About
I find fashion ephemera both endlessly fun to look at and a fantastic resource in the history of fashion. Add the element of home sewing and you have a fascinating meeting of high fashion, domestic work, and DIY culture. This blog presents my ongoing research into fashion ephemera. The emphasis is on designer sewing patterns, both vintage and non-, with the occasional sewing project thrown into the mix. I have a Ph.D. in the humanities, so I love to research all the details of the ephemera shown here and in the PatternVault shop.
I learned to sew from my mother. When I was young, she and my aunt, who is a professional dressmaker, sold the traditional parkas my aunt learned to make up North in what is now Nunavut. I have the garment business on my father’s side as well: my paternal grandmother worked as a Spencer Corsetiere to support her young family. I gravitate toward ambitious projects, which sometimes means my garments-in-progress hang around the apartment longer than they should. I’m located in the Toronto neighbourhood of Parkdale, where the Victorian storefronts and converted factories inspire with their vintage textures and indie spirit.
For more about me, read my interview with Katherine of We Sew Retro, where I was the featured member for December 2011.
Love your blog too. Am adding it to my blogroll.
Many thanks, Liz!
Where could I purchase this vintage McCall’s pattern (#4464) pattern?
Pamela Ennis (ppaterennis@yahoo.com)
Thanks for your interest, Pamela. Part of the fun of vintage is that you never know when (or what) things will turn up
I hope it’s o.k. if I add you to my blogroll. Such amazing stuff!
Of course! Vielen Dank
Hi Sarah, sorry I didn’t let you know about the finished suit. It turned out well don’t you think? Although it was a heck of a journey getting there. Thanks for the pattern and it’s very encouraging that you take an interest in what happens to your patterns after they leave you. I’ll be trolling for some new ones soon.
Not at all, Ruth, I was just thrilled to see a customer’s finished project! I’m glad the pattern found such a good home—and that all that tailoring work paid off
Hi where can I get the vintage Vogue Paris Lanvin 2870 pattern
Thanks for your interest, Shaun. That one does turn up now and then.. Just keep your eyes peeled!
I just learned of your blog through the June/July 2012 Vogue Patterns magazine. I’m glad they featured you because I really like what you are doing here! I love learning about fashion history too and do it through featuring museum exhibits in NYC on my blog. It’s nice to meet you and I look forward to making your site a regular read.
Thanks so much, Jill. I wish I could get down to New York more often—the fashion exhibits are just incredible!
Hello
I inherited my mother’s sewing room. She had hundreds[?] of patterns from the 50-90s. Would you be interested in purchasing any/all of them? Please contact me at the info provided. I live in Pickering. Thanks!
M
Will do, Marlaine. I’m envious of your letterpresses!
Hi – I just wanted to leave a reply again.
I’m still working on getting these organized – I will get pictures assembled.
I have rec’d phone calls as well from people interested in certain patterns. I don’t think I’ll be going through each of the patterns for specific ones – thank you, though, for your interest.
Marlaine
Hi there,
I’m enjoying this site. Have been wondering… are there any patterns designed by Jean Muir? She was one of THE names in British fashion in the 60s – Marisa Berenson wore a lot of her clothes, and Jaeger used her for a while as a house designer. She was brilliant with new ways of contouring knit fabrics. Jane
Hi Jane, Glad you’re enjoying it! Yes, Jean Muir did a lot of patterns, initially with Butterick in the mid-60s and switching to Vogue in the ’70s-early ’80s. I’d been planning to discuss her earlier, Jane & Jane designs in my Mad Men series, so thanks for the reminder!
Dear Sarah,
Thank you for visiting my site and for liking the post “Handmade and Fabulous: Alexander McQueen Kimono Jacket”. May I add your site to my blogroll?
Many thanks,
Blithe
Of course! Thanks so much, Blithe. I plan to link to your tutorial soon.
Where can I purchase the vogue 2937 pattern
The recent Laroche pattern? V2937 isn’t too hard to find online. Good luck!