Apron boasts popular retro ’50s look

Dear Vicki: All these retro TV shows and movies have taught me to appreciate ’50s attire. I love the retro patterns in the books. I would like to make an apron for my girlfriend who is getting married — actually, for all the bridesmaids too. Please find me a really cute pattern. Thanks. — Shellie D.

Dear Shellie: It seems like making aprons is a trend that is not letting up, so here is one more pattern — Vogue 8643. This one is definitely a ’50s look, and very stylish. The picture on the pattern is an embroidered silk dupioni, and that is probably a bit much. But you could use your stash or coordinate some retro prints.

Dear Vicki: Can you please help me make a flat-felled seam? I have a sewing book, but it’s just not making sense to me. I really want to do this, because I want to emulate some of the details in pants and shorts I have seen at expensive retailers. Thanks. — Shenaz A.

Dear Shenaz: OK, take a couple of pieces of print fabric for your learning samples. A flat-felled seam is self-finished — that is, the inside and the outside edges of each seam allowance are completely enclosed when it is finished. It ends up looking a lot like a French seam that has been pressed to one side and top-stitched.

Now, press the edge of the wrong side of the left piece toward the right side about 3/8 of an inch. Trim the same ⅜ from the edge of the other piece of fabric. Turning the right sides together, tuck the trimmed piece inside the pressed fold, then stitch all pieces together right at the raw edge of the pressed piece. To finish, open up your seam and press what you have stitched to the side and restitch to finish. It should look just like the seam you see on jeans.

Once you have mastered this, you will wonder what was ever so hard about it, and it really can look sharp. If you can, find a presser foot for your machine that gives you a blade to guide your stitching so that it is perfect.

Each week I share a reader’s tip and thank him or her with a set of 100 fine English hand-sewing needles. This week the tip is an old one from Karen Shutter, of West Seneca, N.Y. She writes:

“Some of us who sew make our own ironing board covers. My hint is to use a woven fabric with stripes or a plaid. It makes it so simple to press those areas that must be perfectly straight without stretching the fabric. Make sure the material is colorfast.”

Send tips and questions to Vicki Farmer Ellis, P.O. Box 220463, St. Louis, MO 63122, or email vickifarmerellis@swbell.net.