WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Blast from the past

Winooski, Vermont - January 14, 2011

Polka dots are zipping through the sewing machines at Vermont Bosna Cutting in Winooski. The retro pattern is one way Shelburne businesswoman Grace O'Brien is making what's old-- new again. "I think the quality is what I'm proudest of," O'Brien said.

The former designer for Vermont Teddy Bear turned her talents to creating aprons, believing a resurgence in home cooking makes this the right time for her line: Pretty Snappy Designs. "I just think there's a new interest," the designer said. "Especially with young people."

O'Brien's style inspiration came from, of all trend-setters, Lucille Ball. The comedienne often wore aprons on "I Love Lucy." "I just love that show," O'Brien said.

Pretty Snappy Designs thinks housework today could use a dose of throwback playfulness and that aprons are more than protection from spills and splashes-- but an outfit. "A lot of people say, 'I put it on and it makes me feel happy!'" O'Brien beamed.

The mother of four learned sewing from her grandmother. She made her first aprons herself, just to give her adult daughters as presents. When they liked the ruffles, snap-on dish towels, detachable necklaces, and reversible prints, they told mom to start a company. "I say no guts no glory!" O'Brien said.

That was a year ago. Since then, she's teamed up with Vermont Bosna Cutting to help her go national. "I'm really happy," said Fehreta Bahic, owner of Bosna Cutting. "We work so hard, Grace and my company and my employees, too-- everybody, to make this product perfect! So people can buy it and they can wear it. And they can enjoy!"

Pretty Snappy Designs now sells direct through its website and wholesale to boutiques around the country. "I wore mine on Thanksgiving," said company marketing director Susan Fayette. "And I didn't want to take it off. I felt so great! It was fun!"

The designer aprons carry a designer price-- around $70 each. O'Brien figures lots of people don't bat an eyelash at paying more for jeans, so why not these? But, are they too fancy for stains? "You don't have to worry; just take it off and put it in the washing machine!" O'Brien said.

Grace O'Brien hopes to clean up with her concept of turning cooking and entertaining into more of an experience, with her Pretty Snappy Designs that are "Made in Vermont" for modern-day Lucille Balls. "I think Lucy would be proud," she chuckled.

Click here to visit the company's website.

Jack Thurston - WCAX News - Made in Vermont