Apron (Workwoman's Guide)

Another recent project: a bib apron (fig 11 no 11) from The Workwoman's Guide (1838). This is is meant for a friend who has recently taken up tin-smithing, and wanted an extra layer to protect her dress from abrasion and snags. Therefore, I used a heavy cotton shirting fabric from Family Heirloom Weavers. The cotton tape shoulder straps are in the historic instructions, though the design is given as being for a girl or teen. I went this route since the intended wearer strongly dislikes pinner aprons, and it seemed a prudent compromise to get that upper protective layer without pins.

One apron with bib and shoulder straps.

The skirt is made from one panel (~54" after washing), which felt scant from my usual mid-century apron expectations. The instructions, however, insist that one breadth of fabric (as little as 36") is sufficient for working aprons.