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Although her collection exceeds 400 aprons, EllynAnne’s eyes are always wide
open at antique stores and malls. “My husband has gotten used to my
apron-spotting squeal, and he knows exactly what it means,” she says with a
laugh.
She’s written a guide, The Apron Book: Making, Wearing, and Sharing a
Bit of Cloth and Comfort (published by Andrews McMeel), that provides patterns,
photographs, and tips on sewing new aprons and preserving vintage finds.
Non-delicate aprons should be worn and enjoyed, she insists. She ties one on
every morning, tucking lip gloss and reading glasses in the pocket.
And
aprons always adorn her backyard clothesline. “Just looking at them makes me
smile,” she says. “They’re brilliantly colorful against the blue sky, dancing in
the breeze.”
wear with care
(d) Hankies often adorned 1950s aprons,
like this dainty one that EllynAnne likes to pair with a pink sheath. (e) A brightly
colored floral bib was for accessorizing, not protection—better for serving
apple pie than making it. (f) Embroidered puppies and kittens were popular in the
1920s, when aprons were all about coverage. (g) An apron of polished chintz, perfect
for entertaining, was demoted to everyday use at the first sign of wear.
How to Tie One On
You’ll find a variety of aprons at antique malls, where individuals set up
stalls.
Never pass up a vintage child’s apron. They’re rare.
Antique
aprons will disintegrate if handled too often. Frame them behind glass for
best keeping.
Show off less valuable finds on pegs or hangers in the
kitchen.
Pin a story, recipe, or photograph from the woman who wore the
apron to the pocket.
Check out the Apron Chronicles exhibit schedule at apronchronicles.com.
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