The Vermont Apron Company

They moved me!

2012-01-26T19:42:00.000-08:00

Hey there Folks,
I want you to know that I have not fallen asleep at the wheel here. Since fall, this pace around here has been faster than I can report. They made big changes and even shut down the store. I had no idea where I was going when two guys carried me out of what had been my home for nearly 5 years. Wasn't sure what to report, except, "Help! I'm being stolen!"
The dust has finally settled and we seem to have a new home. We have big windows still but no traffic, I only see trees and river. I still have the job of welcoming people and Frank has been given the job of holding up the bolt of batting.

As for me, I still do my usual great job of smiling and making people just feel good. And finally I can get back to my job of blogging.

We are still getting set up in here, I'm guarding a bunch of chef hats until I hear different.

~Wes

Whopping News Folks!

2011-10-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

After years of having short Aprons and long Aprons, the Company heads have gone out on a limb and created a new length. They haven't come up with a name yet. I'll go out on a limb myself and title it, Medium. I know what you're thinking, not very creative but it does sound right with short and long. Here's a peek at one.

If you imagine it on a real person, it would go to just above the knee, as compared to way above the knee or way below the knee.

Hopefully something more exciting than this will come along soon.

~Wes

Fall Foliage Tour 2011

2011-10-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

Hey there Folks,
It's official! This years Fall Foliage Tour will take place on November 12, 2011. That might sound a bit late for Foliage and it is. Here in Vermont with our yearly tours we have decided to celebrate all our seasons. You may not realize this but Vermont has way more seasons than other states. We have Apple season, Maple Sugaring season, Mud season and even more. This year, we have decided to celebrate, Almost Winter. Sometimes this is known as Taint, as in, it taint Autumn and it taint Winter. But here at The Vermont Apron Company, we are going with the season's most popular name, Almost Winter.
We hope to captive the very essence of Almost Winter. I will again be hosting at critically related places and activites to Almost Winter. We hope if you see us on the road that day, you will give us a wave.

Women

2011-08-25T09:06:00.000-07:00

Ya know, I thought we had plenty of women around here. It's all women in here except me and Frank. I'm ok with that. But now, the owners show up, clear out one retail window and once its empty, poof! suddenly they are setting up a new woman. I don't get it. How many women have to be working in here? I mean, it's a little store, at what point do they realize we're cramped?

Then, to change things more, they switch me and Frank. Now, He's in the mens department and I'm window mannequin. This doesn't happen often because they complain mens sales fall whenever I leave the mens department. Frank doesn't have the magic charm, I guess. You need to have the Wes grin.

When everyone left the store, I yelled over to the new woman.
"Hey!, what's your name?"
She was kind of shy but smiled and replied kind of quiet, "Betty"

Somehow I got the impression from the tone of that one word reply that Betty wouldn't be hanging out drinking with me and Frank. I bet she even goes to bed on time each night.

Here, I snapped you a picture.

Later,
Wes

Country Bib Aprons

2011-05-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

Finally we have Aprons to match the hats... or as I'm told, they're called Mop Caps. They call them Prairie Aprons sometimes and Country Aprons other times. No idea, I'm confused. Anyways, reporting the news for you, here's a photo.

Here's the Blue Check one.

Here's one in Red check, which seems to be the most popular, at the moment.

And finally, the black check, this will hide sloppiness the best, if you ask me.

There you have it, the news for today. I have more tomorrow!

~Wes

Ruffled Prairie Hats

2011-05-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

Alright, it's been ages since I have been free to report. And quite frankly, this is important so I plan to be more authoritative when it comes to my job here. After all, it is my job to get the news out.

Let's get to it.We have new hats for the women. (not men.) Why? Men like chef hats...period... we don't buy anything else... just chef hats. Women have a lot more fashion sense than that. They want head gear to match to their apron. They aren't happy just matching in color, they want to match in style, too. Bottom line, we have to work harder for them.

So, ok, here's me working harder,too. In other words, here's me showing you the new Ruffled Prairie Hat....

Here's a shot of one of the girls wearing one. (Frankly, it fits her better.)

And of course, in every situation, there's always one person who has to be different. Fine....if you want a more Parisian look, you can shape it like this on your head.

But, the hat is meant to be worn like this.

She looks cute.....I'm not sure about me....

Yeah, you're right, my head is kind of big to be modeling these. But like any good reporter, I need to jump right into the action. (excuse me for not wearing the matching apron.)

~Wes

Fall Foliage Part 5 at Autumn on the Green

2010-11-13T07:03:00.000-08:00

We finished our Fall Foliage tour right here in Danville,Vermont, (largely due to the fact that The Vermont Apron Company owners wanted more cupcakes and this is where they have them). But also, Danville is home to a terrific annual craft show, Autumn On The Green. It is a show in which we participate annually as this is a special place for us.

It was on this town green that The Vermont Apron Company participated in its first craft show. It is also the place where our Men's Aprons were conceived. The idea came from a man who walked into our booth and said, "Women aren't the only ones who cook, ya know." It has been reported that this sarcastic quip sent our designer back to the cutting table. So they added mens aprons and ......That's when they hired me to help sell them!!

So that's why Danville's Town Green is a special place to me!

Well, that concludes our First Annual Fall Foliage Tour.

I had a blast. I've heard that next year,

there will be a plan and a more organization to the trip.

Truth be told, I doubt it. Let's say I've gotten to know these people.

~Wes

Fall Foliage Tour Part 4

2010-10-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

Here's me, Wesley, proudly posing in front of one

of the many Vermont covered bridges still in use today.

After all, how could we not show a covered bridge in Vermont? Aren't we the only state left with covered bridges? Wasn't there even a movie called, Bridges of Caledonian County?

Maybe I have that wrong.

We decided to take a look at what's under the bridge. No one ever talks about the underneath of bridges. We were surprised at what we found down there. No quiet little stream here, it was white water rapids. Who knew such drama lay beneath the bridge? It's my job to smile, but honestly, I was a bit nervous. I nearly broke into a concerned frown. Thank goodness I'm a professional.

Here I am standing on the cliff's edge to give you a better view of the danger that lurks beneath the bridge. Even the wind was wild, it was trying to blow my hat off. Notice my apron. They put the drinks one on me so we would have a water theme going. How 'bout a Perilous Photography theme???

Here's a good shot of the water. It was powerful looking!

(Remind me to wait in the car next year)

Ok, so my hat blew off but here I stand still pretending this is really enjoyable. Couldn't we have just gone to the cheese place?

We found this nice bench not far from the cliff's edge. You can sit and rest on it. I choose to stand on it so I could get an even better view of the dangerous, perilous rapids and rocks below.

Just ignore that mans arm in the photo.

I was really happy to be back in the car.

~Wes

Fall Foliage Tour Part 3

2010-10-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

Not only does Vermont have a lot of trees and farms, it has villages. And in the heart of every village, (well not every village, some villages are so small, hardly anyone lives there) So I'll say in the heart of most villages, they have a general store. General stores are where you go to get what you need and say Hi to your neighbors. They are like micro-mini Department/Food stores with a great, big warm heart. You can buy gourmet coffee, a fresh baked muffin made by a neighbor, a hat, a new broom and tin foil. You can discuss the weather, get directions, decide what other kinds of muffiins the neighbor should bake and get advice about snow or gardening.

We stopped at this General Store. They were surprised to say Hi to a traveling mannequin. The owners of The Vermont Apron Company got more gourmet coffee and a bottle of plum juice. They never had plum juice before and were happy to have some. Me? I just stood out front and watched the traffic go by. I didn't want plum juice and frankly it was a lot of fun to smile at the people driving by. Vermonters wave a lot!

I wasn't sure if it was me or the hot pizza sign that excited them.

The theme here is roads of Vermont (I guess... I'm inventing here). I'm standing on the edge of one. There are lots of them so I'm wearing my Big Wheel Apron and Tool Hat. Why the tool hat? Because on the road, at some point you need tools. We don't talk about it much but cars break down. Its just one of those sad, sad topics we try to keep under our lids.

Here's a closer look at me with my Tool Apron. Yeah, my grey slacks match. Good styling, I thought.They left me standing here for quite awhile. I think there was a map issue. It was ok, though. I got to hear big trucks blow their horns as they drove past. I think they liked the Tool Hat.

~Wes

Foliage Tour Part 2

2010-10-13T06:05:00.000-07:00

Vermont is filled with big trees, fields, fences and lots of leaves. Here I am standing under a tree just being a man...... in my Being a Man Apron. I'm being brave,too. There's an electric fence right behind me. I could topple right onto it. I don't even have my leg brace on. But in the face of this danger, I keep on smiling with my arms folded and hope they move me soon. That's what I do. It's my job.

We drove onward and the owners suddenly stopped the car, announcing they had found a "canopy of yellow". All I know is suddenly I'm left standing in traffic. And I'm wondering why they didn't dress me in the yellow apron to match the "canopy of yellow". At least we're in Vermont. Vermont has it's own category of traffic.......as you can see in the photo.

Here's a test of my acting skills. I have been stood here in this field with cows not far off. I'm told that the little electric wire hung on posts will hold them off. I've become a skeptic. I'm to mention that the hills behind me are covered in color and you can even see an official Vermont Farm in the background! (You have to look close, it's about a few inches off my right ear and above my shoulder.)

Here's a wider view. I had hoped this photo would show how close I am to being trampled in a stampede but I guess not. You'll have to trust me on that one.

~ Wes

Fall Foliage Tour Part 1

2010-10-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

Today was the big Day! I went in the car with the owners of The Vermont Apron Company! (they listen to weird music, use a GPS, eat cupcakes and onion rings for lunch and alternatively drink plum juice, diet soda and organic decaf coffee.) ....hmmm...I have nothing but good things to say about them!

I also immediately discovered they were people with tools but no real plan. They had a GPS, a camera, me and a variety of aprons. Other than that, it was music, cupcakes, assorted drinks and a lot of "chillin" as they called it. There was a lot of spontaneous verbal spurts such as " Hey! That looks good!" .This would be followed by us pulling over and hopping out for pictures.This would also be followed by a change of clothes for me and once I was even left standing naked chest on the side of the road. I met a lot of people, most of them laughing hilariously, I guess Vermonters laugh hilariously a lot. At least that's what I saw.

Oh, and there was that woman who shreaked when I was pulled feet first out of the back of the car while we were parked next to the lake. No idea what she was thinking.We were busy working and had a great day doing it!

Me showing off the lake. I smiled really big so everyone would know how much I love lakes!

Notice I am wearing a navy and white outfit to match the colors of the water.

I can't name the lake. It's location will be a contest later in the week....SSHHHH...

Here's a better view and you can just barely see leaves turning in the background.

Look over my shoulders to see them.

They were packing the car and left me standing here.

It's a funny little building. They thought it was an outhouse.

Maybe it is an outhouse, interesting that it faces the forest.

Next photo group tomorrow!

~Wes

It's Official!

2010-10-01T17:51:00.000-07:00

They made it official. Monday will be my foliage tour day. I"m geared up and thinking about what to wear. I hear it's going to be in the 50's. I better find a sweatshirt to wear....and probably a hat would be a good idea. I haven't heard where we're going and knowing them, we're probably going to put on sweatshirts, get into the car and head off looking for scenery and leaves. I"ve been in this store for a long time.I can't wait to head outside.

~Wes

Todays news...

2010-09-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

The gossip around the shop is that the studio just expanded the mens prints. I hope there's something with hammers. It would just make good sense.

~Wes

Autumn

2010-09-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

I swear it was 90 degrees a week ago and now its in the 40's in the morning. What gives? What happened to Fall? It's not summer,winter. There's suppose to be Fal. I'm not giving up my Tour. They can take out the air conditioner, and even put on the heat in the morning but I am going on a Fall foliage tour. It's me and leaves and some awesome locations.

~Wes

Fall Foliage

2010-09-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

Well Friends,
My trip is confirmed! I will be taking a tour of Vermont's Fall Foliage. The other big cheese of the Company is even coming to town to to help me. If anyone has a favorite place to me to tour and photograph, let me know!

~Wes

Fall is coming.

2010-09-12T20:57:00.000-07:00

It is. The 23rd of this month is Fall and I was told, yes, practically promised, that I would be doing a Fall Foliage tour of the area to add to our marketing and advertising.

I better remind someone.

Frank may be in the window all the time.
But I get to go in the car!

hmmm...

I may just need a jacket....and probably a map.

~Wes

Bats

2010-09-10T06:17:00.000-07:00

Ok, so there was a bat sleeping on the doorstep when the staff came in...or tried to.. yesterday. I would have helped but I'm busy standing here looking awesome so guys will buy an Apron. I'm in sales afterall not maintainence, that's what the building manager is for and he stepped it up and was quite a hero. I heard he even did the kind-to-animals thing and released it out back. Nice guy.

~Wes

It's Fall.

2010-09-08T13:33:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's Fall and if you have been around here the last few years, you'll know what this means. Its means leaves all over the floor. Fall is when they decide to cover the front steps with pots of colored flowers.
What you don't know is that at night, all the flowers get set inside and then they drop leaves all over the floor and leak water. The floor ends up a mess.

And you may notice the girls in the window are suppose to be cleaning. Let me tell you, they aren't moving, I can still write my name in the dust. I guess it will match the dead leaves on the floor.

~Wes

Wedding Aprons

2010-08-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

Wedding Aprons, what can I say....it's a woman's thing really, isn't it?

Wedding aprons, there they are. I'll have more to say when the grilling aprons are back.

~Wes

Balloon

2010-08-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

Hello,

The quality of this picture is terrible but I still wanted to show it to you. It's a hot air balloon that was sailing across the sky during a photoshoot. Can you see it? Cool, huh?

Vermont is a nice place for sailing in the wind.

~Wes.

Women and their hair.

2010-08-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

Here at The Vermont Apron Company Retail store, it's important that we look good for you. We go to great lengths to dust ourselves, wear tee-shirts that match the Aprons and we even do our hair.Well, I dont. My hair is fixed and painted red. Frank is bald so he can play with wigs at times. And the women, well, they just run rampart when hit comes to hair. They switch wigs, wear hats and headbands,too. Here's a good example of how just adding a wig makes you look years younger and frankly a lot more fun!

Before.....with only molded hair...prissy and uninteresting.

After... with a gorgeous wig...now playful and flirty....ok, she could use a good hair brush.

~Wes

I'm stunned.

2010-08-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

I hit the big time. My perfect presentation has paid off. Look around here. They gave me my own show....at least that's what it feels like right now. My own sign, my new walls...that's how I feel. I have my own show!

I swear my smile is even bigger now.

~Wes

Losing a Grip

2010-06-29T10:57:00.001-07:00

You know, I've been standing here for a couple years now. Oh sure, once in a while I head over to the counter or pose in the window,...(when Frank moves)...anyways, It's all kind of the same, not to much happens. Men's Department stays Mens, and so forth. But suddenly someone has a bee in their bonnet. Just take a look at me in this photo.... See anything different? (besides my incredible smile and relaxed demeanor.)

Of course you do! What is that over my head? This is the Men's Department, so who was at the meeting that decided aprons that aren't Men's would be above my head? I never got the memo, folks! Would have been there!

And as if that isn't enough, someone hung a Patchwork Bib Apron on our rack! Oh sure, they moved it later when they were done with the display but really, I thought we had bounderies. I mean, what is going to happen next? There better not be a ruffle near me.

~Wes

Gardens and Cooking and Betty

2010-06-03T05:50:00.000-07:00

As you all know I am the key personality at our retail store. I haven't met her so I can't say much about her, but we now have a women reporting from the studio part of our company. Her name is Betty. Let's give Betty a welcoming applause!...(thunderous applause)... She'll report on aprons in the making and also the going-ons at that location....I hear they also garden and cook there. Here's the link to her blog.
http://vermontaprons.blogspot.com/

~Wes

Grooms' Apron

2010-05-04T14:17:00.000-07:00

Is it me or is Frank looking particularly dapper lately?

There is a rumor going around that we'll be selling formal wear aprons soon....I'm guessing Frank's wearing the first of a collection. I guess with the moustache and being older, they give that opportunity to him instead of me. hmmmm......

~Wes

Signs....

2010-04-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

You can always tell when the windows are getting a facelift. Suddenly, without warning, you look around the store and see body parts and dresses in strange places... not that there are unstrange places to leave body parts...

~Wes

Spring

2010-04-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

They're getting ready to dress the girls for Spring.

Frank is feeling left out.

To make him feel special, they gave him a wig. Geezz....

~Wes

Signs

2010-04-06T05:15:00.000-07:00

I have no clue what they're doing. But I've been around long enough to know how they work. Something's changing, I saw a sign this morning....shoes.... Yup, one of the Girls now has shoes on. Since we opened this store, I was the only one with shoes on. No idea why, never asked. I just accepted it as a given. But suddenly, for no apparent reason, there is a toe sticking out with shoes.

And if you asked me it looks stupid. It doesnt match the dress. Shouldn't we be concentrating on Gardening Aprons? Never mind, I'll just stand over here and keep quiet and smile.

~Wes

Bib Aprons, a Tradition

2010-03-13T06:59:00.000-08:00

I was told recently that the real tradition is the Bib Apron. They had some in the store once in awhile. They sold really well so this year they have a collection. Take a look! I guess because they quilted the top and used differnt prints, it's a big deal. http://vermontapron.com/Bib_Aprons.html

Me at Work...

2010-03-06T09:27:00.001-08:00

Here's me, hard at work, getting it done.

I'm wearing the long Host Apron. I gotta admit the long Apron makes me look even more dapper than before.

Girls in the store.....

2010-03-05T11:12:00.000-08:00

Ginger is wearing the new rayon Apron and twirling. It's what she does and if you'll notice, even her shadow twirls.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You are looking at the very last wide brim flappy hat. And it has the much loved chicken print on the sash. we no longer sell these hats, we sell headbands. You can see them in the jar.

They're going more girlie with short pink aprons.

Come Dress Your Head!

2010-02-15T18:05:00.000-08:00

Look at this face filled with worry. She's concerned because she bought an Apron and there was no matching hat. NO MORE! We have matching hats for your head. Not only that but we have 2 styles so far with more to come!

Her head undressed causing a sad face.....:(

The sun shines with happiness while wearing the New Gathered Bonnet!

Sadly, she wishes there were even more hats to wear.

There is! This kerchief is double layered and can be knotted in many styles.

Fashion is abound here at The Vermont Apron Company!

More to report soon.

~Wes

No Idea

2010-01-26T13:39:00.000-08:00

I have absolutely no idea what's going on. The store needs a good cleaning, nothing new has come in here in weeks. Hardly anyone even comes here. Everyone's at the studio. I have nothing to report except that the floor could use a good scrub. I'd do it but I can't bend.

Still Smiling..
~Wes

The Quiet...

2010-01-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

I know, I know.... nothing's been happening here. First, Holidays were a mad blurr of activity, I keep saying I'm gonna post and the days blurr one into another. And now, everyone here has their head in their work with new designs, new fabrics, and new marketing. Not much to report except there lots of humming and quiet activity. I know them, stuffs coming, I can tell.

~Wes

Gift Certificates

2009-12-14T21:20:00.000-08:00

Breaking Exciting News! The Vermont Apron Company now sells
Gift Certificates on our Website! If you can't make up your mind
on which marvelous Apron, send a Gift Certificate to your loved one!
You'll see the button on the Front page upper left....Gift Certificates.

You heard it here first.
~Wes

Frank in the Window

2009-11-25T13:20:00.000-08:00

This is Frank.

If you haven't met him before, he's special.

He has lots of joints and can move more then me.

He was flown in from Germany.

He's wearing the new mens Long Host Apron.

Frank is in the window. I'm in the Mens Department of the store.

We're practically back to back.

We can hear each other grumble.

Frank likes to think he's a photographer.

Oh sure, his arms are jointed, they bend and do all sorts of fancy moves,

but photographers have an eye for it.

Franks still trying to figure out how the tripod works.

Peeking over Frank's shoulder, I understand what he's about right now.

I was in the window once,too.

You get to watch the sights and activites of the city.

It's exciting, new and a bit scary.

In the end, all we mannequins can do is watch

the big city and its city activites from here

in this window.

~Wes

Bibs, Bags and Napkins

2009-10-31T10:14:00.000-07:00

Who knew you could be refined with a bib? Some people expect to. There are people out there that use Adult bibs and expect to stay clean....eating in the car, business lunches and who knows what else but for these customers, we went a step further and made napkins and a carry bag for them. Yup, we now have Bib Bags and Napkin sets.

Here's what a Bib Bag looks like. We used the napkin for a tiny table cover. It's a fairly big napkin.

Here's a bunch of them displayed in the store.

They got put next to the Bibs. Idea being that you choose a Bib and then a Bag Set to match.

Pretty good I guess for $12.

~Wes

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-29T14:19:00.001-07:00

No Holiday goes un-celebrated at The Vermont Apron Company.

Here's a few shots of how we are celebrating this year.

No idea who this character is...

but bringing your things to the counter takes a bit of bravery.

There is an apron under her beard.

ME!!!
I know, I look good!

Little Miss Muffet is getting confused with Rapunzel.
Oh well, She does have an Apron on, that's what's important.

Rapunzel, I mean, Little Miss Muffet and Little Red Riding Hood
with Grandmother.

Frank has the Big Chef head on and Ginger is spinning..

..as always... it's her only pose.

Here's a shot of our windows....almost... I missed the far right
but it was cold out and I hurried.

EEKKK!!! It's Patty!!!

again... in a lovely Apron.

Have a great Halloween!

~Wes

Teacozies....

2009-10-23T20:50:00.000-07:00

This week the news is Teacozies. New prints are in production and we bumped up the ribbons to fancy satin. Cool! Ok, I'm not a tea drinker. I like beer myself but I can appreciate the new products. Here's a peek at our Teacozie advertising photo.

This week You'll see the newest Teacozy page on the website!

~Wes

Our Newsletter

2009-10-18T21:46:00.000-07:00

We have a Newsletter that goes out every month. We hope to send it out more often. The website is getting a re-do and included in that work is a new Newsletter introduction page. We have had a few complaints but we've also had a lot of people sign up using the new page. We look for feedback so take a look and let us know what you think!

http://vermontapron.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d9d9b42b53c477e090ddeee09&id=0f4331bcc8

We want to make you happy, let us know how we're doing!

~Wes

New Shopping Cart

2009-10-16T21:28:00.000-07:00

The website is getting a re-do.... The front page menu is new and nearly all of it is working....yeah...nearly.... If you click on menu items, you will find new shopping pages. It's kind of cool. Some of the pages have photos of real women! Give a look!

http://vermontapron.com/The_Ginger_Apron.html

Modeling..

2009-10-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to be a model? Its a lot more fun than you probably think. On camera most models look stern, stone faced, or bored as hell. Not me, ok, I'm not a model, I'm a mannequin but I'm smiling.... and I really think it's because I work for The Vermont Apron Company. It's a fun place! Here's some pics of the models behind the scenes from our photoshoot.

There was a lot of laughing.

There was running up and down old stone stairs.

There was dancing in the street....isn't that a song?

There was hat pulling.

There was peeking in windows.

The cows were very friendly. We petted them.

We hung in trees.

There was wrestling and more laughing.

There was more hat pulling.

In the end, we gave up on hats.

~Wes

A Big Tree

2009-10-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

We were taking pictures of the Gathering Bag Aprons in the Gardens.

Afterwards we found this humongeous tree!

The girls lost site of each other.

Thank goodness I was there to direct them.

Ok,..I admit...the model on the left is hiding on purpose.

Who said modeling isnt fun?

The model on the right must think her friend

went up into the tree by the way she's looking.

Finally they found each other...only to spot a cute guy on a 4-wheeler.

I cant ride those things, my legs dont bend.

Thanks for visiting
~Wes

Old Stone Museum,Orleans,Vermont

2009-09-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

We had our first professional photoshoot....finally.... took years of planning. We had a great location. I admit the scenery was well chosen. I got to go. I am, after all, pretty important to the company. Me, a photographer and two models worked hard all afternoon. Here's my shots., they're the critical ones after all.

First I introduced the place with a great shot of their sign.

The models felt left out

and got themselves into the next shot.

I let 'em.

They wanted to pose close to me.

But truth be told, they're cuddling up cuz they're cold.

Notice their long sleeves? Dusk was coming on and they were getting chilly.

I was nothing more than a warm body to stand near.
It was ok, look how happy they are with me.

I had to pose in front of all the signs. I asked the girls how I was doing.
They gave me the thumbs up. I felt good.

I told them they had to step aside and let me work.
This is the important sign with the hours and such.
We don't want silliness here.

Although I put on my best smile to show people

what a good time I had here.

I thought it would be a good idea to show the address.
So I stood in front of the mailbox.
I would have gotten the mail but my arms dont bend.
The girls said not to worry, they were their to help

It was a good day. I did a great job.
I'll have more shots to come im my next post.
~Wes

Adult bibs

2009-09-19T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

This week we saw some shuffing around the store. Housedresses are coming in. They need a place to hang. Bibs look crammed together in their old place. The store is getting a bit if a shuffling. Bib now hang on 4 new bars. They even divided them into groups of men, womens, short and long. I like it, I think it's an improvement. I got a shot for you.

~Wes...reporting live from Vermont Apron C. Retail Store.

Sheath Apron

2009-09-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

Frank gets to be window mannequin again. They said I was better at greeting people in the store and that Frank's arms are fragile so he needs to be safe by himself in the window... I admit I'm the friendlier of the two of us. Anyways, he's showing off the Sheath Work Apron they made. Its double layered with pockets on both side. It's a long apron that goes past the knee.

It ties in the back.

Here it is on Mary, the studio dress form. Women can wear the Sheath as well as the guys. It's so plain, anyone can wear it for working.

So that's Mary, she works in the studio. Everything starts with Mary, then it comes to me, here at the store. She looks good in the Sheath, too.

Here's me,they's right, I am friendlier looking.

~Wes

Housedresses

2009-09-04T21:58:00.001-07:00

Here at Vermont Apron Co, they like to make new things a lot and this week they showed me a Housedress....I got sort of an in-house bulletin with a photo for you. A House dress, according to the bulletin is a loose fitting comfy dress that ladies can wear around the house and still look good enough to answer the door or run a quick errand. It's basically a slip over the head deal with a few ties but there's lace,too, so you got that pretty thing going on. So here you go... photos of our version of the Housedress, soon to be added to the website....(soon because of something about the shopping cart, models and stuff, I'm told). Anyways, here's a few sneak peek photos for you.

Thanks for visiting,

~Wes

Frank in Hats

2009-08-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

Frank looks good in hats, doesn't he?

I think it's the moustache thing.

Franks wears them at the Apron Co.

This helps you see what they'll look like.
~Wes

Finally.. It's all about Men!

2009-08-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

Finally.....Vermont Apron Company is celebrating Men! The new Men's prints are in.

Right now It's all about Me and Frank, tires and a grill!

Frank and I own the windows for a few weeks.

(the girls are still around, just inside the store).

Frank is wearing our new Man's Apron

and has a brand new grill in his window. Men and grills just go together.

I'm wearing the Tires Apron.

They also took my undershirt off.

It's summer. I get really hot.

We hope you come by and visit.

Me and Frank will be in the windows.

~Wes

Frank

2009-06-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

June 1st and it's Frank's turn as Window Mannequin.

The mens collection stays routine.

Not much changes except for colors.

We've been selling Blue, Black and Cranberry,

we have moved onto Brown.

Brown's a good color.

It's a guy color. I'm cool with it.

~Wes

Springtime Gown

2009-05-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

Ginger wore our Springtime Gown this year.

Daisies and a yellow taffeta Apron

do make one look rather Springy, doesnt it?

She got a lot of attention

in the window. I think

winter was really long for Vermont

this year.

I am wearing the new Garden Apron

but no one really noticed.

They just look at the woman lounging at my feet.

I'm always afraid Ginger is going to spin herself

right through the window.

hmmm....

~Wes

Tour Our Store

2009-03-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

Here in the Vermont Apron Company Store, we do sell a few items you maybe weren't aware we had. We have really fun pajama pants in flannel as you can see by these two hanging out in their pajamas all day. They look like they sit around and gab all day don't they? Really, we do work hard around here. It's just hard to catch it on film.

We make teacozies and to help you fill it, we have teapots for sale and tea,too! No one wants to be caught with an empty Cozy. Oh,yeah, there's some apron art on the walls.

Who knew little girls were so excited to cook. They are! We get lots of very short little ladies in here pleading to Mom or Dad to buy them an apron. I say Let them help! Share the housework! Buy them an apron and give the poor kids a chance to shine! No sense keeping all that work for yourself, every kid should have an apron and get a chance to do housework!

Here in the very back place of the store is Carpetbag world. We call it Carpetbag World as its a very different place than the rest of the store; no cottton, no ties, no bright colors.,,,, just heavy chenille, zippers and dark warm looking fabrics. Knitters and women who travel shop here. The drawstring handbags are new. Carpet Bags have their own website...Susannahallen.com.

And we also have Apron Art!

If you like to see Aprons in action, we do have a good selection of Apron prints.

It's fun to browse the rack. You get to see Aprons in all kinds of settings.

Well, that's my tour for today, nice to see you and glad you stopped by!

~Wes

Aprons at Work

2009-03-03T21:41:00.001-08:00

Did you know that cookies bake even better when wearing a Vermont Apron?

These girls are smiling because they just found that out.

Not only did the cookies taste better but their clothes stayed clean! YAY!

This makes Dad especially happy.

Napkins to Bibs....

2009-01-15T14:26:00.000-08:00

I was perfectly happy tucking a napkin

under my chin when I ate.

Ok, so it wasnt the best way to stay clean

but then they frown on using a bath towels

draped on your chest while you eat...

at least at the better restaurants.

~~~~~~~

It wasn't the usual request,...

we kept it lowkey at first......
but here at the store
we got lots of requests for bibs for adults.....

never loud requests.....

the kind of request

where you walk quietly up to the counter

and sort of whisper it to the sales clerk.

Well, here at The Vermont Apron Company,

they like a challenge. ....

Soooooo.....

Ta Daaa!!!!

Bibs for Adults!!!

Ginger is Dancing

in our window

Display

wearing her

new Lace Homespun Bib.

Frank is also

in the window.

He is wearing

the Men's Bib.

In case you don't notice,
Frank is wearing Eloise's hair.

Frank's actually bald.

We don't know what Frank is up too.

Eloise found

a hat to wear

in the meantime.

Check me out!

2009-01-10T14:18:00.000-08:00

Go ahead......

take a good look at me.....

see anything different?

I'll give you a hint..... it's winter time.

Keep looking...Notice it???

Look again...

.....

Did you notice?..

YES!

I got an undershirt!!!!

.........It's the same color as my teeth.

~Wes

More of Christmas

2009-01-10T14:07:00.000-08:00

Well, I spoke too soon. I did get a couple of holiday photos.

Ginger was still in her Holiday Dress.

She spent the Holidays dancing around the fake Christmas Tree

in the window with Frank. No, Frank didn't dance.

He just stood there being Frank.

Ginger likes to twirl and dance, so she did that.

They each had Aprons on and that's what counts.

Ginger had a tiny white apron on.

No idea what that keeps clean

but then who would cook in that dress?

~Wes

2009-01-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

Well, you are probably expecting Christmas Photos. Here’s where being a new Store gets fun. NO one thought to take pictures! Arent new stores fun? Its like watching a teenager learn to drive. Oh sure, you think they resemble an adult, but the little things that fall by the wayside show you, they”re still learning.
It reminds me of the time, here at The Vermont Apron Company, they brought in a bunch of new stuff, and then realized we didn’t have hangers for it all. All our new stuff sat in the back waiting for the coat hanger delivery. That was fun too.
So not being one for great descriptive writing, I’ll mention that for Christmas,we had a nice tree in the window. Frank held a ball of tangled Christmas tree lights and Ginger was trying to untangle them.It was funny. Wish I had a photo.
Oh well,
Wes

Thanksgiving

2008-12-14T13:08:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving and the Alden Grandchildren

Thanksgiving is a time when we Celebrate our National heritage by eating the bird and root vegetables and pie as our Country's Founders did. We gather and eat but has anyone thought of what they wore? By gosh the women wore APRONS! So here at The Vermont Apron Company we set out to Celebrate our Founding mother's traditions. In simple cloth and simple lines, we dressed our women as we believe women were dressed on that very first Thanksgiving day.

And then some customers gathered for a photo (ok, unlike our Founders did, but we believe they would have, had the camera been invented).

We were blessed that day with actual decendants

of our Founding Mother Priscilla Alden.

All of the non-mannequin people in these photos

are, by golly!, real live granchildren of John and Priscilla Alden!

What a lovely way to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday.

a visit from a few of our Country's Founders grandchildren!

We hope your Thanksgiving was filled with meaning, hope and love.
Sincerely,
Wes and The Staff of The Vermont Apron Company

2008-11-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

The New Winter Collection

has a lot of Homespun...

and they made the top edge

of the pockets

ruffly somehow.

Here's a shot of Crystal

getting ready in the window.

Frank got to model

the entire

winter Men's Collection.

You know what?...

I never realized

how fat Frank is.

2008-11-12T16:18:00.000-08:00

Frank's working as the Winter's Collection's Male model.

He's even got the window.

So ok, I guess he looks ok,

he's got that chef/baker guy down.

"Hey, Frank, the tag's hanging off the side of your head."

It's Halloween!!

2008-11-02T10:01:00.000-08:00

Of course we were dressing up for Halloween.

After all, we’re The Vermont Apron Company, we’re just plain fun!.

Being the more prominent mannequin in the store.

I was given the best role.

I GAVE OUT THE CANDY!!
That’s me there. You’d hardly know that’s me.

My folded arms give me away.

Eloise wasn’t given a costume,

they gave her a chopped off head to hold.

Made her look like a crazy woman

Nobody bought a Carpet Bag that week.

Ginger was dressed

as some sort of woodland witchy, spider-web woman.

She was suppose to string up the pumpkin balls

but she just keep holding them like that.

We had a Witch.

We had small ghosts flying around.

We had creepy spider web stuff.

Frank got to be The Crazy Clown

who is trying to hold back Gorilla Woman.

She looks like shes growling at people

as the come into the store.

We had a second gorilla woman

on the other side of the entry.

She held the OPEN sign.

She was paired with Skelton Woman.

Notice they still all wore Aprons.

The Flowers added

a nice Autumn touch, I thought.

The Vermont Apron Company at Halloween!
Now you have the whole picture.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Meeting Frank

2008-10-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

I met Frank. He's new here at The Apron Company,

flew in all the way from Germany.

It was great to have another guy to talk to.

We hung out at the counter after closing

and Frank had some good wine he had stashed in his suitcase.

He was telling me

that this was the first apron company

that he ever worked for.

He went on and on

about what he hopes for here in this new job.

I'm a beer drinker myself.

Eloise slid up to the counter

and asked me if she could join us.

It was after closing,after all,

no reason we cant all get to know Frank.

She hopped up on the counter

and joined Frank in some wine.

Frank had wine......

Eloise had wine.......

I decided to liven up the place

by making whistle noises in my beer.

I was starting to feel odd man out,

even more so when I noticed

that she had removed her apron top

and somewhere managed to lose her hat!

Just when I worried that

we were going to lose

all sense of decorum.

Ginger threw on the lights,

Jumped up onto the counter and started dancing!

Frank and I were happy to watch.

Eloise took a seat over with Carpet Bags.

She has trouble standing. Her legs don’t straighten.
As Ginger continued to dance wildly with all the lights on.
Our attention drawn to Eliose who had started to pout.
I guess she thought she would have Frank all to herself.

I tried to talk to her.

I couldn't console her. It didn't matter.
In the end for Frank,

it was all about the wine.

Still, it's great having another guy at The Company.

Back Inside....

2008-09-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back inside. And while I was out front they designed a new hat. Its bigger and has elastic in the back of the band so it really does fit any head. So here I am in the bigger hat. You can scroll between my photos and you'll see what I mean. This hat is puffy, like a baker guy. ~ Wes

Amanda

2008-08-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

Here's Amanda.

She's the other

window mannequin

this month.

They were trying different aprons

and gave her the Sunflower one.

(sigh)

She's in the other window.

I get to stare at her

all day and night.

(sigh)~Wes

Still In The Window

2008-08-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Week Two and I'm still here in the window. Did you know the same people drive by in the morning? At first, they pointed to me a lot. Now they stopped pointing at me. Now they just glance over at me like, "Oh yeah, I know that guy."

Nightime is the real adventure. Its so dark out there, nothing but the streelights as people walk by eating and smoking and hanging with friends. Ive made friends though. There a few who always wave and say "HI". I'd wave back but my arms at stuck.

I kind of miss the action in the store. Its exciting to be in the window and see what goes on out here but it's getting lonely,too.~Wes

Today I was Star!

2008-08-02T19:27:00.000-07:00

I'M A STAR!!!

You know what Guys?

Hard work really does pay off.

You toil and toil and toil,

keep your nose to the grindstone,

no partying for this guy,

just work, work, work

and just when you think

the boss doesnt notice a thing.

BAM!

Reward lands like a rock!

That shining moment does come!

Thats right,friends, my good work

has landed me in

the prestigious position

of WINDOW MANNEQUIN!!!!

Here's a shot of me, Wesley.

Now I'm smiling really,really big cuz....

..I'M WINDOW MANNEQUIN!!!!

~Wes

PARTY PICTURES!!!! part 3

2008-07-31T11:50:00.000-07:00

DOING MY PART

Here's me and the local Newsguy.

He wanted to dress like me for his broadcast

and I do admit his apron

and hat looks good.

But when I tried to teach him

the Wesley stance,

he couldn't quite pull it off.

I told him not to worry,

with practice it will come.

~Wes

PARTY PICTURES!!!! part 2

2008-07-31T11:34:00.000-07:00

GRAND OPENING DAY!!

Here at

The Vermont Apron Company,

we realize that many people

have never worn an apron

and are in fact missing

what a great invention

aprons really are!.

So we encourage people

to try them on

and see how much fun they are.

Don't these women look

like they are having fun!?!.

Aprons are even more fun

when wearing a matching hat....

as you can see from this photo.

~Wes

PARTY PICTURES!!!! part 1

2008-07-31T11:08:00.000-07:00

GETTING READY to PARTY!!

Here I am all dressed up

in my very first Apron and Hat set.

I look darn dapper I must say

and I am ready to party!

It was the Grand Opening

of Vermont's First Apron Store

and I was prepared to do all I could

to help it be a success. I had it together;the clothes, the attitude and the smile! Bring on the customers!~Wes

My New Pants

2008-07-03T20:59:00.000-07:00

Day 2 on the job.

Yah,That's me in the photo

wearing my new pants. I look rather dapper don't you think? Another thing that's working for me is the attitude.

I feel like I have the attitude

down really well for this job; stand tall, proud, happy and smile real big.

Wasnt sure what they were looking for

but it all seems to be working.

-Wes

Day 1..I meet a French Woman.....

2008-06-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

Day One on the job.....I make my first friend!

There I was all unpacked and ready to go ...and completely naked. Stood in the corner, I took on my new role of smiling at the customers. Even though I was naked, even though the crowds werent here as yet. I stood straight and proud and smiled. Thats me.Thats what I do.
Nearing afternoon, I was getting worn out and worried about the nightime chill (after all it is Vermont, northern Vermont at that...) Later,just when significant worry took over, a woman came in with the owner. She was French and she had pants. Pants for me! I was getting my first pair of pants! They were grey and fancier than I had anticipated.
It took the two of them to get my first pair of pants on. They even had to remove a leg.(I am very stiff and have trouble bending) The French woman introduced herself as Yvette and was very friendly. We got along great!

Once my new pants were on, they gave a pair of black oxfords! They were a bit big but I don't think anyone will notice. They look good with the pants. I looked so dapper in my new clothes. I couldn't wait to work the next day to show myself off.

My new friend,Yvette, has promised to come visit again soon! I'm not sure if I'll be getting a shirt. And truth be told, they forgot to give me underpants. ~Wes

Once Upon a Time...

2008-06-07T22:49:00.000-07:00

Let's start at the begining...

Once Upon a time, it was a single craft table on a little town green. It expanded into a craft tent, filled with colorful fabric on multiple tables and was toted around in a little silver Ford. Craft show to craft show all around new England, aprons and bags were driven, displayed and sold. The following year,it expanded into a website.

In 2008, ( March to be exact) it expanded again. This time, it opened a store, a pretty one, in the middle of Downtown Saint Johnsbury,Vermont (10 Eastern Ave to be exact).

This is where I came in. This is when I came to be a part of The Vermont Apron Company. I'm Wesley. My job is to wear the mans Apron. And now, I also write this blog.

Here's a photo for you. They said photos were good to use in blogs.hmmmm.......Gee,They really need to repaint the front door. Maybe I'll make a color suggestion.~Wes