Showing You My…Apron! « Tamarind and Thyme

There it is – my apron, on my headless body. It was Grade 8 and I was 13 years old when I sewed it. Somebody had the bright idea of introducing every single Grade 8 student at my high school to the range of practical classes available; I remember drafting, metalwork, woodwork, IT, cooking, and sewing. I loathed metalwork and woodwork, took an interest in drafting and cooking (of course!), found IT to be not very well taught, and really couldn’t give a damn about sewing. However, it was in that last class that I sewed my first, and only, apron – this apron, the apron that I still have and use today.

I remember finding the cloth with my mother at a fabric shop. The family finances were tight back then and together we chose a cloth from the sale rack. We also purchased some twill tape for the apron ties. Back at school, it took classes over a number of weeks for each of us to complete our aprons. We learned to hem (with sewing machines – not by hand!) and sew on buttons (ok, that’s by hand) and after a few weeks, we had our aprons. Due to the way the class rotations were scheduled, however, we were not able to use our newly crafted aprons for cooking class!

I remember not being entirely fond of the pattern all those years ago but now I love it! And I love it even more knowing that I made this apron with my own two hands! I had sewn on very long lengths of twill at the waist and this allows for tying in the front. As well, this provides a belt around my waist where I can tuck in a dishtowel to facilitate drying of my hands as I prep food.

This post is for Show Us Your Apron hosted by Lucullian Delights.

ilva Says:

Fri, 13 Jul, 2007 at 04:37

Thanks, beautiful apron and beautiful post. You know, this stirred my memory and I realize that I too made an apron at school around that age, mine was with green stripes and I do wonder where it is now…

The Home Cook Says:

Fri, 13 Jul, 2007 at 17:18

That’s a really nice apron and even nicer knowing you made it yourself!

I’ve got a practical question for you. I noticed in the picture that your washing machine is in the kitchen. While watching Britcoms I noticed the washing machines are in the kitchen in those shows as well. Any idea why that is? I’ve always been curious.

Su-Lin Says:

Fri, 13 Jul, 2007 at 17:45

Thanks, ilva! Hope you’re able to find your apron.

Thanks, The Home Cook! Now about your question…there’s an element of practicality to it, I believe. There is honestly no other place to put it! My flat (and most flats/houses in the UK) is very small and with plumbing already solved in the kitchen, it’s just a matter of hooking up the washing machine alongside. If I’m washing the dishes at the same time as when the machine drains, my sink gets backed up! There are laundromats around but a lot of people in London at least don’t have a car so dragging laundry around by hand is a right pain!

supercharz Says:

Fri, 13 Jul, 2007 at 19:39

That’s better than anything I did in MY textiles class!

It’s funny because I was actually thinking of making an apron post on Wednesday… but my camera batteries died. Perhaps I shall do one this weekend, though it isn’t hold a special story like yours

Annemarie Says:

Mon, 16 Jul, 2007 at 14:45

I love the apron! I’ve always like the idea of sewing my own things but was never compelled to at school, so I’m very impressed that you managed to keep and still use what you had done. Picture of my apron to follow tonight…

Mon, 16 Jul, 2007 at 22:24

Hi supercharz! What did you do in textiles class? It was just called sewing class for us! I sewed a pair of shorts as well….a lopsided pair of shorts.

Hi Annemarie! I have my mother to thank for keeping my apron so nicely all this while! I hope you have a sewing machine if you’re going to sew something like this….sewing by hand can be a right pain!