Why I Buy Vintage Patterns...part 2

Reason #3: The Artwork is Special

A very good reason to collect a pattern is because of its beautiful artwork. I bet there are people who have no intention of sewing but collect patterns for their beauty. I don't think today's patterns can compare with the colorful drawings on the old patterns. The people shown often give a clue to the year of the pattern, too. For instance, the 1960s features a lot of "big head" kids. The hairstyles can also give a clue to date.

 Isn't this a beautiful 1930s dress? I love the kick pleats. The women in the 30s were apparently all very tall and thin if the pattern covers are to be believed!

 This illustration is so adorable. I love the frilly bonnets and the sweet baby faces wearing them!

 These McCall patterns were some of the earliest with a color illustration. They almost always sell for a lot- often over $30, more if they are for ladies. I love the styles. They were the prettiest baby clothes! These weren't made for too many years, so they are rather rare, but so lovely.

This Pictorial Review pattern is quite unusual, since it is one of very few of the 1930s patterns with a color photo as well as illustrations. I love these, but they are quite rare and expensive. Isn't that little girl a doll?

Reason #4: Antique Patterns of Historical Interest

When I first started collecting patterns, I looked for the really old ones, from 1900-1920 mainly. I love the Edwardian period: not just the fashions, but everything about it. It seems like such an elegant, graceful time. When I find a really old antique that is also appealing, I like to buy it. It is interesting to see the names of the old pattern makers. You will see McCall and Butterick in very old patterns, but before Simplicity or Vogue, there were: Peerless, Standard, May Manton's, and Madame Demorest. Very rarely, you can find a pattern from the 1870s. It is much easier to find them from 1900 on.

 This McCall pattern for a pleated dress is very pretty. Notice the yo yo the little girl is playing with.

 This is a very old pattern from the 1870s. It is for a Boy's Percy Suit, which appears to be a kilt-like pleated skirt with jacket. This pattern is by Madame Demorest.

 Here is a nice Peerless Pattern for a little girl's dress. Beautiful lace work adorns the collar. This is probably from the 1890s.

 Here is a May Manton's pattern for a child's waist with drawers. I am always amazed by the amount of work involved in buttoning on toddler's underwear!

See you tomorrow!