• Laura Ashley for McCall’s, 1975
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    Laura Ashley for McCall’s, 1975

    In celebration of St. David’s Day, here’s an early McCall’s pattern by Laura Ashley (1925–1985), who was born in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Laura Ashley started licensing patterns with McCall’s in 1975, some fourteen years after the company opened its first shop, in Machynlleth. This “Carefree” design for a cropped jacket, blouse, and jumper was available…

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  • Rachel Comey Returns
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    Rachel Comey Returns

    After a winter-holiday break, Vogue Patterns are back, and so is Rachel Comey. Vogue Patterns changed hands again last September, and the new ownership sat out the Winter/Holiday season — normally an important time of year for new designer patterns. But even without the recent upheaval, sewists would have been justified in thinking the cult…

    View post: Rachel Comey Returns

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About the Author

Sarah Sheehan has published articles on couture patterns in DRESS and Selvedge. She launched the PatternVault blog in 2011 with a series on Givenchy sewing patterns by Alexander McQueen. This blog explores the intersections between high fashion and DIY culture. Read full bio.