Plus Size Woman Makes One Size Fits All Pattern || Making a Vintage Apron Using Thrifted Material

One size fits all? In my experience, more like one size fits none.
I found a 1950's "one size fits all" apron pattern that was different than most. It has sleeves and a wrap back with ties that are designed to fully go around the body. All I saw was, "Challenge ACCEPTED". So I am going to try making a vintage one size fits all pattern as a plus size woman. I will take you along for the ride as I use a vintage pattern to make this fun apron.
Sewing vintage clothes can sometimes pose different challenges than modern clothes. However, nothing beats the feeling of upcycling old sheets and duvet covers to make new garments. I love sewing with thrifted material and will always thrift before I buy new!
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A HUGE thank you to Liz Von Villas for being my other "try on" buddy!
Check out her awesome channel here: / @lizvonvillas
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Other videos you may enjoy:
Vintage vs. Reproduction, The Walkaway Dress - • VINTAGE vs. REPRODUCTI...
Making a Christmas Dress from Scraps - • I made a Christmas dre...
Making the Queen's Gambit Dress - • Making the Queen's Gam...
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Products I use to trace or repair patterns:
Document Repair Tape - bit.ly/DocumentRepairTape
Pellon 815 - bit.ly/PellonRedDot815
Frixion Pens - bit.ly/7packFrixionPen
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Wardrobe: Trashy Diva
Makeup: Mac & Nyx
My info:
My website: www.backroomfinds.com
IG - / backroomfinds
Twitter - / backroomfinds
Facebook - / backroomfinds
Music provided by Epidemic Sound
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Gear:
Nikon d7000: amzn.to/39UA6t3
Blue Yeti mic: amzn.to/3n3LRkF
Dragon Pop FIlter: amzn.to/33WzxLG
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I am an affiliate to the links provided above and do receive a small commission on some items that helps to support me and my channel.
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#sewingvlog #onesizefitsall #onesizefitsnone

[@LizVonVillas]

I really loved your thorough examination of this “apron”! Very interesting to watch this kind of thing! I’d love to see more 😁 P.S. always happy to help you! My fellow sewist/KZbinr! ❤️🥰

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you again for your help! It was so nice to have a different perspective on this one for fit.

[@RoseDoes]

It was so nice seeing you both in one video. Thank you both for being forthright with your measurements!

[@barbaracoleman9215]

Everything you do is magic! I love that you upcycled a vintage bed sheet.

[@dianejohnson9904]

When you brought the finished apron out, my first thought was hospital gown!

[@cdeg1964]

I have seen a number of the sewists here on KZbin mention the 'oddity' of sewing the sleeves to the body prior to sewing the entire side seam. It is structural. When you sew the sides and sleeve seam first you are creating 2 seams along that edge attached by the sleeve set seam... and that makes it move the entire side upwards when you lift your arms. When you sew the sleeve to the body and then do the side as a single long seam you create 1 seam along that edge that moves as 1 side seam that stays in place along the side when you lift your arm because you are moving along the seam instead of against. At one time I worked in the factory that made expensive men's shirts and that is how all of them are made because of how the shirts and sleeves move. Inexpensive shirts are much more likely to be made with set seamed sleeves.

[@user-zo6xi5np9q]

Thanks

[@originalkingdomhearts]

I highly recommend having a magnet to used to find pins on the floor. I started this ever since I stepped on a pack of sewing needles.

[@Pour_La_Victoire]

Ah yes, another fellow floor cutter. I applaud you for not getting pins all over your carpet! That's a skill I'm still working on...

[@StephanieCanada]

This is literally the first project in MONTHS where I didn't spill them everywhere!

[@susanbucklin3204]

When I get my pins out,my husband wants a pin count before and after.🤣🤣

[@amykathleen2]

Floor pin solution: magnets. I don’t mean the magnetic pincushions, which I know some people like and some people hate, but just a magnet you can wave over the floor to attract all the pins.

[@HeartPlant]

Big fan of the magnetic pin dish! Mine looks like a bar of purple soap, but it keeps them in check and I can wave it at the floor if I whack it off the side 🙂

[@stephaniew2545]

I’m a nurse and I believe I have legit seen hospital gowns that look just like that out of that very print, lol! Also, I believe one size fits all applies only to pre-teen girls. I’m 5’7” 135 lbs but pretty good size knockers and Ican never ever fit into those “sizes” 🙄🙄 I love your sewing videos! But I also love the snarky commentary videos as well. Thanks for all the great content 😁

[@StephanieCanada]

Right, it wasn't until I was editing that I was like "Why does this look familiar" then realized, HOSPITAL GOWNS! Oh well...😅

[@angelanice]

Your sewing instructions are my favorite kind of sarcasm ever 😂 I would love to see more of this content!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much! What is funny is the day after posting this I got a box with a DIFFERENT "One size" pattern, so I think I am going to give that one a shot too.

[@nancyleader6967]

Watching you and listening to your cheery chat made me happy. 🤗🍀🇨🇦

[@amr4211]

As a plus-sized woman who sews vintage, I adore this video. Thanks!

[@geriattrique7141]

‘That was a stretch, I know!’ said after your elastic joke.......BWAHAHAHAHA....LOL DED

[@StephanieCanada]

Thanks, so glad to know others enjoy my terrible puns (because my husband sure doesn't.

[@wowzieee]

Hello, vintage patterns, then aprons, then repurposed fabric... I m in full video. Tip for 1/4 inch folds. Get a long piece of cardboard, measure and draw from edge, 1/4, 1/2, 1 inch, then tuck inside fabric and fold over to the line yiu drew on the card board and iron fabric with card board still in place. It s a quick measurement tip I found on line. Keep inspiring.

[@jeremymartin1957]

I'm impressed, its not horribleof a pattern. Kinda reminds me of Art class painting smocks in HS

[@StephanieCanada]

Right! That was my thought exactly. Either art class or hospital gown (due to my unfortunate color palette choice

[@mjgobet5601]

@@StephanieCanada I saw hospital gown immediately but thought it was because of my current caregiver status with my 93yo MIL.

[@patriciakellyadams134]

I'm impressed, it was a LOT of top coverage.

[@StephanieCanada]

RIGHT! I was really surprised at how well it really did fit.

[@daxxydog5777]

I love when you say you “can’t be bothered” and skip a step, because I can hear myself saying that, too! I like these experimental videos.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much!

[@cm4107]

Loved this! Your commentary is the best.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much Cathy!

[@bookwormwebgirl]

Hot tip if you have some time! If you accidentally erase your Frixion ink, you can chuck it in the freezer for 1-2 hours and it will reappear. The ink is still there, and will come back!

[@StephanieCanada]

Ah yes, I do know that, but late at night I was too tired to wait.

[@abeginnersneedle]

I love your sarcastic nature in the videos!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you! It is something I have had my entire life.

[@giselleburningham3204]

Thank you.. thank you .. thank you.. finally some else who sews like me. I have learnt a lot here.. brilliant. So hi from Tasmania, Australia.

[@suzannedougan4923]

How entertaining! Thanks for sharing….

[@glomontero6011]

Thank s. I love ur energy.

[@Rotten_Ralph]

I’m watching this in 2023, my mother taught me to do sleeves that way. I’m still working on doing things the usual way. 🧐

[@StephanieCanada]

It really is a great way to do sleeves!

[@kckazcoll1]

new subscriber here! Great to see a KZbinr with almost exactly the same body measurements as me within 1 or 2 cm. Except I am 165cm (5' 5") :D

[@StephanieCanada]

Aww yeah! Welcome!! I try to be as honest and transparent as possible here.

[@kckazcoll1]

@@StephanieCanada :)

[@michellecornum5856]

What an interesting "apron." It is VERY reminiscent of -- uh, HOSPITAL GOWNS!! YAY Costuming Drama and CLOSET HISTORIAN!! Of course, this begs the question, just when did the back opening hospital gown become a thing? Loved this!

[@StephanieCanada]

Right, it wasn't tile I looked in the mirror that I saw FULL hospital gown vibes. Oh well... at least I tried. And I don't know the gown question. That would be interesting.

[@Silverfoxx001]

@@StephanieCanada back closing clothes have been a thing in kids clothes since 18 century at least, and the not nice big sibling of johnnies are straight jackets and they have been around since the civil war plus. wiki say they are throwbacks from a time when bedrest was a norm. also possibly from a time when patients clothes may not have been the cleanest thing on the planet so the hospital having a gown to stick them i would have been useful.

[@Absintheskiss]

I love these videos. One size truly fits none well.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much! it really does. Like, yes, it TECHNICALLY fits. But not great.

[@margiecook6379]

Love your video! Yeap! I have tried fits all pattern also. Same results. Thanks for sharing.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much Margie! And yeah, they all seem to be the same

[@SalindaNichols]

I loved seeing how this turned out! Quite impressed that it did so well, and I actually think the tie in the front looks really cute.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much Salinda!

[@TeaCupCracked]

After watching you make this up and try it on, I think I have to try this out! It looks extremely splatter-proof (completely protects the top-half of any outfit!) and easy to throw on and off.

[@YarrowNjune]

Woe, they actually cover the same amount of body for both sizes, I wasn't expecting that.

[@StephanieCanada]

They really do! It was quite surprising.

[@gadgetgirl02]

I'm not planning on making this specific apron, but i would like to make an apron soon, so this was super-helpful! Gotta say, the neck & shoulders area removed me of a 1950s dentist smock. That's not a criticism, just an observation. I really love how to go over the actual sewing parts -- it's real talk about instructions and getting things to work.

[@demitraferles7970]

You have a wonderful voice and bubbly demeanour! 💗

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much, that is very sweet of you!

[@carolyperez8075]

Omgeez I totally feel like this whole video is me!

[@damoneugenerich]

Love your experimentation! Anything you want to make, I'll watch!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much!

[@KMC3050]

I think it looks good!

[@meloncornets3034]

Yay! We're similar in measurements! This was a fun experiment as a lover of aprons. Also, I feel seen in your sewing process and being burned by thrifted materials. Happy to find another victim of the clutter demons/chin holder!

[@StephanieCanada]

YES SIZE TWIN! I am so glad you enjoyed the experiment. I know I enjoyed putting it together for sure!

[@jpendowski7503]

Working through some of your videos as the topic strikes my fancy. I too scoff at OSFA garments, I would like to take a crack at this apron, I love a good apron and the sleeves would be useful at times.

[@bellaann518]

Nice! When turning tube fabric tie yarn onto the loop of a safety pin. Wiggle it through the entire fabric tube. Safety pin 🧷 it to the end and pull the string . Fabric will be rights side out. 🥰

[@kelsea8767]

A vintage clothing crafter that is actually my size?! Pardon me while I dry tears of delight~

[@StephanieCanada]

AWW YEAH!!! I am so glad to help! Welcome!

[@kathrynquinn3255]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this episode. More more more!

[@lizwarnke4689]

Oh. My. God. You have me guffawing. I love you!

[@kimplumer2122]

It looks like a hospital gown. Call the orderlies, the patient escaped. Love your videos and humor.

[@samanthawilder2417]

Im so glad i ran across your channel. I've been binge watching and enjoying for a few days now.

[@StephanieCanada]

Aww, thank you so much! That is VERY sweet of you! I am so happy you found me in the seas that is ye old KZbin.

[@donnabooth6203]

Great video Stephanie, I always enjoy your humour, and being educated on vintage patterns

[@jeanmartin6410]

I love your sewing videos, I always learn so much!

[@cassandramartin1571]

I LOVE your humor! I like to say that I tell bad jokes all day long! ❤❤❤

[@cargirljr]

You and Liz should do more project collabs! I love your guys' channels!!

[@StephanieCanada]

Trust! We want to! But until it is safe to do so, we can't do too much.

[@davis5120]

Lol yes! The clutter demons! 🤣

[@Debbie32352]

Adorable.

[@stevezytveld6585]

We're such Luddites that we watched season 1 & 2 of Mandalorian. Last week. On DVD. That my husband found for dirt cheap on ebay. So. Yeah. That was cool. It's nice to know our plus size Grannies had a flying hope of getting the oh-so-elusive fit. I say that as a plus size 38FF. Just scale up the pattern they said... it'll be easy they said... oye... But it beats buying something floppy at a big box shop, sowhaddaya gonna do... - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown

[@StephanieCanada]

Right, I am still plugging through season 2 now. Sizing up does beat the modern patterns FOR SURE! Thank you for taking the time to hang out with me!

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

I sew for two people with over 65” hips. There are nearly zero patterns for 70” and up. There is a Busty Pattern Database and a Curvy Pattern Database, which can help.

[@Flamenco1313]

You make me laugh. Loving the video.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much!

[@melodied4314]

The apron is okay. PI've never had a One Size Fits All item that fit me. but the blue dress at the end of the video is beautiful.

[@MrMonkiepunk]

your voice is everything and i’m so happy i found you today

[@StephanieCanada]

Aww, thank you SO much!

[@kathyjames9250]

Thanks Stephanie. Just looking at the neckline made me feel uncomfortable. This is a good apron for protection while cleaning the shower (but longer as you suggest). I also have to conduct a search for where I last saw my sewing machine before I can start. Blessings from Canada 🇨🇦

[@dawnelder9046]

For years I just bought my bust size, adjusted the waist a bit for fixed things and all went well. No one did mock ups back then. The patterns worked. When I find old patterns in my modern bust size it still works. But if I sew with a pattern made after 1985, I get a tent. When they started putting 3 sizes in one, nothing fit anymore. I have learnt to buy the next size down, which always feels wrong.

[@dawnelder9046]

Most plus size things available in stores back in the 60s were a lot like that, but with backs. And they made them in the ugliest patterns and colors you could imagine. If you were larger back then and could not sew, you had a choice between hideous and horrible. Even in the early 80s, I noticed that once you passed a size 14, the fabric choices suddenly became loud. I needed to go to a wedding shortly after giving birth. Nothing I owned, other than maternity clothing, was even close to fitting. I had gone from 32A to 38E and the rest of me was larger as well. Thankfully I could sew.

[@cometkatt]

yes my chin & teeth are REALLY useful for holding bits lol

[@StephanieCanada]

RIGHT! They really are!

[@iamvergingonvintage]

I too hold the curvy bits with my chin. I really enjoyed this video! I was impressed at how close it came to fitting.

[@StephanieCanada]

YES Chin holders UNITE! Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to hang out with me.

[@TheGardenKitten]

I love watching you sew, this was so much fun. Some of my fave vids of yours, are you, fighting with your machine or fabric or thread, LOL Thank you for the smiles. ❤️❤️

[@StephanieCanada]

thank you so much! I am glad it brings you joy!

[@zeusathena26]

I liked this video. Your hilarious, & talented, a great combo!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much!

[@CharlotteFairchild]

In 1989 I found hand crocheted tops and skirts that were one size fits all. I bought 7 and my bridesmaids paid me for them. Lined with zippers on the skirts and tea length, they were beautiful and all the women wore them again, they said. Blue with blue satin lining. My dress was my grandmother’s 1921 lace with side snaps. I think people came for the dress. Oh! Look up Fairchild dictionary of fashion!

[@spitfire57whaley35]

I love you!!! Actually a real sized person. Hugs. ….. not to be weird ( my waist is a 44)

[@StephanieCanada]

I am so glad you found me then! I love making inclusive spaced!

[@mjdc2533]

Interesting and fun

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you!

[@mountainjune]

Yeah, aprons are I guess by nature one size fits all. I liked this one better than the one I made tho, cause it has more coverage on top. You're right tho, it should be a little longer.

[@julieearl]

Yes, I liked it! and I'd like to see more of anything you pick! You are fun and interesting! Will watch more

[@StephanieCanada]

Aww, thank you so much! I am brimming with ideas and now I have to remind my brain that I can't do EVERYTHING at once.

[@ambervalletta5273]

Stocking up on elastic next hahahah

[@lauracarrier6158]

This was another great video. I appreciate al of the effort your videos take! It’s always a unique idea, good editing, lots of research, etc.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much! I try to put in as much effort as I can into each video. I am so glad that it comes across! I always am fearful that folks don't notice. (Imposter syndrome much?)

[@kachnickau]

I need apron like this, but with longer sleeves :-D This was fun!

[@StephanieCanada]

You know, I don't think it would be a stretch to just use a long sleeve option for this pattern instead of the sleeve provided.

[@GrannysSowingRoom]

Totally enjoyed your apron review!

[@sueb4368]

I enjoyed this very much. Always curious about how patterns really come out sewn up. I've been zinged in the past in my own swing. Keep those videos coming! Always enjoyable.

[@ladyflimflam]

I always sew the sleeves on the flat. I don’t know why anyone sets them in.

[@Vanessa_543]

Love it 💕

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you! 😊

[@MisSiszY]

Yesss I love these videos! Fabulous and really interesting 👌

[@MisSiszY]

Also NEEEEEEED the t shirt.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much! And I got the tee YEARS ago, I don't even recall where now.

[@katherinelinkous6249]

Emma Bombeck used to say, "One size fits all...is an incomplete sentence.". She was humorous author who started out, believe it or not, as a writer of obituaries in the newspaper.

[@cathyswope5174]

Oh girl, can I please get you a folding cutting table ? 😅 I do love watching you sew. And you are 5'10", I am totally jelly (5'4")

[@StephanieCanada]

You know! I am actually planning on making something for my next space like that. It may take a month or two, but I do have something in the works to get my butt off the floor so much.

[@sadiemalmberg7026]

thank you

[@EphanyasisOwleyes]

Omg yes I some time's hold fabric with my chin

[@BeverleyButterfly]

Such a cool project it was really fun to watch xx

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you! I really enjoyed exploring this question. I actually found another one the next day, so I will be making more.

[@BeverleyButterfly]

@@StephanieCanada yes! I love your content atm I’m sorry I’m slow with watching looking after mom means less time for me but I love it all

[@lisahodges8299]

That looks suitable for amateur surgery too! Birdy

[@crystal8160]

Lol I just watched that video of Noel's the other day. This was so fun and interesting. Ill admit I'm surprised at how well the apron did. I thought for sure you wouldn't be able to breathe. I personally love all your content.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much! And I too was VERY shocked that I was squeezed into it oddly.

[@kaykerns2287]

Its cute

[@lauramcguire7970]

Loved this vid. You made me laugh so much. Keen to find out if you made the other version? Also the fabrics are delicious!

[@StephanieCanada]

TBH, the other version is still sitting upstairs.... waiting. I SWEAR I will get to it. (she says.... concerned she won't)

[@lynn858]

This is how I narrate my life in my head.

[@StephanieCanada]

I am so glad I am not alone!

[@tinawiththelakeexchange2093]

Fun watching you work through this pattern; interesting that you sew without the added “table”, just the free arm. I haven’t tried sewing clothing in years, mostly purses and a few quilted items. May just give clothing a try again soon!

[@mjgobet5601]

Jump in the water's fine!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch! And if you can sew a purse you can sew a dress! I believe in you!!

[@barbaraferron7994]

Love your snarky remarks.

[@emilyanderson1473]

That’s ok I just started season 2 as well

[@StephanieCanada]

I am so glad I am not alone!

[@sheenalabine6102]

Ohh the pin thing I wanted to tell you if you go to harbor freight and get one of those things that they put nails and things in it has such a hard magnet the pins won't go anywhere I get to go back down there and get a bigger one but it's beautiful harbor freight you order a magnet container to put that stuff in or you can just go in there and say I'm looking for a magnet bowl and they'll help you in its cheap and it works

[@JordannMHall]

It turned out super cute! Are we going to get to see the other one 😂😂😂 or should we forget we ever saw it at all

[@StephanieCanada]

I will probably finish it and post it on IG or the community tab here eventually. 🤣🤣🤣

[@elizabethmccalla5767]

Oh ive been waiting for this one 😁

[@StephanieCanada]

Aww shucks! Thanks for hanging tight so I could finish the silly thing.

[@elizabethmccalla5767]

@@StephanieCanada lol I just wanted to watch you throw shade at "one size fits all"

[@Dizzyknitsandcurls]

This went so much better then I thought it was going to since the pattern is a bit weird to begin with

[@StephanieCanada]

Agreed!

[@lisaferriss2659]

i do love it though.

[@user-hr3kt1yk6o]

Clutter Demons!

[@romeoslover817]

We are the same size!

[@vernakg]

Replaying 3 years later

[@Gingerbreadllama]

Loved this! Plus size and vintage are not often put together:(

[@SaturdaySewing]

My first thought, whoever would make this would be a person was so worried about keeping their dress clean that they had to sew a straight jacket for themselves. Hey, it kinda fit but was that a good thing? Now let's see if you can sell it in your shop. Happy stitching.

[@StephanieCanada]

Right! Like let's make it a bit MORE odd. I actually have a friend in town who is going to borrow it first. Thanks!

[@rd6203]

❤💙❤

[@daralynncameron3290]

puttinng the neckband on, I would have staystiched along the the stiching line & then attached the neckband.. PS I would have also lowered the neckiine slightly and increased the lengenth of the neckband

[@SlapHappySewing]

That was fun! Your measurements are almost exactly the same size as mine so I think I will pass on the apron

[@pennycandyys]

Au contraire, I actually don’t think you made a mistake with the elastic for your sleeves. Because the sleeves end at your bust line and you are generously gifted there, I think it would just make your bust look larger if you had really full sleeves. If you have a small bust, then go for it, poof those sleeves out! I think it’s such a good example when you take the apron *off* and your dress has a deep v-neck and tiny cap sleeves, which visually help to minimize your bust. I am *ahem, also gifted in that department, so I’m always trying to find tricks. 😅

[@CristiHarris]

Great video. It definitely would not have fit me. Just curious, what are you going to do with it now that you have finished it?

[@StephanieCanada]

Once I add the pockets (which i still haven't done) I am probably going to pop it onto my website. I don't use aprons all that much.