Book Review: The Apron Book

The Apron Book: Making, Wearing, and Sharing a Bit of Cloth and Comfort by EllynAnne Geisel

Published by Andrews McNeel Publishing
ISBN: 0-7407-6181-1

In the introduction, Mrs. Geisel states, "... every apron spoke worlds of the heart and character of the people who had sewn and worn them." How fascinating to learn that there is another person who looks at an apron and sees "their stories." Why did someone use this particular fabric? Why did they choose the pattern? Every apron, whether for messes or entertaining has a story behind it.

Chapter 1 focuses on the aprons' journey from utility use to decoration, from Adam and Eve's aprons made from leaves to modern day. Throughout this book are pictures of aprons, directions for making several different styles of aprons and the remembrances of the roles that aprons have played in peoples lives.

Chapter 2 talks about the differences in aprons and includes a pattern for a Basic Waist Apron, Basic Bib Apron, and the Basic Smock Apron. Mrs. Geisel also mentions how pockets can really bring an apron to life and give it personality.

Chapter 3 is an overview of the kitchen apron, the "workhorses of aprons." There is a section about adding hot pads to an apron and about children's aprons, including a pattern for a Basic Child's Apron.

I love this line at the beginning of Chapter 4:
"Who, after all, gets high fives for a well-washed load of laundry or kudos for an expertly dusted room?"
So begins a look at utility aprons, made for cleaning, dusting, laundry, etc. The Baby Bath Wrapper, a variation of the Basic Bib Apron is such a great idea and shows how versatile one apron pattern can truly be.

"The Backyard Daddy" is the title of Chapter 5 and it talks about the wonderful aprons men wore/wear for backyard grilling. I just love the pattern for the Bottle Apron with a place for a straw.

Did you realize that there are many uses for "aprons on the job?" Chapter 6 talks about the many different occupations that wear an apron, maids, soda jerks, butchers. It includes a variation of the Basic Waist Apron, the Wipe-and-Go Plastic Apron. How ingenious!

Chapter 7 discusses the fancy apron, The aprons saved in the back of the drawer and pulled out when entertaining company and throwing parties. I absolutely adore the mauve satin waist apron on p. 107. I must make one for myself!

Chapter 8 covers the funny aprons. The aprons that have messages, such as, "I Hate Housework." Ummm, that would be me!

The last chapter is about the collecting and preservation of aprons. The love and care of them.

While reading this book, the love that EllynAnne Geisel has for aprons really shines through. There is so much inspiration included in the book, not only the patterns and their variations but also the modern and vintage aprons pictured throughout.

Please buy a copy for yourself, this book deserves a place on your bookshelf!

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So, I wanted to show a few of the aprons that I have.


This apron is made from a pot holder and a kitchen towel with red bias tape used for the neck and waist ties.

This apron is the Basic Bib Apron from The Apron Book.

This is the apron that I received for the Summer Sassy Apron Swap from Beth of cloth and fodder. I told y'all that sooner or later I would get a picture taken!!!! Please forgive the wrinkles, I was actually using it. One of the funny things that I have noticed since I received this apron, is how much I LIKE wearing an apron!

This apron is an antique child's apron that I bought years ago off of ebay. I bought it for Hannah to play with but changed my mind when I received it. This apron is completely hand stitched together. The embroidery is hand-done and the yellow ribbon is SILK. Do you see why Hannah didn't get her hot little hands?

Happy Sewing!