Thursday, November 15, 2012

APRON-OLOGY

For years I hadn’t given aprons a moment of thought. Then last year my sisters were talking about making aprons using men’s shirts and the idea intrigued me enough that on a whim I made one for my granddaughter for Christmas.



I wasn’t prepared for her reaction. She loved it. I have decided that this will be a gift that I can give her more than once so with that in mind I started looking around for apron ideas.
That’s how I learned of Apron-ology. There is at least one magazine devoted to the subject. I had no idea there were so many people interested in making aprons and the number of styles for aprons are endless. There are so many ways to go when deciding the style of apron to make. You can go frilly and feminine or abstract and bold. Simple or fussie with all sorts of embelishments. You can make them with a bib or one that covers only from the waist down. Some are so fancy they look like they could be worn as a dress to a formal gathering. (As long as you're not worried about covering your backside.) My mother prefered the cobbler apron and owned several. I have two aprons, one I use for Thanksgiving and another that's for Christmas. Both have bib tops. 
The other day while shopping for fabric, I saw several dress forms wearing what appeared to be winners in some apron competition held by the store. The one that took first place had a head of a cat for the bib and was done up in bright bold colors. One of the simpler ones caught my eye and got me thinking about how I could use the basic design but with a few changes make it so it was reversible. Here’s what I ended up with.




Completely reversible.


Close-up so you can see those are coffee beans not leopard spots.

I may never become an Apron-ologist but it’s an area of study that I’m quite happy to pursue.   How about you? How do you feel about aprons? Do you use them? Are you as intrigued by all of the possibilities for making them as I am? Have you ever made an apron and if so did you use a pattern or did you create one using your imagination? I almost bought a pattern for one thinking if might be useful but once my imagine kicked in I realized I really didn't need a pattern.
Ariel, please don’t let this be the time you decide to visit my blog.
I need to get back to the sewing table. I'll be putting in a lot of time there if I'm to get my gifts finished up in time for Christmas. Enjoy your day and as always thanks for stopping by.

14 comments:

Katy Cameron said...

Cunning plan there with the top of it! I only use an apron at Christmas when I'm likely to splatter my 'good clothes', and it's a rather ancient Paddington one!

Cobblestone Creations said...

Well how about that! I learned something today. Looking forward to seeing what your creativity leads to in this new area. Should be tons of fun.

Not really an apron gal myself, but you could change all that.

hug,
laura

Linda said...

Your aprons are so pretty!
Aprons are tied to so many memories for so many of us! My mother and grandmothers wore aprons and used them for so many things! I inherited my grandmother's aprons and I love them!

Hill Top Post said...

OMG yes, I am an apron person...wear them all the time. Right now, my favorite one is made from denim and has big ole' pockets that are so handy. I do have several patterns which I love almost as much as the aprons. Your aprons are gorgeous; love the coffee bean prints and colors.

Gina said...

My apron is a natural cotton one(like the ones you see the housemaids wearing in period dramas). Bought from a country market nearly 30 years ago. It is covered in paint these days as I wear it when arting. In the 80's it was common practice here to make "pinnies"(aprons without bibs) by simply stitching straps onto fancy tea towels...very practical for drying hands on :D XXX

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

Oh Ms. Maddy...you and I are scary. I am currently involved in a covert operation with the code name cover up. I'm making aprons. We didn't even talk about this and there ya go, together again. The one I am working on is red with white polka dots for a friend in Sweden.
I personally love aprons. Have one for arting, one for gardening, one for cleaning (which is the least used) which has all sorts of pockets for stashing what you find that belongs in another room, and several for cooking. When I was younger, I had another apron but this is a PG rated blog and we don't need to go there.
Great minds and all that, strike again. Now, get in there and make a memory, S&S Oma Linda

Unknown said...

Maddy, your apron is beautiful... I have seen many I would love to make but I just don't have the time...I guess I should just buckle down and make me one...I have fond memories of my childhood with aprons and my mother...
XOXO
Dessa Rae
P.S. Thank you for stopping by my blog. Your visits mean a lot!!

IrelandBrady said...

OMG! I LUV your reversible apron! Is it a slip over?

I am most definitely an apron person ... I even take my aprons on vacation; perhaps because I must surely be the sloppiest person in the world! But, they have to have at least two large pockets ... I am lost without pockets!

I currently have two aprons, one in the wash and one getting ready to go into the wash. They are what I refer to as my "Holly Hobby" aprons. You just made me realize I need to make up a couple more ... these two are so well used / loved!

Your reversible apron is the first one I have seen that I like as well as my "Holly Hobby" aprons. Well done Maddy Rose!

Kays Kids said...

I love your coffee apron. They are certain IN here at the moment. I'm sure your grandaughter will be thrilled. Hugs

The Bear's Blog said...

Hi Miss Maddyrose,

The aprons are bee-u-tee-ful. Are you going to make one for Bellamine, Wendy and Clarissa? Oh, maybe it's a surprise - don't say anything.

Heaps of Hugs
Prudence ♥

Mom doesn't use aprons, she just wipes her wet hands on ME. Good grief...

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Aprons are fun to make and always a nice gift! I love your pretty designs and fabric!

Sunshineshelle said...

Hi there! I came via Karen Anne's as I saw your cutie witch! I volunteer at the scholl canteen once a fortnight & always ALWAYS love to don an apron, once I forgot & had more food on me than what they sold at lunchtime ;) Love these!!

orchid0324 said...

Dearest Maddy,
OMG, I DO wear apron all the time♡♡♡ I love your reversible wonderful apron and sure your granddaughter LOVE it(^_^)彡☆

You always surprise me with your vast talent and ideas. Sure it is the very reason I wish you were my real sis(*^_^*)

Sending you lots of love and hugs from Japan to my dear American bs, xoxo Miyako* 

Magic Love Crow said...

I really love your reversible apron! How cool is that!! I love aprons! Actually, an apron was my first thing I sewed and I was very proud of myself! My mom wore it, till it fell off of her! LOL!