Original circa 1956 Advance Pattern No. 8143 - Child's Aprons

Original circa 1956 Advance Pattern No. 8143 for a girl's set of three aprons: a ruffled bib apron with a big sash bow, a bib apron with a contrasting scalloped lower edge, and a reversible half apron. Sweet enough for Sunday best and practical enough for helping in the kitchen. Complete and in Nice Condition, in a storage-soiled but sturdy envelope.

Quick Facts

• Pattern Number: Advance No. 8143
• Year: Circa 1956
• Garment: Child's Aprons (3 Views)
• Size: 8 (26" Breast, 23" Waist)
• Condition: Complete Nice Condition; envelope soiled from storage but sturdy

Design

Advance 8143 offers three "young aprons" for little girls. On the bib styles, the bib top continues over the shoulders to the back, forming a yoke that closes with buttons, and the full skirt is gathered onto a waistband that buttons in back or ties with a sash. Each has a patch pocket at the right hip. View 1 has a self-bound neckline and a scalloped edge trimmed with ruffling or novelty edging, finished with ribbon bows and a wide sash. View 2 adds a contrasting lower edge trimmed in bias binding. View 3 is a reversible half apron with a sash. Nine pieces.

A Moment in Fashion History

In the 1950s, a pretty apron was part of a little girl's wardrobe, worn for helping in the kitchen, playing house, or dressing up over a party frock. Ruffles, scallops, and big sash bows made these aprons as much about charm as practicality. Advance, sold through JCPenney stores, promoted its designs as "the easy printed pattern," with markings printed right on the tissue.

Illustration

The cover illustration has been digitally restored and enhanced by Judy Yates to highlight the original fashion artwork while preserving the character and artistry of this historic Advance pattern envelope.

Connections

Sewn in crisp white and tied over a sky-blue dress, the ruffled bib apron in View 1, with its big bow at the back, is everything a little Alice needs for her trip to Wonderland. Explore our upcoming exhibit, Kitschy Kitchen, and our limited-time exhibit of masquerades, pageants and make-believe, Costumes for All Ages from All Eras, before it closes.