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,

Vintage Ohio Apron



Brown Gingham Chicken Scratch Embroidery Apron

On our recent trip to Fremont, Ohio I spent a couple of hours at the Share and Care thrift shop. Secretly I had hoped that I would be able to find a vintage apron while we were there, something made by an Ohio homemaker.  Hubby not being too interested in thrift shops, I didn't think this would happen.

Sunday after church we had lunch with our good friends John and Diane.  I knew Diane had worked at Share and Care and when I told her about my new interest in vintage aprons, she suggested I come into the store on Tuesday.

Hemline with Chicken Scratch Embroidery

To my surprise I found four aprons, this being my favorite.  A brown and white gingham Chicken Scratch Embroidery apron, probably made in the 60's.  The Chicken Scratch embroidery fills the hem and upper pocket while a pleating technique was used along with the Chicken Scratch to make the waistband.

Pleated Chicken Scratch Embroidery Waistband

The apron is in good shape, a little repair was needed at the pocket.  Washed, starched, and it looks like new/vintage, just the way I like them.

I haven't been able to find a vintage pattern using this pleated waistband technique but Sew Mama Sew has a good tutorial.  You can fine it HERE

Chicken Scratch has been called many names over the years Despression Lace, Amish Embroidery, or Snowflaking.  Using four basic cross stitch stitches done over the darker or lighter color of the gingham with white or colored embroidery floss gives the fabric a lacy look.  Of course, as with all handwork, many variations can be found.

Keep calm and put your apron on,

A Trip To Pickers Point

I spent a little time yesterday at Pickers Point, a small antique mall close to home, (maybe a little too close,) looking for vintage linens and I came upon this little pink apron.  It reminds me of this Advance pattern, minus the pocket.

                                      
Looking at the apron style and fabric, I would say that it was made in the early 1940s.  Aprons with a small ruffle inset on the skirt were a design of the 40's and it was seen on both half aprons and full aprons, giving a feminine  touch while using little fabric.

This apron is small, not a child's but maybe a junior size.  The waistband only measures fourteen inches.. The fabric is in perfect condition, well made with no sign of wear.  I wonder who made it, was it a young girls first project or a gift from someone special?  Whatever the occasion, it must have been a treasure for the owner who kept it all these years.

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