Original 1940 Marian Martin Pattern No. 9540 - Pinafore Apron

Original 1940 Marian Martin Pattern No. 9540 for a pretty pinafore apron designed for women. This mail-order design features a fitted bodice with a square or sweetheart neckline, a pointed front waist seam, a center front skirt panel cut straight or on the bias, novelty pockets, and optional pinafore ruffles or ric-rac trim. Complete and in Nice Condition.

Quick Facts

• Pattern Number: Marian Martin No. 9540
• Year: Dated 1940, found in the Enid Morning News, December 1940
• Garment: Pinafore Apron
• Size: Small (32-34" Bust)
• Condition: Complete, Nice Condition, Mail-Order Pattern (No Envelope, as Issued)

Design

Marian Martin 9540 is a full-coverage apron with the look of a little frock. The bodice front may be cut with a square neckline or a pointed sweetheart shape, and the apron buttons at the back neck so it slips on and off easily. Below a smartly pointed front waist seam, a center panel runs down the skirt, cut on the straight grain or on the bias for a different effect, flanked by side front skirt pieces and a back skirt held by a back belt. Novelty triangular pockets sit at the hips. Pinafore ruffles at the armholes and ric-rac along the neckline, pockets, and seams add the finishing trim, or narrower ruffling may be used instead. The pattern has eight parts.

A Moment in Fashion History

Marian Martin patterns were sold by mail through newspapers across the country. A reader clipped the coupon, sent fifteen cents in coins, and received the pattern folded in its printed instruction sheet. This apron appeared in the Enid Morning News in December 1940, presented as both a practical frock protector and a charming holiday gift. It arrived on the eve of America's entry into the war, when an attractive, hard-wearing apron that could be made from a few yards of cotton was exactly the kind of thrifty, cheerful project home sewers would turn to in the years ahead.

Illustration

The 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 Marian Martin instruction sheet.

Connections

This pattern is part of our exhibit, Women of WWII -- a growing collection celebrating the resourcefulness and everyday style of wartime home sewing. Come take a look.