Where Vintage Never Gets Old...
Purchasing Used Vintage Sewing Patterns
I sometimes am asked the question, “is it Ok to buy a pattern where the pieces are already cut out or should I only buy uncut patterns?” The answer is that it is entirely up the you – some people will not buy a pattern unless it is uncut and factory folded. But others are very comfortable buying a precut pattern and the big advantage here is that if the pieces are neatly cut out, that it can save you lots of valuable sewing time if the pieces are cut and ready to go. So I do encourage people to consider buying patterns with precut pieces just for the time saving value.
With that said, it is always important to know the seller and to be sure that they have taken the time to check the pattern and ensure that all pieces are present and in good condition. Some sellers will actually state that the pattern is unchecked and sold as is, and if that is the case then you might run into the problem of buying the pattern and then finding essential pieces missing. I can assure you that any pattern I sell that is marked as being pre-cut has been checked for completeness by me.
If it is says that the pattern is cut out, but the buyer does not directly state that it has been checked and is complete, I would encourage you to ask before purchasing.
Even with uncut patterns, I have even found that somewhere along the way, someone has switched out a pattern and instructions from another pattern and put it in another envelope. This could possibly happen at the factory or it could also happen with the last person who owned the pattern. So even with uncut patterns, I do carefully check to make sure that the pattern number agrees with what is shown on the envelope.
Often vintage pattern pieces will come with the pieces cut out and for a while, some of the pattern manufacturers actually cut out each piece before inserting into the envelope. And back in previous decades, there were fewer patterns offered so those that were purchased were most often cut out and used. This means that it is often hard to find a vintage pattern with a pristine envelope and pieces that are uncut.
Another issue with vintage pattern is condition. Buyers should be aware that most patterns are lightweight paper and can yellow, tear or fade with time, especially those that are 30, 40 or more years old. Pattern tissue is very lightweight and can easily sustain damage. Even the pattern envelopes that are a bit heavier weight paper often shows signs of what some sellers call “shelf wear” which can be as minor as crinkles in the paper to tears, rips, yellowing and creasing. It is always beneficial to take a moment and ask the seller more questions about an old pattern before purchasing, if you feel the description or pictures are not clear. Even current patterns can show wear from handling or just storage in tight file drawers, so often finding “mint condition” patterns is not always easy or reasonable. If you want only patterns in excellent condition be sure to get clear pictures and ask for complete descriptions.
Since fewer patterns were issued in past days, more of these patterns were used. The home sewer had to stretch her budget during times like the depression or war time, so they often would buy a pattern and use it over and over. These well loved patterns have a history of their own and a special character. Visit my website at http:www.sewingpatternheaven.com for vintage and modern pattern selections.
Tags: Pattern, Sewing, Vintage
- Attachments:
-
-
Picture 231.jpg, 440 KB
-
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Resurrections on -
Love this article...
I have enjoyed used vintage patterns for some time. I inherited my mothers stash a few years back and I loved them so much I started to sew again. I use hers with great emotion, but also, have collected many more. So many I started selling some.
Visit my collection at http:www.bonanza.com/booths/resurrections for vintage and modern pattern selections.
-
Permalink Reply by Sewing Pattern Heaven on -
Thanks for your kind reply. You have a very nice collections of patterns and wish you the best in selling them. My Mom taught me to sew as a child and I love to sew to this day - plus quilting and all sorts of other needlearts! I also owned and operated my own fabric shop for six years - it was fun but lots of work!
Resurrections said:Love this article...
I have enjoyed used vintage patterns for some time. I inherited my mothers stash a few years back and I loved them so much I started to sew again. I use hers with great emotion, but also, have collected many more. So many I started selling some.
Visit my collection at http:www.bonanza.com/booths/resurrections for vintage and modern pattern selections.
-
Permalink Reply by Pintucks on -
Your advise is so true.
I also sell a few vintage patterns, and would probably offer more in my online shop, but it takes so much time to count out each pattern's pieces and review the instructions to be sure it's "all there" that I can never seem to get many listed! Boy, I don't think most people realize how much time goes into each pattern, what a bargain they are getting!
My little shop is here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/pintucksew
-
Permalink Reply by Sewing Pattern Heaven on
-
Thanks for your comments. You are correct, just checking the pieces is very time consuming. It's not too bad with those patterns that have just a couple of pieces, but others like Barbie Doll patterns and costumes can have dozens of pieces and take a long time to check.
It seems there are two type of pattern buyers, those who are OK with cut out pattern pieces as long as they are all there, and those who want only pristine, uncut patterns. Since patterns are made just of paper and tissue paper, as you know it can be rare to find them in perfect condition.
There is a lot of competition out there now for those selling patterns, and the ones who sell for a dollar each and free shipping make it impossible to reasonably sell your patterns for a fair price. You're right, it is a bargain considering your time and gas to go to purchase the pattern and list it and then mail it to the customer. But with the bad economy, most won't buy unless it is a rock bottom price!
Best of luck with your pattern sales!
Pintucks said:Your advise is so true.
I also sell a few vintage patterns, and would probably offer more in my online shop, but it takes so much time to count out each pattern's pieces and review the instructions to be sure it's "all there" that I can never seem to get many listed! Boy, I don't think most people realize how much time goes into each pattern, what a bargain they are getting!
My little shop is here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/pintucksew
-
Permalink Reply by Graceful Antiques on -
I love vintage everything and I do believe even though made of tissue the tissue back then was still sturdier then what they are made of now. IMHO. A really good seamstress can improvise. My grandmother sewed during the War and would look at a dress or suit in a local department store window and go home and make the thing using newspaper and such. She was in high demand because of her talents and sewed well into her 80's.
Of course condition comes into play as with all vintage.
To me the patterns should not only be seen as a sewing item but with the great graphics on many of them as history and neat enough to be framed like Art.
Like vintage Sheet Music some of the graphics are fantastic. etc..
-
Permalink Reply by Sewing Pattern Heaven on
-
You are so correct as to the wonderful graphics on the pattern envelopes. They truly do have vintage value for the artwork alone! I know some people who buy vintage sewing patterns, books, etc just to frame them.
I have sewn since I was a child and then for a while did custom sewing and did have customers who would hand me a pattern that was incomplete but still wanted me to produce a finished garment just like what was shown on the envelope. After you sew for a while you know how the pieces should be constructed so I would end up drafting a piece.
I also owned and operated my own fabric and quilt shop for six years, and remember that some of the salespeople would remark that when the economy gets bad, people go back to sewing, quilting and other needlearts not only for the pleasure of doing them but also to help save money. So it seems with the current economy, there are people who are likely returning to sewing. The only thing is that now most of the fabric shop choices are large chains who don't always offer the best quality of fabric and a lot of their floorspace is dedicated to packaged crafts and other non-fabric items.
Graceful Shops said:I love vintage everything and I do believe even though made of tissue the tissue back then was still sturdier then what they are made of now. IMHO. A really good seamstress can improvise. My grandmother sewed during the War and would look at a dress or suit in a local department store window and go home and make the thing using newspaper and such. She was in high demand because of her talents and sewed well into her 80's.
Of course condition comes into play as with all vintage.
To me the patterns should not only be seen as a sewing item but with the great graphics on many of them as history and neat enough to be framed like Art.
Like vintage Sheet Music some of the graphics are fantastic. etc..
-
Permalink Reply by Story Tellers Vintage on -
I've sold a few vintage patterns too. I find that top designer patterns or more modern wearable vintage ones sell best.
It is a pain to check each piece, but worth it. I couldn't imagine selling the pattern unchecked!
p.s. finding the wrong pattern piece in the wrong envelope reminds me of getting home and finding the wrong vintage vinyl record in the sleeve! So disappointing!
-
Permalink Reply by Sewing Pattern Heaven on
-
Yes, I can't believe how many list a pattern and say they didn't check it and all sales are final. It takes a lot of time to check those pieces but worth it to be seen as an honest and credible seller. Luckily some of the vintage patterns don't have many pieces. The ones I find that are difficult are costumes which often have many views and pieces and also some wedding dresses.
The patterns by top designers are more desirable too. You never know when a certain designer will become in demand. Sometimes all it takes is for a popular Hollywood star to wear their creations.
Hope everyone is having fun sewing and designing their own outfits. In tough economic times, having the creative outlet plus saving money on fine clothing is very important.
-
Permalink Reply by Chantilly Dreams on -
Great tips! I take sewing and selling vintage patterns so seriously that I hired someone who's sole job is to check for completeness, scan the images, input the data, and finally bag the patterns in acid free, pH neutral bags. The way I look at it, I wouldn't want to sell anyone something I couldn't use myself.
I've been sewing since I was seven years old (a mere 20 years ago ~ wink wink). Recently, I won second place in a Vintage Sewing Pattern Contest hosted by Pattern Review. I had such a great time sewing and sharing "how to" sew an original 1940s dress. You can see the dress and the process here. If anyone ever needs any help sewing with vintage patterns, feel free to email me at chantillydreams@gmail.com . I'd be glad to help!
~Dorothy
-
Permalink Reply by Daisy Antiques on -
Thanks for all the tips.
-
Permalink Reply by CAROLINABLUELADY on -
That is a beautiful dress! I tried following your blog but the "follow me" says the gadget is configured wrong. Where did you get those shoes? They are perfect!
Chantilly Dreams said:
Great tips! I take sewing and selling vintage patterns so seriously that I hired someone who's sole job is to check for completeness, scan the images, input the data, and finally bag the patterns in acid free, pH neutral bags. The way I look at it, I wouldn't want to sell anyone something I couldn't use myself.
I've been sewing since I was seven years old (a mere 20 years ago ~ wink wink). Recently, I won second place in a Vintage Sewing Pattern Contest hosted by Pattern Review. I had such a great time sewing and sharing "how to" sew an original 1940s dress. You can see the dress and the process here. If anyone ever needs any help sewing with vintage patterns, feel free to email me at chantillydreams@gmail.com . I'd be glad to help!
~Dorothy
-
Permalink Reply by Out Of The Attic 2u on -
I also sell vintage patterns and newer ones. I have never bought ones that are cut for not being able to sell them. All my patterns are uncut and factory fold. I do check each one though I don't believe I ever mentioned that in my listings. I guess its something I should do. I also use to make my own clothes, but haven't touched a sewing machine in over 30 years.
I keep saying someday but that someday never comes. I love looking for patterns as it brings back memories of my mom and grandma (she use to own a doll clothing factory which made dolls and clothing, so I had an abundance of them when I was younger. We grew up with singer sewing machines from the 40's, 50's & 60's. I miss seeing those machines also.
© 2013 Created by ElsiesAttic ~ CEO.
Powered by
