Historical Sew Monthly #9: Brown

Well, I had some awesome ideas for this month's challenge, but I couldn't make my current large project (a corset) fit in with it. I thought about flossing in brown to make it work, but looking at all those beautiful colorful embroidery flosses at the store, brown just seemed so.....boring. I choose blue instead.

So, I ditched that idea, but instead came up with something easy instead! I wanted something I could work on in the car for the road trip last weekend, but I ended up completing it upon arrival instead of en route. Anyway, it's just the right length, and I really like the fitted waistband. I was worried it would be too big, but over my dress and petticoats it works fine.

What the item is: Pinner Apron

The Challenge: Brown

Fabric: 100% cotton fabric, about 2 yards

Pattern: Sewing Academy pattern, with the bib drafted myself.

Year: Mid-19th Century

Notions: Thread, 2 bone buttons

How historically accurate is it? Having not really done any research in this area, I only know that I didn't use any particularly modern techniques. Since no research has been done, let's say 70%, although it's basic enough that it could be 100% and I wouldn't know. I don't think the print is perfectly accurate.

Hours to complete: About 8, since I handsewed the entire thing.

First worn: Not yet

Total cost: $0, all from stash.

Homespun Apron

I got the great idea to do a hand sewing project while on the road to California. That went alright, although I did lose a needle in the rental car that was never found......
Preparing it ahead of time, it was probably one of the easiest projects ever. I didn't finish it until we got home, but it was a nice quick project to hand sew. I really like it maybe a little too much.....I love plaid.

A New Pinafore

This is a pinafore I made for Camille. I really love how it turned out, and it was a really quick easy project. I think it took me six hours to complete, which really could have been faster. Camille has really been wanting one; hopefully she will get a lot of use out of this one. I used Mrs. Clark's pattern to make it, which is almost like saying no pattern because she teaches you to draft your own pattern using measurements.
So for those of you that don't know, a pinafore is an apron for girls who haven't yet reached the age where their skirts are floor length. The difference between a pinafore and an apron is simple: a top part of a pinafore has a back, and the skirt goes around a little more than an apron. Girls wore pinafores more than women wore aprons, simply because it extended the life of the girl's dresses. It protects from all kinds of rough-and-tumble play, and also can hide stains. I also think aprons on women look more shabby than pinafores on girls; girl's could dress up their pinafores a lot, although decorative aprons were worn by both women and girls.
It does need some modifications; she says the length is fine, but I think I will add a tuck to the hem. On her part, she kind of wants the neckline to be a little lower, just because it cuts right across her neck. And as you can see in the back, the bottom button is straining a little too much. I think I will make ties for the bottom instead of that last button, then it won't be a problem.
She looks so cute in it! Drat, she hates getting her picture taken, but mwahahahah! We got some! I attached all of them so the world can have proof that Camille still lives!