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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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From: temom
Date: 03-28-2007, 09:41 PM (1 of 10)
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Today I was the lucky recipient of a bag of patterns, the oldest that I can date is from 1956! These are all either in my size, my daughter's or will fit my daughter in a few years. I am so in awe, and can't wait to get sewing! This was an amazing offer on Freecycle, and the person who gave them to me sorted every one of them so that I would only get the sizes I needed! Some of the patterns are uncut (the more recent ones), but most of them she was very familiar with, and explained how they went together! I think I will start with the oldest patterns, as they are so cute and intriguing! Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410 
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From: PaulineG
Date: 03-29-2007, 01:50 AM (2 of 10)
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Today I was the lucky recipient of a bag of patterns, the oldest that I can date is from 1956! These are all either in my size, my daughter's or will fit my daughter in a few years. I am so in awe, and can't wait to get sewing! This was an amazing offer on Freecycle, and the person who gave them to me sorted every one of them so that I would only get the sizes I needed! Some of the patterns are uncut (the more recent ones), but most of them she was very familiar with, and explained how they went together! I think I will start with the oldest patterns, as they are so cute and intriguing! Watch out Temom - pattern sizes have changed over the years - have you gone by measurements or the size you use in modern patterns? Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 03-29-2007, 04:45 AM (3 of 10)
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My DD's favorite dress was one I made her in 2nd grade from a pattern my Mom used for my older sisters. She got so many compliments on it. Good luck. I hope you have fun with them. But like Pauline said check the sizes carefully. Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: temom
Date: 03-29-2007, 11:31 AM (4 of 10)
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Ummmm...Pauline....hadn't thought of that! Guess I will have to check them out more carefully.
Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410
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From: lendube
Date: 03-29-2007, 12:09 PM (5 of 10)
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How fun for you. Some styles return and some never go away. I use 30 y/o patterns all the time but mainly for aprons, robes, jammies, etc. Anyone know approximately when the size change came about??? Just curious. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: Sews4kate
Date: 03-29-2007, 01:59 PM (6 of 10)
what a find!! I love freecycle! I saw someone offering a bunch of patterns once but I couldn't get there in time to get them. Have fun with them! I have some old patterns from when I was a toddler that my mom used. The season wasn't right for when it would have fit my dd unfortunately, but I have a niece who might fit it this year 
Wendy
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User: Sews4kate
Member since: 08-20-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: temom
Date: 03-31-2007, 01:06 PM (7 of 10)
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I'm sad to say that one of the adult patterns for a dress dated 1956 will not fit. The sizing is smaller than today's sizes. I think I will hold onto it, until I have more experience, and see if I can adjust it to fit. Some of the patterns have no markings on them except for a letter to indicate which pattern piece it is. I feel strangely compelled to preserve these patterns, so I will most likely trace them first before making anything. Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410
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From: PaulineG
Date: 03-31-2007, 02:23 PM (8 of 10)
It's fairly easy to adjust a pattern with multiple sizing because you can see how much extra you need in different areas. For example you might add half an inch in the side seam for a hip measurement for every size up you go but only quarter of an inch in the armhole. Most older patterns don't have multiple sizes though.  Maybe if you lay it out next to a similar style in your own size you could get an idea and then try making it up with an old sheet or something. Is there anybody out there who knows of the extra added for each size in each part of the body (if in fact there is a standard amount)? Or is there too many variables? I have a few vintage patterns which I wouldn't mind trying out myself. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Shellymoon
Date: 04-01-2007, 07:37 PM (9 of 10)
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I used to buy patterns at thirift stores and used them a lot. One of my daugther's favorite dresses back when she was 2 was made from a 1960s pattern back. I think I paid 10 cents for it. I'm finding now that it's a good time to recycle patterns from the 1970s. Doll clothes patterns are also fun to recycle. I once wrote about an art exhibit where there artist had cut up old pattern tissue and made "art" out of it. All I could think of as I was looking at it was "what a waste of a perfectly good Vogue pattern!" Shelly Moon
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User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001 Total posts: 240 |
From: LoveSewin
Date: 04-01-2007, 08:59 PM (10 of 10)
I got some really cool patterns from my step mom - probably from the 70's. I tried to make one of the jackets, and found that they have greatly improved the patterns we use today. I didn't read ahead to see that the lining needed to be sewn in by hand at the very end!  However the rest of the jacket looked great!I saved the pattern anyway - to preserve it 
Kim
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User: LoveSewin
Member since: 01-31-2006 Total posts: 103 
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