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,

Sunday Best in the 50's

These two organdy aprons were purchased at a thrift shop on our recent trip to Ohio.  Although the styles are different they are made with the same light blue organdy fabric and appear to be made by the same person.

Every housewife in the 50's and 60's had a couple of hostess aprons that she would wear when having guests for dinner, a cocktail party, or maybe entertaining her bridge club.

Although very similar the aprons are different.  The one has a gathered skirt with ruffle at the bottom and pockets and possibly made from this Advance pattern.  In 1948 Penny's gave this pattern away to promote the Bob Hope and Jane Russell movie The Paleface.

The next is a half circle apron with lace trim around the bottom and the name Marjorie embroidered on the pocket and could have been made using Simplicity pattern 1846.

When I was married I made pastel organdy aprons for the girls to wear who were serving cake and punch at the reception.  Guess Marjorie and I had a lot in common.

Keep calm and put your apron on,

Remember 60's Mod?

One thing about sewing aprons is that you get to use a variety of fabrics that would not normally find a way into your sewing room.  So it was with this fabric, I wanted to try a current apron pattern and found this pretty print at Hobby Lobby for $4.00 a yard.  Definitely out of my safe, traditional, comfort zone but for this little apron it's perfect.

Reminds me of this vintage pattern Simplicity 4492 half apron with pockets all around trimmed and bias tape.

    Keep calm and put your apron on,

                                           

 

Hot and Spicy

When I was at the quilt shop last week, I picked up this one yard remnant of Caliente Peppers.  It's a cute little print with names of peppers printed on the fabric, Jalapeño, Habanero, Caliente to name a few.  Add some rick rack and this is one hot and spicy print perfect for a 50's apron.

The 1953 issue of Smart Sewing is full of tutorials on how to make everything from theater hats to petticoats and a 50's sewing book wouldn't be complete without a simple half apron pattern.  I tried to use the their measurements  but I soon realized it wasn't going to fit so I added four inches to the waistband.  Ice cream at night will do that to you!

Keep calm and put your apron on,

Reminds Me of My Mother

While snooping around Picker's Point last week I saw this darling Simplicity 4661 pattern, from 1943.  I usually don't buy vintage clothing patterns as I would not attempt to make them, the sizing was so strange back then, this pattern is a size 16 with a 34 bust.  Not sized for today's woman.

But I couldn't resist, it is in very good condition, with little wear on the envelope and the best part-----it was only $1.00. A real bargain for a pattern that old, besides I can see my mother wearing a dress like this------all 4 foot 11 inches of her.

Keep calm and put your apron on,

It All Started With This Pattern

My love of aprons all started with this 1940's Simplicity pattern that was given to me when I was still in high school.  My sister and I were both beginning sewers and I am not sure why I received the pattern, but surprisingly it has had a place in my pattern box all these years.  Neither Mary Lee or I had any sewing instruction, not even the benefit of an eighth grade home ec. class, we learned from each other and each other's mistakes.  Back then, sewing most of your own clothes was the norm for all young girls and women and we joined right in.

I never made the apron but I was intrigued with the pockets and used that pocket pattern on many aprons that I made as a young bride.  In weeks to come I will show you the one remaining vintage apron I have using that pocket pattern. My hope in the future is to recreate aprons with today's fabrics using vintage patterns.  That could be a real challenge as many of the older patterns were not printed and had limited instructions.

This blog will share vintage aprons, vintage apron patterns, some of today aprons and whatever suits my fancy that might be vintage related.  Since I was a young bride of the late 50's and 60's, I am partial to the half aprons that were so popular during a time when the modern woman had more leisure time and didn't need the coverage of a full apron.  You will probably see quite a few half aprons, or as they are sometimes called waist aprons, on my blog.

I hope that you will join me on this adventure and see where it takes us.

Every apron tells a story, what's your apron story?

Betty Lou

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