The Hovden Apron

The busserull workshirt, which Hovden has been making for 3 years, was a man’s shirt (although today it is gender neutral). We decided it was time to recreate the women's work attire. But...what was the women's work attire? The apron, of course! Looking at photos of women in their work environment – with kids, on the farm, with animals, cooking, cleaning – it was obvious that the apron was on from dusk ‘til dawn. It helped protect the few dresses they owned. It was easier to wash an apron or two, than the shirts and dresses that they were wearing.

The inspiration for this apron came from all the women who have worked hard and cared for their families - always.

 Photo curtesy www.digitaltmuseum.no

We are excited to honor the women who worked so hard in a bygone era, by recreating their work attire – the apron.

After a lot of searching we found a fabric we loved and was perfect for the job. Sturdy canvas from hemp/organic cotton with indigo stripes: durable, sustainable and beautiful.

This apron isn’t your basic one piece covering, but rather it invokes the timeless appeal of the carefully pieced together covering from days long ago, while presenting a clean, beautiful finish.

The aprons are sewn, one at a time, with lots of love in Portland, Oregon. 

We hope you will love and treasure it as much as we do. Check out the apron in our shop here. 

To fully appreciate the versatility of the old aprons, enjoy this poem.  

Apron poem by Tina Trivett 

The strings were tied, it was freshly washed, and maybe even pressed.
For Grandma, it was everyday to choose one when she dressed.
The simple apron that it was, you would never think about;
the things she used it for, that made it look worn out.

She may have used it to hold some wildflowers that she'd found.
Or to hide a crying child's face when a stranger came around.
Imagine all the little tears that were wiped with just that cloth.
Or it became a potholder to serve some chicken broth.

She probably carried kindling to stoke the kitchen fire.
To hold a load of laundry, or to wipe the clothesline wire.
When canning all her vegetables, it was used to wipe her brow.
You never know, she might have used it to shoo flies from the cow.

She might have carried eggs in from the chicken coop outside.
Whatever chore she used it for, she did them all with pride.
When Grandma went to heaven, God said she now could rest.
I'm sure the apron that she chose, was her Sunday best.