I recently re-organized my pattern stash after aquiring a pile of new (old) ones. I decided that the vintage box was getting far too packed and so decided to separate them into 1940s-Early 1960s, and mid 1960s-1980s. Of course this exercise once again got me thinking about trying some of the older patterns out.
This is both exciting and makes me slightly wary. Although I’d love to bring these clothes into use once again, I know that it might be a challenge to fit them to my modern body. Fitting can always be finicky, especially when it’s on yourself. One of these days I plan to make a tape double (not duct tape though!) which would help a lot, but until then I’ll have to rely on sewist friends and my own patience to help work out any issues that arise on this front.
My other dilemma is common to lots of vintage pattern users – preservation. In order to save these as archives, I plan to make copies of the patterns themselves. Although time consuming and slightly damaging to the tissue pieces, overall will be less so than pinning and marking through them when making up the pattern.
Here are some of the patterns I really want to use, and hopefully stash bust at the same time with some lovely neglected fabrics.
This is a great box pleated skirt pattern I found on a road trip last year. Looks like some interesting waistline detail as well.
McCall’s 9392 (1953)
This says ‘Quick and Easy’ but does feature many darts to shape it from only a yard of fabric.
Butterick 2151 (1957)
Some cute blouses to go with a skirt. I really like the petal collar on version 4.
Simplicity 5885 (1965)
More great blouses.
Vogue 9433 (1958)
I’m thinking I’d like to make this jacket, if not a matching set…
Style 2523 (1969)
Hopefully I’ll be breaking out some of these soon!
Love Heather
