Blue and white checked fabric like that used in this apron was commonly used in 18th and early 19th century New England.  Although the late 19th century accession record says the apron was spun and dyed by Judith Allen Bardwell (1777-1849) of Deerfield, Massachusetts, it is more likely that she purchased the already dyed thread and wove the fabric.  If she did indeed spin and dye the thread, which would have been unusual for the time period, then she would also have woven the cloth or given it to a weaver to produce it if she didn’t have the skills needed.  At this time, cloth was being produced in mills in New England and sold at affordable prices.