Scraps from the Past: 1960s Gingham Apron

The pattern: Butterick 2515, from 1963, featuring two styles of smocked apron with a detachable bib and smocked cafe curtains, sewn from checked gingham fabric. Charming and very popular back in the 1960s!

The scrap: Tucked inside this envelope was a scrap of black and white checked cotton gingham fabric. I think the original sewist took her inspiration from the envelope cover! I love the variations in smocking the apron, and the cafe curtains look inspiring too.

Scraps from the Past - Elegant, Modern "Pinafore" in Black

The Pattern: Advance 8055
This lovely pattern from 1956 features a modern "pinafore", consisting of a full or slim skirt with detachable bib and shoulder straps, and a handsome blouse with a wing collar and the ever-flattering 3/4-length sleeves. It simply looks like spring and summer fashion to me, and definitely for the afternoon or evening. :D

The Scrap: This scrap was tucked in the pattern. Although they don't show up very well, rows of shiny dots fleck this black rayon scrap. The only pattern pieces cut were the bib, shoulder straps, and waistband. Most likely the original seamstress used a favorite skirt pattern in combination with the bib to create a very special afternoon or evening ensemble. Can you imagine it? :)