Original circa 1946 McCall Pattern No. 1279 - Misses' Bow Apron

Original circa 1946 McCall Printed Pattern No. 1279, a "Bow Apron" offered in three charming views - a bibbed apron trimmed in rick-rack, a plaid waist apron finished with bows, and a lace-edged tea apron - each ready for embroidered posies. Complete Nice Condition, with the embroidery transfer uncut.

Quick Facts

• Pattern Number: McCall No. 1279
• Year: Circa 1946 - also found in a 1948 Home Pattern catalog
• Garment: Misses' Apron
• Size: One Size
• Pattern Condition: Complete Nice Condition
• Envelope Condition: Worn, Professionally Repaired
• Transfer: Uncut

Design

Pattern 1279 is built around a beau-catching bow. View A is a full bibbed apron trimmed in rick-rack braid, with an embroidered rose motif ready for satin-stitch and outline work. View B is a simpler waist apron, gathered and finished with a wide ribbon bow, well suited to a breezy plaid for after-football entertaining. View C is a dainty lace-edged half apron for teatime, embroidered with white roses for what the original catalog called "that luscious look." Seven pattern pieces plus one transfer, in one size.

A Moment in Fashion History

Bow-trimmed hostess aprons like this one were a mid-1940s staple, dressed up with embroidery for everything from casual after-game gatherings to proper afternoon tea. This same pattern was still being sold a couple of years later, appearing in a 1948 Home Pattern catalog alongside its heart-motif companion, Pattern 1278 - a reminder that popular apron patterns often stayed in print and in reproduction for years after their original release.

Connections

This pattern is part of our exhibit, Kitschy Kitchen -- McCall Edition, a growing collection celebrating the whimsical, decorative side of kitchen textiles. While I love everything about McCall, it must be said, "McCall Makes the Cutest Aprons!"