Here you'll find answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions.  If you don't find an answer to your question here, please contact me and I'll answer your question in two shakes of a lamb's tail (or thereabouts.)

Here you'll find answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions.  If you don't find an answer to your question here, please contact me and I'll answer your question in two shakes of a lamb's tail (or thereabouts.)

What Kind of Care Do the Aprons Require?

All of the aprons are 100% cotton.  Each apron comes with care and washing instructions tucked in the pocket on a charming card.  Your apron arrives to you, pre-shrunk.  I wash the fabric when it first arrives to me, to pre-shrink the fabric and test for color-fastness, and when the apron is completed, I wash it again to ensure that all seams and bindings are strong.  I then press the apron before packaging it and sending it to you, so it arrives ready-to-wear.  I recommend washing your apron in cold water on a gentle cycle and only using mild detergents and stain removers (along with good old-fashioned elbow grease) to remove stains.  Dry your apron on a low setting and remove promptly to discourage wrinkles.

What are Model Aprons?

Occasionally, when trying out a new pattern, or new method of assembling an apron, I may have an apron come out less than perfect.  Frankly, I am human and sometimes I actually make a mistake! These imperfections are minor, and would not include anything that would affect the strength or construction of the apron, nor are they noticeable on the outside.  Would you notice these imperfections without my pointing them out to you......maybe, but it is unlikely.  Will your friends or party guests notice these imperfections while you're wearing your apron, most certainly NOT!  I do however, believe that in order to charge full price for an apron, it should be as perfect as I can possibly provide.  Although I am not perfect and I am not a machine and your garment is handmade, I check each seam and binding thoroughly for strength and appearance and want you to have the best garment possible, so I will not try to "sneak one" by you, the customer.  If there is an apron that is not 100% up to my own high standards, I will offer it to you at a lower price, and advise you of what the imperfection is.

Do you do rush orders?

Ultimately, my goal is to keep you, the customer, happy, and to send you a finished product that you will be proud to wear.  I will consider rush orders on an individual basis.  I am after all, only human and have to sleep sometime, and my husband and children occasionally enjoy seeing me as well.  Also, the time of year may alter my ability to meet rush orders (example, August through November are busy times preparing for the holiday rush) as well as any other custom or rush orders that may be ahead of yours.  Please contact me via email to discuss rush orders.

What if I see a fabric I adore in an apron you've already made?

I will not duplicate a fabric that I have already sewn.  You can see the previous fabrics I have used in my Apron Gallery. Occasionally, I will do large orders for businesses in the same fabric, but each in a differing trim.

However, some fabrics do come in the same print, but in different colors, or I may be able to find a similar fabric for you.  Just because you don't see it doesn't mean it can't be done!

If you need help choosing a fabric, please contact me, I may already have something you would like as I try to keep a fairly large selection of fabrics on hand. If you have a theme or idea (i.e., cats, golfer, florals, etc.) I can help you search for the perfect fabric for that special someone! Please see the Gallery for availble fabrics you can choose from.

Tell Me More About Custom Orders

I would be happy to make a custom apron in one of your favorite fabrics especially for you!  Simply choose which style of apron you would like to have made and then email me for yardage requirements. (Yardage may vary due to pattern layout.  That is, if your pattern has people on it, or large images, more yardage may be required so that the finished apron has the best possible appearance. 

Example:  You have a pattern with 8" women wearing aprons on it, so therefore I would have to choose whole images for the bib, pocket, etc., so that you don't have a pair of legs and feet, or a headless body on the bib and pocket of your apron!) 

Pricing for custom orders is listed on the Custom Orders page. If the fabric is delicate or requires special handling, the cost may vary.  I will lay out the pattern on your fabric BEFORE I CUT to make sure that it will work.  If for some reason it will not work, or if I feel it will not have the best appearance, I will contact you.  After an apron is completed, if you would like, I will return the remaining scraps of your fabric to you.  I know some people enjoy having them returned, and use them in quilts, crafts, etc.  Please allow 4-12 weeks for the completion of custom orders.

What About Gift Certificates?

I try to offer my aprons in a variety of prints and styles, but you may not find something that is exactly perfect for that special someone in the current selections, or perhaps you need a gift in a hurry! That's ok! Give a Dorothy's Apron's & Handmade Memories Custom Gift Certificate in any amount.  Gift Certificates are good for one year from the date of issue.  Then that special person in your life can personally choose the apron or gifts they would like to receive, including custom apron orders with a fabric of their choosing.

Why only one-of-a-kind and limited edition aprons?

First of all, everyone is an individual, and I believe it's important that we try to find ways to feel special, even while fulfilling some of the more mundane responsibilities of daily life.  Second, even with all of society's current shortcomings, the world is full of great beauty, and God has blessed us with beautiful things to enjoy.  I think it's important to try and find little ways to bring art and beauty into our lives, and I think aprons can be art! (If Andy Warhol could sell paintings of Campbell's Soup cans, why not?)  Each apron I make is a new creation based on colors, fabric and pattern layout. I am always on the lookout for new and interesting fabric. This creativity is exciting for me and keeps me fresh and on my toes, and therefore sewing the aprons never becomes boring or mundane.

Who Makes the Aprons at Dorothy's?

I do, and I am a one woman show!  I work as time allows while also being a full-time wife and mother of four.  Because the aprons can take four to twelve hours of my time from start to finish, I try to complete several per week depending on the flow of custom orders(yes, I do take one or two days off per week).  I give each apron my undivided attention and refuse to cut corners in order to save time or money.  My grandparents always said "If you're going to do something right, do it right the first time!"