Sewing with Vintage Patterns

A lot of you know that I recently moved my vintage business to a beautiful new studio space. It's been one of my better decisions and I could not be happier, but it's also been a heck of a job. I'm still in the process of transitioning inventory. This week has been dedicated to bringing over my stash of vintage patterns, sewing books and fabric. Last week I spent some time sorting vintage buttons and I still need to process through all my vintage trims. It's all very tedious and a bit overwhelming but I know it will get done and I look forward to finally being organized. I also look forward to expanding my website and Etsy shop to include many of these treasures, but that's a future plan. First things first as they say!

Handling all that lovely fabric made me nostalgic and I started to wonder what might be happening in todays world of dressmaking. It's been a long time since I had my own dressmaker/millinery business and the only sewing I seem to have time for now are repairs and alterations for my customers, but I still love the craft. For a little break I decided to check out the internet and see what's going on out there. I was especially interested in who might be sewing from vintage patterns.   I did the Google and discovered there is a vast and wonderful world of people making their own "vintage" clothing. I found a number of great blogs. Some folks were purists others not so much but they were all really passionate and I had a ball reading what they had to say. I'd like to share a few of my favorites.

The Little Tailoress - Tips for working with vintage patterns

Some good practical suggestions for using vintage patterns and a really great blog site!

 

Sew Retro Rose. This blog site is dedicated to sewing vintage fashions from original patterns.  She has some great tips

 

Sew Mama Sew – Tips for sewing with vintage patterns

Fairly new to the game this gal is sewing her little heart out and loving every minute of it! Her jump-right-in approach is relaxed and fearless, which might not be for everyone, but her confidence is contagious and inspiring.

 

Elegant Musing s-The vintage pattern primer

A wonderful intro article to sewing with vintage patterns.

 

And finally a few pics of my vintage sewing stash that is slowly making it's way to the new studio.

 A few of the many vintage sewing books I've collected over the years.

The most tedious job of all. Sorting buttons a little at a time. Just a few more boxes to go....

An unruly pile of cotton prints waiting to be folded and stacked.

 

One shelf of woolens all done :)

I am NOT a vintage pattern hoarder...really I'm not. OK so maybe a I am a little but I do intend to list them...well most of them...someday...