I’ve been working on this design for over a year testing it out in my own garden – worn all year-round, for an hour or two’s work in the potting shed, late summer harvesting, digging over and tidying up in the winter. The cross back straps come into their own when the pouch is full of veg, they spread the weight evenly across the shoulders (not the neck). The shorter length is great for manoeuvrability whether crouching down weeding or clambering about in the borders there’s no bulky fabric in the way.
Two new apron designs were added to In The Makings Aprons in the last couple of months; an updated No10:2 woodwork apron in rich Chestnut Brown or classic Stone canvas, and a beautifully swishy No25:2 in natural washed linen.
The No10:2 apron is actually an updated version of the original No10:1, one of my first custom designs, a collaboration with a furniture maker. This improved No10:2 design is longer for extra protection and has wide adjustable crossback straps for people who don’t like neck straps/ties. But like the original design it still features a fabulous array of specialist pockets and the unique magnetic pocket flap which keeps shavings out of your pockets but flips up for hands-free access to the pockets underneath. I will be adding a version with tie neck & waist in the coming months and considering some more colour options – suggestions welcome!.
The new No25:2 design was made in response to requests for more lightweight aprons suitable for artist painters, makers and bakers. This washed natural linen is absolutely gorgeous and lends itself so well to the pleated skirt. This apron doesn’t have a split front skirt, but I will offer a split leg version in future.
I chose this beautiful sapphire-cobalt blue canvas for the new No24 studio apron aimed at printers, artists and craftspeople. The woven herringbone tape ties are in a slightly darker royal blue, they knot through loops on the apron corners and you can tie them in a bow or round the front for a secure fit. The three different size and shape pockets can accommodate pens, small tools etc. It took the best part of a year to develop this design, trying to keep it simple but well balanced and very functional.
A second strap option for the No25 Natural Ecru apron. I couldn’t decide which strap colour to use with the natural undyed canvas – the ecru tape with the woven black dots along the length or this royal blue woven cotton-feel acrylic tape – so I decided to make both!
Completly forgot to add this new apron project to my journal!
No14:2 pleated apron has been so popular in the 3 years since I introduced it to the range, but I was also getting lots of requests for a version with cross back straps. It proved trickier than anticipated to a design an apron with all the functions and features required but which also felt comfortable and flattering. The breakthrough really came when I identified new canvas fabrics that were softer, had more drape but still had the hardwearing qualities my clients need.
Introducing the No25: a pleated split leg skirt and adjustable crossback straps that knot through loops at the back to get the perfect fit for you, whether that’s a looser easy-fit or more snug fit or adjusting to allow for winter layers in a chilly studio. The pleats and split leg feature give lots of extra coverage and comfort, especially when the wearer is seated at a potters wheel or work bench. I really love this spectacular sapphire blue colour canvas teamed with royal blue tie straps made from ‘cotton feel’ acrylic tapewhich is both soft and hardwearing (much more so than cotton webbing).
This fabric is fabulous soft, thick, drapes beautifully – it’s undyed, unbleached canvas with tiny flecks of cotton seeds visible in the weave. The matching strap ties have lines of woven in black dots along the length, I’ve had this tape for quite a few years waiting for the right project to use it. This apron design has been a long time in development, working with different fabric options is very exciting!
Contemporay design meets zero waste. I designed this bag specifically to use up narrow strips of canvas (leftover from making work aprons), each one is unique assembled using at least 20 individual pieces of canvas fabric remnants. The para-cord element allows the strap length to be adjusted, knotting through a tube of fabric at the side. Inside the bag all the seams are neatly overlocked and the internal pocket is bound with woven tape.
bag constructionAlso a couple with alternative option; patterned blue/ochre/black para-cord strap
I’ve been working on this one for quite a while now, over a year in fact, trying to produce a work apron that is simple and easy to wear, has well thought out functional details, has a lower price point, and of course looks great too!
The pocket sizes I’ve chosen to fit a variety of tools, notebooks, phone and devices, and the little square one is also handy for a little snack! I particularly love the arrangement of colour combinations, the soft natural unbleached canvas with it’s tiny dark flecks, the big bright yellow pocket and stark black pockets and straps.
My newest apron design now comes in my most popular colour/fabric! Ochre canvas, teamed with beige herringbone ties and a teeny pop of red for the D-ring loop. It has a generous split leg skirt, for great coverage when seated at the wheel or workbench, and a ‘wonky pocket’ with tool compartments, angled for easy access when seated.
I’m always trying to create a bit of variety in the range, so that clients find an apron that suits their craft practice, personality and preferences. This lovely 8oz denim drapes over your legs beautifully when seated at the wheel or work bench; it’s a really distinctive and attractive design, yet highly functional work apron.
