Apron Strings — by Guest Mom Kyran

I don't ever remember my mom wearing an apron. It was the seventies, the era of Free to Be, You and Me. Apron wearing was probably as good for your feminist cred as girdle-wearing.

In Grade Eight, I had to sew an apron for Home Economics. All of us used the same boxy, unisex pattern. It was practical as protective coverings go, but it sure wasn't pretty.

A few years ago, I came across a box of vintage aprons at an estate sale. They were the extreme opposite of the one I'd made in junior high. Two of them were made of nylon net! I can't imagine actually cooking in them; you might catch fire.

But they are oh, SO pretty. I strung one across my kitchen window as a kind of swag. On occasion, I'll wear one to greet guests when we entertain, as an ironic wink-wink-nudge-nudge to the fact that I am only playing house, after all, when I am dressed up like Suzy Homemaker.

I am not the only woman of my generation to be rediscovering the apron.

Naturally, Etsy seems to be the motherlode:

This red gingham one incorporates a stitching technique called "chicken scratch," giving it a vintage farmgirl cachet:

I bought a smock-style apron like the "Flirty Everyday Housewife" by Momo's Retro Fashions for a girlfriend at an estate sale recently, and almost kept it for myself. This style is not only exceedingly pretty, it actually looks practical.


Wearing your heart on your sleeve is so yesterday. Don't you want to wear it on your handmade apron by CeceMarie for Valentine's?


The reason an apron was my (and most people's) first sewing project is because they are super easy to sew. Tie One On, by Amy Karol, author of "Bend the Rules Sewing", is a terrific online source of inspiration and how-to.

Finally, here's a sexy, see-through vintage number, from vintage emporium Ruby Lane. This one is sold, but a search on "aprons" any day of the week ought to yield a few treasures. Find one that suits you and release your inner Donna Reed! You can always appease your inner Betty Friedan by going braless, or even—what the heck, it's Valentine's Day — topless.


Of course, let's not get carried away. I recently posted a few gems from a vintage Hints From Heloise booklet that should help you regain perspective, should you find yourself nostalgic for a simpler, daintier time.

And since we're tallking about aprons, naturally, if you like it, you should Sk*rt it!