color Me apron.  Do you have a little one who wants to do everything you are doing? Be right by your side? Or maybe a budding chef? Cooking and baking with kids is a great bonding activity.  Even at age 2 Harper was helping me bake.  Adding in the pre-measured sugar and flour.  They love to be involved!  My niece who is 11 won a national cooking contest last year that sent her to the White House for a lunch with First Lady Obama.  

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Hands in or hands on, this apron will have your little one covered.  Size 2 to size 10, this apron can be colored in with special fabric markers.  No priming or finishing is necessary.  Wash as usual. Once the marker is on, it stays.  

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It is 100% cotton in an adorable space adventures print with a rainbow of color ties to choose from.  Closing in the back with velcro so your child can be independent and put it on themselves.  With your purchase you will get 3 fabric markers.  A perfect gift! Visit my etsy shop to grab one or if you would like to place a bulk order contact me for pricing, hello@mcgowanmercantile.com

Tracey

Gardening Apron

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With summer in full swing are you spending a lot of time in the garden or the yard?  We have a small yard here in Brooklyn but we have a yard which is a big deal in New York City.  I love to garden! I find myself every morning out there to see what has happened overnight.  This year I am planting tomatoes, as usual, but also am trying eggplant and yellow squash.  We have small raised beds about 2 1/2 feet wide.  The heirloom beans did well.  And I am trying tomatoes in pots.  They seem to be doing better than the tomato in the garden.  Also per Harper's request we planted a strawberry plant in a pot.  It seems to be blooming and so far we have harvested 2 strawberries.  Nothing like picking and eating! 

I saw this fabric and thought it would be perfect for a gardening apron.  I love the hand drawn illustrations of the fruits and veggies.  The pockets are double sided for extra sturdiness. 

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Cotton webbing ties, cotton webbing loop to hold any tool or towel.  The apron is made of nice medium canvas, easy to wash.  The print is a botanical print that is pencil sketched.

You can find the Will Gardner Apron in my etsy shop.

Happy Gardening!

Tracey