THE APRON..your thoughts?
I would love your advice.....
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| Grand Apron by Bowl and Pitcher |
And...
It can't be just any old apron. It has to be the right apron, the right fabric, weight, quality and the tie....the tie is everything, it has to be super long to be able to wrap around the body and sit comfortably in the front. No bows, no namby-pamby tie it loosely in the back kind of apron for me. I want to be hugged, by my apron..firmly and I want it to stay that way.
Besides the tie...the next critical component for me are the pockets. There is always something that needs to go in there..scissors, mixing spoons, clippers, phone, camera, pen, paper...and then there is always that last vegetable you pick in the garden and can't manage...usually a stray zucchini or tomato. The pockets have to be able to fit the zucchini...and whatever else you tumble upon on your way back to the kitchen. There is always something.
Before leaving Vietnam for Tahilla Farm, I thought I would take advantage of the local dressmakers and whip up a few fresh aprons with a Vietnamese twist. I am still thinking about the twist while I focus on the fabric. It is always a challenge in Saigon because the fabrics are suited to a tropical climate. Light, easy to launder and not always the longest lasting.
I have pulled together a few reference photos of my favourite apron styles. If you are interested in any of the aprons, they are all for sale and can be found on the link below the picture.
Let's begin...
I am loving the tie on this Sunday Suppers apron below
and would love to slip into it just for the feel.
I would also like my waistline
to be the same size but we can't have everything.
;)
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| Sunday Suppers Utility Cloth and Apron |
Another Sunday Suppers apron below
in natural pure linen.
Pockets and tie...spot on.
I won't mention the waist again..
but you know what I am thinking.
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| Sunday Suppers Pure Linen Bistro Apron |
I would love to add an 'H'
to the two aprons below by Pressed Cotton.
Not sure I could get Mr. H into one...come to think
of it I don't think I have ever seen him in an apron.
You can tell who wears the apron in our house!
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| Mr and Mrs Apron by Pressed Cotton |
Speak to me...
linen, linen and more linen.
Love the shirt, love the apron and the linen
tea towel in the red loop.
Very clever idea by debbiesporch.
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| Vintage Full Apron by debbiesporch |
I am the proud owner of several Rough Linen
products including two pinafores,
in black and natural linen.
I have me eye on Tricia's apron below as well.
She does it right, in everything she creates.
Any of the aprons here could easily work for men...
although if Mr. H suddenly decided to take up
apron wearing, specifically, the navy linen apron
below by Linen Tales, we would have to buy two.
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| Navy Linen Waist Apron by Linen Tales |
The aprons below by Bowl and Pitcher,
featured above as well, have it all.
Linen, length, tie, pockets, bib.
The red on on the right is my fav.
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| Grand Apron by Bowl and Pitcher |
Now for your thoughts...
Do you wear an apron?
When do you don an apron?
Cooking, gardening, cleaning the gutters?
Do you have a preference for material?
Like the linen?
Prefer a no-iron fabric?
Do you have a preference for length,
above the knee, below the knee?
Do you prefer an apron with a bib
or the waist version?
How about the tie...super long
or just enough to tie behind your back?
Do you like pockets?
How many?
What do you stuff into yours?
If you had to pick one of the aprons above,
which would you choose?
Thank you...any information you can provide
will be so so helpful. I am kind of stuck at the moment.
I have had nine months to think do something about this
...I left it until two weeks before I leave.
Typical!
All the best!!
Jeanne xx
PS..Reminder
If you are interested in any of the aprons
above, click on the link below the photo.
Happy Apron Shopping!
I love aprons love all you share.
ReplyDeleteBlessings Jeanne
Love Jeanne♥
Kindred spirits...thank you Jeanne xx
DeleteJeanne, I love a good apron. I always use one in the kitchen and while cleaning, and have been known to wear one while I am planting pots and such.
ReplyDeleteI have been known to be a messy baker at times.
I love these beautiful linen ones that you have featured! I am off to check them out.
Have a great week!
I am embarrassed to say how many I have Elizabeth...let's just say I have been collecting for a while. You can never have too many, one for all occasions. All the best...xx
DeleteI love all of my aprons, but lean towards one with pockets and a bib that covers my shirt and keep it food free. ;-) Linen, stripes, (bears!)...all perfect for Tahilla. Color coordinated with whatever I'm wearing is important. Do you have a peg rack so you can grab and go when needed?
ReplyDeleteThe first think I asked for Lisa when we were designing the pantry. Heaven forbid we go through all this and forget the peg rack. It was right up there with the built in shelf for the cooking books. Got to have that too! My bear apron is waiting for me...so excited!! ;)
DeleteLovley post. Thank you for the links
ReplyDeleteI love all the aprons in the photographs, especially the bibs, and the first one that reminds me of a big knit sweater.
Bib aprons are my favorite style with pockets to the side. Pre-teen hand sewing classes, the apron was the first project to sew. I still have my bib apron from junior high school (7th grade) required cooking class, sewn on a machine.
Well that takes me back Maywyn! That first sewing project in Home Economics...our was an apron as well. Then came the dirndl skirt....I don't think I have said that word in at least 40 years! I did not excel in Home Economics...hence the idea of having someone else sew one for me and featuring a host of others to purchase. ;)
DeleteI have a whole assortment of aprons that hang on a peg rack behind my pantry door. My daughter and I both wear them whenever we're cooking, and are delighted when guests, who are helping out in the kitchen, ask if they can wear one too! I prefer bib style, cotton or linen, ending around the knee, one front pocket (my husband calls it my pouch...like a kangaroo), and I, too, wrap my ties around to the front. I simply can't sit down to eat with my apron on though. Can you? Something nags at me from the back of my mind...like my grandmother would be scandalized if I did. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI love the rosy-pink linen one in the bottom photo! Something very romantic in the softness of that linen and the length of that apron.
What do aprons look like in Vietnam? What fabrics?
Kate...you sound like a woman who knows her aprons. I agree, the rosy-pink one is pretty special...reminds me of summer days in Nantucket. I rarely see an apron in the shops, if I do, it is touristy and of the namby-pamby sort. The fabrics are light cotton, not always the best choices for me in design and often do not hold up as well as I would like. I have tracked down a few linens and am considering traditional fabric but am not sure they will hold up to the 'life of an apron' at least one that gets wrapped around me. As for wearing an apron...I will be honest and say that there were times when I caught myself still wearing mine in the supermarket. That's what having four kids does to you. Love our IG chats! All the best... ;)
DeleteI love my aprons. They are all of the "Grand Apron" style. They must have pockets, one large pocket in front that is divided to make two pockets. They have to be made of natural fabrics. I have many. My favorites are those which are made with fabric leftovers from my friend who is an Interior Designer. They must be soft and pliable and not add an ounce of weight. I like for them to wrap easily around my waist. My aprons go from the garden to the kitchen and when it is time to wash them I need to carefully inspect the pockets because I never know what's in them.
ReplyDeleteGina...I have a feeling we would do well together on the apron topic. A woman who knows what she likes. I get it! :)
DeleteWell, I was going to tell you ALL ABOUT ROUGH LINEN as she was the vendor next to me at REMNANTS of the PAST!I purchased TWO of her PINAFORES at the show and LOVED them so much I had her make me two more BUT LONGER!!!!I am lucky she is about 30 minutes away from me so I went to pick up my special order myself!I was told there is NO SIGN but to look for the LOBELIA and the TOMATO plants!I also purchased a set of her sheets!OMG...........do you own HER sheets?Mine come off the bed today and I want to toss out all my other sheets.........I will definitely be buying MORE from TRICIA!
ReplyDeletePS. See my answer to YOU back on my little old blog!XX
Yes Elizabeth! I have two of her summer coverlets ( St. Bart's), one for Tahilla Farm and one for Chateau Mango. I loved her natural pinafore so much that I bought another in black, again, one for Tahilla Farm and one for here. I love that she can make yours a bit longer for you. I just took mine into the local dressmaker to have the straps adjusted. Just a tweak to make it sit a bit better. Coming over to read your answer...xx
DeleteWhile in high school my brother worked one summer in a hotdog plant - i know, dont' get me started. Although he gave up eating hotdogs as a result, he did end up with two long white, cotton, bib aprons - think grocery store butcher, if you are old enough to remember them - which he gave to my mother and to me. I still wear mine - especially if I am making bread or pastry and likely to cover myself in flour. Love that it has been washed and washed.
ReplyDeleteAlso have a lovely "dress" apron in purple cotton, but would love to have one of those pretty linen ones in the last photo. Aprons rock in the kitchen.
They sure do Webb and your butcher's aprons sound wonderful...I often think they do not make them the way they used to. I went through a phase of buying vintage aprons on etsy...fun to have the older style ones although it was difficult finding ones without ruffles...they seem to be the rage at one time. Keep those aprons! :)
DeleteI love aprons, but truth be told, my chest is too big to wear bib aprons, even though I love them, and need them! Said chest does get in the way when tasting! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm off to check a few that you have posted! Love your blog!
Thank you Cheryl! I get the part about the bib getting in the way, especially when the apron does not sit on the waist properly. I always end up folding mine over..easier!
DeleteBib is a must as I am short and everything I cook hits the chest, above knee preferred, pockets either one large at abdomen or two smaller on each side...plus small pocket at chest for pen, reading glasses, or meat thermometer. Loooong ties...am robust and most ties are too short to tie in back...and easier to tie & stay tied in front. Linen or no iron is fine. Love the pinafore but wonder if it would be claustrophobic getting in and out of ...but am thinking it would be even more fashionable out of the kitchen!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a plan...and I am so happy you mentioned meat thermometer..we might as well throw in candy thermometer while we are at it. As for the pinafore, it is surprisingly easy to get in and out of but it does take a few attempts to master it. It has the potential to be fashionable outside of the kitchen..throw it over a t-shirt and jeans, pop on a big straw hat, swing on a market basket...and you are good to go. ;)
DeleteWell, I need an apron! It has to be full size, above the waist, around the neck, but above the knees. It needs to be soft, cotton or linen, and wrinkly is fine. Every time I work without an apron, I have to work even harder to remove grease splatters, water stains, etc. from precious clothes; sometimes without success. My sister-in-law has an incredibly beautiful collection of aprons, which she not only uses, but displays in her kitchen, making for a warm hug whenever you enter. In the winter, on occasion, I have worn a chef's coat, which is very practical and comfortable. These I've had custom made because I need something soft and flexible, with some style because I seldom change into a different top once dinner is served. Great post! Angela Muller
ReplyDeleteI just fell off my chair Angela.... a CHEF'S COAT! What a brilliant idea...sounds as good as an OPERA COAT. Also sounds like you know what you like....I love that... and the idea of displaying aprons in the kitchen as a warm hug whenever you enter. BRILLIANT! I am typing with glee...custom made chef's coats...I just have to find out more. Thank you!! ;)
DeleteI love all the aprons you posted Jeanne. I could wear any one of them happily. Especially if I had that tiny waist too! I adore aprons. For me it is a comfort thing. Reminds me of my grandmothers, & my mother. Evokes great memories, great food and happy times. I am a bigger fan of bib type aprons and with big pockets too. My niece is getting married soon; perhaps they need to start their married life in matching aprons! Great post and I think I need to buy a new apron :)
ReplyDeleteDeb...I think you do too..and make it as a gift from you to you when you move back to the USA! I would also consider another as a keepsake from Scotland. So many wonderful choices in the UK. xx
DeleteI do wear an apron! And, I love all the things you have to say about aprons! While I adore my black pinafore from Rough Linen, and my sheets and pillowcases....my favorite, worn daily apron is Belgian linen from Libeco-Lagae. I actually looked at the tag to get it right! I bought it on a Seaside vacation about a dozen years ago and it is still going strong! I love where I got it and the countless kitchen memories I have while wearing it. It is long, as I need the length, the ties are long and tie in the front, large front pocket, loop around neck is perfect, no frills except gorgeous heavy natural linen. Nothing ever stains it either! Kinda crazy. Anyway, I hope you find a perfect apron and soon get to enjoy the beautiful home you are building.
ReplyDeleteMusic to my ears Kathy...Belgian linen, long length, long ties, large front pocket, loop around the neck, no frills, heavy natural linen..and you have the black RL pinafore...I think we could be Apron besties! ;) #BFFAPRON
DeletePerhaps the opposition of your needs, my life on the Florida coast aprons must be light and launder well, cold water/air dry. Pockets are essential. Colors/design have to look good hanging in the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteIf I were having one, or more, made in VN, I'd be tempted to see if a strip of a locally woven fabric might be used.
We are thinking along the same lines Joan. I have looked at a few but have not found one that could stand up to the washing. In a perfect world, I would select fabric from the Sapa district in Northern Vietnam. It is hard to come by these days...every strip a precious piece. I think it would cost me a small fortune to have one made into an apron. Won't give up on that idea just yet though. ;)
DeleteOoooh what a fun post!! Here goes! I almost always wear them cooking, occasionally messy crafting involving paint or something like that. I always seems to spatter on my shirt so definitely a bib with an adjustable neck. Length somewhere around my knees. If it's too long I feel like I'm shuffling around but maybe it's because I'm 5'4". And yes pockets. Lots. I'm always putting something in there. Spoon, dishtowel, pot holder, you name it. And I'm so with you on the long ties that loop around back to the front. It makes putting it on so much easier and I love how it makes the apron fits closer to thebody. Soft pliable fabrics so it's comfortable to work in, especially the strap around the neck. No ironing of course. I'm making a mess as it is; I don't want more work. I have no problem with ruffles and touches like that. Some days I love the extra feminine touch, others days I don't. I appreciate colors that hide stains too.
ReplyDeleteOf the choices above, I like the Grand Apron, the Mr & Mrs and the Sunday Suppers (if it had a bib). Oh Jeanne can you provide an option for that waist too? I'll pay a premium! :)
HA! I would love to provide an option for that waist line Jeanne...If I ever find out the secret (besides a time machine) I will be sure to let you know! I forgot about crafting and painting, we have to throw that in there as well. I get the penguin 'shuffle' if the length is too long. I am 5'8" and it happens to me too! There is a science to this. So glad you mentioned the fit..I was beginning to worry that I revealed too much with my pillow analogy. Some things just have to be said! I just wish I could remember my apron at those critical moments when you have a brainstorm to paint a room, clip a hedge or clean the garage. I always seem to be 'dressed up' on those occasions and fear that if I change clothes and don an apron I will might lose my momentum. It is one of those things in life I am working on. ;) Thanks for the apron love Jeanne!!
DeleteLInen is good. My problem is I really want a smock! With sleeves! I am prone to burning myself, and fat splatters on arms as much as on my chest. Perhaps, like Cleo from New Jersey above, I should get a chef's coat:).
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of the chef's coat Lisa...I think we should have one specially designed!
DeleteMy Rough Linen Pinafore is my very favorite. I wear it to cook, and often forget to take it off before guests arrive! I ruined many tops before I happened upon my pinafore ; )
ReplyDeleteWith a white t-shirt and jeans, it is great for a day of errands. Totally get that you would forget to take it of BG. I see that she has one in blue...I am debating..is three too many? I think not! ;)
Deletecan i just say I Adore aprons + when cooking + doing anything + love aprons! + can remember Grannie wearing one of themxxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteA fellow apron wearer....I thought that would be the case Peggy! xxx
DeleteI love wearing an apron when I cook. Often, I forget to take it off before eating - it becomes such a part of me. I love all my aprons but my favorite was made by my friend Julie. It fits perfectly and has a big pocket. Best of all it's an expression of a wonderful long time friendship of over 30 years.
ReplyDeleteNothing better...an apron as an expression of love and friendship. Wonderful that it is still going 30 years on! ;)
DeleteMy grandmother wore aprons. She would make them out of spare fabric or one time some terry cloth towels. I still have some of them. Wonderful memories of a much loved care giver. I wear bib type aprons and have many different ones collected the past 40 grown up years. I find them comforting as I cook or clean. You always bring comforting thoughts to me as I read your words. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThat is so nice to hear Vicki..about the aprons and the comforting words. I will be sure to remember that, thank you!! xx
DeleteI don't think that the first one is very practical but I LOVE all the rest !!
ReplyDeleteActually, I'm not an apron wearer Jeanne, even though I come from a long line of apron wearers !!!! I think that I'm so eager to get on with whatever I'm getting on with, that the apron gets forgotten !! …. and the clothes get grubby !! XXXX
Jackie...I take you for being a "when the spirit moves you" kind of woman which makes perfect sense in relation to the apron! Keep doing what you are doing...grubby or not! ;)
DeleteI love the idea of an apron, but never seem to actually wear one. I think it's because I treat my clothes AS an apron...big loose soft-but-rugged tunic-y cotton tops with big, deep pockets, mostly.
ReplyDeleteI think you have it well sorted Quinn .I am all for those big tunic/caftans with pockets. Have quite a few myself...and the stains to prove that there are times when I forget my apron. ;)
DeleteI always wear an apron when I cook. My recent acquisitions are from Marci Butler Designs. Those aprons are so stylish, I don't mind wearing one in front of guests.
ReplyDeleteThank you Janet...I am off to google! ;)
DeleteI only wear an apron for cooking but you have me thinking I should include them in my regular wardrobe. I had no idea there were so many interesting ones out there!!
ReplyDeleteCheck out the pinafores from Rough Linen Cindy...I could see you in one of those. Especially for a barn sale! ;)
DeleteMy husband and I both wear cotton aprons to cook. Always a bib to catch the spatters. Always long ties to wrap around front. His pockets are filled with wine corks and mine with candy wrappers.
ReplyDeleteI want the linen apron by debbiesporch. The loop to hold a towel is brilliant. It might cure me of wiping my hands on the front of my apron.
I love that yours is filled with candy wrappers....totally get that. ;)
DeleteI adore the linen aprons but I am not an apron wearer. Not sure why. My nanna would always wear one and one of my aunts still does so but not my mum. So maybe that's why I never thought to use one, But they sure are useful.
ReplyDeleteThat may be where it started for me Loree...with my mother. ;)
DeleteA fellow apron lover! YEAH! Love all of your links! I tend to wear mine all day long (I prefer big - with a big pocket in front, like another poster said - a Kangaroo pouch!) - Cotton or Linen. Perfect place for my Walkman - I listen to books on CD while cleaning house/doing dishes, etc. I like a longer apron also . . .thanks for the great post! SO enjoyed:)
ReplyDelete