I just love old sewing patterns, and Kooky and I worked together to write an article about patterns for VFG. (Shameless plug;-) <a href="http://www.vintagefashionguild.org/vintagepatterns.html#1">Vintage Patterns</a> In the article we mentioned <i>Mme. Demorest’s Mirror of Fashion,</i> the first pattern magazine, published by Ellen Curtis Demorest, the inventor of the paper pattern. Not too long ago, I was lucky enough to find 5 of these old magazines from the 1870s! Here's a little taste of what Mme. Demorest had to offer: <img src=http://members.sparedollar.com/fuzzylizzie/demorest.jpg> These were from 1870. Later, I'll get more of the illustrations added to the article. Lizzie
Wow..cool find. Can you imagine just whipping these up on the old sewing machine over the weekend!! BTW...I have a few Polynesian patterns kicking around here somewhere. I noticed you didn't have a pic of those in the pattern section. Would you like me to scan a couple for the article??
WOW! What a great find, I'm jealous I love those old Victorian and Edwardian catalogues and pattern books as they give a truthful view of the sizes that were available back then (in alot of mine, the bust sizes for lady's patterns were available up to 44" and 46") rather than relying on the small items left which survive to today. Lei
Yes, Bonnie, pick out your favorite (the sexiest) one for me! You can post it on the label thread so I won't lose it. Lei, I got these at an antiques mall. A woman at a local mall has a booth with great vintage, reasonably priced, and I always find something great to buy from her. I'm not going to tell you what I paid for them (as you seem to be green enough;-), just that I saw them and grabbed them quickly! Guys, thanks for the compliments on the article. Karen actually did most of it. She's a real pattern pro! Lizzie
Lizzie, you and Karen did a wonderful job on the Pattern Resource! A lot of work there! And, like the others, I love looking at these old patterns - totally fascinating and as Lei says, very insightful as to the sizes, etc. Also makes you appreciate how little work goes into our modern day-to-day clothing (not talking couture here) Sue;)
What a wonderful job on that page! I love vintage patterns, have a couple framed and sold a Spadea a couple of years ago to a big time collector, she was thrilled.
Oh Lizzie - these are great. I had about 5 of these a few years ago. Never been used. I coudln't bring myself to open the bag - I knew I would tear the tissue! They ended up doing very well for me when I forced myself to let them go. They went off to a Univeristy (Purdue/ IU?) that was duplicating them for posterity. Hollis
