Aprons!

I've been a bit obsessed with aprons lately.  First there was my sewing binge & then I started looking in at Tie One On.  And last weekend when I went to the library I found this little gem --

How to Make Aprons by Roxa Wright.  Yep, it's long since out of print.  Published in 1953.  A lot of the patterns in the book remind me of aprons I saw Sunday at the Sandwich Antiques Market. 

It's from the "Barrows Recommended Library for Homemakers"  which include such other fine titles as:  "Setting Your Table", "Better Dressmaking" & "Cook it in a Casserole".  And it includes an apron for every task  --

Here's the "Washing Apron"  which you can wear for "any splashy job." 

The "Dressmaking Apron"

The "Hair Washing Apron"

And of course the "Mend-While-You-Iron Apron" (which cracks me up since I never iron, let alone mend!)

And while I rarely find time to cook these days, I do appreciate a cute little apron.  And this book has several of those too.  I love all the little half-aprons, but I thought this one looked especially smart (don't I sound old fashioned?):

The illustrations in this book are great -- very 50's.  It's got me wanting to sew up a couple aprons despite the fact that I don't really do any "home-making" activities that would require the use of one!  (Does microwaving Stouffer's count?)

Now if you want to see some cute vintage aprons, check out Jan's post from yesterday.  I love the rickrack!

Comments

[Nora]

Something about aprons is very...sexy. Especially if there is very little underneath. Of course I do not have any little ones about my house so I can tease...but I think guys like aprons. Especially since our generation of men did not grow up with them.

[Lolly]

How fun! I love aprons, but you know what? I don't even own one! Perhaps I should knit one :)

Thanks for sharing the vintage pics, Julie!

[Stephanie]

I recently saw an apron very similar to the last picture and it was $50. Yep - five-zero, that was not a typo. It was cute, but who spends that much for an apron? I mean think of all the yarn you can buy with that money. Making one in that pattern is a great idea - very hip and sexy.

[Deb]

The aprons really ARE cute . . . 50s or not.

[laurie]

Those aprons are ADORABLE. I am such a sucker for anything 50s!!!

[ShelbyD]

What great illustrations.

[Vickie]

Hi! Last night on some HGTV show I saw a kitchen valance made from old aprons (the "Washing Apron" style.) The designers threaded lightweight wire through the ties of the apron so that they stood out kind of crinkly from the body of the aprons. It was really very cute and original. Maybe you can make aprons for all of your windows.

[Alyx]

How about making an "apron making apron" that you can wear when you are making aprons!

[delia]

suddenly remided me of "bree" from desperate housewives.

[Jan]

Julie, that book's a prize! I love the hairwashing apron (though they're all so 50's, aren't they?)
Thanks for the mention!

[Marty]

How odd, I was just thinking that I need an apron for work and see this post as I'm catching up on blogs. Guess I need to see if I can scrounge up enough to buy a yard of material and knit some ties for it. :) See what you started! And my sewing machine's in storage to boot. It's either hand sew or gluestick or both. LOL

[Christie]

Y'know, those things are pretty useful. Not only do they keep you clean, they're very handy if they have pockets for all sorts stuff! I used to work at Crate and Barrel and always had finger puppets, jacks 'n balls and bits of string on me for spontaneous play. I guess I could make one with my new sewing machine!

[amy k.]

I was just reading way back and found this-can't believe I missed it-good lord! now I am obsessed with finding this book. our library doesn't have it and the online book stores don't either. . .you found a gem! maybe an inter-library loan would work?? ;) thanks (I think) for posting about it!

[Jessie]

My Grandmother illustrated this book!!...I can't find it anywhere!!! Sell me yours!!

[Katherine]

My Mother is Catharine Karuschkat. She died over 30 years ago. How can I get this book? I can't believe this exists!
Katherine Karuschkat