Show us your vintage patterns!

[Lauren]

I SO lied

Haha! I think I tell myself the same thing every day, too. It's really hard when the prices are so inexpensive! I don't remember them being this low for at least 3 years. It's like you can buy a pattern for the cost of a fast food meal sometimes lol I'll take the pattern, please, and a pb&j on the side.

 

[kamikat]

Lauren, I love the suit pattern!

 

[Lady Day]

Thanks, Kamikat. It was buy it now, and with shipping the total was less than $10, so how COULD I not do it! Also, the short sleeve is one of the designs from the sleeve pattern I lost (*sniff*) a few weeks ago.
I think you'd do well in 30s fashions. They give larger women softer curves, a look I like a bit more than 50s. Keep 30s in mind

Lauren, I LOVE it when patterns have profile view drawing on the packages. LOVE it! That suit is supercute!

LD

 

[kamikat]

I've been thinking about getting some and have had some sticker shock. I'm used to paying $15 for the average 50's pattern and was stunned to find that most of the 30's patterns I've seen are running $30-45. Is this typical or am I looking in the wrong places?

 

[Miss Sis]

It's not un-typical for 30s patterns to go for that much, but you can get them cheaper on Ebay if you're lucky.

Also there are lots of sites that do repro patterns for alot less than that. You might like to start with them rather than shell out big bucks for original patterns to get a feel for 30s styles and see how you like them.

Try Evadress, Past Patterns, Decades of Style, Vintage Pattern Lending Library, Vintage Fashion Library.

 

[kamikat]

Hm, eBay is where I was finding the $35 patterns.

 

[Miss Sis]

Like I said, sometimes you get lucky. [huh] Other times, you just gotta let it slide if it's getting too rich for your blood.

I guess thinking about the sort of pattern you're after before you start helps. Looking for an everyday housedress? Afternoon frock? Blouses and skirts? It can help you focus and get the basics. But I really do suggest trying the sites I mentioned. They have lots of patterns. Some are only the original size, others come in multiple sizing. Worth a look and generally not $35 each!

 

[Lauren]

Ditto that. I usually don't pay more than $15 for a pattern. I just wait until I find mislisted ones or get lucky.

And thanks much for the compliments on the suit one! One of these days I need to make it. I like the little flippy bit at the back.

 

[Lady Day]

Woodland Farms Antiques is also a great place for 30s patterns.

LD

 

[Amy Jeanne]

Woodland Farms Antiques is also a great place for 30s patterns.

LD

Darn you!!! I just put in requests for 5 patterns!! 3 Hollywood patterns, which I've been DYING to own. One Hollywood pattern is of one of my absolute favourite actresses, too! We shall see!

Are they pretty fast at responding?? I'm wiggling in my work seat here...:O

 

[Lady Day]

The lady who owns the store is super nice. Its nearing Christmas time, so dont be upset if she does not respond till after.

LD

 

[Amy Jeanne]

I'll try to sit tight!! It won't be easy due to the fabulousness of the 5 patterns, but I'll be patient

Meanwhile, I bought these:

Drool

I already know I'm going to look like a sack of potatoes in this, but I would like a few dresses from the 1910s and 1920s just to *have* them!

 

[Sunny]

Like I said, sometimes you get lucky. [huh] Other times, you just gotta let it slide if it's getting too rich for your blood.

I guess thinking about the sort of pattern you're after before you start helps. Looking for an everyday housedress? Afternoon frock? Blouses and skirts? It can help you focus and get the basics. But I really do suggest trying the sites I mentioned. They have lots of patterns. Some are only the original size, others come in multiple sizing. Worth a look and generally not $35 each!

Ditto that. I've bought from Woodland Farms (which is great), but I've also gotten lucky on ebay. It's a matter of consistent watching and waiting. 30s patterns aren't in nearly the quantity of 50s patterns, but they're definitely out there and they certainly don't have to cost the earth.

Something else I've noticed, too, is that some patterns really are unusual. Others... well, I've seen a whole lot of duplicates, and others that are virtually identical. That's a matter of watching the market over several months. There have been patterns that I thought were fantastic when I first started shopping, but since then I've seen the same or very similar ones consistently showing up. So I know not to bid a whole lot on them, because comparatively speaking, they're not rare. But I also know when something really is unusual. In that case, I'll spring for a lot more.

 

[ShoreRoadLady]

I'll try to sit tight!! It won't be easy due to the fabulousness of the 5 patterns, but I'll be patient

Meanwhile, I bought these:

Too cute! I love the back neckline detail. And the buttons. And...oh, all of it.

 

[kamikat]

In the brief time that I've been looking for 30's patterns, I've noticed something. There are a much higher percentage of larger sizes in 30's patterns than there are in 50's. It's pretty rare to find 38 and 40 in 50's patterns but I've had no trouble finding them in 30s. I've found a couple at Woodland that I want and a few at some other shops. Now, I just need to narrow it down a bit and decide if I should wait until after Christmas to get them. Thanks for all the help ladies!

 

[Vanessa]

I love Hollywood patterns.

 

[deadpandiva]

I am trying to get my sister to sew so I baught her these.

She loved the straight dress and the skirt.

I got this for me. I love the view on the right with the bow closure. I probably could make it with out a pattern but it was a great price.

 

[Lady Day]

I *heart* Ruby Lane.

The last one I think Snookie has. Total damage $38 (shipping included!).

LD

 

[newtovintage]

I *heart* Ruby Lane.

The last one I think Snookie has. Total damage $38 (shipping included!).

LD

Lady Day, where, oh where, did you get those lovely patterns? And whom is Ruby Lane? Does she sell patterns? Sorry for the ignorance.

 

[Lady Day]

Ruby Lane is an online antique mall. Its a great place.

LD