I am in need of ideas to make my mom and apron. She has fibromyalgia and has trouble reaching around to tie in the back or even to bring the ties back to the front. Anyone have any ideas for making her a more user friendly one. I'm drawing a blank on this but I know y'all are just full of ideas. Help!

Make the handles longer and have it wrap around and tie in the front. Wrap around skirts should help with yardage requirements, etc.

There are patterns that slip over the head, they have a full front and back to them, and has the ties on the sides.

Another thought is this, make a regular apron, insert a very stretchy elastic in the apron strings. (Maybe 6" or so long, where they attach to the apron)
Mom can tie it in the front, and then easily slide the apron around into it's proper place.

Can you make one like a smock that you put on like an oversized vest and have the tie straps on the sides or near the front? She could just put it on and overlap the two sides and tie it closed.

Another idea would be to make one with elastic at the waist so she could just slip it on either over her head or step into and pull it up.

Yet another idea would be to make one like my second suggestion but, instead of elastic, put a drawstring in the waist that comes out of holes in the front.

Either of the last two could be made using a traditional pattern, but, instead of having the tie straps on the sides, make a tube to go around the back for the elastic or the drawstring.

A wonderful board member Gwyn has makes Aprons for herself and she might have a suggestion. She makes vintage ones I bet she could help you.

How about what my mother called a 'cobbler apron'? It has buttons or, more often, snaps in the front and goes on like a sleeveless shirt. There are patterns for them. They have pockets in the front, too.

I made a wood-shop apron for my late DH, who had arthritis in his hands. Instead of a tie, I sewed on some real strong velcro webbing that he could easily push together and rip apart. This worked nicely, all I had to do was match it accurately when washing so it would not pick up threads.

I love Ramona's idea of Velcro...I've also seen an apron made with a flexible insert that goes through the top....not a very good description. I'll research...

UPDATE: http://www.shopthepost.com/apronhoops.html


They were called apron hoops..

I knew y'all would have great ideas. Thank you so much!! I especially love the apron hoop thing. I found them on the only site that says they have them but they are too small. My mom is a plus size lady so I called and they said they wouldn't be big enough. Any idea where they might carry them. They say they come in 3 sizes but they only have the small one.

I have made and absolutely love (part of my daily dress) several "smock" aprons. No ties, buttons or anything to have to fiddle with! Also have fibromyalgia and arthritis so totally understand. I made myself a pattern off of a Daisy Kingdom apron my daughter got me years ago. The squared yoke is made with a facing. Then I cut the body the length of the yardage (I like mine knee length, sloppy cook). Take half of the width of the yardage to gather for the front. Cut the remaining half of the width into two equal sections. Finish off what would be the open back of the apron. Gather the one front and two back sections. Attach the front panel to the front yoke (between the outside the facing). Do the same with the back, slightly overlapping the top edge. Sew the side seams up to several inches below the underarm and finish off neatly. You can either make side pockets or in the front. I will try to attach a picture of one I made my daughter. Sure hope this is clear, and helps. I have several other styles, but always prefer my smock!

I found several disability sites recommending the apron hoop, but I fear they just aren't readily available. The brand name was apparently Cory Jane apron curvet....I tried to think of a substitute--small hoolahoop cut?--but failed there, too. I hope you find a pattern you like.

Did you try the Clotilde catalog..They have a product called the apron clip and they have a lot of apron patterns including an apron smock..

Look in the toy dept for a small hula hoop or other hoop type toy that could be cut apart and used like the apron hoops you looked at?

I think that Clotilde product is it!

http://www.simplicity.com/p-2214-aprons.aspx

This apron has no ties at all :) I have several and LOVE it!