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As promised, here is another great apron pattern from the same vintage World War II pattern book as the last pattern.  This pattern is a bit more challenging but the end result is worth it.  What a classic, lovely style! Previous sewing experience will be helpful when using this pattern and following the original directions. The instructions as originally printed: You will need to draft your pattern using the following scale.  Each square represents an inch. Back view of the finished apron: For additional helpful information, check my previous post. You can find it  here.   It includes information about how to scale your pattern and how to gather your fabric by machine.  I've got a couple more of these gems so check back soon!

This pretty little half apron pattern comes from a vintage 1945 pattern book.  There are several apron patterns in this book and I'll be sharing some of them over the next few days for your enjoyment. You could make this apron in plaid as indicated or it would be just as cute in floral or novelty fabric.   Previous sewing experience will be helpful.  However, if the instructions are followed carefully even a beginner could tackle this sewing project. The instructions are printed here.  The "How to Make Patterns" description follows the pattern diagrams below. Pattern diagrams to draft.  Each square represents 1": The following information will help you to draft your patterns. You'll want to refer back to this information for future apron patterns from this pattern book series: Back view of this half apron: I love the look of this half apron and the ruffle detailing.  A perfect apron for entertaining!   I'll be posting several more apron patterns from this vin

With the weather cooling down it's time to dig out your warm clothing and gear up for winter.  This time of year is perfect for rebooting your winter wardrobe and adding a new warm hat or two.  This easy crochet pattern is an oldie but a goodie.  I love the quirkiness of the design!   The instructions as they were originally printed: This hat comes together so quickly that you could make a couple for yourself and some for gifts in no time!  Hope you enjoy this free vintage crochet pattern!

Here are a couple of patterns for the lady of the house.  A cozy bed jacket and a pair of silk panties.  The bed jacket can be made without cutting a paper pattern but  it might be easier for the less experienced seamstress to make a paper pattern first. One suggestion for this bed jacket was wool challis but I think a lightweight polar fleece would work too and would be so soft and cuddly on a cold winter morning. You can trim the edges with a buttonhole stitch as indicated below but trimming in a soft cotton lace would be pretty too. Bed Jacket  From the book: "Whether or not you eat breakfast in bed, like the lady in the sketch, a warm wool bed jacket is a comfortable thing to own.  The one shown here may be cut without a pattern.  You will need 1-1/2 yards of 36" material or 1 yard of 54" goods." Directions: "All the dimensions for cutting are given in the diagram [see below].  Fold the material the long way through the center as at A.  Slash the center fro

These patterns for a doll dress, slip and panties are from the same vintage World War II pattern books that I was perusing yesterday.  The beauty of these patterns is that they're adaptable to any size doll.   Like yesterday's apron patterns, having previous sewing experience will be helpful and necessary in drafting and sewing these doll garments. A Dress to Fit Any Doll The instructions for the doll dress: "To make a yoke pattern for a doll's dress, cut two squares of paper as deep and as wide as one quarter of the doll's chest measure plus 1/2 inch.  Divide these pieces into squares as in Diagram 1 and 2 [see below].  Now, draw the yoke outline to cross the squares as shown.  The center front at A, and the center back at B, should be placed on a fold. "For the sleeve pattern, cut paper as deep as the yoke and twice as wide as the measurement around the top of the doll's arm.  Draw the triangle guide in Diagram 3 [see below], centering the top point and

Back in the day when resources were limited, our foremothers used their creativity and ingenuity to come up with the things that they needed from the things they already had on hand.  These simple yet functional aprons are an example of this "make do or do without" attitude.  These patterns came from a vintage World War II series of craft books. You'll need to draft the patterns onto larger paper and the very general instructions including measurements and directions are listed here. These patterns were created for experienced seamstresses who had some sewing skills. The Frill Apron This first pattern is a pretty bib apron with ruffles.  It calls for  1-1/2 yards chintz or cotton print fabric and one yard plain fabric 36" wide. The instructions say: "For the skirt, cut a piece 27" wide and 23" deep.  Fold lengthwise, as at A (illustration below), then measure down from the top and in from the corners the distance indicated and mark the dots.  Using the

For the crochet lovers out there we have this filet crochet pattern featuring bluebirds.  This is another treasure from the vintage 1920 pattern book that I've been pouring over for the past few days. This neat little pattern makes a lovely apron, as you can see... and who doesn't need a new apron?  The pattern featured here is for the crochet edging and the beading at the top and very general instructions for the apron construction.   The instructions: The pattern: Just like the patterns in my last post, this design could be used for filet crochet or cross stitch.  The instructions suggest using this design for a crocheted dresser scarf but I could see using it for any number of things.... crochet one bird and use it as a pocket on an up-cycled sweater, or trim hand towels for the guest bathroom. Or imagine this lovely design at the hem of a beautiful, handmade heirloom Christening gown, or at the yoke of a First Communion dress; they actually look like doves to me. Whatever y

Today I have the animal filet crochet or cross stitch patterns that I mentioned previously.  These designs are also from the vintage 1920 pattern book that the last patterns came from.  These little guys were originally designed for a baby coverlet but could be used for anything.   The instructions from the book say size 50 or 60 thread with a number 12 steel crochet hook.  Each grid gives an approximate finished size as well as how many meshes or squares are involved. This chicken design would look terrific cross stitched onto a kitchen towel: This would be so cute in a baby's room! Imagine this little fellow cross stitched onto a Christmas stocking: Stork for a baby shower: A bunny for Easter: Make this in orange and black for a Halloween candy dish towel: Another design that speaks kitchen to me:   Longer motifs for crocheted pillowcase edgings or towels.  They could be cross stitched for simple samplers too for baby's room.   The book offers these suggestions:  "All th

In the same vintage pattern book that I found the sweet bunny crochet pattern for baby linens was this beautiful tatted baby bonnet pattern.  This lovely bonnet is made with the addition of novelty braid.  I was able to find vintage novelty braid online and you can sometimes find it on Etsy or eBay.  Finer fabric and craft stores carry both vintage and new novelty braid and are good resources. The pattern instructions as they were originally printed: This is the novelty braid that I purchased and although it's not the small round medallions that are called for in the pattern, it does have the picots and the flexibility to work in the pattern. This beautiful baby bonnet would be perfect for a Baptism or Christening and would make an extra special gift for baby, a treasured heirloom-to-be!