I’m in an apron mood! Especially after my daughter, Bria, made this one for my mom. I like aprons on a number of levels. For one, they make great, frugal gifts, like this one. (Bria is the seamstress of the family, no thanks to me. She made this from scrap fabric in about two hours, tracing a pattern from an apron we already had.)
I love that aprons speak a language. They are the uniform of the home-manager. I should wear them more often. Once you put one on, you just feel better suited to the tasks at hand. There’s an empowerment about wearing an apron about the house; it lets your family know you mean business and you love what you do.
Aprons have evolved, retreated and re-emerged over the years. They were first worn for strictly utility purposes–wiping noses, wiping hands, keeping dresses clean and removing hot dishes from the oven. A hefty pocket was invaluable for collecting stray items or trash. Aprons evolved into somewhat of a fashion statement in the 50’s, women donning them as a sign of domestic pride. Then they became almost obsolete as the once-respected reputation of housewife suffered a downward spiral with the full-blown effects of the feminist movement.
But they’ve become in vogue in most kitchens now, even if just a vintage icon hanging on a hook. Like ’em or not, they have things to say.
So I dare you….put one on!
28 comments
I *love* aprons. I have one that belonged to my great-grandmother and I wear it all the time. I need to use my seamstress skills to make a few more!
It is true that aprons make you want to get up and clean something = ) I have been wanting to make another one but am sewing challenged so we’ll see.
I NEED a utility apron on or I notice I get my clothes way too dirty during the day. But I always forget for some reason… thanks for the reminder to wear my apron today!
I love my aprons too, but they don’t become me the way they do your stunning model! (wink, wink)
I have started using aprons again. I think they are great. I have made my most recent one from curtains we brought for $6 at a resale shop. From these curtains we have made 6 aprons. One each for the girls and I and 2 more for presents.
We are also making clothespin aprons for Christmas presents. Cheap, practical and homemade – what more could someone ask for 😉
Bria did a GREAT job.I really like it.
I love the way I feel in an apron too. If only I could remember to put the thing on . . .
I actually asked for an apron last christmas. It’s plain and white but it gets the job done. I love it for baking because I would constantly be wiping my hands on my clothes and now I don’t have to. I, too, feel much more feminine in a dress (or skirt) and an apron.
I like I how I feel wearing one and like how it ‘saves’ my outfits. I’ve considered wearing one all day just so the little messes the occur outside the kitchen don’t get on my clothes too. 😉 They are sure are pretty.
(BTW, have you made the BBQ Jalapeno Poppers from Pioneer Woman’s cookbook? They are a favorite here.)
I love those! But when we party we have a lot of people over and wrapping each popper is daunting. Instead, I fry up the bacon crispy and crumble it into the cream cheese mixture. All the bacon goodness, less stress. Thanks a lot, Grace, now I want to make them! 😉
OH!! What a great idea! I have some friend who don’t like bacon unless it’s crunchy, this would make the poppers more appetizing to many (though, the more left, the more for me… not very Christlike) AND less work. Thanks for the tip. My daughter will appreciate the time saver. Now, I have to learn how to cook bacon. 😉
The apron – it’s like a slipcover for you clothes!
I wanna see the back of that apron! I like any style that doesn’t hang like a rope around the neck (typical store-bought aprons). Ugh!
Love the “Pioneer Womans Cooks” cookbook in the background!! I love that book!
Love it, love it, love it. Bria is quite the crafty on. And yes, putting on an apron does change your attitude. I’ve noticed it can also change the attitude of whoever is not having to remove so many greasy stains from my tops 😉
I love aprons, we actually kind of accessorize with them here – my girls are allowed to wear knee length skorts and shorts, an they’re usually hand me down school uniforms from friends – add a solid t in a cute color and a floral apron and it’s much prettier and more feminine. It’s nice, too, because it saves the laps and fronts of cloths during meals, painting projects, etc. I’m having a hard time talking my boy into it though – maybe I should get him the Home Depot style…
I love aprons, too. Unfortunately, I don’t have one. I could make one easy, but… it’s just one of those things that doesn’t happen. Maybe I should try to make it happen. You’ve inspired me.
I love my aprons so much that I *always* wear one! I feel almost naked wthout it in the house! I actually looked down the other day while in the grocery store and realized *I still had my apron on*!! No wonder I was getting such odd looks! 😉
Well isn’t that adorable?! How cute! I love aprons too.
Charity that is hilarious! I almost did that the other day, but I caught myself before I actually did it.
I wish I’d remember it more! I would have a better attitude while doing laundry, like Beth said.
Please – can you post a picture of the back of the apron? I’m kinda designing my own for me and the girls real quick (birthdays coming up in a few weeks) and I’ve never sewn a thing before! How do you put the contrasting fabric around the apron? Thanks!
Christie
Please – can you post a picture of the back of the apron? I’m kinda designing my own for me and the girls real quick (birthdays coming up in a few weeks) and I’ve never sewn a thing before! How do you put the contrasting fabric around the apron?
Christie,
I will try! We gave it to my mom but I’ll try to grab a shot of it tomorrow and post it on this post. I’ll ask my daughter about the trim…all I know is that she cut strips of fabric and folded them several times like bias tape (??)
Hello…nice to see your apron! We, my daughter and I, are currently producing them for a local gift shop. They are selling like hotcakes. We have been using “inherited” trim from a friend whose mother passed away last spring. We have beenble ssed to see some of these treasures which were used and taken off and saved, such a testimony of being a good steward and patience. We also re-use fabrics. Please visit our Facebook page, (EAB Sewing)to see the collection. We are all on the “same page” these days.
Its just plain fun to wear a pretty apron. And the protection of my clothes allows me to wear prettier things without getting them dirty while cleaning or cooking.
More then this as the holy priests of Israel wore an apron with the Ephod over it to show they represented and served their people in bringing praises and prayer requests before the Lord as they served in their duties, I am reminded that I stand in the gap for and serve my family as I put on my apron of service to them and the Lord each day.
Wow Janet! That is a pretty powerful thought! Thanks for sharing!
I can’t take credit for this comment. I was sharing something I was reminded of it when I read a post by Trish at Angel Wings and Apron Strings blogspot.com on Wednesday Aug.18,2010.
She posted about the apron being the symbol of the humble service of the homemaker. It shows the homemaker’s holy occupation being similar to the priests who served in the temple before the Lord and Jesus powerful example before his disciples. Is this not the mindset and the example we are to follow? Its certainly something to think about.
(((HUGS))), Janet.