Choosing an Apron Pattern

I need a new apron. Seriously. I do. No, really! I really, really neeeeeed a new apron. Well, ok, maybe NEED is too strong of a word. Maybe I WANT a new apron. I have refrained from actually counting my aprons. After all, I know many women who have dozens more than I do, which means I don’t have an apron-hoarding problem, right? But still, I have this dilemma. Most of my aprons are light-weight and spring-y in color and pattern. When the cool, crisp, Autumn days roll around, I’m thinking I should have a cool, crisp, Autumn-like apron choice. Soooo, let’s take a look at my little stash of apron patterns and my not-so-little fabric stash and see what we can come up with!

First there are some decisions to be made. I am not just looking for a token souvenir to hang on a hook in my kitchen, the end result will be an apron I’ll use and wear and enjoy.

Practical Apron or Pretty Apron?

Will I be wearing this apron on a regular basis? Am I willing to let this pattern/fabric/style get messy? Will it hold up through multiple wash cycles? Or would I like one for special holidays? or Sunday Best? Maybe this one should be for when serving guests? I for one am a firm believer that even the practical can be pretty. But fly-away fabrics and rows upon rows of trimmings and laces would probably get in the way of everyday tasks. Maybe you are the plain-jane, no-fuss type, or the sleek and tailored type. It doesn’t make sense to force an apron when it doesn’t fit your style, personality and need. So . . . for this project, I am choosing fall-colored fabric that will hold up to daily use, with just a little trim to give it a touch of pretty.

Half Apron or Full Apron?

Speaking of style, which do you prefer? A half apron is one the covers your lap and ties around the waist. Remember Beaver’s mom? Mrs. Cleaver often wore a half apron. It can be a few inches long or reaching all the way down to the ankles. A full apron ties or drapes over the shoulders as well as ties or buttons around the waist and covers fully your front. I am a messy – I make messes, I splatter, I wipe, I’m a mess. I need all the coverage I can get! So . . . for this project, I am choosing a full apron pattern, a half apron just wouldn’t get used.

Vintage/Retro Apron or Modern Apron?

There has been a resurgence of vintage and retro in recent years. I love the apron patterns from the 30’s and 40’s. Remember Olivia Walton? love her aprons! Or what about Ma Ingalls? ah, those were the good ol’ days when women were women and women were strong and women were . . . well, apron-wearers! But then there are the classic butcher-style apron made from canvas and twill. Durable and practical and no-nonsense. But maybe there’s an apron for you that is more a work of art? Modern lines, shapes, images – maybe these show off your personality better. The fabrics you have available or the fabrics and colors you love might be what determine the styling of your apron. So . . . for this project, I am looking for fabrics that hint of the 30’s/40’s era and a pattern to reminiscent of that time period.

Home-Sewn Apron or Ready-Made Apron?

Let’s face it. Not everyone has a sewing machine. Not everyone has the time to sew. Not everyone even wants to sew! If that’s the case, don’t sew! There are so many ready-made aprons just waiting for you. Check out the local discount stores, thrift stores and flea markets, Grandma’s attic!

Are you in need of a new apron? What’s your style? Will you make it yourself or go shopping?
This is the seventh post in my Aprons – a 31 Day Series. You’ll find them all listed by clicking on the image below.

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