This apron, which was old (somebody's grandma's) when I got it at a garage sale, has served me well for many years both in the kitchen and in the garden.
I got to wondering how it would translate into an article of clothing like a vest or tabard.
A cotton canvas material – a shower curtain, actually – (thank you, Tracey) – had the drape and the substance to suit the purpose.
The original apron was used as a template and tweaked here and there; the edges left free;
one-up-one-down pockets added.
The issue of getting it on and then having to adjust the straps 'behind your back', so to speak, was solved by stitching the straps in the optimum position.
I am finding – once again – that an item of clothing, when it has undergone a re-purposing, retains part of its original use, more so, perhaps, in the original form (as in if I had worn the apron as a vest or jumper) but also when mimicked in other fabric.
This intrigues me. I suspect it has to do with energy (what doesn't!).
An 'apron memory' is in this piece of clothing.
A sense of the garden, of the kitchen, of household pleasantries.
Comments
2 responses to “Clothing as a vehicle of meaning”
I wish it was possible to wear aprons more than just at home. I love them! I love the feeling of practicalty and comfort and the sense of preparedness that comes when wearing an apron. I like cotton canvas aprons with a wrap around waist strap and one or two roomy pockets at the front. I like the pockets particularly because very few bought skirts have pockets.
When I was in Japan a few years ago several times I saw shop assistants wearing gorgeous grey linen aprons. Aprons used to be worn quite a lot in England in shops and restaurants, but sadly hardly at all now.
I think your apron is great and the re-use of shower curtain fabric inspired! As usual.
Hello Kruse
Wonder what would happen if you wore an apron outside the home. The cotton canvas one you describe would not be shouting “apron, apron” but more whispering, I would think, what you identified – “feeling of practicalty……sense of preparedness….” Might be fun to experiment. Thanks for your thoughtful feedback.