I originally designed the Pinafore Apron for a sweet lady at church. She asked me if I could make her an apron similar to one she used to wear years ago. (She was my mom's age, so years ago could have been anything from the 1940s to probably the 1970s...) She'd had polio as a child which left her with weakness in her hands and legs-- but I never saw that slow her down much! I was happ
y to make an apron for her!
I searched the internet exhaustively for a vintage pattern that fit her description, but I couldn't find any patterns that were even remotely similar to what she described. Her only requirements were that there were no ties, velcro, or buttons (because her hands didn't have the strength to manage them) and that the apron fabric would be gathered across the bust "for modesty." 😊 She needed something that she could just slip over her head without messing up her hairdo. Since she used a motorized scooter to get around, I designed the apron to be split up the back so that she could put it on easily while seated, but it would still give her full coverage everywhere.
I made 5 aprons for her to choose from, and then I eventually listed the extras to sell in my shop. (If you're curious, this is the apron she chose for herself: Cherries & Black Gingham Pinafore Apron I've recreated it several hundred times since 2013!) I never dreamed that this style would work so well for so many people! I have subsequently re-designed the apron to offer smaller AND larger versions due to the number of custom requests I received for them in other sizes. I never dreamed this apron would become so popular.
My friend JoAn passed away on Valentine's Day 2018. She absolutely loved to help people, and I like to think that in a way she is still helping people because of the apron she asked me to make for her specific needs. I have heard feedback from so many people (with so many different issues and/or medical conditions) who have found this apron to be really helpful-- in unique ways I never even thought of when I was designing it! It's the #1 most popular style in my shop that people order. I think of her every time I make one.