Aprons were a staple clothing item for the happy homemaker for quite a few centuries. Women did not have the luxury of owning a large wardrobe, so protecting the one they had was a necessity. The apron was the last item of clothing to be put on prior to greeting the day. It was the protector of clothing, the towel to dry a tear and when the pot holder wasn't handy, a means to take out the hot steamy loaves of bread from the oven.

 

The very old apron was not always made from store bought fabrics. Many of them were made from the free fabric that was recycled from feed or flour sacks. The many colorful designs made wonderful aprons, towels and table cloths, when sewn together.

 

Laundry day was a big chore. The washing machine had to be filled by hand with buckets of water and it was rarely hot water. It was filled once and used for all the laundry. Whites, colors and blacks! No duel rinse and no spin cycle. The less clothing that needed laundering the longer the clothes lasted. Once modern machines came into play, it became easier for the homemaker to keep up with the laundry and aprons were now being worn more for decorative purposes. They now became more frilly, lacy, ruffled or embroidered. Some had scallops while others had fancy bibs with big ruffled shoulder straps. The apron was evolving into a kitchen necessity instead of a final piece of clothing attire.

 

There is just something special about the vintage aprons. They never go out of demand, and homeworkers who have the ability to sew can capitalize on this knowledge for extra income. All it takes is a sewing machine and a few vintage apron patterns. Pick out some fabrics that resemble olden days and make a few to display. You take custom orders or whip up a whole booth worth of them to market online, or at a craft fair. As customers come, offer up your business card for additional orders.

On Ebay Now: