Tie One On — The Apron Book

According to essayist and apron archaeologist EllynAnne Geisel, aprons don't hold us back, they take us back . . . the very reason for this simple garment's status as a hot collectible and a must-have in the kitchen.

In The Apron Book (Andrews McMeel Publishing, $16.95), EllynAnne provides the ultimate apron resource. The book includes:

• An exploration of the history, evolution, and heyday of aprons, including 95 full-color photos of vintage and new aprons
• Apron patterns
• Tips on collecting and preserving these textile artifacts
• Recipes
• Household tips or "apronisms"
• Stories and images of apron lovers past and present. Their memories and the book will touch the soft spot that Americans have for this simple garment awash in sentiment and utility.

Apron aficionados who are handy with a sewing machine will love The Apron Book, which includes patterns and instructions for four basic apron styles with loads of variations. A full-sized bib apron pattern tucked in an envelope inside the back cover will allow you to get right to work on your next sewing project.

Whether you sew your own or not, put on an apron and you'll be joining in a comeback celebrated in movies, upscale shops, and hip retail venues including Anthropologie. Celebrities are in on the trend, too: Julia Roberts has a closetful of vintage aprons, and celebrity custom-made apron auctions have become annual events for popular charities.