Frilly, lacy, sweet, and sexy--aprons defined a generation of happy housewives and hostesses. Today these filmy, finely home-crafted garments are sentimental favorites, evoking memories of Mom, Grandmom, or some other Doris Day-like image of domesticity, and they are highly sought-after by designers and collectors of household linens. Over 200 aprons are featured in this beautiful book, accompanied by detail shots that highlight design elements, stitching, and embellishments. Separate sections are devoted to gingham, floral designs, rickrack, handkerchief aprons, plaids and stripes, and polka dots. Aprons with embroidery, crochet, tatting, lace, and cross-stitching are examined in detail, and a collection of vintage apron patterns is included.

Historical nonfiction genre has been widely divergent in subject matter and approach. There is no reason to believe authorial creativity will dry out anytime soon. The history of food preparation’s attire gives the overall and –long narrative swift movement through time and events in both commercial and domestic kitchens. “I am a Librarian: I bring history in my research, and history of fashion accessories into my books.” (Tomshinsky, 2014) Since ancient times, aprons have been used as the simplest ways of covering the human body while preparing food. Aprons evolved into a practical way of shielding one’s body from more just prying eyes. Aprons were frequently included in the chefs’ uniforms, household servants’ wardrobe, from cooks to maids. From a simple garment to an essential protective layer, from the staid to the designer fashions, aprons have come a long way. They are currently at the center of the Renaissance of chic and practicality of the kitchen attire for chefs and modern women who like to cook and entertain.

Far from having a checkered past, gingham aprons were popular kitchen fashions in the mid-twentieth century. This charming volume of over 300 full color photographs is devoted to beautiful, meticulously handcrafted garments featuring a myriad of designs, styles, and techniques: cross stitching, rickrack decoration, pulled thread patterns, smocking, Teneriffe Lace and, staristep borders. Informative captions with values are included in this important book for textile designers and collectors of vintage household linens.

The definitive work on the subject, this Dictionary - available again in its eighth edition - gives a full account of slang and unconventional English over four centuries and will entertain and inform all language-lovers.

Hand-woven aprons were a key element of the traditional costume worn by women in Macedonian villages until the mid 20th century. The aprons were made by brides, mothers and grandmothers and were worn for everyday use and special occasions. Each village had traditional designs and the choice of colours and patterns reflected the different rites of passage of a woman's life. For a group of women now living in the Illawarra in NSW, a journey of migration to Australia transformed their aprons from an integral part of daily life into a lasting memento of a former way of life. A powerful juxtaposition of colour and patterns, a selection of their aprons are showcased in this book to tell the stories of their lives and creativity, their villages and traditions.

- What is an earthquake gown? - Who wore eelskin masher trousers? - What did the word "dudes" mean in the 16th century? A Dictionary of English Costume by C. Willett Cunnington, Phillis Cunnington and Charles Beard was originally published in 1960. A monumental achievement and encyclopaedic in scope, it was a comprehensive catalogue of fashion terms from the mid-medieval period up to 1900. It was reissued and updated several times, for the last time in 1976. For decades it has served as a bible for costume historians. The Dictionary of Fashion History completely updates and supplements the Cunningtons' landmark work to bring it up to the present day. Featuring additional terms and revised definitions, this new edition represents an essential reference for costume historians, students of fashion history, or anyone involved in creating period costume for the theatre, film or television. It also is fascinating reading for those simply interested in the subject. Clear, concise, and meticulous in detail, this essential reference answers countless questions relating to the history of dress and adornment and promises to be a definitive guide for generations to come.