This apron also came from the estate in Kansas...I'm sure this was used, but it's certainly been well cared for! With all the beautiful embroidery work on it, I suspect it was saved for special occasions!
The apron itself is made of bright turquoise cotton in a round or oval shape and made in a double layer. The top layer has all the embroidery; the back layer serves both as backing and to make the openings into "pockets". The waistband is also embroidered and the whole apron is trimmed with white rickrack. The total length of the apron is 20", from side to side it's 24", and the length of the waistband and sashes is 48". There are a couple of little frazzles, one on each side of the waistband that need a bit of gentle touching up, but that would be expected considering its age. That's the basic part.
Then...there's the marvelous embroidery! It reminds me in some ways of Portuguese or other ethnic work and is done in the brightest colors of red, hot pink, sunny yellow, white, and green. Each of the flowers is done in openwork; on the inside the embroidery work is neat and beautifully finished. The pockets open into the entire interior.(with even embroidery peeking through the openings)..they actually are more a part of the overall design (although I guess they would come in handy in a pinch!!) Researching these, I've seen some others done in this style, but most of them were embroidered with the name of the country on the waistband. We'll just adopt it!
I can't say enough about this sweet apron. It is certainly a lovely work of art and deserves a good home where it can show off its beauty again!