what's a pinny for?

I've been going apron mad lately! Although only one of the definitions below relates to my recent creations, I was surprised at how many meanings the word 'Apron' has, so I thought I'd share some of them with you.

a·pron  (prn)

n.

1. a. A garment, usually fastened in the back, worn over all or part of the front of the body to protect clothing.

b. Something, such as a protective shield for a machine, that resembles this garment in appearance or function.

2. The paved strip in front of and around airport hangars and terminal buildings.

3. The part of a stage in a theater extending in front of the curtain.

4. A platform, as of planking, at the entrance to a dock.

5. a. A covering or structure along a shoreline for protection against erosion.

b. A platform serving a similar purpose below a dam or in a sluiceway.

6. A continuous conveyor belt.

7. An area covered by sand and gravel deposited at the front of a glacial moraine.

8. A border of slightly longer grass that surrounds a green on a golf course.

9. The part of a boxing ring floor that extends beyond the ropes.

tr.v. a·proned, a·pron·ing, a·prons

To cover, protect, or provide with an apron.

Aprons have been around for hundreds of years but became particularly popular in the 50s where they became a functional piece of the wardrobe. Homemakers and good mothers were rarely seen without their apron.  Aprons were not only used to protect clothes but also to carry kitchen utensils, to remove hot pots from the stove, carry eggs and drying children's tears.

I have made a 50s style half apron from some vintage fabric I have been saving. I was thinking of giving them as Christmas presents for the girls (I don't think my husband would suit them. Then again . . . ).  I think every girl needs a pretty apron for when they're doing their work around the house. House work should be glamorous, not dull! I find them very useful especially with my little girl as my clothes can get quite dirty from grubby hands and noses. I've posted some photos below of my first attempt. Let me know what you think! I will also be selling a selection at Loved Worn & Reborn on 5th December.

Illustration courtesy of  Google Images

Photos  taken by Peter Davies, please do not reproduce without permission