Hand-woven aprons were a key element of the traditional costume worn by women in Macedonian villages until the mid 20th century. The aprons were made by brides, mothers and grandmothers and were worn for everyday use and special occasions. Each village had traditional designs and the choice of colours and patterns reflected the different rites of passage of a woman's life. For a group of women now living in the Illawarra in NSW, a journey of migration to Australia transformed their aprons from an integral part of daily life into a lasting memento of a former way of life. A powerful juxtaposition of colour and patterns, a selection of their aprons are showcased in this book to tell the stories of their lives and creativity, their villages and traditions.