Do you buy vintage sewing patterns online?

Size is important. I'm only interested in designer so would like them grouped. The same might be considered for the newspaper patterns. Many of them are very fashion forward.

There was discussion several months ago about scanning the whole back because some homesewers will use the pattern pieces as a guide to "knock it off" This is probably a bigger problem for some designs than others.

There is a reuseable tape that you can use to black-out the parts that you don't want to show.

Claire
 
i only sell them...and after looking at yours, I need to see if I have McCall's 4425...if a copy sells for $185, I can only wonderf what the real thing would sell for! (My record is $145 for a '52 Vogue by Jacques Fath).

That's an interesting topic about the back-I always do front, back and insides-with era, description and at least sz?/B? in the title-unless it's a VOGUE or an obscure pattern, I don't put patternmaker. But I only sell on ebay and that's the letter limit thingy.
 
1)Back of envelope - 0
2)Detailed description - 3
3)Measurements - 6

Honestly, I don't need to see the pattern diagram on the back of the envelope. But bust size in the title is very important. I definitely don't need to see what's inside the envelope.

A detailed description is more important from a seller's point of view, since those keywords (in the description) will help bring search traffic to the pattern.
 
That's a good point Laura about the keywords. I try to get the best keywords into the title and brief description. Does anyone really search for gored skirt or raglan sleeves though? That's what I would put into a detailed description and thats what I am trying to get away from.
I am getting a lot of good responses on the blog, this forum and other forums I posed this question on.

So far I am thinking I should include:
1)Title with pattern company, pattern #, brief description of garment, vintage size and bust measurement. (I do this already)
ie:
McCall's 2104 1960's Three Pc Suit Sleeveless Jacket Blouse & Skirt Vintage Pattern Bust 30.5"

2)Picture of front (I do this already)
3)Large readable picture of back *or a click to enlarge picture of back*-(that way measurement and description would be available but I wouldn't have to manually add them except in cases where the measurements are not on the back)
4)Condition, cut/uncut/complete (I do this already except all my patterns are complete so I hadn't been reiterating that in each listing but I will start to)

What do you think? I am not trying to be lazy but I am trying to save time so that I can make more patterns available.
 
I can't sell patterns to save my life. I have a load of them on C&C complete with the measurements and mention pieces if they are missing and still can't sell them!

Lei
 
I buy, collect and sew with vintage patterns (almost exclusively 1930s era and Hollywood now, maybe a few iconic ones from other eras before 1960, though if I'm costuming, it might be anything!). I'm happy to give you a glimpse into my little head on this topic:

I buy patterns even more now that the Canadian dollar has tanked and buying clothing has become so much more expensive for me. And because of said tanking dollar, price is the number one thing that will entice me to buy a pattern.... unless it's something I'm absolutely dying for, my preferred price is less than $12 USD (including shipping).

Other than price, in the title I like to see:
Pattern company name, pattern number, vintage size and actual bust measurement, brief description. (So, pretty much exactly what you do already! :) )

Though it's nice to be able to find something easily, I've never been able to search effectively by construction details on places like ebay. I pretty much either search by the pattern company's name (or number if there's a specific one I have in mind, or Star name if I'm looking for Hollywoods), otherwise I browse by date/era.

Speaking of Hollywood patterns, if there's a Star on it, please please include the name and the movie (if mentioned) in the title or at least in searchable text. I definitely collect these by Star, and I bet I am not the only one. Similar requests for designer patterns like Spadea, etc - include the designer's name.

I love having pictures of both back and front.

If I'm going to knock off a garment, believe me, I will without or without the back picture! ;) Seriously, if my friends who sew costumes and vintage are any indication, a back picture might help a little, but for these mostly gifted and bold sewers, it's not going to be the decision maker. And for those who are not as advanced, the back picture isn't generally going to give them the confidence to start drafting.

However, I think having a picture of the back provides several valuable services:

- often I'm looking for a specific construction, or have favorite methods of making a garment; like maybe I want a center back seam, or not, or want princess darts, or want a kick pleat but not a slit in back of a skirt, or I want to confirm side or back closure, etc. Often the only views of the back construction are on the back of the envelope, and as a seller, you just can't always guess what I'm looking for, so let the picture do some of the talking. Also, sometimes design details are easier to appreciate in the line drawings and pattern pieces than the artistic renditions on the front.

- if I'm collecting, not just looking for something to sew, than condition on the back of the envelope is relevant to me.

- it gives me yardage required and sometimes fabric suggested.

- there might be some of the text on the back that helps me make a decision.

And then, as as already mentioned in this thread, condition/cut/completeness/printed or unprinted is good to know. I don't need a picture of the contents inside.

If a pattern is incomplete or the instructions are missing, I will look for another pattern. It would be very rare indeed for me to spend money on an incomplete one. Maybe if the piece missing is something really really easy to duplicate and it's something I want to sew (rather than something I'm "Collecting" - in that case, I want it complete.)

Hope that's helpful :)
 
Hi I regularly buy vintage patterns, I have to admit, mostly from ebay.

In terms of your questions

1) scale 3 - but i have bought plenty of patterns based on the front only, however these do tend to be cheaper

2) a description is good, but only if it is correct. That's often why a clear picture is better to me, so i can make my own mind up.

3) measurements and sizes are important, but bearing in mind the size differences compared to today, it is always good to note whether they are sizes of the time, on the pattern or your modern interpretation of this.

I hope this helps. But if we're all honest we want to see the front image closely and know that all the pieces are there.

Katharine
 
Oh I just noticed the date on the first post - I'm glad for it's ressurection though since I'm about to photo and list some vitnage patterns, it's nice to see the comments of buyers - ok that's all I've got since I haven't bought any on;ine, but my basic rule is the more info the better, I don't think I have any $185 ones though lol, but you never know ;)
 
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