Aprons make a comeback

MAKING A COMEBACK: Renewed interest in domestic arts has correspondingly seen a renewed interest in aprons; wearing them, making them, collecting them.

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In my mind, aprons are on a par with napkins. They are pieces of fabric designed to protect other much nicer and more precious pieces of fabric.

In fact, in the pecking order of household fabrics, aprons are pretty much rock bottom. At least napkins make it to the table. Aprons don't tend to make it out of the kitchen.

But here's the thing – these people who collect old aprons are part of what can only be described as an international movement. This is no local fad.

To sum up literally hundreds of years of the apron's history in one short paragraph, those who had to do manual work of some description wore aprons; the wealthy did not wear aprons.

Then, in mid-20th century, the apron suddenly found favour as the symbol of the perfect housewife. However, its popularity was short-lived. With the rise of the women's movement in the 60s and 70s, the apron got all tangled up in repression, oppression and drudgery again.

Which brings us to now. Renewed interest in domestic arts has correspondingly seen a renewed interest in aprons; wearing them, making them, collecting them.

Andrea Eames is an author, blogger (her blog acatofimpossiblecolour.blogspot.com has more than 1000 visitors a day) and all-round nice gal.

She also collects vintage aprons (vintage is a much nicer way of saying old). Andrea considers herself to be relatively new to the apron-collecting scene.

She started her collection a mere six years ago and currently has only a dozen as she recently culled some ahead of a move overseas. For her, it all began with a little pink polka dot apron.

"I'd just starting flatting, I had my own space and I was cooking and cleaning for myself. Wearing an apron helped to glam up the mundane tasks. From there it grew.

"Aprons are cheap and easy things to collect. It's not like they are $200 a pop. They're also a way of owning some gorgeous fabrics. You might not be able to find a whole dress in that fabric, but you can own a scrap of it in the form of an apron."

Handmade aprons take pride of place in her collection. She's a sucker for pretty fabrics, brushed cotton in particular, and trims, lace and ruffles. In her mind, no self-respecting apron should be without decent pockets. She's also a firm believer that vintage should be worn, not tucked away in a cupboard somewhere.

"I think it's sad to put things away. I keep my aprons on display, they are part of my decor as well as things I use. While they are all pretty I have some which are more definitely chore aprons, and `hostess aprons' I try to keep stain-free."

Vanessa Hardy, owner of Tete a Tete vintage clothing in Hereford St, is both a seller and collector of vintage aprons. Apron collectors beat a path to her shop door and aprons rarely last long on her shelves.

"People are attracted to pattern and fabric, but I think there's more at play than just that. It's also about the romanticism of a simpler time, of 'playing house', entertaining and having the time to cook, bake and sew.

"There is nothing quite like the thrill of catching a glimpse of a fabulous fabric or design and thinking you've found a whole dress. Then you discover it's an apron and, while that's momentarily disappointing, it's still a beautiful fabric which you can wear."

Like to try your hand at making your own apron? There is a plethora of patterns out there to tempt you.

Stitch, at the top of Colombo St, stocks a couple of great patterns from well-known designers Amy Butler and Heather Bailey.

There are some lovely fabrics, and shop owner Fenella used to make her own line of aprons so she can answer any of your apron-related questions.

If you feel like taking your apron-making skills to the next level check out the website "tie one on" (angrychicken.typepad.com/tieoneon). Every few months there is a new theme.

You make an apron based on the theme, submit a photo and your apron is then displayed in a photo gallery. No, it's not a competition. There is no prize. You do it for the love of making aprons.

- © Fairfax NZ News