Apron Madness Part 4

Matron's Pinny



This is another apron from the Enid Gilchrist book. It was called a "Matrons Pinny" I'm not sure why?

I have made this one out of very tiny red and white hounds tooth cotton with a flannelet finish to the inside. The collar and straps are red poly cotton.

I quite like the shape of this one too, good full coverage where you need it when you are doing dirty things and big pockets.
The ties are long enough to tie around at the front too.

I hope my family like them.

I now have to make one for a 10 year old not sure which style will be best for her.

Apron Madness Part 3

Fifties Fun



The aprons that follow are from patterns from the 40's & 50's. These patterns were from an eBay seller who had scanned a 1950's booklet about patterns and was selling pdf versions of them.


This is made from polka dot poly cotton with contrasting striped poly cotton. I modified the pattern to have a rounded collar .

The pockets have little buttons on them in the shape of strawberries.

I used the stripe fabric for the ties as well.


This one is made with the original square collar. I trimmed it with orange ribbon. The fabric is cotton printed with tropical flowers.
A back view, you can see the points at the back of the collar.


I wanted to make colourful and original aprons, unlike anything in the shops, I hope I've succeeded.

Apron Madness Part 2

Animal Aprons.


The apron story continues. This is a tunic style apron from the Enid Gilchrist book. I really like the shape of this one, a much shorter style but the ties are attached to the body inside tucks which give it a really cute shape. I also love the really big pockets on the front of this one.

Made from cotton drill with Dalmatian puppies and bones.
And a side view. The book suggest this could be worn as a top over a t-shirt, on a young person I think it could be a good look. I am tempted to try making one out of a fleece to give to my Grandma as a pop over to wear in the nursing home.


Another animal print cotton drill. This is a self drafted pattern based on an apron from a single yard of fabric from the 1920's. It is cut on the bias and the ties and pockets are made from the leftover fabric. I have tied this in front as it is a little large for my dummy.

Back view:
More to come!

Apron Madness!

Aprons for my family.

I have been looking at some really beautiful vintage apron patterns on line and have decided try making some as a stash busting exercise.
I have put together quite a few and have decided that as a way of giving my family members hand made goods I would give all the girls in my family an apron.

I will do this post in parts as there are quite a few to get through.


On ebay I got a little publication "Enid Gilchrist's : Pinnies 'n' Things" no publication date but probably from the early to mid 1970's.


This is a cross fronted apron made from printed cotton.
Pockets are a needed.


This was called a cover up apron. I liked the idea of the princess seam side panels and the pleating at the waist rather than gathers. I used a green binding for the edges. This is a heavy weave cotton.
I tried to match up the pocket as much as was possible.

I think what I will do is put all the aprons in one package and address it to everyone and they can chose the one they like the best.

Stash Busting Vintage

I recently made my first purchase of vintage patterns from the US and this was one of the things that was in my package. A simple button front dress from the mid sixties in a size 18 1/2 .
I had to do a full bust adjustment and added a bit more fullness to the skirt. The buttons are vintage shell buttons I found in an antique shop in Mt Tamborine.

I will probably wear it with a belt and a white petticoat . At the moment the only belt I have to wear with it is a black one but I think I will have to find a shiny white belt.
The fabric is a light weight cotton with raised dots and an embroidered white boarder bought on sale about a year ago. I have been waiting for a good pattern to use it.
This is a close up of the fabric.

I think it is a cute dress and will possibly make it again in a bright fabric for summer.

A Little Ancient History.

Well maybe not quite that long.


About 12 years ago I wanted a cape with a hood, not for any great reason other than I thought they looked really great and I wanted one.
I don't go to Ren Fairs or Cosplay or any such thing, maybe I would have if there were such things in inland Australia.

So I found a pattern I liked, Style 2377. Then spent a fortune on probably 6 or more metres of silk double velvet. That is beautiful heavy thick velvet made from pure silk. Then had to have a red lining.


Laid it all out on the floor of my little flat and got cutting and sewing. After I got the whole thing together I had to go see a local seamstress to have her measure and hem it for me. I chickened out at that point.


Than I had my cape. I have loved it ever since and I am really pleased that I spent and insane amount of money on the fabric because I think it looks as good today as the day I made it.


Front:

I close it with a Clan broach (which almost gets as many comments as the cape)

Back:

Pinned open so you can get an idea of how full it really is.

It is a piece of pure indulgence and I have had very few opportunities to wear such a beautiful garment. I has done service as a bed spread, a lounge throw and as a prop for my friends wedding. At the moment it is doing long service in my closet as I live on the Gold Coast and it never gets cold enough for something this heavy. (Maybe I'll have to have a costume party just so it can make a brief appearance.)

I just wanted to share this garment and say if you really love a piece spend the money on it from the beginning and you will get many many years to enjoy it.

My New Favourite Skirt Pattern!

Spotlight had a sale on Vogue Patterns recently and V7910 was one of the patterns I grabbed.



I have decided that I really need to incorporate pockets into as many of the clothes I make as possible so this was a good pattern with deep practical pockets.



I used a linen rayon blend fabric with a black poly cotton lining (I did a lining instead if waist facings),and top stitched in black. It was a simple pattern, fits really well and is very comfortable. It is a size 16.

Front view:

Close up of waist and pocket detail:

I will definitely make this again and have been trying to decide how to incorporate it into a dress pattern.