Original 1934 McCall Pattern No. 246 - Ladies' and Misses' Sunflower Apron

Original 1934 McCall Pattern No. 246 for a ladies' and misses' full-length sunflower apron, color-blocked in two to four colors with a tall appliquéd sunflower climbing the skirt front and a pocket set into its bloom. Complete, with all pieces present; several pattern pieces and the instructions professionally repaired with Lineco Acid-Free Archival Tissue and Acid-Free Adhesive.

Quick Facts

• Pattern Number: McCall No. 246
• Year: 1934
• Garment: Ladies' and Misses' Sunflower Apron (3 Views)
• Size: One Size, Adjustable 14 to 40 (32-40" Bust)
• Condition: Complete, All Pieces Present; Several Pattern Pieces Professionally Repaired with Lineco Acid-Free Archival Tissue and Acid-Free Adhesive
• Instruction Condition: Instructions Professionally Repaired with Lineco Acid-Free Archival Tissue and Acid-Free Adhesive

Design

A bib apron with a wide waistband and straps that cross in back, fasten to the band, and adjust, so one size fits 14 to 40. The skirt is where the fun is: View A stacks four bands of blue, yellow, lavender, and rose; View B pairs brown with a deep yellow hem; and View C is blue over red on one side and white on the other. On every view a long appliquéd stem with leaves rises to a sunflower whose dark center is the pocket, worked in the apron's own colors reversed. Fifteen pieces, with McCall's Cut and Sew Guide; gingham, organdy, sateen, rayon, taffeta, percale, and cotton prints are suggested.

A Moment in Fashion History

In the depths of the Depression, McCall gave home sewers a bold, graphic apron that could be pieced from leftover lengths of colored cotton. The color-blocking and stylized flower owe something to the Art Deco poster style of the early 1930s, and the full-length, cross-back cut covered a whole dress, a practical promise the envelope makes plainly. Printed patterns were still McCall's own innovation in 1934; the company held the patent on printing the cutting lines right on the tissue.

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. The front shows three young women in the three colorways, arms linked, with a back view and a large drawing of the sunflower appliqué and pocket. We've also included a close-up of the pattern tissue showing the repairs.

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!"