Original 1947 McCall Pattern No. 1368 - Ladies' and Misses' Mermaid Apron

Original 1947 McCall Pattern No. 1368 for a ladies' and misses' half apron decorated with a sequined mermaid, fish, and waving seaweed. The same shaped piece can also be worn as an evening scarf or collar. One size. Factory Folded and Unused, with the transfer uncut.

Quick Facts

• Pattern Number: McCall No. 1368
• Year: 1947
• Garment: Ladies' and Misses' Apron, Can Be Worn as an Evening Scarf or Collar
• Size: One Size
• Condition: Factory Folded and Unused; Comes with Uncut Transfer

Design

The apron is cut from a single curved piece on a whole waistband with a tie string, and takes just ⅞ yard of fabric. The transfer places a mermaid among fish and long strands of seaweed, worked in embroidery and sequins: one skein each of yellow green, gold, coral, and lemon yellow six-strand cotton, flat No. 6 sequins in green, blue, and gold, and crystal seed beads. The envelope explains how to buy sequins by the strand, sewn on one at a time, or by the yard, already joined. Shown in midnight blue and in green, the same piece also ties over the head as a scarf or around the shoulders as an evening collar.

A Moment in Fashion History

By 1947 the apron had become part of the hostess's evening wardrobe, and pattern companies played with novelty themes and glitter. McCall 1368 goes further than most: a sequined mermaid that could serve dinner as an apron and then go out as a scarf or collar. Its three simple pieces put the effort into the handwork, where the sequins and beads did the work of costly trim.

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 woman in aqua with dramatic shoulders wears the midnight blue apron, two smaller figures show it as a head scarf and a collar, and the mermaid motif swims across the envelope trailing sequined seaweed.

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!"