From what we know the Vintage Homemaker’s uniform always included an apron.
Used as a way to protect good clothing without having to wash too much the apron could be donned once again for the next day’s housework without worry of a few spills from the previous day’s toil.
The apron has long been the symbol of comfort to children who are now since grown. A fresh clean apron was put on when company came but yet always there to keep a mother’s good clothes from getting soiled.
The apron has been used to carry hot pans out of the oven. Wipe wet hands after washing. Carry freshly picked green beans in from the garden and to wipe dry the tears of a distraught child.
In Godey’s Lady’s Book circa 1851 we are introduced to a bit of British history that claims , "[at this time] an apron is first met with, tied behind with a ribbon." And since no date was given I am guessing that t he time period of the discussion for the first notation of aprons in England attire is the reign of Edward III since the previous era discussed was early 1300.
pic -Apron styles from an 1871 Godey’s Lady’s Book Showing a cambric apron, apron with ruffles, apron with straps and ruche trimming, apron with flounce and apron with embroidery. Lovely though they were they styles were generally kept for more sociable occasions such as teatime.
Although we don’t see many aprons among vintage clothing designs stemming from the Victorian era be assured they were in use. We tend to have a romantic view of the Victorian housewife that she went about visiting and having tea, rarely actually working but to give instructions to her servants. This was true of the middle to upper classes but a housewife of a smaller home where say just one ‘maid of all work’ helped out with the daily chores still rolled up her sleeves and got involved. A good view of this is in the PBS series 1900 House .
Move into the very early 20th century up into the 1950’s and many different styles of aprons are to be found. They had become as if an accessory.
Vintage women’s magazines in these later decades included patterns and embellishments (such as embroidery, tatting, etc) for household aprons. Women are pictured wearing dresses, heels, and even pearls with the ever present apron while cleaning, cooking, and taking care of children. According to my mother (discussing my grandmother) and my many issues of Reminisce Magazine this apparently was true.
To see many of these styles all you have to do is browse around the internet. You see there has been a revival of sorts lately of the household apron. Specifically the vintage styled apron.
I’ve taken the liberty of adding some links to many different styles of vintage aprons available on the internet. Truly the choice is hard. I have some regular old solid colored ones and a few friends have made for me. But now I have my eye on getting something a little fun. Some strawberries, pink ribbon, my favorite chartreuse. The styles are endless and I’m having a hard time making a choice. Maybe a matching one for my daughter….
An apron is a fabulous tool and uniform of those ready to get down to business. Put it on with it’s many pockets and get to work cleaning and organizing that home!
Read this wonderful article about aprons: ApronEvangelism
Dorothy’s Handmade Aprons and Patterns : I want the one from the 20’s in the picture on the side…
Darling Jessie Steele Aprons for you and your daughter…
Fabulous Vintage Aprons on Ebay
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NEW Black white XL Vintage look Queen APRON Bride Gift US $10.50 (2 Bids) Auction Ends: Wednesday Dec-03-2008 19:10:34 PST Bid on this Item | Watch this Item |
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VTG CHRISTMAS HALF APRON COOKIES SWEETS SUGAR PLUMS +SZ US $4.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Wednesday Dec-03-2008 19:13:24 PST Bid on this Item | Buy this Item | Watch this Item |
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VTG CHRISTMAS HALF APRON WHITE SWAN WREATH PRINT US $5.99 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Wednesday Dec-03-2008 19:18:49 PST Bid on this Item | Buy this Item | Watch this Item |
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VTG CHRISTMAS HALF APRON RED WHITE ROCKING HORSE BEAR US $5.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Wednesday Dec-03-2008 19:18:55 PST Bid on this Item | Buy this Item | Watch this Item |
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VTG CHRISTMAS HALF APRON STYLIZED TREE EYELET LACE TRIM US $4.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Wednesday Dec-03-2008 19:19:00 PST Bid on this Item | Buy this Item | Watch this Item |
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VTG CHRISTMAS HALF APRON CHRISTMAS STOCKING LACE HEM US $5.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Wednesday Dec-03-2008 19:19:01 PST Bid on this Item | Buy this Item | Watch this Item |
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Vintage Half Style Christmas Apron With Santa Adorable US $4.95 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Wednesday Dec-03-2008 19:25:00 PST Bid on this Item | Buy this Item | Watch this Item |
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Vintage apron pattern 1940's? Christmas cross stitch US $1.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Wednesday Dec-03-2008 19:28:50 PST Bid on this Item | Buy this Item | Watch this Item |
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Vintage Half Style Net Christmas Apron Adorable US $5.50 (2 Bids) Auction Ends: Wednesday Dec-03-2008 19:30:00 PST Bid on this Item | Buy this Item | Watch this Item |
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VINTAGE BIB APRON BLUE & RED KITTEN PRINT COTTON FABRIC US $9.95 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Wednesday Dec-03-2008 19:38:11 PST Bid on this Item | Buy this Item | Watch this Item |
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