We bought a job lot at auction recently. Initially, it was the tray of kitchen utensils that caught our eye…
… but, in amongst it all, was a large box of sewing paraphernalia…
… embroidery silks, cotton reels and dozens of vintage patterns.
They date from the 1930s all the way up to the 1980s.
There were lots of 1950s examples by Leach-Way and McCall’s including some fabulous ‘New Look’ ones.
There was this one for a bridesmaid’s dress if you’re into that complete DIY wedding!
and patterns for the boys!
These ones given away free with Woman’s Weekly are a couple of favourites – especially the asymmetric midi skirt and puff sleeved blouse.
Free patterns with your weekly reading was a common thing at that time…
…as these giveaways from Woman’s Own and News of the World show.
Doesn’t everything about this Butterick pattern for shirt dress and pants suit just sum up the 1970s?
It’s been a real pleasure sorting through this particular box.
Those PJs made me smile, like going to bed in a boiler suit ;D
I had to include this pattern – I remember having pajamas startlingly similar to these as a teen in the '80s (down to the candy stripe pattern). Not practical for trips to the loo in the middle of the night!
You are SO lucky! I love that kind of patterns! Once I found a box full of 50ies and 60ies knitting patterns and the models were really glamourous. Maby because Fashion and fashion magazines couldnt be bought everywhere, like today.
Would you like to sell them 🙂
Hi Judi,
If you're interested, we'll be selling them on Folksy & Etsy shortly!!
I do enjoy your blog. But paper patterns make me leave a comment too. The Mad Men shirt pattern is fabulous indeed.
I remember looking through the pattern books in Penneys basement, finding the corresponding pattern in my size in the pattern filing cabinets, and choosing the material, thread and buttons and/or zipper I needed. I did quite a bit of sewing from about the age of ten until I left for college. I was taught how by my mother, 4-H leaders and home economics teacher.