How to manage clothespins while trying to hang clothes on the line to dry has been difficult – until this week. The clothespin apron that I just made has finally resolved multiple issues that had made the otherwise enjoyable sunny task challenging. First of all, the clothes pins are now with me wherever I am in relation to the clothesline. Also, no more bending over or reaching up, depending on the container. No more trying to hold a bundle of the pins in my hand as I walk around or twirl the clothes line. Hence, less effort looking for the clothespins that have sprung out of my grip onto the lawn. I can see straight down into the expansive pocket to choose the correct type of clothespin for the job, one or two at a time. If I’m hanging a particularly long or heavy item, I can reach into my pouch and get more as needed. I’m all for exercise, but there are times when conserving your strength and efficiency are better.
I used Simplicity pattern 4282, view F, with some modifications. A heavy cotton decorator fabric was my fabric of choice, which I found for a good price at Home Fabrics in Boise. I decided to finish the edges with single fold bias tape, instead of the more complicated application of lace trim. I also used that method to hem the pockets. I put extra pockets, from other views, on the outside of the big pocket, since I have never had too many pockets on anything. Probably the most important change was leaving the main pouch pocket all open except for securely stitching it in two places near the upper edge so that it wouldn’t just fall open when filled with clothespins. This is very important for another reason. I had experimented with another apron and found that pockets that went straight down, no matter how large, created a torque on my wrist which was highly uncomfortable.
It is difficult to see the reinforcement stitching in the second picture, but it is about 1 1/2 inches of layered zigzag stitching. If I ever make another, the one thing I might do differently is make the outer edges of the pouch a bit diagonal, reinforcing where the line becomes horizontal. That would also mean adjusting where I put the extra pockets.
This genre of apron should actually stay clean, thus avoiding wear and tear in the washing machine. Therefore, it should last a long time. And hanging out clothes just got more fashionable, too.
