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 What began as part of a domestic's or workman's uniform
centuries ago developed over the years into the bib
apron made of feed sacks that I remember my great
grandmother wearing.
From the simple white cotton lawn aprons of the upstairs
maid, to the organza party aprons of the bridge set of
the 50s, we have aprons to suit just about
anyone.
Early in the 1900s, aprons began showing the character
and creativity of the maker with far more frequency. Of
course there are examples of this from Victorian times,
and earlier, but now it was becoming commonplace. No
more the utilitarian garb, but a fun, pretty, and useful
part of the wardrobe.
Here at DeWitt & Co., we stock a
large variety of vintage aprons, from delicate organza to a
durable cobbler's apron... from utilitarian to elegant.
Come have a look!
Browse our
Vintage Aprons department.
Stephani also does custom apron work.
You can get an idea of some of her work here, at
Apron Designs by Steph.
Grandma's Aprons
I don't think our kids know what an
apron is. The principal use of Grandma's apron was to
protect the dress underneath, but along with that, it
served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the
oven.
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It was wonderful for drying
children's tears, and on occasion was even used for
cleaning out dirty ears.
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From the chicken coop, the apron
was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks,and
sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the
warming oven.
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When company came, those aprons
were ideal hiding places for shy kids.
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When the weather was cold, grandma
wrapped it around her arms.
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Those big old aprons wiped many a
perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.
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Chips and kindling wood were
brought into the kitchen in that apron.
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From the garden, it carried all
sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been
shelled, it carried out the hulls.
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In the fall, the apron was used to
bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.
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When unexpected company drove up
the road, it was surprising how much furniture that
old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.
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When dinner was ready, Grandma
walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the
men knew it was time to come in from the fields to
dinner.*
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