In Search of Style - Apron Inspirations!

The pattern: Tucked inside this very charming apron pattern, Simplicity 1359, were a couple of large sheets of folded paper. What could they be?

What's inside: What a treasure - it's apron heaven! The sheets of paper (one extra large) were filled with images of hand-drawn aprons! They look like they were most likely traced from mail order pattern offerings in the newspapers. Isn't this a completely delightful and diverse collection? 

A couple of the aprons have the pattern number written next to them, and a few are identified as 1-yd aprons. It would be fun to find all the patterns for these aprons. I love how our mystery sewist focused on the ornamentation details and fabric choices. 

The extra large sheet required two scans to get all the images. There are so many cute aprons illustrated on these sheets, I don't think I could pick just one favorite, I would have to sew a full collection. Wouldn't you? :)

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: