When I first visited Jingdezhen, China in 2015 as an artist in residence, I noticed so many potters using a split-leg apron while working. Upon returning to Australia I sought out various fabrics that would suit my own design and began to source industry offcuts, deceased estates and private collections for their hard-wearing, durability and endurance qualities. We potters do make a mess and this type of fabric is perfect for the clay and glazes we tend to throw at it… literally! These aprons have proven to be valuable for other trades too and many have been sold to baristas, chefs, bakers, tattoo artists, dog and horse groomers, makeup artists, costume makers, jewellers and artists.

As a pottery teacher I made myself many of these aprons as teaching a few classes a week required a clean apron each time! Many of my students also purchased more than one apron and were very proud to parade them around the studio or in their workplace.

The aprons are ideal for when you’re sitting or standing while working as they keep the mess off your clothes and cover your legs (usually to below the knee depending on how tall you are). They’re also great for working at a bench as it saves having to have a towel draped over your legs.

There’s quite a bit that goes into these aprons:

Firstly… the fabric is sustainably sourced (as much as possible) so purchasing retail fabrics just doesn’t happen. These offcuts are new and unused and by using them means that in a small way, we’re all contributing to saving the planet, one apron at a time by avoiding unnecessary waste into landfill.

Next…. pieces are chosen and matched, laid out and cut to size, individually overlocked, seams ironed and pieces sewn together with high quality thread, a designer label and washing/care instruction label inside.

Next… the most complimentary colour of straps/ties are selected, measured to fit and pressed.

Next… once each apron is completed, it’s photographed from several different angles, each photo edited, uploaded to this website and then used to advertise online.

Then… upon purchase, each apron is carefully folded, packed and on its way to you.

As a side note – caring for your aprons is a must. If they’ve got a lot of food residue, factory dust, working tool residue, clay and glazes and other marks on them, be sure to give them a good hose-down by pegging them to your washing line first. For many, this type of wash will suffice. You can then throw them in your washing machine on a gentle cycle and add fabric softener too if you wish.

Thanks for all your support. It’s such a pleasure making these aprons and I’m only too happy to share the joy around. Please leave me a comment below or testimonial from having bought your own, unique split-leg apron.

To purchase your own unique, one-off apron – visit the Shop

Cheers, Deanna