Recently I came into a stash of vintage sewing patterns. It was like wetting my pants, seriously. That’s how much I love vintage sewing patterns. You know what killed the moment? It was realizing the seller had taken each pattern envelope, cut it in half, pasted it to a large manilla envelope and stuffed the pattern pieces into the new envelope.
WTF?
I asked what happened?
So they’d fit into the file cabinet.
Seriously?
Here are other ways to ruin a vintage sewing pattern:
1. Unfolding factory fold patterns. Why? Once they’re unfolded they’re no longer “factory fold”.
2. Improperly storing vintage sewing patterns.
3. Writing or affixing stickers to vintage sewing patterns. Original owner markings give character and history to vintage sewing patterns. Your seller information, stickers and marker written price information doesn’t.
4. Attaching interfacing to pattern pieces. I know some suggest this is a good way of “preserving” pattern pieces. I don’t believe so”
- Makes storing cumbersome.
- Ruins pattern pieces for any other usage
But that’s me, if you prefer adding interfacing to pattern pieces as a means of preserving them I’d highly suggest using interfacing that’s:
- Preshrunk
- fusible
- light-weight
5. Trying to repair damaged sewing pattern envelope and pieces by improperly taping or gluing. If you’re not sure of what you’re doing it’s probably a good idea to leave repairs to the buyer.
I’ve taken and made black and white copies of the front and back of the pattern envelope, then glued them to a manilla envelope when the pattern was very fragile. Just this week I’ve purchased some muslin to trace fragile pattern pieces onto so they’re more durable when I alter the pattern to fit me. I’d been thinking I would iron the pieces as the patterns came from ebay and were a little worn/stuffed into the envelope on a couple patterns. I’m assuming I’m an ‘end user’ as I don’t intend to get rid of them, so ironing the pieces won’t bother me, just help me to lay out the pieces better.
I like the idea of photocopying pattern envelopes and attaching them to larger manilla envelopes (so much better than using original envelopes) and the idea of tracing fragile patterns onto muslin (so much more durable and what a way to conserve original pattern pieces). LOVE those tips! I’ll try this out myself. Ironing pattern pieces is perfectly fine under any circumstances.
What about people that cut out pictures on the envelope and then glue them to the outside of a larger envelope.