New Idea 2839 - Ladies' Work Apron

Nineteen-teens.

The designers are not kidding about this being a work apron; note the good-sized patch pockets (apron patterns without pockets always baffle me; where are you supposed to stash all the kitty toys that you find while you're thumping the couch cushions?) and the sensible dusting cap.

Once again, we see from the layout that piecing the apron is acceptable.

Separate instruction sheets in sewing patterns don't generally show up until the 1920's.  Here are all the instructions for making up this apron:

Simplicity 2291 - Misses' and Women's Smock

1930s.

This smock gathered into a shaped yoke is beautifully stylish.  Yet, even so, it was considered acceptable to piece the sides (piece B) and the sleeves (piece A.)

Here's some detail of the instructions for sewing the smock to the yoke.  Careful basting would be needed here.

This garment just seems to cry out to be made in beautiful Liberty lawn.

McCall's 1925 - Men's Western Shirt

1952.

The notched yoke and pocket flaps are nice design features.  Note the interesting design effects you can get simply by using the grain of your fabric.  In View A the yoke and pocket flaps have been cut on the bias.  In View B the yoke, pockets, cuffs have been cut cross-wise on the fabric to contrast with the body and sleeves.  View C is beautifully embroidered; best wear for rodeo days.

Butterick 4202 - One Piece Dress...Suitable for Nurses or for a House Dress

Mid 1930s.

The design of this uniform is very similar to Simplicity 7006.  While some nurses probably made their own uniforms, I suspect that others may have bought the pattern, material, and findings they preferred and had their uniforms made up by a local seamstress.

Advertising this pattern as also suitable for a house dress seems to me wishful thinking on Butterick's part, as there were much more attractive house dress patterns available.  Patterns for maids' uniforms were generally advertised as such.

These detachable uniform buttons date to about this period or a little later.

Official American Red Cross Pattern No. 102 - Child's Nightgown (French and Belgian)

World War I

I don't know why the "French and Belgian" designation was thought to be necessary.

Garments designed for the Red Cross to use in relief work are generally very simply designed.  At a time when most button holes were still hand worked, the single button in the middle of the placket illustrates a need to get as many of these garments made, bundled, and delivered as quickly as humanly possible.

The New York Times for Sunday, September 9, 1917 devoted a full page to reporting on the donations that various groups had made to support war victims.  Groups listed included:

• American Poets' Ambulances in Italy
• Armenian and Syrian Relief
• Belgian Relief fund for the "Sou du Moutile"[Maimed Soldier]
• Serbian Relief Committee
• French Tuberculosis War Victims Fund
• War Babies Cradle
• American Girls Aid
• American Huguenot Committee
• National Allied Relief Committee
• NewYork Committee of the Fatherless Children of France
• American Jewish Relief
• Le Bien Etre du Blesse
• French Heroes Fund
• Cardinal Mercier Fund
• Belgian Relief Fund
• American Committee for Training in Suitable Trades [for] the Maimed Soldiers of France
• New York Branch of the Woman's Section of the Navy League
• American Students Fund of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts
• Guaranty Club [Employees of Guaranty Trust Company of New York]
• Polish Victims Relief Fund
• Secours National Fund for the Relief of Women and Children of France
• Serbian Hospitals Fund
• University Grants Committee of the Polish Victims Relief Fund
• Federal Council of Allied War Charities
• Stage Women's War Relief

Here's a wonderful description of the Stage Women's War Relief.  I would imagine that many of these women worked in the theaters' costume shops and were able to turn out quantities of well-made garments without turning a hair.

Simplicity 4267 - Boy's Baseball Suit, Shirt, Shorts, and Cap

1953.

Recommended fabrics for the baseball uniform include cotton, denim, flannelette, and wool.  About four yards of military braid is required for the baseball uniform.

The little guy on the lower left is really nicely turned out, in his cool summer seersucker outfit with matching blue socks and saddle shoes.

Only the pattern pieces for the shorts appear to have been used.

Updated to add instructions for cap.