Vintage Patterns

Anyone?

I don't really sew, but I've dragged myself through a couple of them. And of course I collect them!

My favorites are 30s patterns, most especially 1932-35.

I have tons, but not many FOs to show for it!

The fact that you "drag" yourself thru them without a machine is astonishing. Your work is so meticulous!

My Hero!

I have loads as well, between what I've collected, and what my mom has -- SO many things, so little time! Plus, I'm not expert enough to do the really complicated things, which tend to be what I like -- you know, like the Vogue patterns which appear to be very simple, but are actually incredibly complicated when you get down to the actual sewing? My mom's a SUPER seamstress, but she often doesn't feel up to helping me, or taking on anything complicated these days.

I need more '30s patterns...

I have a few actual vintage and a ton of the Simplicity and Butterick retro patterns.

My favorite patterns are late 30's tp early 40's. I am looking for a 1940's jumper pattern and a 40's robe/dressing gown next.

I love the early to mid 30;s stuff but it's beyond my skill as well as alot of the 40's stuff.

So far I've made two pairs of pants and half a dress. I am hoping to get another pair of pants done by the weekend.

I just won this on ebay. I am in love with the skirt. I think the blouse is beyond what I can do.

I want to do some Sunday School dresses for M, but am having a time finding anything...

If you come across any little girl dresses, size 8-10, please let me know!

Also, a pattern for bloomers for her!

I have a ton of 1940's and 1950's patterns. Over the past year, I've lost a bunch of weight, so I have the opportunity to replace my whole wardrobe. My goal is that everything in my wardrobe be made from vintage patterns.

Good for you!!! I can only hope that after I have this baby that I will still fit into my regular clothes, much less some of the vintage stuff I have been holding onto if I ever get down to that size...

Don't worry, you can do it! With each of my babies, I managed to lost all my pregnancy weight within about a year of giving birth. Breastfeeding is great for burning calories, but even if you don't, get out and push that baby around in the stroller! The sun is good for baby and helps beat post partum depression.

I joined this group mostly to talk patterns. I do have a store online, but I am not here to push it. But I'm happy to answer questions or try to track down requests.
However I do have a new web site about patterns ( nothing for sale there, but there are pointers to my store). I am new to this web site stuff, so if you have feedback you won't hurt my feelings. ;-)

What-I-Found.com

Thanks...and it's nice to be here,
Tina

Mimi wrote:

I want to do some Sunday School dresses for M, but am having a time finding anything...

If you come across any little girl dresses, size 8-10, please let me know!

Also, a pattern for bloomers for her!

I have a size 10 dress and a size 12 coat that I won as part of a lot. They are from the early 30's I believe. I will have to check the pattern to see if the instructions are there. I can upload a photo tomorrow. I was going to donate them so they are yours if you want them.

Tina wrote:

I joined this group mostly to talk patterns. I do have a store online, but I am not here to push it. But I'm happy to answer questions or try to track down requests.
However I do have a new web site about patterns ( nothing for sale there, but there are pointers to my store). I am new to this web site stuff, so if you have feedback you won't hurt my feelings. ;-)

What-I-Found.com

Thanks...and it's nice to be here,
Tina

Cool. I am new to sewing so I will have lots of questions. I plan to spend this weekend tracing and maybe grading my vintage patterns.

I love to sew and I am a designer so I have always made my own patterns and prefer my own to commercial. I love looking at the vintage ones, but have yet to try one out. How do the sizes run on them? Are they quite small?

oh and any sewing questions, send my way!
xoxo

Femme Fatale Vintage wrote:

I love to sew and I am a designer so I have always made my own patterns and prefer my own to commercial. I love looking at the vintage ones, but have yet to try one out. How do the sizes run on them? Are they quite small?

As with modern patterns, go by the measurements, not by the size. The size number is smaller (vintage 16 is probably a modern 12 or 14). However, just like with modern patterns, the finished measurement doesn't always equal the same size. According to "the charts", I should look for vintage size 38 or 40in bust, but size 36 patterns tend to fit without much alterations. If you are larger than normal, patterns can be found, it just may take longer to find what you're looking for.

I have a pattern for a beautiful 1930's dress. I was going t otry and grade the hips up a size but I think I will just leave it as is and hope that with seam allowance it turns out all right. If I go by pattern measurements I am a size 16 bust, size 14 waist and size 18 or 20 hip.

Perhaps make a "muslin" first, and then see how it fits. Basically a mock up in a cheap cotton. That way you won't waste expensive fabric.

I love vintage patterns and have a growing collection.

The best thing, well best after the styles and detailing you just don't get on modern patterns, is that I am a near perfect vintage size 14 and only need to alter for my short back

I'll have to take pictures and post some of my dresses.

Your dresses are gorgeous, Miss R, you have a real talent with the sewing...I'm quite envious.

Aww thank you very much.

I'd like to make another suit next. I made a suit a few years ago but didn't quite get the sleeve and armhole size right when I adjusted the pattern. It was a Vintage Vogue reproduction pattern so I have a lot of adjusting to do. I think this time I will stick with a vintage pattern I have. A nice 50s suit with a matching cap and optional fur (well faux fur for me) trim!

Thought I'd post a pattern and the finished dress!

The pattern sleeve is a bit tatty I'm afraid. I bought the pattern when I was 16 or 17 and only got round to making it 2 years ago! I had wanted to make the dress with a contrasting top and skirt, with the top a solid colour and the bottom a black with large polka dots the same colour as the top. Unfortunately, I had a lot of trouble finding any decent, good quality polka dots so I decided to make it in a lovely black duchess satin instead.

The pattern is vintage size 16 so I had to grade it down by two inches all over and adjust the back but it worked out fine. I also added more buttons to the dress. There is an option of a 'dickie' to be attached to the front section but I didn't make that.

I'd like to make the slim skirt version, maybe in a nice wool crepe.

The pattern



The dress.

Forgive the bunchy hem and the tatty background! The photo was taken at the Rhythm Riot in 2006, hence the tatty background. The hem was the last thing needed to be done before I packed it and I decided to finish it at the Riot. Unfortunately, an inadequate iron meant I couldn't make it neat enough!

Gorgeous!

and the dress ain't bad, either!

very nice! I love that style of neckline.

Thanks very much

The neckline is great and it was quite a quick pattern to make as it has kimono sleeves so no trouble with sleeves like I usually have.

I'm stuck with indecision. Please help me decide. The fabric is a soft, dark brown with light blue and tan flowers. I also have some light blue piping that matches the flowers. Since this is a cotton dress, it will be a casual, day dress.

Here are the two patterns I want to make. I would make 3/4 length sleeves for either dress.
Simplicity 1577

Butterick 6946