When I first saw some fellow artists wearing a split-leg apron I sought out various fabrics that would suit my own design and began to search for high quality fabric offcuts from industry, deceased estates and private collections for their hard-wearing, durability and endurance qualities. It’s a great way to reduce, reuse and recycle and my aim is to bring new life to these fabrics that were originally designed with another purpose in mind. We artists do make a mess and this type of fabric is perfect for the materials, paints, coffee, garden soil, clay and glazes and every other messy bit we tend to throw at it… literally! These aprons have proven to be valuable for so many trades with many sold to baristas, chefs, bakers, tattoo artists, gardeners, tradies, hens’ parties, art and craft workshops, 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 well below the knee. They’re also great while sitting 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. 
Fabrics are new and unused and in a small way, we’re all contributing to saving the planet one apron at a time, by reducing, reusing and recycling – avoiding unnecessary waste going 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 different angles to highlight its features, each photo edited and uploaded online.
Then… upon purchase, each apron is carefully folded, packed and on its way to you via Australia Post.
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.
Want to make your own? Click here to download your very own printable Split-Leg Apron sewing pattern.
Cheers, Deanna
Thank you Deanna for my wonderful apron. I am so happy with this item. It is so pretty that I want to wear it out!
It’s super practical in keeping you clean while working on the wheel or hand building and it is beautifully made. It is really a excellent addition to my studio!
Deanna’s aprons are simply beautiful and made with quality materials and so much heart. I love mine and just ordered one as a gift for my friend 🙂
Deanna went above and beyond. Not only did she make me a beautiful apron, when asked if she’d made Venco pottery wheel covers she said, “No, but I can!” And she did, both look fabulous, love them, thank you!! Highly recommend.
I love my apron! I had been looking for one for some time as the split leg design made so much sense but they didn’t seem very common. When I saw these designs though, I was hooked! Such character and style. Definitely recommend using one of these.
Thanks so much Deanna! 💕
I’ve always had a problem with aprons not being wide enough to protect both of my legs from the clay when sitting at the potters wheel. I recently purchased one of Deanna’s aprons and I LOVE it! The split leg design is perfect for my production throwing at the wheel, keeping both legs clean and comfortable. Really functional (there are pockets too!) AND gorgeous – so beautiful in fact I was reluctant to get that first clay on it.
Hi Deanna,
I bought my apron about a year ago- I LOVE IT- it saves my clothes better than having a towel over my legs which usually falls off anyway. I love the funky design and I’ve had SO many compliments from potters in my clay group. The aprons are a perfect design, and I think they are very well made with quality fabric, I’ve worn mine often and it still looks like new, cheers,
Christine W-S.
I own three of these beauties! Crafted by the wonderful Deanna Roberts. Beautiful colours and fabrics!
A must for any potter or chef as they can be also be used in the kitchen!!