Hello dear friends! Welcome to another edition of Fashion Friday. Recently my sweet friend Sandy, of Quill Cottage Studio, cleaned and organized her creative space. She came across A Fun 1940’s Apron pattern that she thought I might enjoy.
Detroit Free Press Pattern 8328
Years ago newspapers, in an effort to gain devoted readership, offered various sewing and crafting patterns. The patterns were provided for free right in the newspaper or offered for a minimal cost through mail-order. Below you can see that the Idaho Statesman offered a dress and mitten pattern on page 16 on October 31, 1946.
This apron pattern came from the Detroit Free Press in the 1940s. I selected view 3.
It looked very similar to the scalloped bottom apron my Grandma Jingles wore in this family classic.
The pattern required just one and a half yards of fabric and two packages of seam binding.
As I am still sticking close to home I used items I had previously found at estate sales. So the entire project (including the thread) probably costs less than $5.
A Fun 1940’s Apron
I was eager to try and master the sharp point of the apron’s front waistband. I have a 1930’s dress pattern that features a similar style. So this was a great way to practice.
The apron went together fairly fast and easy.
I like the full bib coverage the apron offers. I can get a bit messy when cooking and cleaning.
Because I have narrow shoulders I like the crisscross apron straps in the back. It helps to keep the straps from sliding off.
If I were to make the apron again I would probably shorten the straps and inch or so. They sag a bit and should be fitted. But it’s an apron so a less than perfect fit is ok for a first try.
A huge thanks to Sweet Guy for capturing these images. As well as always making me laugh.
Do you like to wear aprons?
Laura
I love aprons. I have many that belonged to my great aunt Ruth. She raised me. My daughter-in-law collects them.
Love your laughter pic the best❤️
Love this! I may have to take an old sheet or tablecloth and sew one up!
My Mother & Grandmother always wore the same style of apron. Certainly brings back happy memories. Thanks for sharing.
Laura, You are a great seamstress. I want to also tell you, you are a beautiful model. I enjoyed all the pictures. That is a bargain apron too. Blessings to you, xoxo, Susie
My grandmother wore an apron all her life for as long as I can remember. I can remember she used to use the newspaper to make a pattern from as well. Actually she used newspaper for quite a variety of things such as laying out her dead chickens all over them…lol. Not such a pleasant thing today but back then it was totally the norm. She did all her own canning and of course newspaper everywhere but gram always wore her apron. The only time I remember her not having it was when there was at church, a funeral or a huge function. Even on holidays at others homes, there would be gram pulling her apron from her purse to help or even cook the meals. How I loved my grandma! How I miss her to this day!
Anyway, I too wore aprons all my life cooking and even taught my grandchildren to wear one when cooking or baking. One of them, who is only 15 now, grabs the apron every time she goes in the kitchen.
APRON looks fantastic on you and it is really nice. I do like wearing aprons, but fail to always wear one. Oops. Blessings to you,
d
My grandmother had an apron like that. I have it now and I love it because it actually really covers you up! I love yours — great colors, terrific everything!
So cute! It’s funny, I love to collect vintage aprons and even have a couple of cute newer ones. But I never wear one except for at Thanksgiving when I’m cooking a big dinner!
Love this style that seems like it would fit comfortably without falling off your shoulders!
I love your fun 40s apron. I use an apron daily, always have. I have cook’s aprons, cleaning, & a painting apron. Several were made by my sweet aunt decades ago in the softest lightweight cotton trimmed in seam binding. When my grandmother went on ahead to heaven I wrote her eulogy from the eyes of my childhood starting with her apron…that a big and mysterious world existed inside those big apron pockets. My husband’s grandmother was a great cook so 1 year for Christmas I bought a chef’s apron and all the grandchildren sent it around throughout the country adding their painted handprint & signature. I love your blog. A refreshing spot that evokes the simple pleasures of home making.