DIY 1942-style Apron (from scratch) ;)

I really like the aprons of the 1930's-50's. They remind me of my grandmothers. I can still recall the most tantalizing aromas from their kitchens. ~sigh~

I especially like how the aprons were fitted. Feminine, flattering, dressy. Little did grandma know that she was stylin'! They were only protecting their clothes! 

But they are so pretty…. unlike the utilitarian BBQ (boring) aprons of today. (Hurrah for "Kiss the Cook", or "Grill Master," they are masculine-shaped IMHO.)

So I went on a mission to find a pretty pattern. I found a really neat apron at Commercial Pattern Archive. If you click on the broken link, it will display the pattern piece placement, probably on 36" material. It doesn't say, and it is not on a grid. Nor does it have instructions. I didn't attempt it ..... THIS TIME..... 

Hrmmm. Well, time to DIY, then. 

I pulled out my dress form (DIY: check out many tutorials and videos online, like Duct Tape Dressform DIY) and tissue paper and started pinning. I'm not a shrinking violet, so the apron is really fitted to me: my fantastic Size 14 body. 

This is how my apron finally ended. Well, maybe not ~finally~.

I think I'll add a pearl-type button to the pockets and the bib accent.

The bib has darts, fits the bust very well. I absolutely *adore* the pockets. Charming with a little bit of lace.

This just proves that if I can do it, anyone can.

I Love Dem Aprons! By Auntie Dem