The Lowly Retro Chic Apron!

We are quickly approaching Mother’s Day and what better symbol of mother than the apron!  Now, these garments have been worn since ancient times as something to protect the clothing and to indicate status, but they could also be very decorative.  The word “apron” actually originates from the French word “naperon” (small tablecloth).  Well, they are back in vogue and are considered retro chic!  Remember the TV moms of the 40’s and 50’s?  Donna Reed would never have been caught in her kitchen without an apron on!  These little garments can be sturdy and functional with lots of pockets and a full bib top or sheer and frilly if you were playing the role of a “hostess”.  If you were taught to sew, this was probably one of the first projects

 you ever worked on.  They are pretty straight forward as far as construction goes but can be embellished in so many different ways.  Those perky little gingham aprons with “chicken scratch” embroidery patterns on the front are fun to collect and display.  I love any aprons with hand embroidery on them.  When was there ever a time when a bunch of women did not take something pretty basic and functional and add artistic flair!  This is our heritage from our mother’s and grandmother’s and I love to find them!  They were decorated with rick rack, bias tape bindings, ribbons, hand crocheted patterns, etc.  I love finding children's aprons but they are a little harder to come by.  They got a lot of use!  You will find great examples of all of vintage and contemporary aprons at South End Antique Mall.  Bring your mother to Aurora this weekend for a Mother’s Day treat!

This is an example of bias tape and hand embroidered embellishment

These sweet little aprons were hand crocheted with ribbon trim

This is so cute with its sheer apron and polished cotton pocket!

Another example of a gingham apron with a chicken scratch border

Rick rack was a popular embellishment for mid century fashion

A nice pineapple design crocheted apron with perky red ribbons

This is what I need!  Something that covers me from top to bottom!!