About Us
Who's Behind Cat in an Apron?
Cat in an Apron is made up of moms and designers, sometimes one in the same, living and working in the NW. Founded in 2005 by three moms in Portland, OR, we found ourselves surrounded by such talented designers in our corner of the world that we've decided to showcase their talents online.
Now owned by Marne Maykowskyj Nordean, Portland mother of three, Cat in an Apron offers beautifully tailored clothing, gifts and accessories for "life with baby." Expect to find gorgeous textiles, surprising details and original designs as standard features we are proud to display in each and every one of our products.
Our designs are one of a kind.
We want you and your little ones to enjoy the striking colors and patterns of our fabrics and to appreciate the comfort and resilience of our clothing and gear. Most of our products are limited editions, so you can be sure your kids will be dressed in one of a kind, completely original designs.
What's in a name?
You may be wondering where we got our name and why it sounds vaguely familiar. The spirit and determination behind Cat in an Apron is inspired by Dan Greenburg's poem "Don't Dress your Cat in an Apron" from the Free to Be You and Me book and album first printed in 1972. His poem perfectly declares our philosophy in that "A person should wear what he wants to and not just what other folks say".
Don't Dress Your Cat in an Apron
By: Dan Greenburg
Taken from Free To Be You and Me
Don't dress your cat in an apron Just 'cause he's learning to bake.
Don't put your horse in a nightgown Just 'cause he can't stay awake.
Don't dress your snake in a muu-muu Just 'cause he's off on a cruise.
Don't dress your whale in galoshes If she really prefers overshoes.
A person should wear what he wants to And not just what other folks say.
A person should do what he likes to - A person's a person that way.
Free to Be You and Me
We would love for you to purchase Free to Be You and Me products! If you remember it from your childhood, dip into the nostalgia with us. If you've never heard of it, you must own it and share it with your children! We've come a long way since the first printing – due in no small part to the book and record – but the message is still as clear and simple as it was the day it was printed: be who you want to be – no matter what you look like.
And please visit the Free to Be You and Me Foundation site for more information on their mission which is "to support grass roots educational products that enhance children's safety in the world and advance their freedom to develop fully as individuals without being hobbled by gender and racial stereotypes. Our goal to empower them to imagine their own future and encourage them to pursue their dreams." If you feel so inclined, support them. We do!