Handmade 1916 Vintage Apron: Heirloom Sewing for My Daughter
Some sewing projects begin with a practical need. Others begin with a picture in your mind that refuses to leave. This apron was the second kind.
I wanted to make something for my daughter, Melody, that felt useful, sweet, and a little old-fashioned without becoming costume-like. It would end up being a late birthday gift!
And of course, all my sewing (vintage or not) since July 2015 has been on my beloved vintage machine you see in the photo!
The result was this ankle-length 1916 vintage wrap-around apron sewn in a beige and cream thin striped linen/cotton fabric, finished all the way around with black bias binding. It has two front patch pockets and a small detail that makes the whole piece feel cheerful: a mix of red and green apple buttons on the shoulder straps and on the pockets.
It is the kind of apron that looks ready for a warm kitchen, a garden path, a quiet morning of baking (or not - when your one and only daughter has four kids!). This ankle-length 1916 vintage apron pattern was a deliberate choice of mine, so I was surprised and elated that my daughter, Melody, was immediately excited by the prospect of an ankle-length apron.
Why I chose a 1916 wrap-around apron
I love vintage clothing styles. Victorian, Edwardian. And the 1910s-era had such a graceful shape for aprons. Many work aprons from that period covered more of the dress underneath than the shorter half aprons that became common later. A wrap-around style feels especially practical because it protects the front and sides while still moving easily with the body.
Fabric and binding choice
After discussing my daughter's color choices and the contrast binding, she chose to have a thin striped cream/beige fabric. I chose to make it in a linen/cotton blend fabric.
The black bias binding runs around the circumference of the apron edges. It outlines the entire shape and gives the pale fabric a finished, graphic definition. - a slight schoolroom or storybook quality to it.
Patch pockets and button choice
To add more vintage appeal, the red and green patterned apple buttons I found online were perfect for this apron. They turned a simple garment into something memorable and eye-catching.
Though the pattern only required buttons to secure the shoulder straps, I added them on the pockets - with buttonholes to keep pocketed things secure, if need be.
That 1916 vintage feel
When people think of historical sewing, they often focus on exact patterns and period accuracy. And I love that, because this apron pattern is a reprint from an original 1916 pattern. I purchased it from the Mrs. Depew Vintage website. She has quite a collection of vintage patterns to choose from. She finds historical patterns and reprints them from the originals including the photographs and drawings. This was a paper pattern. A very large one, indeed!
Many of her vintage patterns have no directions, and although this apron pattern did, they very brief and simple. She has a clause written on her website about patterns with no directions - it's not feasible and too time-consuming for her to offer sewing tips. You need to be a capable sewer. As you can see in the photo - you need to be a fearless garment maker! You're on your own!
As you scroll through the photos, you'll see that I added a matching potholder. The apron is modeled by my faithful mannequin, Dolly, who sits in my sewing room.
Don't you just love the buttons I chose? I think they add that perfect touch to a vintage apron.
I have been pondering in my mind for quite some time to offer custom sewn aprons in my shop on Etsy. And to use this particular pattern. Mulling over how it would work. Possibly offer a few color choices of linen and coordinating colors of bias binding. If you'd like to offer your thoughts on this idea, don't hesitate to comment on this post!
And don't forget! My shop on Etsy has lovely bags and jewelry for gifting. Christmas is not that far away. It will be here in no time. I'm also in the middle of sewing three Mary Poppins style carpet bags in velvet! In the very near future, they'll be listed in my shop.
Until next time...
Comments