In Search of Style: Aprons for the Bazaar!

Not too long ago I posted this wonderful pattern from Advance and 1960, which features four charming, themed hostess aprons. It sold relatively quickly, and it is easy to see why.

Tucked inside the pattern was this clipping, with a tip for "Step-Saver Aprons".  By adding a pocket for things "To Put Away" and another pocket for things "To Throw Away", you save a housewife many steps. :)

With its generous pockets, the apron is similar to the gingham apron and the cobbler aprons illustrated on the pattern. Note that the tip describes making the aprons to sell for $2 each! Those are 1960 prices. :) I do believe you could get more if you are sewing for your local community or church bazaar!

Pattern of the Week: Sweet Hostess Aprons

The return of the apron in the past decade is something of a phenomenon, and rightly so. :) 

Today's featured pattern is  McCall 1279 from the 1940s. With both half apron and full apron versions, the apron is distinctive and feminine. Whether you call it a hostess apron, tea apron, or party apron, this apron features beautiful details that allow a hostess to accent her pretty party dress rather than hide it behind a utility apron. 

McCall 1279

Note these details:

- Wide straps attached to front waistband that cross to form a bib and then taper and curve to button at back neckline

- Skirt with rounded hemline and gathered self-flounce (love that flounce detail!)

- Optional embroidered rose motif, embroidered eyelet ruffles, bias-binding & ribbon bows 

In recognition of the popularity of this attractive apron, you can find it hand-sewn and for sale in many places on the Internet, for example a truly vintage version at the Etsy shop, Color Me Vintage:

And newly sewn at It's Better Hand Made:

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s - Add Overskirt with Knife Pleats to Your Frock

I love crisp pleats, so this tip from Ruth Wyeth Spears for home sewers in the 1920s is especially fun. Ruth describes how to add interest to a plain frock by adding groups of sharp knife pleats. She illustrates knife pleats in an "apron tunic" on the left and in the "flounces" that trim the frock on the right . Her directions are spot on, so let Ruth be your guide as you sew and let her drawings inspire you as you design your frock with pleats!

1938 Summer Frocks for Girls - Sunny, Sweet Fashion

Little girls love cute clothes too! These cotton frocks are perfect for play and special occasions for growing girls - and with 1938 style, they are timelessly cute fashion too!

From left: apron is gathered to shaped yoke; frock with bows and a belt; jumper frock with suspenders and blouse; frock with shirred waist & center front princess panel; frock with white collar and trim.

Girl's 1950s Pinafores - Sweet Variety and Simple to Sew

Here are six cute pinafores from the early 1950s for a young girl. No longer a quaint cover-up apron for a fresh dress, in the 1950s the pinafore is a fashionable part of any girl's wardrobe. They are worn with all kinds of dresses for all kinds of occasions - at school, at play, at parties. And the basic design can be trimmed up in endless variation. Sweet!