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!

 

 

Why I Buy Vintage Patterns, part 1

As I was looking through my vintage pattern images, I realized that this post was going to be very long. So I decided to make it a little series of posts. By the way, I do not own all of the featured patterns. 

Reason #1: I Want to Make It!
This is the most obvious reason to buy a pattern. I have more on my to-do list than I have time to do it, but I still keep buying patterns that I want to make!

I love this sunsuit and jumper. If I can find it in a bigger size, I'd like to make one for Andy.

My Andy would look sweet in this adorable double-breasted coat, cap, and leggings.

Yes, I even have sewing for myself on my to-do list. I have made myself one 1940s housedress, but I'd like to do more.

















Reason #2: Tie-in to a Movie or Character

These patterns tend to sell for more money. The more popular the character or the more rare the pattern, the more $$ you will have to spend to get it.

 The Campbell's  Soup Kids are popular on transfers and some patterns. Aren't these aprons cute?

This old Walt Disney Peter Pan pattern sold for about $55. It's very simple, but the artwork is cool. It would appeal to a Disney collector as well as a pattern enthusiast.

 This pattern is inspired by The Sound of Music. I remember watching it every year at Easter time with my sister. I also have an adorable sailor dress from this movie.

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 This pattern could also go in my "I Want to Make it" category. Andy is so cute in pointed front pants. It fits this category because it was inspired the the motion picture "Hansel & Gretel".

Ding Dong School with Miss Frances was one of the first TV programs just for kids. It started in 1954 and was long before my time, but I love the children's patterns it inspired! I even watched some old episodes online when I first saw these patterns.









I'll be back tomorrow with more cool patterns and more reasons that I have to collect them!

Quick & Cozy Jammies

I found this adorable snowman flannel at Joann's the other day. It just wanted to be brought home and made into PJs for Andy. I had an easy McCall's raglan sleeve pajama pattern in sizes 1-2-3. According to the measurements on the pattern, Andy (who is 2 years 5 mos) is smaller than a size 1. Are they drafting patterns for children of Hagrid and Shrek or what?? It made me remember why I don't usually use the commercial patterns. BUT I made the size 1 and they did turn out very cute. I don't like the huge neck opening, but the rest of them are a good fit. I like the soft ribbing cuffs on the sleeves and pants. Andy put them on and has been wearing them all day. I guess he likes them!
This project was a quick & easy break from the Christening Gown and Medieval Bracers I'm working on. I've really got a variety going lately!