Original 1944 McCall Pattern No. 1134 - Ladies' and Misses' Embroidered Apron

Original 1944 McCall Pattern No. 1134 for a ladies' and misses' bib apron edged in ruffles and trimmed with a large appliqué flower whose embroidered stem climbs from hem to bib. View A is trimmed with rick rack, and View B is piped in a contrasting color. One size. Complete Nice Condition, with the original transfer uncut.

Quick Facts

• Pattern Number: McCall No. 1134
• Year: Dated 1944, found in the September 1944 McCall catalog
• Garment: Ladies' and Misses' Embroidered Apron
• Size: One Size
• Condition: Complete Nice Condition; Envelope Worn and Professionally Repaired with Lineco Acid-Free Archival Tissue and Acid-Free Adhesive; Comes with Uncut Transfer

Design

A rounded bib and a rounded apron skirt are each framed in a gathered ruffle, joined by a waistband with long ties, and held by shoulder straps that cross at the back. A ruffled pocket sits at the hip. The decoration is the star: an appliqué flower in a contrasting fabric, with a long appliqué stem and embroidered sprays of small blossoms, rises across the skirt to the bib. View A is trimmed with rick rack, and View B is outlined in contrasting piping, with scraps suggested for the appliqué stems, leaves, and flowers. The pattern includes 10 pieces, the cut and sew guide, and an uncut transfer; the envelope's large flowers show the motif in blue gingham and in pink.

A Moment in Fashion History

Wartime fabric was scarce, and aprons like this one made the most of very little: about 1¼ yards for the apron and scraps for the appliqué. Decoration came from handwork rather than yardage, and a plain apron could become something special with a few bright scraps and an evening's embroidery.

Illustration

The envelope front and back are shown as scanned, framed on our blue mat without retouching, so the artwork appears in its true color and condition. A blonde in blue writes at a desk in the white View A apron, a brunette in green models the dark View B beside a teapot, and two oversized appliqué flowers, one in blue gingham and one in pink, frame the scene.

Connections

This pattern shows how wartime sewers made decoration from almost nothing, dressing about a yard of fabric with appliqué flowers cut from scraps. Explore our exhibits showcasing the whimsical, decorative side of kitchen textiles, Kitschy Kitchen -- McCall Edition, and the resourcefulness and everyday style of wartime home sewing, Women of WWII.