Cross Top Bib Apron Pattern

As promised, here is another great apron pattern from the same vintage World War II pattern book as the last pattern.  This pattern is a bit more challenging but the end result is worth it.  What a classic, lovely style!

Previous sewing experience will be helpful when using this pattern and following the original directions.

The instructions as originally printed:

You will need to draft your pattern using the following scale.  Each square represents an inch.

Back view of the finished apron:

For additional helpful information, check my previous post. You can find it here.  It includes information about how to scale your pattern and how to gather your fabric by machine.  I've got a couple more of these gems so check back soon!

Doll Dress, Slip & Panties Patterns

These patterns for a doll dress, slip and panties are from the same vintage World War II pattern books that I was perusing yesterday.  The beauty of these patterns is that they're adaptable to any size doll.  

Like yesterday's apron patterns, having previous sewing experience will be helpful and necessary in drafting and sewing these doll garments.

A Dress to Fit Any Doll

The instructions for the doll dress:
"To make a yoke pattern for a doll's dress, cut two squares of paper as deep and as wide as one quarter of the doll's chest measure plus 1/2 inch.  Divide these pieces into squares as in Diagram 1 and 2 [see below].  Now, draw the yoke outline to cross the squares as shown.  The center front at A, and the center back at B, should be placed on a fold.

"For the sleeve pattern, cut paper as deep as the yoke and twice as wide as the measurement around the top of the doll's arm.  Draw the triangle guide in Diagram 3 [see below], centering the top point and making the base one quarter the depth of the paper from the bottom.  Shape the front of the sleeve top to curve as at the left of the triangle and the back as at the right.  Shape the bottom as shown,  The skirt of the dress is straight and, before gathering, should measure three times around the bottom of the yoke."

Doll Slip and Panties

The instructions for the doll slip and panties:

"The dress yoke pattern may be used as a foundation for shaping the front and back of a slip pattern, as shown by the dotted lines at the left.  The neck and armhole are cut a little deeper than the yoke, and flare is added to the skirt.  The center line, shown here at A [see below], is placed on a fold of the goods in cutting.

"For the front of the panty pattern, cut a piece of paper a little wider than one half the doll's hip measurement and as deep as the length of the panties plus allowance for finishes.  Crease or map the paper in squares, as at B [see below], and use these as guide lines in shaping the crotch and the bottom of the legs, also, the waistline, as shown, The back of the panties is cut like the front except that the waistline is straight."

Once you create the paper patterns for your doll you'll be able to create as many little dresses for her as you want, maybe even a whole new wardrobe!  

These patterns may have come from vintage World War II pattern books but the design is timeless and would certainly make lovely garments today for your special doll.  Enjoy!

Kitten Softie Toy Pattern

This adorable kitten softie is part of the Kitty Family Vintage Toy Animal Sewing Pattern that's been very popular in my Etsy shop for some time now.  The kitten is super easy to sew with minimal pieces and can be made out of scrap fabric.

This little cutie was part of an iron transfer pattern and you'll need to enlarge the pattern pieces to the size desired.  The pattern includes a 1/4" seam allowance.  

The original pattern main body measures about 8" from top of ears to bottom of paws but these pattern pieces can be reproduced any size you'd like.  Simply cut out the pattern pieces and follow the directions indicated.  For the face, use your favorite transfer pen or transfer method, then embroider.

This is what mama kitty looks like and the family together is really sweet.  This vintage pattern is I think from the 1950s and I've heard several nostalgic stories from the fond memories this little family congers up.

If you'd like to purchase the full size pattern and the pattern for the mama kitty, visit my Etsy shop here.    As you can see from the illustration, mama and kittens in different patterns or colors would be fun and  so cute!

Free Vintage Colored Cross Stitch Pattern

As promised, here are some terrific vintage cross stitch patterns free for your use -- enjoy!  These patterns came from my vintage pattern book collection dated to the 1910s and 1920s.  The beauty of these patterns is that they are, for the most part small, so they can be stitched relatively quickly.  And there is no color chart for embroidery floss, so you can adjust the colors to your personal preference easily to match your decor.

These little cuties would look so pretty on a baby's dress or on a handkerchief corner:

Something for the animal lovers... love the crouching cat in the upper left corner:

The couple at the top of this chart have a sweet, old fashioned look to them that would be perfect on a sampler:

Simple patterns for corner work:

This is just beautiful, a pretty bouquet for a larger project.  And the charts at the top would make a nice edging to tea towels or finger tip towels for the guest bathroom:

 Swags and kewpie dolls awesomeness!:

More simple and easy projects, easy enough for beginning sewers or more experienced stitchers who have gift giving on the horizon:

You might want to blow these up for easier reading.  I have a few more vintage patterns to post in the next day or two for either cross stitch or filet crochet.  Just love these old time favorites -- happy stitching!

Free Cross Stitch or Filet Crochet Patterns for Baby

On a bright, sunny day like today, you'd think I'd be out reveling in it.  But no, I'm totally absorbed in my vintage pattern book collection.  Naturally, I was looking for one thing, got distracted, and found these charming patterns instead.  These patterns came from a few different vintage pattern books dated from the 1910s and 1920s and all could be used for baby or toddler themed projects.  They can be worked in either cross stitch or filet crochet.

This first set shows an example in "plate 27"below of a small bag with these "School Days" images embroidered on it.  I can imagine these little girls embroidered on a sweet toddler's dress or on a babies pillow or sheet set, or even a lunch sack made by mom for that first day of school.  Or if crochet is your passion, these charts would be easy to read and could be adapted to any number of projects.

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The following patterns came from a different vintage pattern book dated 1916 and could be used for dainty baby clothes, caps or booties, blankets, diaper covers, you name it.  Or they could be used for napkins, book covers, embellishments to your clothing or tea towels.  I especially the the nautical scene on the second page:

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If you have experience sewing and want to combine your love of cross stitch, sewing and crochet into a special dress for your favorite little girl, here's a neat project for you.  The first page below describes the process, you just need to either have a plain, simple old-fashioned style dress already, or you could make one yourself out of lawn or fine cotton.

Here's the instruction sheet:

The yoke embroidery pattern:

And the yoke and sleeve crochet charts:

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The following vintage patterns came from a lovely vintage 1922 pattern book.  These are also suitable for either cross stitch or filet crochet.

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I'll be posting more vintage cross stitch and filet crochet patterns, some in color and some like the charts just above, so stay tuned.  Who knows what I'll find next in my vintage pattern book library!

Free Apron Patterns

There is just something charming about aprons.  Just looking at them brings back warm memories of delicious smells coming from the kitchen.  Yesterday I was looking through a vintage sewing pattern book and found the patterns for these two little sweethearts.  The vintage pattern book isn't dated but the designs look very 1930s to me.

As you can see from the description, the directions call for the aprons to be made with oil cloth, but any pretty cotton fabric will do.  You'll have to do a little drafting to enlarge the pattern, but it's pretty straight forward after that.

This half apron would be perfect for either crafts or gardening.  The appliqué is charming and you could embroider a cute design on any of them for a personalized look.

One of the things that I love about my large vintage pattern book collection is discovering the treasures within.  So many of them are from a thrifty time, this one from the 1930s is a prime example.  "Make Do or Do Without," as the saying goes.  Enjoy making aprons from these vintage apron patterns, they'll look just as good today as they did then!

Lucky Find!!

I can't go by a thrift store without going inside, I just have to, I never know what I'll find.  Over the years I have found some wonderful treasures including a vintage 1930's Double Wedding Ring quilt in pristine condition for $15.00, so far my best find.

Well, several weeks ago, thumbing through the used sewing patterns at my local thrift store, I found these treasures!  Vintage sewing patterns from the 1930's!  Three vintage Butterick, a DuBarry and a Pictorial Printed Pattern.  And, because it was the thrift store, I got them for a song.... oh happy day!!

Vintage DuBarry sewing pattern dated 1939.

This Pictorial Printed sewing pattern is dated 1931.

The take home message:  Don't ignore your local thrift store for vintage sewing pattern finds!