When we say "Capture the Mood of Simpler Times...." we mean simpler times, not so much in the load of work, but in the joy and pride of doing it.

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Whatever happened to aprons?

In our quest to obtain equal rights, the apron suffered a terrible blow and was discarded as a negative image……and as a result we suffered a terrible loss!

Aprons brought to mind the image of women being tied to their long list of unending chores, unappreciated for their hard work, and of men and little boys being tied too long and too tightly to their mother's apron strings! What a shame! Why would we ever get rid of something so practical? We threw the baby out with the bathwater!

It's interesting that all of those chores that we once considered "women's work" and drudgery have now exploded in popularity and are now making a come back as "leisure arts;" gourmet cooking, sewing, knitting, quilting, needle arts, etc….

The truth is, is that even when our grandmothers and great grandmothers (and even some of our mothers) had to do these things; they were not simply tasks, but a creative outlet, a form of individual artistic expression, and very often an opportunity for socializing and sisterhood! Thank goodness they are making a comeback and reaching a new generation of young ladies and gentlemen too!

For me, aprons bring to mind other images: damp, cool spring mornings spent pulling seed packets from an apron pocket as you plant in the garden…… hot summer days and an apron skirt overflowing with fresh tomatoes as you hurry back to the house hoping not to drop any…..crisp fall mornings and freshly made apple pies cooling on the windowsill….and a blustery winter morning, as the wind roars outside the window, wiping flour from your hands onto your apron after finishing up that loaf of homemade bread, as the smell of bread and warmth from the oven wafts through the entire house!

What's So Special About Dorothy's Aprons?

All of our aprons are made with original, vintage patterns except for the Classic Dorothy (a reproduction), and are one-of-a-kind.

What sets a Dorothy's Apron apart from all the others?

Let's face it, since I began this business in November 2004, the number of apron makers out there has greatly increased! I am happy to say aprons are making a comeback.

But, you may be asking, what is the difference between our aprons and all the others?

By now you may have noticed that Dorothy's does not sell a great deal of half-aprons as a rule. Half-aprons are lovely, adorable accessories for entertaining. However, when it comes to saving your blouse or the top of your dress at the spaghetti pot, a half apron is NOT going to do the job.

(Special note: Because I am a firm believer in old-school customer service, if you really WANT a half-apron, or two of a kind, let me know!  The most important factor is that you end up owning and wearing an apron that you will love, in the exact style you desire.)

Dorothy's aprons are NOT mass produced. Each apron is made by little ole' me, right here, with my own two hands. Every one is an individual, just like you! You will get individualized attention when ordering an apron from Dorothy's. Ordering a custom apron and want two pockets instead of one? Not a problem. Need it longer or shorter, let me know. You will walk away with a usable, practical, beautiful apron of heirloom quality, just like the one grandma used to wear.

The biggest difference about the Aprons at Dorothy's: style, practicality AND comfort combined.

I chose the practical vintage designs at Dorothy's Aprons based on the fact that I am an apron wearer, and I find that most modern aprons are NOT comfortable. Many of the older, vintage designs lay flat against your shoulders, and are more comfortable. They really did know how to make them back then!

Practical however, does not have to mean boring! I've chosen fun, colorful fabrics that are unique! I think aprons should be fun! I look for the most current, interesting and colorful prints from vendors like Michael Miller, Alexander Henry, Marcus Brothers, Robert Kaufmann, and more.

Each apron is individually hand-pieced. Aprons are available as one-of-a-kind, and occasionally as a limited edition (no more than two of an individual fabric, but one will have a different trim.) No two aprons are exactly alike. I use 100% high quality cotton fabric and Gutermann threads.

Your apron arrives beautifully gift-wrapped in navy gingham tissue with a premium natural craft paper outer wrap and tied with a natural flax twine invoking the feeling of receiving a special paper parcel from yesteryear.

In addition, your apron comes with one of our handmade lavender sachets tucked in the pocket, as a special way of saying thank you, along with care instructions. Each sachet is made with organic lavender and essential oils.

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