It's the crazy time of year. Christmas, holidays, family. I've been to Far North Queensland and caught up with Miss Betty and, while I've been away, my aprons have been starting the revolution in Newcastle. It's apron mania in the coal city just to my north.
On my short break in Newcastle, I happened across a wonderful shop brim full with handmade goodness, Alie Jane Travel Accessories & Design. Out of the corner of my eye, I spied fabric in a shop window, interesting fabric, really interesting fabric. I headed across the Mall to the window and that's how it all began.
As I was paying, I mentioned that I was going to make aprons with this amazing fabric. Matilda, the owner of Alie Jane, said she always had people after aprons and to send her a photo.
Well, I didn't because … well, I thought maybe she was just being friendly. As people are. But I did start following her on Facebook and Instagram.
And that's really how it all began.
On Facebook, Matilda put out a call for apron makers/ designers and I thought, what the heck. She can only say no. So, I emailed her a link to my Etsy shop … and that IS how it all began.
Apron mania.
The revolution.
And I've been sewing aprons ever since!
Caravan aprons.
VW Kombi aprons.
Old style baking aprons.
Elephant aprons. Not for elephants, just with them on the fabric. Although, now, there's a thought.
Sewing,
sewing,
sewing. Aprons.
Even a custom order for a man's apron which my visiting niece, Number 3, helped me to design.
Packing them up
and posting them off
to the coal city to the north.
And then replenishing my Etsy shop apron supply which I had pilfered to keep up with demand.
So, it's seems the revolution has begun.
I can't cook without wearing an apron. It's the first thing I grab. I always fear those nasty tomato sauce stains, oil spots, fat splats.
And where do you wipe your hands if you're not wearing an apron??
But you know what else was so good about discovering Alie Jane in Newcastle? Meeting Clyde, the Store Greeter, even if he was napping on a friend's lap at the time.
Yes, even this small vibrant shop in the Mall has a Greeter. An extra expense, but well worth the investment.
Clyde. A gallolloping, smiley faced, rescue dog who steals your heart before you know it.
Check out Alie Jane's Instagram or Facebook feed to see his gorgeous face.
And Clyde got me thinking … when did Store Greeters become de rigueur?
Have you noticed? They're everywhere.
Banks, Target, K Mart.
"Good morning. Welcome to Target. Would you like out latest specials brochure?"
When did it happen? When did they sneak into our daily lives? Silently, quietly.
I don't know that I need to be greeted at every store entrance. Do you?
I know some of them are Security Guards in disguise. Oh yes ... my great-nephew is one.
"Good morning. Welcome to Kmart. Take anything and I'll have you arrested in a nano-second."
I know the theory says that you're less likely to shoplift if you've made personal contact with an employee. I know all that.
But, I don't shop lift AND I don't need to be greeted continuously, ne-ver end-ing-ly, i.n.c.e.s.s.a.n.t.l.y at EVERY store.
But Clyde, well he's different.
Gorgeous, handsome, heart melting.
Store Greeters like Clyde should be compulsory.
What do you think about Store Greeters?
And aprons, do you wear one?
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