Vintage Sewing Patterns – Wednesday Wish List #11

I originally learnt to sew when I was a child. My mum, who I always thought was an amazing seamstress, very patiently showed me different stitching techniques, how to re-hem a skirt and how to make a drawstring bag. I found all this very impressive but it never really enthused me back then.

However, when I somehow ended up going to fashion college, I really got into the whole making my own clothes thing and even spent Christmas Day one year making a pair of trousers to wear out that night. For some reason, over the last few years, this has fallen by the wayside.  However, since I’ve been doing this blog, and reading other vintage blogs, I’ve really got back into the idea and, once I’m settled in my new house, I plan to start making clothes again.

Vintage sewing patterns

I recently picked up these three patterns from various shopping trips. All three are really simple as I thought it would be a good idea to start again with something straightforward. I also really like the idea of making my own lingerie and nightwear, which I’ve never done before. With all that in mind, this week’s Wednesday Wish List is a collection of vintage sewing patterns I’d like to try.

1940s dress pattern

I really love the style of this 1940s day dress with its puffed sleeves and pleated sweetheart neckline. The pattern itself is an original paper pattern by Sears, Roebuck & Co and is approved by Cynthia Powell, whoever she was. If you have any information about her I’d love to know as I cannot find anything online. It is available from Valentina’s Vintage on Etsy and has already been used but this never puts me off.

1940s Du Barry bra and tap pants pattern

This 1940s Du Barry 2587B bra and tap pants pattern is available from Mrs Depew Vintage on Etsy. It is a reproduction sewing pattern in PDF format that can be instantly downloaded and printed off at home. Mrs Depew specialises in reproduction patterns which you can either print off or draft yourself with help from her useful guides. I really want to make this set in a red satin with large white polka dots on it!

1940s frilly apron pattern

How cute is this pinny? Like bra and tap pants, this is a reproduction of a 1940s pattern and is available as a digital download. This one, though, is from Vintage Visage on Etsy and has three different designs in the pack. It is a typical wartime pattern that can be made using scraps of fabric, so you can create really amazing designs with it.

Burda Godet dress pattern

I spotted this Godet dress pattern from Burda a while ago and saved it on Pinterest so I wouldn’t forget about it. It is conveniently available from the BurdaStyle website as a digital download and comes from their Roaring Twenties collection. I love the 1920s Flapper style and would love to have a go at making this, but definitely not in brown. It’s just not my colour.

Ohhh Lulu 1314 Greta garter belt pattern

Another lingerie item I really want to try and make is a suspender belt and this one from Ohhh Lulu Sews on Etsy has a real vintage feel about it. Ohhh Lulu is an independent lingerie designer who makes the most gorgeous high waisted knickers (I have several on my wish list!) as well as many other beautiful underwear pieces. However, as well as selling her own ranges on Etsy, she also, very generously, sells some of the patterns she uses as digital downloads.

Simplicity pattern 1777This Simplicity 1777 pattern is a really interesting 1940s dress taken from their archives. It was originally released in 1943 and features two designs, one with a V neck and the other with a round neck with button detail on the front. I, personally, would make it a little longer than shown, to just cover the knee, for a more authentic look.

Hopefully, in a few months time, I may be able to show you some of the pieces I have made but, for now, if you have any patterns you think I should add to my list just let me know.

Cate

Just a vintage gal suffering from the Golden Age syndrome. A lover of all things old, especially the 1930s, seamstress, crocheter, maker of hats and enjoys rummaging at flea markets.

2 Comments

    • Thank you for the tip! I’m loving that skirt. Can’t wait to see what else they bring out.

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