What's in My Vintage Pattern Stash? #vintagepledge

Welcome to my first official post as co-host of the Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge 2015! If you are new to my blog, I hope you will enjoy it.

As we will be featuring interviews with vintage pattern lovers throughout the year, it seemed only fair that we would kick off by showing you our own collections. Marie has already posted about her enviable collection of vintage sewing patterns. You can see her post here, if you would like to eye up some truly gorgeous patterns - those 30s and 40s illustrations are just to die for. My collection is quite different but certainly reflects my favourite eras.

How and when I started collecting vintage sewing patterns

I started sewing in 2010 and it would have been during that year that I bought my first vintage pattern, in a charity shop:

At that stage, I was so clueless that I didn't even look at the size when I was buying it, but luckily it fit me. I have made my own 'nifty skimmer', which is essentially a tunic without a zip - my first version was way too big (partly so you could get it on, having no fastening) and I slimmed it down so I could still squeeze it over my head. I did wear it a few times (see here) but it's been relegated to scrap now. I'd like to note that despite the simplicity of the pattern I was so conscientious that I made a muslin! After that, discovering more and more sewing blogs got me into vintage (and indie) patterns, and that's where my sewing interests have remained.

How many patterns do I have, and how are they stored?

I have 190 sewing patterns, of which 159 are vintage. I was pretty shocked when I counted them and also surprised that vintage made up such a large percentage of my collection. Individually, most of my patterns are in plastic zip-loc bags. This is great for a bit of protection and also because I hate trying to cram patterns back into envelopes once I have taken them out, it's handy just to put them in the larger plastic bag. To my shame, I have tended to shove a lot of patterns into the upright containers so they are getting a little bashed (compared to Marie's pristine-looking patterns some of mine look appalling!). Please don't judge too harshly, vintage lovers! One day, I will rehouse them all in comic book sleeves and with backing board. Promise.

What attracts me to collect the patterns I have?

When I started sewing and collecting I fell hard for 50s patterns. Those illustrations sell you an elegant lifestyle. I have made a few 50s patterns but I've found that it's the 70s-80s that I really love. You cannot beat this era for practical day wear. Looking at my favourite 80s patterns though, they do have a real 50s influence. I think the 70s marks a shift from the beautiful and detailed illustrations of earlier decades - you still find nice illustrations but they aren't quite as detailed as earlier eras. Plus photos were being used more too, and they don't have the same romance as illustrations. With less attractive cover art, you have to look at the pattern diagram to get a truer sense of whether a pattern will work for you.

The plus side of loving the 70s-80s era is that many of the patterns are cheap because it is not an era which is as immediately appealing as the 40s or 50s, for example. Obviously there are some people who recognise the true fashion genius of this era (like me, ha!), who are looking for bargains among the eBay chancers who list very average 80s patterns as 'RARE' at £6.99 each. Sure, there are some comically hideous patterns but also some classic gems. Although I know where my preferences lie, I don't discount patterns from any era and love nothing more than spotting a box of tatty patterns in a charity shop to root through. I always have a good look at the pattern diagram before purchase - this is absolutely key and can show the potential behind ugly cover art.

What I love about vintage patterns is that you can pick up great classic shapes but also patterns with unusual and interesting details. Over time, I have become more skilled at honing in on interesting designs and details in patterns.

Favourite style eras?

                              

1950s - You cannot beat this era for ladylike glamour. I definitely need more of this in my life. Although my dislike of ironing usually scuppers any hope of that. I love the top dress but it's a 32" bust so, grading (bah). I've made both of the dresses in the middle picture (here and here). The bottom skirt pattern is a good old workhorse - love the pocket detail, but have yet to make it.

1960s - A great era for sweet and classic shapes - these are the patterns you can use over and over. The top left pattern is a dress I sewed (and loved) twice back in 2012 (here and here) and below that is a gorgeous and versatile McCalls pattern I love but haven't cracked the fit on. YET. I've also made an unblogged version of the top right skirt.

1970s - There are SO MANY great style influences in the 70s. The 30s and 40s are mixed in there, along with some pure 70s original magic. I've only made the top right pattern, here.

1980s - Easy now. I think the early 80s, before things get too 'shoulder pads and hairspray', are the time I like. None of my beloved New Look Maudella patterns have dates so I am guessing that many date to this era of end of the 70s, beginning of the 80s. All of the above are New Look Maudella, and I love some of details - the kimono sleeves, the gathers, the skirt yokes and pockets. There is a real influence of 50s style in many of these designs, which would perhaps explain why I have gravitated towards them. I haven't made any of these patterns - yet!

The oldest pattern in my collection, and have I made it?

I have 4 or 5 patterns from the 40s. Here are 2 I would like to make:

I think both are sweet and not too stylised to work as part of a modern wardrobe. 

Three favourites - and have I made them?

It's so hard to pick! But I've gone for a couple that I've made which have attracted a lot of interest, and one that I have been intending to make

My one-seam skirt is a classic, and it got a lot of love on the blog in 2011/12. I have made it 3 times (here's one), but none of them fit any more so maybe I'll have to resurrect it.

I've got to include the pattern used to make Horatio, who was also very popular. I'm definitely hoping to make the elephant as a footstool one day too.

One that's been on my to-sew list for a couple of years is this 80s does 50s shirtdress. I got it from Scruffy Badger in a swap - I love shirtdresses and am still looking for the elusive perfect pattern. Is this it? Maybe this will be the year I make it, and find out. Just look at the sleeveless version on the left - swoon!

A pattern I think I'll never make, but will never get rid of 

This is one of my 40s (I presume) patterns. It was 29p in a charity shop and it's really sweet but I can't imagine myself making it and doing the smocking. Cute and easy kids dresses are easy to find, and I have plenty in my stash.

Where do I get my patterns from?

Mostly by browsing Ebay and charity shops. Occasionally Etsy, if I am searching for a specific pattern by its number. I miss Miss Betty's Attic, which was my favourite vintage pattern shop on Etsy. Most Etsy pattern sellers are in the US though and the postage costs are high, especially as the patterns I like are often cheap!

Also, people have very kindly given me patterns too. My mother in law gave me some patterns as well as blog readers like The Vintage Knitter, Sue of Sewin' Steady and Red Silvia, who have sent me vintage patterns they thought I would like (If anyone else has, I'm so sorry if I forgot you).

The more I look through my patterns the more I think that I must make more and more of them. As I looked through my patterns I found it hard to pick any that I thought were not worth keeping, because each one seems to have some interesting feature or detail I like. Although I have favourite eras, there are common features in the patterns I have chosen and I have definitely become more discerning over time and able to choose ones which fit the aesthetic I have in mind. If only I had enough time to make them all! In any case, they are great inspiration. I hope this post has been an inspiration for some of you too.

I'll be back on the 1st February, hosting the Vintage Pledge for the month, with details of a giveaway and discount code for you all.

K x