New Pattern in the Collection

 Thanks to my brother-in-law's Mother I now have a new pattern in the collection! It is from the early 1920s, very early, like 1920 or 23. I think the name describes it very aptly, the Sack Apron. It covers everything! I guess you could almost wear it as a dress, maybe it is a predecessor of the 50s house coat?

Can't you see the lady of the house ready to give her bungelow a thorough spring cleaning? Perhaps she lives in one similar to this? Cute isn't it!

from www.antiquehome.org

I did a bit of antiquing yesterday. I am so excited to share my newest finds with you, hopefully soon!

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February Heart Aprons

A few aprons with hearts to celebrate February! In the 1940s you will notice a heart theme in a lot of aprons. Not sure why.... Maybe because the sweetheart neckline was so popular.... Or because a heart would of symbolized support for all the men away at war?

In the 1950s themed aprons were in vogue. For every holiday you can find an apron..... Valentine's, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, New Year's, Summer, Spring...... As you can see from the pattern above.  

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Pattern Review- Wearing History Apron

 Pattern and fabric all ready to sew! I had this fabric in my stash, the minute I saw it I thought 40s apron! So when Wearing History came out with a new 1940s apron pattern, I knew which fabric to use! Then I found the perfect blue for binding in the quilt fabric stash. I chose the medium size to make and I am glad I did, as the apron is snugger fitting then modern aprons.

 Love the scalloped hem! The binding may seem a little daunting, but it really went on quite smoothly. The sweetheart neckline of course was the hardest.

 I pretty much followed the directions exactly. The only changes I made was doing 1/4 inch binding instead of 1/2 inch, finishing the two front seams with a mock french seam ,which I forgot to take pictures of! and adding top stitching across the ties where they attach to the skirt and where the shoulder straps attach to the skirt. I would recommend this on any apron as it is a major stress point and I had to sew a lot back on!

I love all the detail in this pattern! If you are looking for a cute 1940s pattern I would defiantly recommend it. It comes with very detailed directions to help you through all the tricky spots. Plus she has very nice tutorials on her blog. The only thing I would change is the ties, they are a bit short.

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Dresses and Aprons for Work in the Home

 I recently ran across these aprons in a book in the North Texas University Digital Archives click on the link to view the whole book. The booklet is entitled Dresses and Aprons for Work in the Home, copyright 1952. This was put together by the United States Bureau of Human Nutrition and Home Economics to "Discusses the importance of functional features when selecting patterns or ready-made dresses and aprons." Quite an interesting little book.

Notice the sturdiness of the aprons. These were designed to work! I love the different configurations of the shoulder straps, trying to solve the ever present problem of them falling off the shoulder. And of course, large pockets!

Isn't this clever? I am not sure why you just can't bring a basket if you are going to pick apples. But I think it would come in handy for other things. It is now on my to-make-list!



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Tea for Two

I found this cute little 1954 apron pattern the other day, with tea cup pockets!
 It reminded me of the movie Tea for Two with Doris Day and Gordon MacRay. Of course they also sing the title song!