and here I assumed that they just reprinted the old pattern and now I'm sad. the main reason I haven't used any vintage patterns is because I have a 50" bust and I hate sizing up patterns
Although she focuses more on historical clothing, rather than vi rage, Rebecca from Pocket full of Poseys has a video where she goes through her favourite pattern companies- and they’re all smaller companies. And those companies sometimes also make patterns up to the 1960s. So even though it’s more focused on 18th, 19th and very early 20th centuries (basically up to WWII, you might still find some really good companies making patterns in your sizes. I believe the largest bust measurement that a few of those companies go up to is 60in. But I do feel your pain- I have a 52on just, and it can be hard finding good patterns. My solution to this has mostly been to figure out how to draft my own, which has also helped in learning how to size up patterns- though Morgan Donner has a video that focused on that too.
It’s been about 18 months since I’ve sewn with any modern pattern (and I sew a lot!). I never want to deal with multiple size lines, or the awful instructions again....let alone the crazy amount of ease in modern patterns. True vintage patterns are so much easier to sew, and they actually fit my shapely female body perfectly. I really enjoyed this video!
Binge watching on Utube and just watched your rant. I am over 65 y.o. and like you very disappointed in reproduction patterns but do understand why, they are purchased for many reasons. I have never understood the fear of sewing from a vintage pattern then when you explained the lack of basic knowledge it makes more sense. I started sewing very young for myself and was able to raid Mom and Grandma's pattern stashes and developed a love of early patterns and made many from older unprinted patterns with minimal instructions. I also was lucky to have a Mom and Grandma that were excellent seamstresses and great home economics teachers, which I am truly blessed. Keep up you great blog. I thoroughly enjoy watching.
I’m so happy you talked about the reproduction Butterick walk away dress. It is awful! I’ve warned so many people away from it. It was my first attempt at vintage style (not vintage lol) sewing and almost scared me away from sewing vintage forever.
They call it the "walk away dress" not because of the tipe of dress, but because you once start with the pattern and look at the result you'll want to walk away from using patterns for such a horrific result.
Oh man, I used to work for a "Vintage Fashion Designer" who only worked by using the Simplicity Reproduction Patterns. And she was so confused as to why the patterns didn't fit the same way the drawings did. It was ALL OF THIS. ALL. OF. THIS. But nooo, Curiae, you're wrong because you've only been into vintage and historical costuming and sewing my own costumes and gowns for the past 15 years, I don't know what I'm talking about. (Needless to say, I didn't stay with that "company" for long. She didn't even know how to sew. But I don't have enough time to unpack all that.)
This is the first time I’ve felt happy about living in the remote land of Russia, where new butterick/mccall’s patterns are simply NOT available - I had no other option than to turn to pdf reproductions instead! Thank you for the video, it’s very fun and informative
"Vintage Vogue" repro patterns are seriously THE BEST of the "Big 4" repro/reissues. "Simplicity" is an oxymoron. Their instructions are THE LITERAL WORST. And half the time the pattern blocks don't even go together. I've been sewing over 40 years and they just suck. I generally just look at the pictures and use the knowledge I have to do it my own way. The Walk-Away Dress is... HORRIFYINGLY bad. I made it in 2014 or 2015. It's in the garage.
I started sewing in the 1970s and even then, Vogue was known for making better patterns than the other Big 4. And I still have my "big fat sewing book", Vogue's sewing manual from the 1970s. I'll always remember when I made two pairs of maternity pants in the mid 1990s. One was Burda, they fit like they were custom designed for me, no pattern alterations except length. The other was Simplicity ... I bought the pattern in the same body measurements as the Burda, made them up, and ... needed to take over 6 inches out of each thigh! Remember, this was the era of Mom jeans, and I had heavy thighs to begin with ... so the pattern was probably 8" too large in each thigh! Ever since then, I take a tape measure to the actual pattern before making it.
My eyes have been opened. I have so many of those reproduction patterns (cries in a corner) But I have started to grow my real vintage patterns and I'm so excited to open one up.
I so wish the big 4 would just reproduce their wonderful old patterns so we could afford to make these clothes without them being more like a costume urgh
McCall's 1935 suit with four inches of added ease. I am wearing my 1930s girdle, I don't mean to swim in my garment!!! Totally recut that one. And I am gobsmacked that no one kept an archive. Vintage patterns are way easier to sew than modern patterns. The clothes fit better with less adjusting, and I say that as a lady with a 42 inch bust. Excellent vid!!
I know the ease is nuts! But since that is still a problem even with modern patterns I didn’t feel the need to harp on it (yet). I agree that vintage require much less fiddling!
So my understanding is that some of them did keep archives for awhile. Some then got tossed, but some went to the Commercial Pattern Archive at URI. Either way....if they wanted to access their vintage patterns, all these companies would have had to do is make a trip to CoPA! P.S. there's a Threads magazine podcast interview with Liesl Gibson (it is either one of their first or most recent, I forget), I believe, where she discusses some of the things we've lost due to shortcuts now taken in drafting patterns, like the back shoulder dart, which can really finesse the fit.
I'm old and have been sewing since the 70's, but without a sewing community like this. I purchased some vintage sewing items that came with patterns from the 30's on. I thought the envelopes were stuffed with paper until I took them out. Oh how I wish I had the internet back in the day!
Oh lord, I was given the Butterick Walk AWay Dress repro pattern for my birthday years ago, I still haven't dared to touch it. I'm a tailoring student, and I've done a lot of pattern alterations already, but that thing terrifies me.
Your video has being very instructive!! I had no clue about this. Now, I WAS thinking about making the walkaway dress but it looks like now I really need to think it better. I have vintage patterns from French brands from the 60s. They are all dated which I absolutely love. Many of the things you mention in this video like techniques I saw them in the patterns. I also am lucky I found a book on sewing from back then too to use along with the patterns. Now, you have motivated me to start like...RIGHT NOW to make at least one of them instead of that dress!
Agree completely with all of this! 😁😁 I taught myself to sew with vintage patterns and books and when it came to my first reproduction pattern...well let's just say confusion was the name of the day! Way too much information that it was overwhelming and instructions that completely over-complicated things. Give me that simple short paragraph of instructions on vintage patterns and away we go! Thank you for this. 👏👏
I honestly had no idea that they differ because they didn't have original patterns, I thought they tried to modernize the look... and to think that independent company like Colette was drafting from original era books... no words.
I looked up the link to Andrea Schewe Designs, and I have to say I like the reproduction better. It's more fitted giving it a more flattering look. I also like the idea that repros have printed patterns. Not all the 1940's, 1950's patterns are printed (McCall is the exception), making it difficult to see what you are doing; especially for a beginner or even an intermediate.
I appreciate your opinion. I will say at first unprinted patterns seem scary but the more I use them the more I prefer them, personally. But I also agree that I enjoy having options for folks that want to dive into sewing.
Hey, thanks so much for this video! You nailed it! Every point :) I am mostly self-taught seamstress, I started sewing a looong time ago with modern Burda patterns but always had a thing for 50s and 60s fashion. Burda patterns were ok, but the descriptions of the sewing process gave me a headache on more than one occasion! :) Sewing was always fun for me, so I discovered there are places in the internet where you can learn online some of the vintage and couture techniques. So I begun to look for the vintage patterns... Again, thank God for the internet, because I always like to check how other ladies did with a particular pattern and with the reproductions I always find that the fit is weird, it looks NOTHING like the vintage drawing on the envelope! After seing your video this makes so much more sense and I find it appalling that companies are allowed to use the original drawings! Anyway, after doing some more research, I found that buying some of the amazing original vintage patterns can be actually cheaper (and I order them usually from US with shipping to Poland where I live)! I don't care for having a pattern in all the sizes. I need just one, but a good one to fit me :) And the instructions to vintage patterns are so much better than anything I know from Burda! Sure you need to know the basic of sewing any garment to be able to follow and there are gonna be some struggles here and there but the end result is always stunning and I think it's so worth the journey! Sorry for the long post, again thanks so much for the video! This should be common knowledge!
I participated in the Vogue call out, it was in the mid to late 80s. They didn’t use mine that I submitted, but it was exciting that we would be seeing vogue patterns in vintage.
I'm a vintage pattern collector/sewist, reproduction pattern non-lover, and archives employee. There were so many patterns produced in the past that even if they have saved examples of 1/100th of them, the costs of preservation would be . . . a lot. And everyone would still be mad that they hadn't saved "the right ones", because how would they anticipate which fashions we in 2020 would want? My job exists because other institutions can't store all their stuff forever, and we still have to be selective about what we save. Sewists are already waiting for sales at Joanns so we don't have to pay full price for the things, so there's little incentive to add yet another expense. It's not at all surprising that saving just the images was considered sufficient. The call for donations, though, was absurd. And insulting. As for the perennial aprons and poodle skirts--I suspect those are what sell to less-invested sewists who want a costume (as in, for Hallowe'en or a school play, not historical costuming) or a cute accessory but aren't planning to build a vintage-style wardrobe. don't need a pattern for a poodle skirt--you and I are not the target audience here. The independent reproduction sellers will always be a better bet for that.
You are so right, the collections would've been massive, but it would've been so dreamy! I still can't believe they just asked for donations, a company of that size, oof...
Oh my gosh !!! You’re so right about the vintage reproduction patterns !!! Bought a few and I hate the end result! They all look like a modern version of the vintage one. I like TRUE vintage . The walk away dress? Horrible! I made it and it looks oversized and frumpy ! Never again . Just discovered your channel and it is wonderful!!! You are my new favorite all Vintage things RUclipsr ! I’ll be buying from your site !! Thanks again !!!
Thank you so much! Welcome to my tiny corner of the internet! Yeah, the repros are not something I promote. Because and all the reasons in the video. And yes to true vintage!!! I try to keep a well balanced stock (as much as possible).
Very interesting. Good info for people like me who are just getting into vintage styles. I think I lucked out with my 1961 butterick dress reproduction. It needed minimal alterations and looks beautiful on me, but the instructions were pretty confusing. Even with my 60s era Vogue sewing manual by my side, I still had to improvise a few times. Compare to a 1982 butterick blouse I'm working on (my first vintage-ish pattern) and not only did I put it together very quickly, but the unaltered muslin already fits reasonably well on my weird body type. I'm glad the smaller vintage pattern reproducers are around because as much as I want a true 1950s pattern, I'm a size 18 and those things are terrifyingly expensive to me as a beginner.
It's almost like the pattern companies, excluding Vogue, are wanting to do away with the home sewist in support of the cheap "throw away" garment manufacturing industry. (That's a whole rabbit hole in and of itself I don't want to go down!!) God help us!! Thanks for another great video, Stephanie. 👍
Yikes, I guess this answers my question about drafting from envelope/instruction drawings of the pattern pieces, because the Big Four already did that and this was the result. 😬 Just wanted to say I appreciate the work you do and I’ll be looking for the originals before seeking out the repros.
second-hand stores are great resources for the books and patterns. yeah, you gotta dig, and keep making return trips..but I think that is part of the fun
That walk away pattern was ridiculous! I bought it when it was first release because my mother-in-law said she had loved the original pattern. Even she was horrified at the reproduction. She said it wasn't even close. Maybe I will try again with the vintage one.
Well this explains all the fit issues I had with the dress I made for my daughter from a repro pattern. It was waaaaay to big around but only just long enough. Time to get rid of the rest of them.
Ok phew! The Butterick see if you can find anyone else who has made it so they can help you through! The Vogue will be tricky but should be a smidge better
Me too, then I looked I have the Vogue vintage 2401.... so not my size but it’s beautiful. I think it worth resizing. As a man I have to alter everything heavily anyways.
... I had a simplicity reproduction I was going to try, as someone brand new to sewing I was very likely to fall in the trap of it going all wrong and giving up! So, I found, luckily, a vintage original for the same pattern
Have you compared Simplicity 8458 skirts with the original? They released a copy of the original instructions but I don't know if the pattern pieces match with the original version.
i made the walk away dress. love the dress. HATED the pattern and i did go to several FB groups before i was able to fix the thing.. - it came out surprisingly well with their help
Oh I am so glad to hear you were able to deal with that silly pattern in a better way. After looking at them together I am still floored at how different they were.
I remember making my first Burda dress (not vintage); I was taught to sew by my mother, and turning the instructions around and around trying to work them out! (6583).
Thank you for making this video. I thought I was crazy for thinking the repro patterns were harder. I thought something was wrong with me when each one was a disaster that I was angrily then throwing away. Now I know better and will stick with vintage patterns and the smaller independent repro sellers.
Absolutely! Please share with anyone else who has been equally frustrated. I remember my mom making up a Butterick repro for me in the late 2000’s and getting so frustrated she never finished (which was not like her at all).
What do you consider vintage? I think 60s and older but that's, because I started to sew then. I taught myself to sew and I never found 50s and 60s patterns to be difficult. Lots of steps maybe, but not hard. Also, I would love a blog on what vintage sewing books you have for each era. I have a large collection of books and always enjoy seeing more.
For me I define vintage patterns as anything pre-1979. After that I think of them as retro and anything pre-1920’s is an antique. But I agree. I don’t think that 50’s or 60’s patterns are that hard, but you do need to know what you are looking for.
I totally agree! Give me a REAL vintage pattern anytime over a reproduction. I own a couple of hundred of vintage ranging from the 30's through the 60's , I sew and wear them. Totally not the same as a reproduction pattern.
Why in my quest to make my own wardrobe, I've resorted to period cutter and tailor manuals, because not only are the Big Four commercial patterns meh in general, but also, there are little to no reproduction patterns available for menswear of the 10's, 20's, 30's, 40's.
So true!! There are very few men’s reproduction by smaller brands (who actually care) but yeah, I wouldn’t trust the big four with reproductions as you would probably just end up with a modern button up.
@@StephanieCanada i actually did have some success with the Simplicity cabana set, but I think next time I'll search out an original, and not a reissue
Hello Stephanie! Thank you SO MUCH for posting this! I agree with you on so many levels. I love that Simplicity is making reproductions more available to sewists, and in a wider range of sizes, but they're just... ugh! The instructions frustrate me so badly and the lines in the pieces themselves are horrible because I know what I'm looking for in REAL vintage and.. just... I'm sick of it! I'd rather pay more for a vintage pattern, have to trace and grade/size way up (I'm a plus sized girl who isn't into wearing shapewear every day) and go that route to have much more vintage, better-fitting, and truly unique garment. Oh! I think you forgot to add the links to the blogs of the ladies who did the side by side pattern comparisons.
Currently drafting the repro caftan pattern from simplicity. I’ve only found one of the larger originals, and since I have to grade up to my size anyway - I left it for someone who can actually use it based on size. I generally despise big three patterns to begin with, but since I have to battle the world to get this sized for me anyway, I figure I’m armed.
Hi there Stefanie great video, you mention in the video an instruction book to help when sewing with a vintage pattern went to your site to purchase but really don't know the name you have 2 books is it one of those? Please let me know. Thank you so much for this video
Hi there! I believe this is the book I referenced. It is an excellent source of 1940’s sewing tips. But really all the ebook I have are highly useful. This is the direct link for the one I reference: backroomfinds.com/products/1940s-shortcuts-to-sewing-pdf-e-book
I will admit I used a reproduction 1940's evening gown pattern to make my daughter's wedding gown 16 years ago. At the time I wouldn't have know where to look for a vintage pattern other than the few I might find at a local thrift store. A couple of years ago I found a picture of a 19 60's sundress pattern that I wanted to make for a trip to the Caribbean. At the time I couldn't find it anywhere but did see that Simplicity had reproduced it. Of course not available at any store in Ontario Canada so I had to order it directly from Simplicity. Both turned out beautiful exactly what I wanted. Now I know where to look for real vintage patterns no more reproductions for me. And the best part what I make is unique.
When I started wanting to sew my own historical clothing. I was quite dismayed to find that the patterns were constructed like costumes and not actual clothes that one would wear. But my experience last week was much better. There is a local fabric shop run my amish women. On my last trip I noticed they had a large basket of truly vintage patterns.....FOR FREE! I had to ask if they were serious, lol.
602 had been my guess and forgot to post it. Doh. Id like to use vintage. Suggestions for size? I'm a 24/26. At least a multi line pattern I can attempt to grade it myself.
I have to say, I assumed that they were all just reproduced from archival patterns, too, I tend to buy vintage rather than reproduction, but had considered a few of them before due to size availability and pattern availability. I am not entirely comfortable with the off brand repro market, but if the actual copyright owners can't even work with original patterns to rerelease :/
With Vogue that is definitely the case as they actually asked for their originals back and I believe paid folks for them. The reproduction market isn’t actually bad, since the pattern itself isn’t under copyright just the cover layout (if I remember correctly). And lots of smaller companies (Mrs. Depew, Wearing History) are run by individuals who carefully replicate and scale the patterns to modern sizing.
@@StephanieCanada Yes, I mean the flip side is it is clear that many patterns will otherwise be lost, since the companies didn't archive them, even retrospectively. Being more aware about these 'rereleases' from the big companies certainly puts the repro market in a different and better light to me, for sure
@@sophiesong8937 true, That is why i love that folks make these more true. Will there be an occasional mistake, sure, but overall they are trying to save this history for future generations. And that is why I sell the originals as well. I love the history these have.
First let me say. I'm not sure which I love more, the video or the outtakes on this vlog. Hurray!!!!! Someone has finally put the walk away dress in it's place.... The Dumpster. I agree with everything you say. I have only one or two of my mother's original patterns from the 50's and while they are a bit complicated they are not impossible to sew. You are so right ...the "reproductions" do not end up being anything like a real vintage pattern when made up. Bravo Bravo to you. My only problem is that the women of the 40's & 50's were in much better shape than some of us today ( by that I mean me) and I have realized finding plus size real vintage patterns is darn near impossible but I admit I haven't been to your website yet. I'm saving up cause I believe it may be an expensive journey. LOL.
Thank you so much. It can be harder to find but not impossible (see also my video on survival bias). And yes vintage patterns can be difficult but I would still take one of them over a reproduction anyday.
Don't get me started on McCall's 7154!! The lines are SOOOOOO wrong and a ZIPPER down the center back???? Gaaahhhh. This is great info, thanks for doing this.
Happy day (sarcasm)! Oh McCall’s, they really should do better because some of their original patterns are JUST phenomenal. So the fact that they are doing such disservice to themselves is embarrassing.
oh my what are you going to say in this one , ok im ready to laugh you make my day and you have made this pandemic bearable keep up the good work being sarcastic it works for your channel it really does and they need to make a character based on you in a series a disgruntled housewife who sews for the family and neighborhood and what shortcuts she makes and how the outfits turn out omg that would be so funny every week a new episode theres a emmy there somewhere and a big fat paycheck for you
Now that i think about it, is there any kind of direction if someone wants to make and sell reproduction patterns in order to avoid getting in legal troubles? Would you consider doing a video about it? Even if maybe the companies doesn't bother to check if people sells reproductions of their patterns, it sure must be some kind of "system" that reproduction sellers follow to run their bussineses without getting copyrighted
Hmm. Interesting questions. I am hoping once we can visit in person again to interview some sellers that specialize in reproductions (small companies). Maybe they will be willing to shed some light on it.
Well, that's depressing. I don't have much experience sewing clothes (all my sewing has been of the quilting variety), so I was hoping the Big 4 patterns might be a good place to start. At least the few I got were $1.99 each! I'm a veteran thrifter and have found lots of good vintage-y and real vintage items to wear so I guess I'll stick with that until I can ramp up that skill level. Any suggestions for real vintage patterns for newbs? I'm a fan of 1930's and 40's clothes. Thanks!
1930’s and 1940’s I would start with a McCall pattern (as they printed on theirs the longest) or a Simplicity (original). Find a skirt you enjoy to get the vintage pattern “feel” down and then dive into other garments. You can do it!! I believe in you!
Oh good! I was considering purchasing a lady marlow pattern. Ive never bought an indie pattern before and was quite nervous. I've tried bunches and bunches of simplicity/mccalls/butterick "vintage patterns" and the fit has been WACK!
I use to sew for myself all the time. Then they came out with the 3 sizes in one. That is when l started having difficulty making things for me. Trying to find the right lines on the stupid pattern to get the right size for me. Hence forth l stopped making clothes for me. As for my children l still made their clothing.
I have to be honest. I am just starting out learning to make my own clothes. Part of the reason is fast fashion = 😤and partly because I dislike modern clothes. My mea culpa is that I didn't know the difference between all these patterns.
I do not believe I can put into words how much money the "Big Four" would make if they literally scanned vintage patterns from their archives into their computers, printed them, put them into new envelopes, and sold them. (If they truly don't have these patterns archived somewhere that is a darn shame. ) The "sizing" is wack anyway just put a disclaimer in the pattern catalog that it's different from the "standard" modern ones on their other patterns. Also, my horror story is that I made a dress (made from a reproduction pattern) in my size 30" waist and when it was finished I had 5" of ease and a 36" waist! I was so mad!
like that vintage movies goes: of course they'll like you. the want to like you. Same with paterns they were produced to be made by the average woman of modest means, not seamstress & tailors with industrial machines. great vidi
1. There are only so many vintage patterns out there. 2. The more desirable ones cost an arm and a leg - ESPECIALLY if a larger size. 3. Many of them didn’t even come in anything over a 40 bust. 4. Most women don’t know how to grade patterns. 5. Women don’t want to go out and find the ‘book’. They WANT the pattern to tell them what to do. 6. Women actually wanting ‘authentic’ are buying vintage patterns and vintage fabric. These repro patterns are for the women wanting a ‘look’ without the exorbitant cost - sometimes for a play or a party
I see your points. However, I feel like you are underestimating the capability of folks to learn. Also, most sellers I know don't raise the price because of size, most have higher prices due to style and interest. I regularly sell larger sizes between $8-18, which is no higher than a modern reproduction (unless you catch them on a sale) at the fabric store. The reason I made this video was so folks could know that most reproductions aren't true to the lines of the originals and that actually they are harder to make fit correctly because of that.
😔 I did, I thought they were reprinted not re-imagined. No me scrambling over stuff to check where my patterns are from. 😫 Simplicity! Noooooooo! (The like button has a rainbow aura around it when said "hit the like button😕) The pattern doesn't have the original pattern number 🤦♂
I'm fairly certain COPA would work with any of the big 4 to provide originals to trace from for free. I know they work with fashion designers and researchers, so I don't see why not. Also McCall has the worst reproduction patterns of all, look up the monstrosity that is McCall 7433. They didn't even get the length right, it's above the knees! I know there was a blog post of someone who had the original and talked about some of the differences. They made it an allover pleated skirt instead of just front pleats like the original.
Oh... oh....god. That sounds...wretched! I am actually looking to find some of the repros I have in vintage form so that I can compare them for all to see. May need to add this to the list.
Just because they reproductions doesn't mean improvements or revisions aren't done. Our bodies now are probably different due to a change in diets and ethnic mixing.
Thank you for sipping the tea (or coffee) with me! Here are some other videos your may enjoy: ruclips.net/p/PLaG2bBTXx7U74Wmx6LkyCC1NVgw6a1PqU
I’m amazed there are no archives as a librarian I find that crazy
and here I assumed that they just reprinted the old pattern and now I'm sad. the main reason I haven't used any vintage patterns is because I have a 50" bust and I hate sizing up patterns
Oh I totally understand that! I wish they did, Vogue will be your best bet.
Look up NewVintageLady, she redrafts from original patterns to better fit plus sized bodies. Also Reconstructing History, they go up to 48 Bust.
Although she focuses more on historical clothing, rather than vi rage, Rebecca from Pocket full of Poseys has a video where she goes through her favourite pattern companies- and they’re all smaller companies. And those companies sometimes also make patterns up to the 1960s. So even though it’s more focused on 18th, 19th and very early 20th centuries (basically up to WWII, you might still find some really good companies making patterns in your sizes. I believe the largest bust measurement that a few of those companies go up to is 60in.
But I do feel your pain- I have a 52on just, and it can be hard finding good patterns. My solution to this has mostly been to figure out how to draft my own, which has also helped in learning how to size up patterns- though Morgan Donner has a video that focused on that too.
It’s been about 18 months since I’ve sewn with any modern pattern (and I sew a lot!). I never want to deal with multiple size lines, or the awful instructions again....let alone the crazy amount of ease in modern patterns. True vintage patterns are so much easier to sew, and they actually fit my shapely female body perfectly. I really enjoyed this video!
I am so happy you enjoyed it! I just feel like folks need to have all the knowledge when diving in.
Binge watching on Utube and just watched your rant. I am over 65 y.o. and like you very disappointed in reproduction patterns but do understand why, they are purchased for many reasons. I have never understood the fear of sewing from a vintage pattern then when you explained the lack of basic knowledge it makes more sense. I started sewing very young for myself and was able to raid Mom and Grandma's pattern stashes and developed a love of early patterns and made many from older unprinted patterns with minimal instructions. I also was lucky to have a Mom and Grandma that were excellent seamstresses and great home economics teachers, which I am truly blessed. Keep up you great blog. I thoroughly enjoy watching.
Thank you so very much!
"It's 2020 in pattern form"
OOOOOOH snap, the gloves are off.
Hehehe
I’m so happy you talked about the reproduction Butterick walk away dress. It is awful! I’ve warned so many people away from it. It was my first attempt at vintage style (not vintage lol) sewing and almost scared me away from sewing vintage forever.
It really is the worst offender.
Are you amazed how this blew up?
They call it the "walk away dress" not because of the tipe of dress, but because you once start with the pattern and look at the result you'll want to walk away from using patterns for such a horrific result.
BWAHAHAHA!!! I almost spit out my drink!
Oh man, I used to work for a "Vintage Fashion Designer" who only worked by using the Simplicity Reproduction Patterns. And she was so confused as to why the patterns didn't fit the same way the drawings did. It was ALL OF THIS. ALL. OF. THIS. But nooo, Curiae, you're wrong because you've only been into vintage and historical costuming and sewing my own costumes and gowns for the past 15 years, I don't know what I'm talking about.
(Needless to say, I didn't stay with that "company" for long. She didn't even know how to sew. But I don't have enough time to unpack all that.)
Oh my goodness! That is a lot to unpack! I am glad you scooted out of that situation.
This is the first time I’ve felt happy about living in the remote land of Russia, where new butterick/mccall’s patterns are simply NOT available - I had no other option than to turn to pdf reproductions instead!
Thank you for the video, it’s very fun and informative
You are certainly welcome! What is funny is an American seller I know found some vintage Russian patterns the other day! What a timing that was!
"Vintage Vogue" repro patterns are seriously THE BEST of the "Big 4" repro/reissues. "Simplicity" is an oxymoron. Their instructions are THE LITERAL WORST. And half the time the pattern blocks don't even go together. I've been sewing over 40 years and they just suck. I generally just look at the pictures and use the knowledge I have to do it my own way.
The Walk-Away Dress is... HORRIFYINGLY bad. I made it in 2014 or 2015. It's in the garage.
Oh my yes! That "walkaway dress" is such a nightmare.
Walk away dress. Urgh!
I started sewing in the 1970s and even then, Vogue was known for making better patterns than the other Big 4.
And I still have my "big fat sewing book", Vogue's sewing manual from the 1970s.
I'll always remember when I made two pairs of maternity pants in the mid 1990s. One was Burda, they fit like they were custom designed for me, no pattern alterations except length. The other was Simplicity ... I bought the pattern in the same body measurements as the Burda, made them up, and ... needed to take over 6 inches out of each thigh! Remember, this was the era of Mom jeans, and I had heavy thighs to begin with ... so the pattern was probably 8" too large in each thigh! Ever since then, I take a tape measure to the actual pattern before making it.
I do the same thing.
My eyes have been opened. I have so many of those reproduction patterns (cries in a corner) But I have started to grow my real vintage patterns and I'm so excited to open one up.
If you already have them, and want to try them then you should. But I just want folks to make sure they understand what they are getting into.
I so wish the big 4 would just reproduce their wonderful old patterns so we could afford to make these clothes without them being more like a costume urgh
Right! It isn’t like there aren’t the sizes out there. They just need to invest in them.
DONATING?!? Boy do I want to donate them the nightmare of a modern pattern filled with glitter.
Yes, yes, I am binge-watching your videos.
McCall's 1935 suit with four inches of added ease. I am wearing my 1930s girdle, I don't mean to swim in my garment!!! Totally recut that one.
And I am gobsmacked that no one kept an archive.
Vintage patterns are way easier to sew than modern patterns. The clothes fit better with less adjusting, and I say that as a lady with a 42 inch bust.
Excellent vid!!
I know the ease is nuts! But since that is still a problem even with modern patterns I didn’t feel the need to harp on it (yet). I agree that vintage require much less fiddling!
So my understanding is that some of them did keep archives for awhile. Some then got tossed, but some went to the Commercial Pattern Archive at URI. Either way....if they wanted to access their vintage patterns, all these companies would have had to do is make a trip to CoPA! P.S. there's a Threads magazine podcast interview with Liesl Gibson (it is either one of their first or most recent, I forget), I believe, where she discusses some of the things we've lost due to shortcuts now taken in drafting patterns, like the back shoulder dart, which can really finesse the fit.
Oh how cool!! Thank you for all this. I will have to find that interview.
Thanks for the heads up on the walk away dress I was planning on buying it
I'm old and have been sewing since the 70's, but without a sewing community like this. I purchased some vintage sewing items that came with patterns from the 30's on. I thought the envelopes were stuffed with paper until I took them out. Oh how I wish I had the internet back in the day!
Oh lord, I was given the Butterick Walk AWay Dress repro pattern for my birthday years ago, I still haven't dared to touch it. I'm a tailoring student, and I've done a lot of pattern alterations already, but that thing terrifies me.
Oh and I did a video on that pattern recently. I would advise checking it out to see the difference between the original and the reproduction.
Your video has being very instructive!! I had no clue about this. Now, I WAS thinking about making the walkaway dress but it looks like now I really need to think it better. I have vintage patterns from French brands from the 60s. They are all dated which I absolutely love. Many of the things you mention in this video like techniques I saw them in the patterns. I also am lucky I found a book on sewing from back then too to use along with the patterns. Now, you have motivated me to start like...RIGHT NOW to make at least one of them instead of that dress!
Agree completely with all of this! 😁😁 I taught myself to sew with vintage patterns and books and when it came to my first reproduction pattern...well let's just say confusion was the name of the day! Way too much information that it was overwhelming and instructions that completely over-complicated things. Give me that simple short paragraph of instructions on vintage patterns and away we go! Thank you for this. 👏👏
Oh I am sure! I still haven’t used an actual reproduction yet. I am sure when I do, I will record it. Hehehe...
The Husky meme fits you perfectly 😂
Thanks, my husband thinks so too.
I honestly had no idea that they differ because they didn't have original patterns, I thought they tried to modernize the look... and to think that independent company like Colette was drafting from original era books... no words.
Right! It is amazing to know how much they didn’t bother (except Vogue).
I looked up the link to Andrea Schewe Designs, and I have to say I like the reproduction better. It's more fitted giving it a more flattering look. I also like the idea that repros have printed patterns. Not all the 1940's, 1950's patterns are printed (McCall is the exception), making it difficult to see what you are doing; especially for a beginner or even an intermediate.
I appreciate your opinion. I will say at first unprinted patterns seem scary but the more I use them the more I prefer them, personally. But I also agree that I enjoy having options for folks that want to dive into sewing.
Hey, thanks so much for this video! You nailed it! Every point :)
I am mostly self-taught seamstress, I started sewing a looong time ago with modern Burda patterns but always had a thing for 50s and 60s fashion. Burda patterns were ok, but the descriptions of the sewing process gave me a headache on more than one occasion! :) Sewing was always fun for me, so I discovered there are places in the internet where you can learn online some of the vintage and couture techniques. So I begun to look for the vintage patterns... Again, thank God for the internet, because I always like to check how other ladies did with a particular pattern and with the reproductions I always find that the fit is weird, it looks NOTHING like the vintage drawing on the envelope! After seing your video this makes so much more sense and I find it appalling that companies are allowed to use the original drawings!
Anyway, after doing some more research, I found that buying some of the amazing original vintage patterns can be actually cheaper (and I order them usually from US with shipping to Poland where I live)! I don't care for having a pattern in all the sizes. I need just one, but a good one to fit me :) And the instructions to vintage patterns are so much better than anything I know from Burda! Sure you need to know the basic of sewing any garment to be able to follow and there are gonna be some struggles here and there but the end result is always stunning and I think it's so worth the journey!
Sorry for the long post, again thanks so much for the video! This should be common knowledge!
I am glad I was able to clear up some this and yes, true vintage patterns can be very accessible.
I participated in the Vogue call out, it was in the mid to late 80s. They didn’t use mine that I submitted, but it was exciting that we would be seeing vogue patterns in vintage.
I literally just bought the butterick pattern for the walkaway dress👗 that you speak of yesterday! 😲😮😯
I'm a vintage pattern collector/sewist, reproduction pattern non-lover, and archives employee.
There were so many patterns produced in the past that even if they have saved examples of 1/100th of them, the costs of preservation would be . . . a lot. And everyone would still be mad that they hadn't saved "the right ones", because how would they anticipate which fashions we in 2020 would want? My job exists because other institutions can't store all their stuff forever, and we still have to be selective about what we save. Sewists are already waiting for sales at Joanns so we don't have to pay full price for the things, so there's little incentive to add yet another expense. It's not at all surprising that saving just the images was considered sufficient.
The call for donations, though, was absurd. And insulting.
As for the perennial aprons and poodle skirts--I suspect those are what sell to less-invested sewists who want a costume (as in, for Hallowe'en or a school play, not historical costuming) or a cute accessory but aren't planning to build a vintage-style wardrobe. don't need a pattern for a poodle skirt--you and I are not the target audience here. The independent reproduction sellers will always be a better bet for that.
You are so right, the collections would've been massive, but it would've been so dreamy! I still can't believe they just asked for donations, a company of that size, oof...
Yup. Notice that every poodle skirt pattern she shows is a ‘Halloween’ costume pattern, not a repro.
Oh my gosh !!! You’re so right about the vintage reproduction patterns !!! Bought a few and I hate the end result! They all look like a modern version of the vintage one. I like TRUE vintage . The walk away dress? Horrible! I made it and it looks oversized and frumpy ! Never again .
Just discovered your channel and it is wonderful!!! You are my new favorite all Vintage things RUclipsr ! I’ll be buying from your site !! Thanks again !!!
Thank you so much! Welcome to my tiny corner of the internet! Yeah, the repros are not something I promote. Because and all the reasons in the video. And yes to true vintage!!! I try to keep a well balanced stock (as much as possible).
Very interesting. Good info for people like me who are just getting into vintage styles.
I think I lucked out with my 1961 butterick dress reproduction. It needed minimal alterations and looks beautiful on me, but the instructions were pretty confusing. Even with my 60s era Vogue sewing manual by my side, I still had to improvise a few times.
Compare to a 1982 butterick blouse I'm working on (my first vintage-ish pattern) and not only did I put it together very quickly, but the unaltered muslin already fits reasonably well on my weird body type.
I'm glad the smaller vintage pattern reproducers are around because as much as I want a true 1950s pattern, I'm a size 18 and those things are terrifyingly expensive to me as a beginner.
You're a stage manager? How about a director? or an actor? You are funny and smart. Love your commentaries.
It's almost like the pattern companies, excluding Vogue, are wanting to do away with the home sewist in support of the cheap "throw away" garment manufacturing industry. (That's a whole rabbit hole in and of itself I don't want to go down!!) God help us!! Thanks for another great video, Stephanie. 👍
Yikes, I guess this answers my question about drafting from envelope/instruction drawings of the pattern pieces, because the Big Four already did that and this was the result. 😬 Just wanted to say I appreciate the work you do and I’ll be looking for the originals before seeking out the repros.
I LOVE THE NOVELTY PRINTED DRESS AND THANKS FOR THE PINEREST INFORMATION !!!
second-hand stores are great resources for the books and patterns. yeah, you gotta dig, and keep making return trips..but I think that is part of the fun
That walk away pattern was ridiculous! I bought it when it was first release because my mother-in-law said she had loved the original pattern. Even she was horrified at the reproduction. She said it wasn't even close. Maybe I will try again with the vintage one.
This is so fun! How did you get into vintage sewing patterns??
I got into sewing patterns when I was young and my mother taught me to sew, then in 2011 I found some new old stock from the 1960's and was hooked.
@@StephanieCanada I love that! I can definitely tell that you love it, it comes across in your videos
Well this explains all the fit issues I had with the dress I made for my daughter from a repro pattern. It was waaaaay to big around but only just long enough. Time to get rid of the rest of them.
you gave me a little scare for the future projects i already bought patterns for but only one is butterick and the other vouge lol
Ok phew! The Butterick see if you can find anyone else who has made it so they can help you through! The Vogue will be tricky but should be a smidge better
Me too, then I looked I have the Vogue vintage 2401.... so not my size but it’s beautiful. I think it worth resizing. As a man I have to alter everything heavily anyways.
... I had a simplicity reproduction I was going to try, as someone brand new to sewing I was very likely to fall in the trap of it going all wrong and giving up! So, I found, luckily, a vintage original for the same pattern
Oh my gosh ! You are taking me back to my moms old patterns. You are so knowledgeable. Thank you.
I love some old patterns and thank you, I try to do research before I dive in.
Have you compared Simplicity 8458 skirts with the original? They released a copy of the original instructions but I don't know if the pattern pieces match with the original version.
Oh no I haven't looked at it yet. Thank you! I will add it to my list.
i made the walk away dress. love the dress. HATED the pattern and i did go to several FB groups before i was able to fix the thing.. - it came out surprisingly well with their help
Oh I am so glad to hear you were able to deal with that silly pattern in a better way. After looking at them together I am still floored at how different they were.
I remember making my first Burda dress (not vintage); I was taught to sew by my mother, and turning the instructions around and around trying to work them out! (6583).
Thank you for making this video. I thought I was crazy for thinking the repro patterns were harder. I thought something was wrong with me when each one was a disaster that I was angrily then throwing away. Now I know better and will stick with vintage patterns and the smaller independent repro sellers.
Absolutely! Please share with anyone else who has been equally frustrated. I remember my mom making up a Butterick repro for me in the late 2000’s and getting so frustrated she never finished (which was not like her at all).
What do you consider vintage? I think 60s and older but that's, because I started to sew then.
I taught myself to sew and I never found 50s and 60s patterns to be difficult. Lots of steps maybe, but not hard.
Also, I would love a blog on what vintage sewing books you have for each era. I have a large collection of books and always enjoy seeing more.
For me I define vintage patterns as anything pre-1979. After that I think of them as retro and anything pre-1920’s is an antique. But I agree. I don’t think that 50’s or 60’s patterns are that hard, but you do need to know what you are looking for.
I totally agree! Give me a REAL vintage pattern anytime over a reproduction. I own a couple of hundred of vintage ranging from the 30's through the 60's , I sew and wear them. Totally not the same as a reproduction pattern.
Oh I LOVE the 1930's. And yes, give me a real vintage pattern any day of the week.
Why in my quest to make my own wardrobe, I've resorted to period cutter and tailor manuals, because not only are the Big Four commercial patterns meh in general, but also, there are little to no reproduction patterns available for menswear of the 10's, 20's, 30's, 40's.
So true!! There are very few men’s reproduction by smaller brands (who actually care) but yeah, I wouldn’t trust the big four with reproductions as you would probably just end up with a modern button up.
@@StephanieCanada i actually did have some success with the Simplicity cabana set, but I think next time I'll search out an original, and not a reissue
Any recommendations on books that teach vintage sewing techniques and/or where to buy them?
Hello Stephanie! Thank you SO MUCH for posting this! I agree with you on so many levels. I love that Simplicity is making reproductions more available to sewists, and in a wider range of sizes, but they're just... ugh! The instructions frustrate me so badly and the lines in the pieces themselves are horrible because I know what I'm looking for in REAL vintage and.. just... I'm sick of it! I'd rather pay more for a vintage pattern, have to trace and grade/size way up (I'm a plus sized girl who isn't into wearing shapewear every day) and go that route to have much more vintage, better-fitting, and truly unique garment.
Oh! I think you forgot to add the links to the blogs of the ladies who did the side by side pattern comparisons.
Those are my thoughts exactly! And I do apologize, the links to the blog posts are up now.
@@StephanieCanada Thank you! :)
Currently drafting the repro caftan pattern from simplicity. I’ve only found one of the larger originals, and since I have to grade up to my size anyway - I left it for someone who can actually use it based on size. I generally despise big three patterns to begin with, but since I have to battle the world to get this sized for me anyway, I figure I’m armed.
That is so amazing! And yes, the big 3 are somewhat of a hot mess, but occasionally it works out.
Thank you! Very helpful. I had no idea they were this bad. Fortunately for me, the only ones I have on hand are Vogue.
Absolutely! I am happy to help. I even learned a few things when researching this one.
Hi there Stefanie great video, you mention in the video an instruction book to help when sewing with a vintage pattern went to your site to purchase but really don't know the name you have 2 books is it one of those? Please let me know. Thank you so much for this video
Hi there! I believe this is the book I referenced. It is an excellent source of 1940’s sewing tips. But really all the ebook I have are highly useful. This is the direct link for the one I reference: backroomfinds.com/products/1940s-shortcuts-to-sewing-pdf-e-book
This was great and hilarious!! It's always awesome to find a sewer who also has a bit of a dry, sarcastic humor 🥲🤩
I will admit I used a reproduction 1940's evening gown pattern to make my daughter's wedding gown 16 years ago. At the time I wouldn't have know where to look for a vintage pattern other than the few I might find at a local thrift store. A couple of years ago I found a picture of a 19 60's sundress pattern that I wanted to make for a trip to the Caribbean. At the time I couldn't find it anywhere but did see that Simplicity had reproduced it. Of course not available at any store in Ontario Canada so I had to order it directly from Simplicity. Both turned out beautiful exactly what I wanted. Now I know where to look for real vintage patterns no more reproductions for me. And the best part what I make is unique.
I love that so much! Make sure you send me an email so you can pick out your free pattern!
jendanham76@yahoo.ca and thanks so much. All I can say is WOW! That is so unexpected and generous.
When I started wanting to sew my own historical clothing. I was quite dismayed to find that the patterns were constructed like costumes and not actual clothes that one would wear. But my experience last week was much better. There is a local fabric shop run my amish women. On my last trip I noticed they had a large basket of truly vintage patterns.....FOR FREE! I had to ask if they were serious, lol.
602 had been my guess and forgot to post it. Doh.
Id like to use vintage. Suggestions for size? I'm a 24/26. At least a multi line pattern I can attempt to grade it myself.
I would say start with reproduction Vogues as they at least acquired their old pattern before reproducing them.
@@StephanieCanada last i looked rhey didn't have anything my size but I'll try again
Agree. Just because she doesn’t like multi-lines doesn’t mean that they’re crap
Oh, bummer! I have one of those reproduction walkaway dress patterns. Haven't used it yet.
It’s ok. There are some tutorials to show you how to adapt it. I think Enchanted Rose Design has one.
@@StephanieCanada Thanks. I really had no idea these patterns weren't actual re-releases of the originals. I'm glad I know better now.
My vintage patterns are genuine because I inherited them from my mother who was born 100 years ago ❤
I have to say, I assumed that they were all just reproduced from archival patterns, too, I tend to buy vintage rather than reproduction, but had considered a few of them before due to size availability and pattern availability. I am not entirely comfortable with the off brand repro market, but if the actual copyright owners can't even work with original patterns to rerelease :/
With Vogue that is definitely the case as they actually asked for their originals back and I believe paid folks for them. The reproduction market isn’t actually bad, since the pattern itself isn’t under copyright just the cover layout (if I remember correctly). And lots of smaller companies (Mrs. Depew, Wearing History) are run by individuals who carefully replicate and scale the patterns to modern sizing.
@@StephanieCanada Yes, I mean the flip side is it is clear that many patterns will otherwise be lost, since the companies didn't archive them, even retrospectively. Being more aware about these 'rereleases' from the big companies certainly puts the repro market in a different and better light to me, for sure
@@sophiesong8937 true, That is why i love that folks make these more true. Will there be an occasional mistake, sure, but overall they are trying to save this history for future generations. And that is why I sell the originals as well. I love the history these have.
First let me say. I'm not sure which I love more, the video or the outtakes on this vlog. Hurray!!!!! Someone has finally put the walk away dress in it's place.... The Dumpster. I agree with everything you say. I have only one or two of my mother's original patterns from the 50's and while they are a bit complicated they are not impossible to sew. You are so right ...the "reproductions" do not end up being anything like a real vintage pattern when made up. Bravo Bravo to you. My only problem is that the women of the 40's & 50's were in much better shape than some of us today ( by that I mean me) and I have realized finding plus size real vintage patterns is darn near impossible but I admit I haven't been to your website yet. I'm saving up cause I believe it may be an expensive journey. LOL.
Thank you so much. It can be harder to find but not impossible (see also my video on survival bias). And yes vintage patterns can be difficult but I would still take one of them over a reproduction anyday.
Don't get me started on McCall's 7154!! The lines are SOOOOOO wrong and a ZIPPER down the center back???? Gaaahhhh. This is great info, thanks for doing this.
Happy day (sarcasm)! Oh McCall’s, they really should do better because some of their original patterns are JUST phenomenal. So the fact that they are doing such disservice to themselves is embarrassing.
oh my what are you going to say in this one , ok im ready to laugh you make my day and you have made this pandemic bearable keep up the good work being sarcastic it works for your channel it really does and they need to make a character based on you in a series a disgruntled housewife who sews for the family and neighborhood and what shortcuts she makes and how the outfits turn out omg that would be so funny every week a new episode theres a emmy there somewhere and a big fat paycheck for you
Now that i think about it, is there any kind of direction if someone wants to make and sell reproduction patterns in order to avoid getting in legal troubles? Would you consider doing a video about it? Even if maybe the companies doesn't bother to check if people sells reproductions of their patterns, it sure must be some kind of "system" that reproduction sellers follow to run their bussineses without getting copyrighted
Hmm. Interesting questions. I am hoping once we can visit in person again to interview some sellers that specialize in reproductions (small companies). Maybe they will be willing to shed some light on it.
Well, that's depressing. I don't have much experience sewing clothes (all my sewing has been of the quilting variety), so I was hoping the Big 4 patterns might be a good place to start. At least the few I got were $1.99 each! I'm a veteran thrifter and have found lots of good vintage-y and real vintage items to wear so I guess I'll stick with that until I can ramp up that skill level. Any suggestions for real vintage patterns for newbs? I'm a fan of 1930's and 40's clothes. Thanks!
1930’s and 1940’s I would start with a McCall pattern (as they printed on theirs the longest) or a Simplicity (original). Find a skirt you enjoy to get the vintage pattern “feel” down and then dive into other garments. You can do it!! I believe in you!
Oh good! I was considering purchasing a lady marlow pattern. Ive never bought an indie pattern before and was quite nervous. I've tried bunches and bunches of simplicity/mccalls/butterick "vintage patterns" and the fit has been WACK!
I use to sew for myself all the time. Then they came out with the 3 sizes in one. That is when l started having difficulty making things for me. Trying to find the right lines on the stupid pattern to get the right size for me. Hence forth l stopped making clothes for me. As for my children l still made their clothing.
I have to be honest. I am just starting out learning to make my own clothes. Part of the reason is fast fashion = 😤and partly because I dislike modern clothes. My mea culpa is that I didn't know the difference between all these patterns.
I just make a guess at what modern patterns are trying to tell me to do in the instructions.
PREACH!!!!
Thank you for sharing. 😀
Of course! Always happy to be sassy on camera. 😂😂
I do not believe I can put into words how much money the "Big Four" would make if they literally scanned vintage patterns from their archives into their computers, printed them, put them into new envelopes, and sold them. (If they truly don't have these patterns archived somewhere that is a darn shame. ) The "sizing" is wack anyway just put a disclaimer in the pattern catalog that it's different from the "standard" modern ones on their other patterns. Also, my horror story is that I made a dress (made from a reproduction pattern) in my size 30" waist and when it was finished I had 5" of ease and a 36" waist! I was so mad!
like that vintage movies goes: of course they'll like you. the want to like you. Same with paterns they were produced to be made by the average woman of modest means, not seamstress & tailors with industrial machines. great vidi
Thank you so much!
1. There are only so many vintage patterns out there. 2. The more desirable ones cost an arm and a leg - ESPECIALLY if a larger size. 3. Many of them didn’t even come in anything over a 40 bust. 4. Most women don’t know how to grade patterns. 5. Women don’t want to go out and find the ‘book’. They WANT the pattern to tell them what to do. 6. Women actually wanting ‘authentic’ are buying vintage patterns and vintage fabric. These repro patterns are for the women wanting a ‘look’ without the exorbitant cost - sometimes for a play or a party
I see your points. However, I feel like you are underestimating the capability of folks to learn. Also, most sellers I know don't raise the price because of size, most have higher prices due to style and interest. I regularly sell larger sizes between $8-18, which is no higher than a modern reproduction (unless you catch them on a sale) at the fabric store. The reason I made this video was so folks could know that most reproductions aren't true to the lines of the originals and that actually they are harder to make fit correctly because of that.
😔 I did, I thought they were reprinted not re-imagined. No me scrambling over stuff to check where my patterns are from. 😫 Simplicity! Noooooooo! (The like button has a rainbow aura around it when said "hit the like button😕) The pattern doesn't have the original pattern number 🤦♂
13:55 - that is bad!! Look at those dissappearing scallops!
I do love a good scallop! But when done wrong, oh my are they bad...
I'm fairly certain COPA would work with any of the big 4 to provide originals to trace from for free. I know they work with fashion designers and researchers, so I don't see why not. Also McCall has the worst reproduction patterns of all, look up the monstrosity that is McCall 7433. They didn't even get the length right, it's above the knees! I know there was a blog post of someone who had the original and talked about some of the differences. They made it an allover pleated skirt instead of just front pleats like the original.
Oh... oh....god. That sounds...wretched! I am actually looking to find some of the repros I have in vintage form so that I can compare them for all to see. May need to add this to the list.
It truly amazes me that any company in the world would not keep a copy of everything they ever created. Astounding. Why keep re-inventing the wheel?
Preach!!
Thanks so much!
yes, Stephanie. It's a conspiracy to get us to buy patterns grom you 😉
if you did a scholarly presentation like you think you should be doing, it wouldn't be nearly so charming. Sarcasm is the special secret sauce.
Consider another sewist saved from the "walkaway" dress!
I actually read modern patterns and read the instructions for laughs.
You are so funny!
Thank you!
Just because they reproductions doesn't mean improvements or revisions aren't done. Our bodies now are probably different due to a change in diets and ethnic mixing.
I thought it was just a copy
A very interesting topic, but I had to stop watching halfway through. All the jingles, quacking noises and face pulling made it unwatchable for me.