McCalls Sample Pattern



I saw this pattern on Etsy and thought it would be a good vintage pattern to try.  Vintage patterns are expensive to purchase on Etsy and Ebay and I always check at thrift shops but apron patterns seem to be quite scarce there.  Makes me wonder why I didn't keep all my patterns over the years, who knew they would be worth anything years later?



The only information  I have about the pattern is that it was a free pattern given away by McCalls in 1966. I wondered as I was putting this half apron together if it might had been distributed to Home  Ec students to use for sewing their first apron.

McCalls used several techniques that could be used when teaching a young girl how to sew.  Pleats, two small flat fell seams, narrow hemming, pockets, waistband, and ties.

Searching the internet I found that a different McCalls apron Sample pattern was issued in the 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80 s. Does anyone remember these or have information as to how they were used?  I would love to hear from you.

I made my little red dot apron using the directions in the pattern even though some modern sewing techniques are much easier much---I admit I did serge the inside edges of the pocket, don't tell the teacher!

I may have gone a little overboard with the rick rack but then there is no such thing as too much rick rack.

Enjoy all the pieces of your life,













13 comments:

  1. I love your fabric and the rick rack looks great. I have never heard of the free apron patterns. I too wish I had kept my many patterns over the years. Storage is a problem while waiting for them to become vintage though.
    http://valspierssews.blogspot.com.au

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  2. This is a beautiful little apron! The rick rack just makes it pop! I didn't know about the sample patterns, but it would have been a perfect beginner's project. Loved seeing the apron!

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  3. I love rick rack and it's perfect with the red fabric. I've never used a sample pattern - I didn't know they were available.
    Lillian

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  4. strangely ive just been outside photographing pinnies and one is a rather nice ric rac number

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  5. Beautiful, the fabric an rick rack work so well together!

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  6. I never learned to sew, but enjoy seeing what others do. Especially, the vintage styles.

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  7. How adorable! I love vintage linens, aprons included. What a great pattern to find. Visiting from VTT.

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  8. I think it is really cute! When we were moving my mom to Oregon my sister and I were dividing her aprons and the one we "argued" over was the one with ric rac! I'm pretty sure I won. :)

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  9. Two of my most valued family pieces are my grandmother's aprons. For many years I used them as actual aprons but now I've decided to frame them in a large shadow box and hang them in the kitchen. I'm blessed with lots of thrift shops here in north Alabama and have found a few apron patterns from the 60s for less than a $1 each! -- Jan

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  10. In the 70's I made a wrap-around jumper/apron from a free sample pattern. I tried to copy the cover picture with a dark blue twill trimmed with a blue/green plaid yoke. (I messed up matching the plaid at the side seams, but aced the one button-hole.) Sorry, I can't recall the pattern company name.
    Delia from RB

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  11. Hi! I found you through Sew Darn Crafty. I LOVE this apron with the polka dots and rick rack! And I LOVE your vintage patterns - and your blog! There is so much inspiration here. I want to sew all night :).

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  12. I am really loving the vintage aprons again, too. They bring back many fond memories of my mother and grandmother. My mom always wore a dress and she always had nice aprons. I'm sure she had all of her old patterns, she made all of her own clothes too, but my brother probably gave them all away.

    I love your apron, and I think the rick rack is perfect. It highlights the apron beautifully!

    Enjoy a happy day,
    Marianne

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  13. Hi Betty Lou!
    Love the apron. I'm not sure bout the Home Ec...but I do collect vintage magazines and several contain sewing articles with aprons and they had patterns to order. I think they were specially designed for the magazine...and it seems they were mostle McCall's

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