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Making a traditional apron
One of the "tools" I want to get is a traditional workman's apron. There is a picture over at www.toolemera.com of a traditional woodworker wearing one. You can see it at this page if you scroll down to the picture called "THE WISE CARPENTER AT HIS BENCH."
I really like this apron although it seems that a design that had criss-crossing shoulder straps would be a bit easier on the neck and not as prone to getting the neck strap as sweaty.
If anyone has any suggestions, pictures, patterns or ideas, I would really appreciate them. Basically, I am looking for something somewhat traditional and lightweight. A pocket for a pencil or small square would be fine, but I don't plan on carrying my toolbox in it.
Another big question I have is what fabric to use. I found this site that sells linsey-woolsey, but it is quite expensive for my tastes. Also, I am not sure it would have been the material of choice for the latter part of the 19th century. I remember some nail aprons and a regular apron my Dad had that were apparently made out of a pretty rough weave of untreated cotton that seems like it would be a good choice if only it could be found.
Please let me know what you think.
Luke
When I was in high school, the New South Wales Department of Education had a standard apron for woodwork and metalwork classes. It was made of a cotton fabric whch was of medium weight (heavier than bed sheets but lighter than jeans - sort of calico weight) whch could be bought from the same stores that sold school uniforms. That probably means nothing in North America, where only the posh private schools have uniforms, but in Australia even State schools have them - very egalitarian, if not very liberal. Mine lasted from the age of 12 until it got lost in a house move in my twenties.
Your item has reminded me to see whether they are still made and available - my recollection is that they were cheap and really good. All it is designed to do is to protect your clothes from dust and glue and grease. If you are doing welding - get a leather apron.
Jeremy
Jeremy,
That does sound like what I am looking for.
Interestingly, I was at a friend's house today and he had a couple of old nail aprons made from the type of material I was thinking of.
I don't know if I can still find it though. It seems like most of the modern cotton fabrics are either treated so as to not absorb moisture or are mixed with synthetic materials.
The equivalent apron is still available in Australia on eBay
Jeremy
That does look similar.
Also, I just found this one:
http://doitbest.com/Nail+aprons-Custom+Leathercraft-model-BS-60-doitbest...
My only problem with it is that it has a neck strap instead of a criss-cross back. I sweat so much when I work that it seems like a neck strap would get pretty grungy.
I don't know which was more popular, the waist apron or the double apron with a bib? I think the photograph on Gary's site shows a patch on the bib rather than a pocket?
If you make one with a bib, add a button hole in the center to attach it to a shirt button, takes some strain of the neck straps.
Here is the one I made, it is of linen, costly but worth the expense, it is very durable. It has an open hem on top for canvas tape, so it gathers and ties behind the back. There are illustrations of apron hooks, wide bone buttons with iron shanks and hooks. The hook goes through a hole in the back of the apron and the two hooks, hook together.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii105/shepherd1857/Shop.jpg
Stephen