Why I Buy Vintage Patterns, part 3

Reason #5: Collecting the Unusual

When I say unusual, there are several reasons I might call it so. The pattern may be for something you don't often see a pattern for, it may be a patterns that's rare or hard to find, or it may just tickle my funnybone! Here are some examples (and remember, these are not all from my collection!):

 This hostess apron is wonderful. I can imagine myself dressed to the nines, throwing a dinner party in my 30s attire, wearing high heels, even make up. But I CANNOT imagine wearing those little sleeves to match the apron. It is a remnant of a different time.

 This one sold on ebay just a few days ago and I really wanted it. I have always been interested in medicine and in college thought about becoming a doctor, nurse, or midwife. This is a very rare "Surgical Gown and Cap" pattern from the 1920s. Don't you love the artwork with the metal cart and beakers? I am wondering if the doctor's wives were responsible for making their surgical attire? Maybe so if patterns for home sewers were available for this type of garment.

 You can't tell from the picture, but the unusual thing about this pattern is its size. The envelope is only 4" tall. It was a free sample to make a doll outfit. I have seen only a few sample patterns this tiny. This one comes up for sale quite often.

 I own this pattern, too, and it was also a free give away (around 1910). This one is also fairly common. Vanta was a company that made baby and children's garments, mostly underwear. Maybe this pattern was free with a purchase or maybe just a gimmick to get people into the store. At the bottom it says, "Presented with the good wishes of (store name)". I like it because it shows how people sewed their own cloth diapers and one way of fastening them without pins. "Use Vanta tapes...they never shrink or twist"!

This one is also terrific. Like the first pattern I showed, I find it humorous that a woman would wear a dress with a potholder attached to the pocket! I am very old-fashioned, but even to me, this seems like wearing a chain attaching you to the stove!

This is the only pattern I've ever seen to make garments for the Infant of Prague statue. I think it is quite uncommon. I don't own this one, but I'd like to. It brings back memories of visits to my paternal grandparents and their "Jesus Doll" as I called it. 

Isn't this a beauty? It is rare because of the beautiful fagoting detail shown on the yoke. I am impressed by the talent of home sewers of the past who could make a difficult pattern like this with minimal instructions.

 Tune in tomorrow for more neat vintage patterns!

 

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!