Website Updates!

Women’s Plus size aprons and Men’s big and tall aprons in predefined style and fabric is now available for your convenience.  Just choose your size and for some styles, select the pocket style that you prefer or there may be a color option and then proceed to check out.   To get started click here Made to Order Aprons

 

I’m still adding these selections as time permits so if you do not find what you want, either select your own style and fabric by clicking here Pick your Fabric Aprons and Fabric for Your Custom Apron  or visit my etsy store

Online Shopping .......

 

As a shopper, sometimes online shopping just drives me crazy.  I find something that I think I really want, but there aren’t enough pictures to show all views or details and the description leaves something to be desired.   This problem has given me something to think about and wondering if I couldn’t do a better job of listing my aprons online.  One thing that I have realized over the years is that the majority of shoppers don’t want to take the time to read too much description or to look at a lot of pictures so I’ve always tried to create a balance between those that want less information and those that want more info.  I figure it is better to have too much information then not having enough.

Recently I started creating a picture for each style that shows all of the different views and elements in a particular style.  Above and below are examples of these pictures. I’m adding them to each of the listings for that particular design.  But the designs that I’m discontinuing will not have them.

 

 

I'm doing the pictures in grayscale so hopefully they wont be mistaken for what someone is buying ...

The Future of TimelessAprons

As I’ve gotten closer to retirement, I’ve been thinking about what to do with my business of TimelessAprons.  I had thought that I would wait a few more years but with business falling off so badly I think I will go the semi-retired state and just scale back, a lot.

One of the ways I will be scaling back is that after the beginning of next year I will be cutting down on what is available at my etsy shop with the plan of eventually closing it.  Even though I’m getting ready to launch a shop with the new Handmade at Amazon it is not fully load nor will it ever be. I will probably close it out completely by next spring or sooner.

I will keep my website up and open to take custom requests and to sell off what I had to make for the pictures on etsy and amazon.  But once these Ready Mades are gone that will be all of the ready made’s and only custom requests will be available.

Please do not contact me asking to buy my patterns as they are not and will not be for sale.  I had thought about getting them in shape to have patterns printed and then sell the patterns, I may still look into it but if I decide to do that it will be at least 2 or 3 years before they are available.  But once the patterns are available there is a good chance that I will cease making aprons all together and just sell the patterns. 

As you all know, Life happens and things change so I can only say that as of right now this is my plans for the future and if something changes I will be sure to post it here.

Handmade at Amazon

After months of waiting, Amazon has finally allowed us Pioneer Sellers to get into our shops to start setting it up. No launch date yet!!!!!

But they have a Artisan Profile page that they want us to upload pictures of our Shops, ha!!!   so for awhile I had been trying to figure out what to put up as how exciting is a picture of my back at a sewing machine? ... lol ... I finally hit upon using some of my design sketches and came up with a picture that I really, really like!  but then I got to thinking about changing my banner from pictures of vintage aprons to using my sketches as I think that might represent what I do, better.  So here is a sample banner that I came up with:

So I would rally like to get some opinions.  Should I use this type of banner for Amazon? if yes, should I change all of my sites to a similar banner.  I have 3 selling sites, this blog and facebook all different sizes required so it is somewhat of a work out.  Please leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Cobbler Apron now available for smaller sizes!!!!

This past holiday season I had a lot of requests for my popular 50's plus size cobbler apron to be offered in a smaller size. Well I was so busy at the time that I couldn't whip out the pattern and sample but now it is completed!!!!   It's designed to be a OSFA Miss, should work for S/M/L full figured or not!

As of right now I only have these two completed but I do have a few more cut out and will get them added as soon as possible.  The style catalog has been updated with the new size and measurements. 

Happy Holidays!

This Month has been very busy one, very satisfying too!

 

My etsy sells have been exceptionally good and I’m now trying to restock so there will be plenty to choice from for the rest of the winter.  I’ve also received an order for 50 custom aprons that I need to start on right after Christmas!!!!   

I’ve been a tiny bit disappointed in the lack of sells for my Holiday aprons, so I won’t pre-make them any longer but will make them on a custom order bases as long as my fabric stash holds out.  Watch for future information on how to order them.   I may offer a few on etsy but not more than 1 or 2 I think. I love making them so I’ll have to see about that later in the year.  I’ve established a “discontinued area” on this blog and you can buy what I’ve already made, at a reduced price, from that page and only that page.  Here is the link to it if you didn’t see it on the tabs.  https://sites.google.com/site/timelessaprons/close-outs-and-ooops-sales

There are remaining aprons for discontinued styles on this page, too, with more being added as I have time.  If you have any issues ordering, please contact me using the new contact form in the left column.

The Style catalog is updated so you can see what styles are currently in production and their measurements. 

 

2014 styles - I have a few new styles planned for this coming year.  They are only in the sketch stage at this time, but hopefully I will be starting work on the patterns soon. As soon as I get a sample made of each one, I will post a picture here.  

 

My latest new style that I posted about here, with no ties and a crossed strap back, has been wildly popular in both sizes. I may add a smaller Miss size soon, but I still need to make that pattern. 

 

I hope everyone is having a Happy Holidays and will have a very Happy New Year! 

The Correct Apron for Every Chore ...

I bet you’ve been thinking all along that just any apron will work for all of your every day chores, but the fabric choice is an important part of selecting the right apron for each chore.

Cooking:  For cooking just about any fabric will be appropriate, from light weight cotton to mid weight will work fine, unless you are making something that creates a wet mess or where grease will be splattering, than a mid to heavy weight such as duck or twill will be better at protecting your clothes. 

Light weight cotton, suitable for most cooking.

Dish Washing:  Many people think that the only choices to keep your clothes dry while hand washing dishes, is a vinyl or plastic apron.  Actually, a nice mid to heavy weight cotton, such as Ponte, Twill or Duck are the better choices.

 



Twill and Duck Aprons



For either of the above tasks, the lengths aren’t that important, which ever length works the best for you.

Housework and cleaning:  For general housework and cleaning, a better choice is a shorter length apron, well above your knees.  The shorter length keeps the apron from interfering with your movements and if you are going to climb a ladder or step up on to a stool, the shorter length will keep you from tripping. 



Shorter length aprons in Twill and Duck



 

Outside work and Gardening:  Again a shorter apron, well above your knees and lots of pockets will do the trick for you when it comes to outside projects.  A heavy Duck or Twill will protect your clothes better than light weight cotton.

 

Personally, for housework and outside work, I like a shorter apron with big pockets so I have room to stuff more things inside of the pockets.

 

 

 



It’s Nearly Halloween ….

Gosh where does the time go?  Here in the plains states this Summer and Fall weather has been just gorgeous and now that it is turning cold it seems winter may get an early start, boo hiss …  I’ve been busy stocking my store so that there is a wide selection of aprons to choice from for your holiday events and gift giving. 

I’ve been taking a short break from sewing to get some winterization projects around the house completed. Ha, they still aren’t done but getting there and I hope to start sewing again next week.

 

I’ve also taken the time to make a new apron design and pattern. I’ve been struggling for 2 years with something similar to this, that isn’t real complicated to sew, too. I’ve finally come up with something that I’m happy with and will be offering it in both a longer length and a shorter length, and in both the XL – 2X and the 3X-4X size (both lengths)  .. This is just the first one that I’ve made, so far!

 The one pictured above is the short version, 2x and is made from green and white check cotton homespun fabric.  I plan on making these out of heavier fabric, such as cotton duck, twill and denim.  It is supper comfortable.

How To Determine The Fit of An Apron

Aprons are flexible in sizing so generally, it isn’t necessary to get an apron in your exact size.

As you already know, there really are no standard measurements for clothing sizes, each manufacturer and designer may be different than every other manufacturer, for the same size.

Aprons sizes vary even more than clothing.    There are many people that make and sell aprons on the internet and some of them will add longer ties to an apron and call it plus size.  Well this doesn’t take into consideration larger Bust/Chest measurements or length, so without finding out from them what the exact measurements are, you may end up with an apron that doesn’t do its job.

First thing to do is figure out the measurements of how an apron should fit you.  Keep in mind that you normally will have clothes on under the apron, so your measurements should be taken fully dressed.

If you do not have a measuring tape:

1. Walmart, Hobby Lobby and fabric stores all have them and they are usually only a dollar or 2.
2. If you do not want to go out and buy a tape, than use a piece of string or ribbon, and mark it for each of the measurements.  Lay the string flat and with a ruler or yard stick measure each mark.

A.  Length measurement from your shoulder: Typically you don’t need an apron that goes past your knees, but it’s ok if that is what you want. There is no right or wrong, it is totally up to you. If the neck strap is adjustable the length is really going to determine on how you position the neck size.

B.  Bust measurement: Not all of the way around, but the coverage that you need. Typically you only need a measurement that is across your front plus an inch or 2 beyond that. I’ve seen aprons being offered that state that their aprons are fitted in the bust, personally I don’t think this is important because the fit will depend on your bust size, what clothes you have on and what bra you are wearing. If you want a fitted apron, than you should talk to a local seamstress and have them make you a custom apron that will fit you just right.

C.  Waist measurement:   You need two waist measurements.  One that is just the coverage area, generally side to side based on how far around you want the apron.  The 2nd measurement is all of the way around your waist.   Take the tie measurements times 2, plus the Waist band or waist area measurement, subtract your total waist measurement. What is left divide by 2 and result is what you will have left over to tie in a bow.   Here is an example:

Your total waist measurement is 44" and your waist coverage area is 22".  The apron's waist band area is 24" and the ties are each 20".  The aprons total measurement is 20" x 2 = 40" + 24" = 64" - 44" = 20" / 2 = 10".  Each tie will have a 10" length left for your bow.

Now that you know about what the measurements should be for your new apron, you are ready to go shopping.

If the seller doesn’t list the measurements in their listing, than don’t hesitate to email them and ask them the sizes for the apron you are interested in. Measurements will often depend upon the style, so if someone offers several different styles, be sure and specify which one that you want. Please remember that it is time consuming for a seller to spend time with a prospective buyer and than frustrating when the prospective buyer doesn’t even acknowledge the info that was sent to them.

Now that you know the measurements that you are looking for in an apron, visit my Style Catalog and quickly find the style and size that is what you are looking for.  Once you have determined the style that is the best fit for you, visit my Etsy shop TimelessAprons  and have fun shopping.  If you still don't find something that works for you, please email me and include your measurements and I will see if I can help you further.

What has been going on?

Hi everyone, well I am no longer working outside of the home. I suspect I will eventually get a part time job though, but in the meantime I am finally able to devote most of my energies to my apron business. As a result I've introduced a few new styles and will be working on a few more that I've had ideas about. One of the most exciting ones that I would like to tell you about is my New Maternity apron, It is before, during and after, nice and roomy and comfortable, with a short half back.


I've also reactived what was really my first Etsy store. CottageCreations, where I sell vintage stuff, mostly linens and also I upcycle damaged vintage linens into new and fresh useful items. Lately, I've been on a sustainable kick so making products to help people out in living a more sustainable life. My grocery bags have been very popular and over time I will be offering more products.



I always have a ton of useable scraps left over from my aprons and I hate just throwing them out so I've been saving them and finally came up with a project that will use them up, bowl and baking pan covers!!!! I use a set of the baking pan covers all of the time and they really work well in keeping my baked goods fresh for days. Soooo much easier then plastic wrap or tin foil. Love them!!!



You can find both the covers and the bags at CottageCreations. Along with some vintage aprons!

I hope to be posting a bit more often then once a year and I would really like to hear from you! Please feel free to post comments on this site and I will respond if appropriate.