Tasty Crumbs Well Worth Picking Up

The women's apron can be seen as the symbol of a hard-day's work in the kitchen, a throw back to the era that gave us casseroles, Sunday pot roast dinners and a bold fearlessness of lard.

Or better, it's a sweet reminder of those warm memories of baking chocolate chip cookies alongside mom on rainy Sunday afternoons, while dad watched the game on TV in the living room in the big chair. And then ate most of the cookies. But you didn't mind, the fun was all in the pointers learned from mom, and the giggling and sharing of secrets that dad would never understand anyway.

Donning an apron to cook or bake, especially a great looking one, transforms the act of simply preparing sustenance to one of nostalgic ritual and great fun. To indulge in it myself, I went searching for true vintage to get the authentic experience, but was disappointed when I found that the originals don't look anywhere near as good as they do in our memories and imaginations. And the thought of a 50 year-old pork n' beans stain is a bit unappetizing.

Luckily, there is a designer who understands such wants and needs and is passionate about them. Jennifer Lucas of the Canadian company Crumb Designs has created a line of flirty and romantic aprons 'to inspire everyday living', as is her motto (and a wonderful one at that). Each is handmade with fabrics that are carefully chosen for colour, design and the quality to endure a lifetime and beyond. Such a lovely family keepsake they would surely make.

Jennifer is most compelled by the happy times she spent as a child in the kitchen baking and cooking with her mother and grandmother, and through her designs offers such an opportunity for others. Her impossibly adorable and stylish matching aprons in adult and child sizes are the perfect recipe for creating that special bonding experience for you and your favourite wee one. What little girl wouldn't light up when presented with such a delightful invitation?

Crumb Designs aprons are available online at www.crumbdesigns.com (nice website, too!).

Coming soon: Watch the website this spring for the new line of gardening aprons for adults and children. (Bake cookies, just the two of you, go outside to the garden to plant your tulips in the sunshine then enjoy your homemade snack together on the porch. How's that for the perfect day?)

To learn more about Jennifer Lucas and how Crumb Designs came to be, read the interview (a very sweet and inspiring story).

More delicious treats to savor:

Comments

[Tammy]

Seriously, if it weren't for the backless thing, I think I'd wear the black & pink one out!!!....yay for Canadian designers!

[Denise @The Swelle Life]

I know! I actually meant to mention that. If you forgot an ingredient you wouldn't have to change to run out to the store!

[Anne]

I love Jen's aprons, but don't limit them just to the kitchen. I wore one at a party over pants and a tee and got rave reviews!!!!