An Unusual Find in a Pattern Envelope

 This evening I started the mad task of organizing my personal sewing supplies as well as things to be listed on Etsy.  I came across this pattern in a bin of patterns to sell and thought, “hmm… this seems awfully thick for such a slim dress.”  I wasn’t sure what I was going to find… wads of newspaper pieces?  A mystery pattern inside this one?  I had seen both before, as well as scraps of fabric, bits of thread, notes, but this was a new one!

A whole mock up of the dress bodice, complete with hand basted seams and darts!

Maybe the maker was paying attention in Home Economics during the “Patterns for Smartness” film.  I swear, I learned more from this clip than I did in fashion school about assembling patterns and making mock ups!

Have you had any unusual finds in pattern envelopes lately?

And did you learn anything new from the video? It’s one of my favorites :)

15 Comments on An Unusual Find in a Pattern Envelope

  1. Stephanie
    November 27, 2012 at 8:04 pm (11 years ago)

    I bought two patterns from the same esty store that had fabric samples pinned to the front. It was pretty cool to know what the original seamstress had chosen for making up these two patterns!

    • Lauren
      November 28, 2012 at 7:25 pm (11 years ago)

      ooh! that’s so neat! Did you post pics on your blog yet? I want to see :)

  2. Rose
    November 28, 2012 at 3:59 am (11 years ago)

    I love that video! I had seen the ending and never knew there was an informational first part. I actually did learn something from it :)

    • Lauren
      November 28, 2012 at 7:26 pm (11 years ago)

      I’m so glad! When I first saw it I was amazed at what I didn’t know already! All we made in Home Ec were pillowcases. LOL!

  3. Cat
    November 28, 2012 at 5:40 am (11 years ago)

    Future owners of my patterns will see the same thing. I’ve taken to making mock-ups of everything I sew and use them as the pattern pieces. No fear of the pattern ripping.

    • Lauren
      November 28, 2012 at 7:27 pm (11 years ago)

      Great idea to trace onto muslin! I often do that myself if I am draping something on the form. Saves a step, and horray for saving the old patterns from ripping :)

  4. Sean MacKenzie
    November 28, 2012 at 5:45 am (11 years ago)

    I made sure to save this on a playlist with my youtube account. I need all the help I can get when it comes to sewing.

    • Lauren
      November 28, 2012 at 7:27 pm (11 years ago)

      Oh good! Glad you found it useful! It’s actually a great how-to video, and sewing’s not that tough, it just takes practice :)

  5. Foster
    November 28, 2012 at 6:00 am (11 years ago)

    I found a 1950-ish wedding dress pattern at the thrift store. 50 cents! Amazing.

    • Lauren
      November 28, 2012 at 7:28 pm (11 years ago)

      WOW! Score!

  6. Tasha
    November 28, 2012 at 8:46 am (11 years ago)

    What a neat find! I’ve mostly just found notes, but I always think that’s interesting.

    I haven’t seen this video before, I’m definitely going to watch it all when I have time! I love the idea of a “know how” look. Hee.

    • Lauren
      November 28, 2012 at 7:29 pm (11 years ago)

      I love finding things in envelopes! It’s so much more fun. Sometimes I think I forget about the “past lives” of patterns, so it’s fun to find the little reminder :)

      I’m so glad to introduce you to it! It’s a great video, and the beginning is a hoot! :)

      P.S- all your knitting has inspired me, so I’m finally trying it again! You’re so inspiring with the things you make.

  7. Kathleen
    December 3, 2012 at 7:49 pm (11 years ago)

    Wow – an entire muslin! Very impressive. :) Most commonly, I’ve seen pieces of fabric and handmade pattern pieces cut from interesting newsprint (1940s are the most interesting) tucked into patterns. But the most memorable item I’ve ever found in a pattern was a letter. I think it was from the 40s or 50s at the latest. It was written by a man (presumably to the seamstress), pleading his love, apologizing for all his failures, and begging her to reconsider her rejection of him. I’ve been tempted to share this in my blog, because there are no names or revealing details, and it came from an estate sale (so the seamstress is sure to have passed on), but sometimes it just seems so private. I am sure she tucked it in the pattern, confident it would be safe from prying eyes there. Oh the angst in that letter!

  8. Erika
    December 6, 2012 at 6:14 pm (11 years ago)

    What a cute video! I wasn’t actually planning on watching the whole thing because I don’t know anything about sewing, but I really enjoyed it and I feel like I learned a lot! I’ll admit that learning to sew still seems really daunting, though!

1Pingbacks & Trackbacks on An Unusual Find in a Pattern Envelope

  1. […] An Unusual Find in a Pattern Envelope From wearinghistoryblog.com – Today, 10:58 PM  This evening I started the mad task of organizing my personal sewing supplies as well as things to be listed on Etsy. […]

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close