Woman's Apron c. 1920s

This vibrant Woman’s Apron at the Minneapolis Institute of Art is a riot of color, probably made with scraps, odds and ends, and pure ingenuity. I’m picturing someone at their sewing machine, maybe late at night, bathed in the glow of a single bulb. Or maybe in a sunny room, surrounded by piles of fabric, letting their intuition guide the scissors. What were they thinking as they pieced together these bold stripes of yellow, purple, and green? Were they humming a tune, lost in thought, maybe thinking about dinner or a new love? The floral ties are so sweet, adding a touch of whimsy to this functional garment. I wonder how it feels to wear it, the fabric soft against your legs, a splash of color in an otherwise ordinary day. I love how folk art and textiles can be humble, beautiful, and imbued with the energy of everyday life. It is a reminder that creativity is all around us.