Women's Work Apron

[OldKingCrow]

I need to make an apron to be used with a work dress. A lady I respect told me to make a wool apron for use around a fire. I searched around and didnt find too much.

For a labor class white Southern impression would jean or what wool would be appropriate ?

I was also given a bonnet pattern to make. Can someone reco the proper cloth ? Can I use hemp cording ?

Thank you in advance.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Women's Work Apron

Sent you a PM my man.

[Spinster]

Re: Women's Work Apron

First--whatever Ross said :p

Then--probably not jean--just not a common civilian female fabric. Rather, some darker sturdy wool twill in a mingled pattern or a plaid. Wool prints, so common in the period, are nigh to impossible to find today.


You can use hemp cording--in fact, an excellent choice. Given your climate, the lighter weight the fabric, the better off you are--a fine sheer cotton would be a wonderful choice. Look for this sort of fabric in specialty shops that offer 'french hand sewing' and 'smocking'.

There are many reproduction cotton prints on the market, available in better cloth stores and in quilting shops. The downside to these is that the modern quilters cottons are often too heavy for anything but winter use in our climate.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Women's Work Apron

My dear Mrs. Lawson, we're so in tune, that you just changed a few of my words around! But it always means more coming from one of your stature and not some graybeard pard. I've learned more about aprons, bonnets, and washdresses than I ever wanted to know since I'm trying to change my fellow docents one Little House on the Prairie costume at a time at my new-found place of employment/servitude.

[Spinster]

Re: Women's Work Apron

Ross,

If you're dressing docents, that po'white and that far south, I've got a dress pattern for you.

Won't say its attractive, will say its elementary sewing and not rocket science to fit. Tie 'em up in an apron, fill their head full of facts, and slap a bonnet on top so the facts won't blow away, they'll be good to go.

Loaner Clothes R Us,

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Women's Work Apron

WOW, that's been my historical clothing philosophy for the last few months, as making better aprons and bonnets was about the only way to cover up the hideous costume dresses here at work. One person at a time......

[Spinster]

Re: Women's Work Apron

A good shawl will cover a multitude of sins as well, and a good hair do will distract the eyes. Nothing can be done for purple hair, nose rings, press on nails or dragon tatoos

Here's the image--as I recall, about an 1858 or 59 Peterson's

Past Patterns shows it in their sacque and petticoat instructions, but does not tell how to make it. Heidi Marsh's pattern number PHM1 "Ladies Working Dress" does include all pattern pieces, including the rather tightly fitted soft bonnet.

The original dress instructions call for wool--whether one can feel comfortable in stretching this interpretation to linen or light cottons is, well, a bone of contention for some folks. Those button off sleeves are a dandy thing though. As with every HM pattern I've worked with, the sizing is rather fanciful. If buying for your site, I'd buy the Extra Large, and then add gussets as needed. Really--made straight up, the size 22 fits about a size 12-14 hips. The sleeves fit though.

That little bonnet is a cutie, and suitable for anyone who simply cannot cope with wearing a mailbox on her head. In our climate though, a sunburn is guaranteed, as the brim of the bonnet is very shallow. Fact is, the head of the bonnet is small too--I added an inch to the width of the back to get it to fit the smallest person we had. The curtain is a nice length though, and drapes well.

Now, we've throughly hijacked Chris's inquiry, but I figure our fellow cracker will be needing to make a dress soon enough, so now he won't have to ask :p

[MrsArmstrong]

Re: Women's Work Apron

I've learned more about aprons, bonnets, and washdresses than I ever wanted to know since I'm trying to change my fellow docents one Little House on the Prairie costume at a time at my new-found place of employment/servitude.

Good Luck! LOL...been there...done that...say Howdy to Rip and the gang for me when you get to the fair!

Susan Armstrong -
BTW...who's making rope?

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Women's Work Apron

Good Luck! LOL...been there...done that...say Howdy to Rip and the gang for me when you get to the fair!

Susan Armstrong -
BTW...who's making rope?

So you can feel my pain! I've made my fair share of rope the last few months, but its probably the same cast of characters since you were there. I'm going in this morning and will pass on your regards.

[Will Eichler]

Re: Women's Work Apron

Mr. Rideout,

PM sent.

Best,

Will

[OldKingCrow]

Re: Women's Work Apron

Thanks for the input.

Just placed my order for some wool.

Got to get busy....women's kit is new ground for me.