I'm a sucker for strawberry prints, so when I got the chance to work with this new fabric from Poppie Cotton, of course I chose to sew with the strawberries to make a 1940s style coordinating pinafore set with my little girl.

(Isn't Betsy's Sewing Kit the cutest name??)

For her I first considered making an apron, but since she's growing out of all her 2T clothes, I decided to make an apron-style dress instead so she can wear it for everyday this summer and next year too.

I used a vintage DuBarry 5643 pattern from my stash, and did a little color blocking with a coordinating print, which both stretches the fabric and accents the design elements of the dress pattern.

I usually would opt for white or red accents with a fabric like this, but this time I stepped out of my comfort zone a little and used some yellow vintage rick-rac from my stash.

Red heart buttons were the perfect closure in the back. She's such a great little kitchen helper already!

For my coordinating pinafore, I did an apron pattern long on my list. It was reissued by Simplicity a while ago. It is definitely the most elaborate apron pattern I've ever done! It took almost as long as a dress, and took some concentration to figure out since the pieces are not as intuitive as a dress.

It had facings, top stitching, and darts in the back section. But I love how it turned out! I used a coordinating blue to color block for this one also, to stretch the strawberry print, and I think it even accents the scallops more to do it this way.

It has a full front, half sides like a regular apron that wrap almost the whole way around, adjustable waist fit with a sash, and a T back to keep it in place on the shoulders.

I love the scalloped hem especially, and the amount of dress coverage it gives.

It was certainly the right time of year to be sewing with strawberry fabric, and I enjoyed working with these lovely summery prints. The dress is a new favorite for my little girl, and the apron is finished just in time for canning season.

It reminds me why I love the fashions of this era so much – practical, yet always unique, feminine and flattering. And made in a high quality quilting cotton like this, I can wash and wear it, without bothering to press it, many times!

There are lots of other pretty prints included in this fabric line. Check out the other makers on this project tour! It's always so fun to see the variety that different people can come up with, out of the same lovely fabrics.