The Art of the Apron

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The Art of the Apron A fun and informational look at aprons through the years. Sharing family stories, history, examples.
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Happy Mother’s Day! It’s the perfect day to share this sweet set of mother and child matching aprons. These were another...
10/05/2026

Happy Mother’s Day! It’s the perfect day to share this sweet set of mother and child matching aprons. These were another gift from my mom’s friend, Bonnie. Yvonne Favre Lighting wasn’t so great, but the skirt of each apron is a pale pink, gray trim and shades of gray and black embroidery accents. The adult-sized one must have been the workhorse as the trim has a bit of damage and has been faded by time and many washings. These were also made by Bonnie’s mother, like the previous piece I highlighted. Grateful to receive these gifts and be able to add a new “set” to my collection.

Just goes to show you if you keep your eyes open you will see an apron clad individual in many vintage advertising piece...
30/04/2026

Just goes to show you if you keep your eyes open you will see an apron clad individual in many vintage advertising pieces. Spotted this one at a local thrift store - did not purchase, just snapped the pictures.

This little gem was a gift from my mom’s friend, Bonnie. She has now given me four aprons that her mother made for her w...
16/04/2026

This little gem was a gift from my mom’s friend, Bonnie. She has now given me four aprons that her mother made for her when she was a child. Because of the size of my mannequin this looks like it could be for an adult, but it is in fact a child’s apron. Light turquoise body with white cotton waistband and trim. And, just look at that embroidery! If you are a seamstress you know the rule - the back should look as good as the front. It certainly does here! Thank you, Bonnie for this sweet piece, I’m sure filled with many memories. Watch here next month for two of the previous gifts.

I’m ending my series with one of my most recent finds. I got it free at a local thrift store. Never been used. This work...
05/04/2026

I’m ending my series with one of my most recent finds. I got it free at a local thrift store. Never been used. This work apron pattern from Green Pepper, Inc. has so many uses. It’s a great reminder that aprons aren’t just for culinary feats. Think of all the professions and hobbies that benefit from an apron to protect clothes.

This pattern sells for $8 and is still available on their website. They also sell a kit containing webbing and clasps for $4.95. With fabric stores going by the wayside it’s getting harder to find patterns. Online shopping is the most viable option now. 🙁

This little gem was a great find by my mom as she was cleaning out items from her home. A collaboration between McCall’s...
05/04/2026

This little gem was a great find by my mom as she was cleaning out items from her home. A collaboration between McCall’s and Quaker Oats. It was a free premium you would receive in Quaker Puffed Wheat, Puffed Rice or Shredded Wheat. The package is about 3 x 5 and includes the pattern and instructions. A great addition to my collection.

One of my favorite patterns to show at my programs. A collaboration between J. C. Penney Company and Walt Disney Product...
03/04/2026

One of my favorite patterns to show at my programs. A collaboration between J. C. Penney Company and Walt Disney Productions. The Cinderella movie was released in 1950 and its success saved the Walt Disney Company from bankruptcy. Penney’s grabbed hold of the popularity of the film and used it to promote their line of fabrics. The pattern is filled with fabric suggestions, styling tips and embellishment options. It’s not only a pattern when completely unfolded, but a catalog of sorts of their many fabric choices. Brilliant marketing as it looks like it was distributed for free. And, if a fairy godmother shows up, that’s a bonus!

What I love about this pattern besides its unique fold-out construction, is there is only one apron pattern but 14 views of that apron. This type of illustration surely encouraged creativity among seamstresses. “And your own magic touch in choosing fabrics and trimmings can make it exclusively your own, just as Cinderella’s slipper was hers alone.”

Purchased from a used book site after seeing it on other apron collectors’ informational pages.

I’ve found several advertising pieces where companies collaborated and offered free/inexpensive apron patterns. This one...
02/04/2026

I’ve found several advertising pieces where companies collaborated and offered free/inexpensive apron patterns. This one from the 1950’s was produced by Singer (Slant-o-matic sewing machine) and hocked by TV personality Arthur Godfrey. I purchased this one off either eBay or Etsy. The small paper envelope is in decent shape and the pattern and instructions are complete. This style of apron with the terrycloth towel attachment was very popular as it allowed you to wipe your hands clean without soiling the apron. I have several of this style in my collection.

This is the last of the big name pattern producers offerings in the collection. You know the sayings, “What goes around,...
01/04/2026

This is the last of the big name pattern producers offerings in the collection. You know the sayings, “What goes around, comes around.” “Everything old is new again.” Look at the styles, the embellishments and even some of the fabric choices. These are replications of the styles we looked at in the early entries. I’ve come across many patterns that provide instruction for “making vintage aprons.” There is no price on the envelope so I’m not sure how it compares to yesterday’s entry, but once again, the pattern is like new, never used. Six apron choices: bib, tabard/smock, half/hostess. Embroidery (I believe even Chickenscratch embroidery on the gingham one), lace, Rick-rack, bias trim. So many options. That’s what I loved about sewing.

31/03/2026

My month of patterns showcase has come to an end . . . but wait. There’s more! I have a few special ones to share that are some of my best finds/gifts. I should wrap this series up by April 5. Thanks for joining me. I hope you‘ve learned a bit about the variety of patterns that have existed over the years.

This one breaks all the records. Most expensive ($16.95), most pages of instructions (6), the only one that includes Spa...
31/03/2026

This one breaks all the records. Most expensive ($16.95), most pages of instructions (6), the only one that includes Spanish labels and instructions (Apron/tablier) This was a most recent find. The fact that it includes an entire chef‘s wardrobe is unique, but the apron is a great style. It buttons at the neck, has a large front pocket, wraps completely around the waist and ties in the front, has a sort of v-neck bib. This happens to be an XL-###L and once again, completely unused.

MISSES’ AND MEN’S UNLINED JACKET, SHIRT, APRON, HAT, HEADWRAP AND PANTS: Doubled breasted jackets has sleeve facing; short sleeve shirt has standing collar; apron has large front pocket; hat has VELCRO Back closure; headwrap ties in back; pants have casing and elastic waist, inseam side pockets, back patch pockets and cargo pockets over sides.

We’ve made it to the new century. Pattern prices are definitely on the rise. The last one (minus the free one from yeste...
30/03/2026

We’ve made it to the new century. Pattern prices are definitely on the rise. The last one (minus the free one from yesterday) was $5.95 in 1989. What I find interesting is that someone paid $11.95 and never used the pattern - it’s untrimmed and complete in a relatively great condition envelope.

The cover is deceiving as it shows 5 aprons. However, there are only four patterns. Top right and bottom left are the same style, reversible and front and back views. The details on the center apron are amazing - unique lower ruffle, fitted bodice (in the picture notice the matching pattern across the chest) and long, angled ties. Diagram in comments.

VINTAGE APRONS: Package includes patterns and instructions for four aprons, Apron A: Contrasting binding. Apron B: Contrast reverse side. Apron C. Apron D: Contrast ruffles.

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