Itsy bitsy teenie weenie...1940s pinnies

My, oh my! If one size fit all back in the 1940s, grown women must have been like children. I know shapes and sizes have changed since then, but this Hollywood 1667 pattern is really something! 
 I've made views 4 & 5 many times before, but this time making 3 & 5, I stupidly forgot to grade up. The result...extra small pinnies! Never mind, they're still super cute I think so they may make it into the upcoming Etsy store...just listed as XS!

This was my first time making view 3 and it's actually very simple, but with impressive details, like the bows on the neckline and on either side of the waist band. I ldo ove the ribbon, although any tips on how to stop it from fraying would be welcome dear readers. I pinked the ends and covered them with a lick of clear nail varnish. There must be a better way though...anyone?
You've seen many renditions of my view 5 (I'm a one-trick pony), nevertheless, here's my latest one:
 
I'm also making some very slow progress with Casey's swing dress sew-along.  I've finally pieced together the ePattern and cut it all out. I've yet to measure myself, make the necessary adjustments and cut out my actual size. I think this will be more 'sew catch-up' and less 'sew-along'. But I'll get there in the end, I'm certain of it!

10 comments:

  1. Love you aprons. Know hat you mean about hte small sizing. I just finished piecing my swing dress PDF together too. Absolute nightmare. Need to trace and adapt tomorrow. :)

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  2. The epatterns coming along. Just started mine too. Not that bad so far, don't you think?? Thought it would be a bit of a headache but it's great!
    Love your latest view 5!(People were teeny in the 40's because rationing and relying on what they could grow themselves meant their diets were low cal and low fat. Perhaps they should revive wartime diets as a means of modern weightloss. Certainly worked!)
    Px

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  3. I do so love that (view 5) apron, such a gorgeous design! Dont know a good way to do ribbon, I just cut a sharp diagonal and, like you, a dab of clear nail varnish.

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  4. The view 3 apron is so cute. If the aprons are quite small perhaps you could label them for older children / young adults too?

    I think you can melt the end of ribbon with a candle flame if it's synthetic! I wouldn't try it though I'd probably end up setting the whole thing on fire.

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  5. Gorgeous aprons, your shop's going to be doing good business when it's up and running. Have you tried crossgrain ribbon? I'm sure I read somewhere it's better for dressmaking because it doesn't fray (don't quote me on that though, I may have just made it up!). Seamstar.co.uk does broader widths but it may be more expensive. I cut my muslin out yesterday for the Swing Dress but I've got the advantage of an old fashioned paper pattern! x

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  6. I was going to suggest the burn method too to the ends of the ribbon. If you are careful, most synthetic ribbons will melt when you put them near flame. Just carefully melt the ends in a flame and you'll be set.

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  7. I like the second one! Also, email me your address, so I can mail you the patterns!!

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  8. Thank you all for the lovely comments and of course your ribbon tips...I'll try not to burn the flat down!!!

    Jane, you're as kind as always. Good work with the Swing Dress, I guess it must help having the old-school pattern to work with. I'm seriously lagging behind, but I hope to get there in the end!

    Molly, I emailed you my details on the day that you announced winners. Strange that it didn't get through, I'll try again. Thanks again for the giveaway!

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  9. lovely, nice that they are from a 40's pattern.....just the kind of thing I would like!x

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  10. I love the pleated itsy bitsy teenie 1940 pines pattern with all the pleats in front. Have you made it yet. Where can I find the pattern for this
    Myra@sirisonline.com

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