| Author | |
Ruth
Forum All-Star
Joined: Nov 04 2006
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5007
|
| Posted: May 31 2012 at 10:10am | IP Logged
|
 |
|
Ever since our dishwasher broke last week I've been washing dishes by hand, but I'm constantly getting soaked. I have a very thin apron, but that's just not working. Do any of you have suggestions for an inexpensive apron? I'm not much of a seamstress, so I don't want to make my own. 
Thank you! :)
__________________
Ruth
mom to 7 miracles
My family blog
Loreto Rosaries
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
MaryM
Board Moderator
Joined: Feb 11 2005
Location: Colorado
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 13104
|
| Posted: May 31 2012 at 10:59am | IP Logged
|
|
|
APRONS! I love aprons and wish I had more - starting to collect and make some. There was a really fun thread from years ago that I have in my favorites - Aprons. Maybe there is something there that would help - lots of links though many are patterns.
An oilcloth apron such as this one would be waterproof so great for dishwashing. But wearing oil cloth can get a bit hot.
There is this tutorial for making a really simple one from a tea towel (and there are cute tea towels around!  ). It wouldn't be too challenging, even for someone who is not much of a seamstress (especially if you left the ruffle off).
__________________
Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
MaryM
Board Moderator
Joined: Feb 11 2005
Location: Colorado
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 13104
|
| Posted: May 31 2012 at 11:06am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I'm sure you've seen them, Ruth, and they aren't really inexpensive but I would mention again the aprons available through Catholic Cuisine on sidebar. They are really a nice solid cloth that would keep you dry.
__________________
Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
knowloveserve
Forum All-Star
Joined: Jan 31 2007
Location: Washington
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 759
|
| Posted: May 31 2012 at 11:22am | IP Logged
|
|
|
You can get crafting apron at a Michaels or such that are often thick denim or duck cloth which are inexpensive...
__________________
Ellie
The Bleeding Pelican
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
JennGM
Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 17702
|
| Posted: May 31 2012 at 11:33am | IP Logged
|
|
|
MaryM wrote:
| I'm sure you've seen them, Ruth, and they aren't really inexpensive but I would mention again the aprons available through Catholic Cuisine on sidebar. They are really a nice solid cloth that would keep you dry. |
|
|
I was going to mention those, too. They are simple duck cloth aprons that you can buy at any craft store with embroidery added.
I have fun searching in antique and thrift stores for old aprons (for cheap, of course).
If you can just stitch some twill tape or bias tape for straps, I have three ideas.
Martha Stewart Bath Apron...I would just add some additional straps to tie around the waist.
I also have seen some old apron sewing patterns like this one that uses a square piece of fabric but held up to you like a diamond shape. Sew a bias tape or twill tape for the neck (like a halter and then for the waste, and easy to utilize any fabric or towel you might have.
And another tutorial for a dish towel apron.
I think honing your sewing skills on aprons is practical. I think an apron has to encase me to ensure I don't get stuff on my clothes. I understand more why there were "house dress" type of aprons.
I love this little pamphlet from the Bureau of home Economics: Dresses and Aprons which includes patterns for a man's apron (which could be unisex), basket apron (LOVE this idea!) and kneeling apron for gardening (another very practical one). But look at the different dresses to do the kitchen work.
Here's another simple sewing pattern for a simple apron
__________________
Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to  & ds1  '03 & ds2  '07
Family in Feast and Feria
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
JodieLyn
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 06 2006
Location: Oregon
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 12234
|
| Posted: May 31 2012 at 11:45am | IP Logged
|
|
|
simplest solution.. don't lean on the counter. It can seem harder when you start but when you stand up without actually touching the counter, you don't get wet unless you manage to create waves in the dishwater (btdt ). This doesn't mean you're leaning forward either. Lift the dishes as you're washing them rather than leaning over them.
__________________
Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
JennGM
Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 17702
|
| Posted: May 31 2012 at 11:50am | IP Logged
|
|
|
JodieLyn wrote:
| simplest solution.. don't lean on the counter. It can seem harder when you start but when you stand up without actually touching the counter, you don't get wet unless you manage to create waves in the dishwater (btdt ). This doesn't mean you're leaning forward either. Lift the dishes as you're washing them rather than leaning over them. |
|
|
Makes sense, but I get wet every time I am at the sink. I think the water is a magnet. Even being careful, I always manage to get the water everywhere.
I'm a messy cleaner.
__________________
Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
JennGM
Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 17702
|
| Posted: May 31 2012 at 11:59am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Oh, and my favorite apron was made by my friend Rachel, which is this style wrap apron. Very comfy and covers everything!
__________________
Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
SeaStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 16 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 9068
|
| Posted: May 31 2012 at 12:30pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Another simple fix: line the aprons you already have. Use plain muslin or cut up an old sheet to line your existing aprons. The extra layer makes them more water proof. You can just put the right sides together and make sure the straps are inside and tucked out of the way. Then turn inside out and top stitch all around.
I have done this several times and the results have made the aprons much hardier.
__________________
Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
SQUILT Music Appreciation
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
JodieLyn
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 06 2006
Location: Oregon
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 12234
|
| Posted: May 31 2012 at 12:41pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
or do like the dishwashers in resturants and such and have an un-lovely apron of a vinyl type material.. just the cut out shape (like the bbq aprons) with straps for around neck and back and only wear it when washing dishes.
oh and for more coverage.. I'm going to be trying out a pinafore type of apron for reenactment. basically a narrowish skirted bib apron.. but one front and one back.. tie the neck ties at each shoulder and the waist at each side.
__________________
Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
CrunchyMom
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 03 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6385
|
| Posted: May 31 2012 at 12:59pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Not cheap, but I have two of these Williams Sonoma aprons. One in a toile print they don't carry anymore, and one is plain, bright blue, which is technically dh's.
They are thicker than any of the other "pretty" aprons I own (which, most of those have torn and are awaiting mending  ). They are both canvas or at least a hardy twill, though the solid one is a bit stiffer than the print.
Anyway, I would recommend them for the price. They are well made and will last forever, and they keep me a bit dryer than the average apron (when I remember to wear it ). I think they must be "professional."
If professional aprons are generally more practical in this way, you might try a restaurant supply store. I went to a local one for the first time recently, and it was just splendid. The store was not pretty and more like a warehouse, but the prices were astounding, and they offer things that are not needed by the average home cook but are helpful for those of us cooking more people than average. But, even the regular things (like pots, pans, mixing bowls, appliances, rolling pins, etc...) were good prices. All that to say, they probably have a less expensive version of the heavier "professional" apron than those offered at Williams Sonoma.
__________________
Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Pilgrim
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 28 2007
Location: Wisconsin
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1286
|
| Posted: May 31 2012 at 1:04pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I came up with another solution that has helped greatly, and I regret it when I forget to do this. I fold a towel length wise into a long roll, and lay it on the bit of counter between me and the sink. It really helps!  Then also when I have to lean my arms on the edge for support if I'm getting worn out standing there so long, I don't get wet and itchy arms. 
I second the recommendation of the Catholic embroidered aprons, they are the nicest aprons I've ever tried. My parents got me them for 2 separate holidays, and I really, really like them. They got them here. This company has a multitude of neat items.
__________________
Wife 2 my bf, g14,b8,g&b6,g4,g3,g1 1/2,4 ^i^
St. Clare Heirloom Seeds coupon 4Real 20% off
St. Clare Audio
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Servant2theKing
Forum All-Star
Joined: Nov 13 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1505
|
| Posted: May 31 2012 at 1:30pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
A search on ebay for waterproof apron, oilcloth apron or grooming apron produces many selections. (If you don't like to buy overseas, just click the "distance: closest first" search feature)
We put towels in front of, or around, our sink, to deal with water runoff, especially when dc tend to be overly enthusiastic with rinsing or washing.
You didn't mention whether you're planning to replace your broken dw, Ruth. After a couple years of cleaning the front of our "retired" (or dead-and-never-coming-back-to-life) dishwasher we finally yanked it out and started using the open cubby for much needed storage. We put a rolling basket style cart (which we used for corraling supplies during a big painting spree) in our newly freed up space. The cubby now stores various miscellanea which used to clutter our crowded closet pantry; refillable water bottles, potatoes, snacks, etc. We hung two spare quilted pillow shams in front of our little cubby, using an inexpensive tension rod and cafe hooks (less than $5 altogether). Dh resurrected a piece of scalloped trim which matches our kitchen cabinets (the previous owners never installed it). He cut it to fit, then secured the trim with brackets to the sides of the cupboards on either side and underneath the counter, at the top of the cubby for a lovely ( but inexpensive) finished look.
Just wanted to share one way to make lemonade out of dishwasher lemons. Having the extra storage has been really great! I'm not sure we would ever want another dishwasher.
__________________
All for Christ, our Saviour and King, servant
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
JennGM
Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 17702
|
| Posted: May 31 2012 at 1:33pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Pilgrim wrote:
I came up with another solution that has helped greatly, and I regret it when I forget to do this. I fold a towel length wise into a long roll, and lay it on the bit of counter between me and the sink. It really helps! Then also when I have to lean my arms on the edge for support if I'm getting worn out standing there so long, I don't get wet and itchy arms.
|
|
|
I was just coming back to make the same suggestion.
__________________
Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Ruth
Forum All-Star
Joined: Nov 04 2006
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5007
|
| Posted: June 02 2012 at 10:58am | IP Logged
|
|
|
MaryM wrote:
| I'm sure you've seen them, Ruth, and they aren't really inexpensive but I would mention again the aprons available through Catholic Cuisine on sidebar. They are really a nice solid cloth that would keep you dry. |
|
|
Thanks, Mary. I was just hoping to get something a lot less expensive.
knowloveserve wrote:
| You can get crafting apron at a Michaels or such that are often thick denim or duck cloth which are inexpensive... |
|
|
I'm hoping to get a coupon on line and go sometime next week. In the meantime... 
JodieLyn wrote:
| simplest solution.. don't lean on the counter. It can seem harder when you start but when you stand up without actually touching the counter, you don't get wet unless you manage to create waves in the dishwater (btdt ). This doesn't mean you're leaning forward either. Lift the dishes as you're washing them rather than leaning over them. |
|
|
Servant2theKing wrote:
You didn't mention whether you're planning to replace your broken dw, Ruth. After a couple years of cleaning the front of our "retired" (or dead-and-never-coming-back-to-life) dishwasher we finally yanked it out and started using the open cubby for much needed storage. We put a rolling basket style cart (which we used for corraling supplies during a big painting spree) in our newly freed up space. The cubby now stores various miscellanea which used to clutter our crowded closet pantry; refillable water bottles, potatoes, snacks, etc. We hung two spare quilted pillow shams in front of our little cubby, using an inexpensive tension rod and cafe hooks (less than $5 altogether). Dh resurrected a piece of scalloped trim which matches our kitchen cabinets (the previous owners never installed it). He cut it to fit, then secured the trim with brackets to the sides of the cupboards on either side and underneath the counter, at the top of the cubby for a lovely ( but inexpensive) finished look.
Just wanted to share one way to make lemonade out of dishwasher lemons. Having the extra storage has been really great! I'm not sure we would ever want another dishwasher.
|
|
|
We decided not to replace the broken dishwasher. This is an excellent idea!
__________________
Ruth
mom to 7 miracles
My family blog
Loreto Rosaries
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
CrunchyMom
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 03 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6385
|
| Posted: June 02 2012 at 2:52pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Ruth, just last night I was in Marshal's and saw a whole rack of pretty quilted aprons for $10 a piece! If you have one nearby, it might be worth running in
__________________
Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
JennGM
Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 17702
|
| Posted: June 06 2012 at 3:13pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Here's a great idea for a another tea towel apron
__________________
Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: Aprons
