December 3, 2008
Sewing patterns gained commercial success in the late 1800s after Ebeneezer Butterick invented the graded sewing pattern, in response to his wife's wish that patterns could come in different sizes. Another boost came with the advent of fashion magazines, which included patterns for current styles that readers could make them themselves. Most patterns were paper or cardboard, so an older pattern in good condition is a rare find.
I think I started collecting vintage aprons seriously probably in 1991, my first year of college. I was an ab… [more]
Paper sewing patterns were first manufactured in the middle of the 1800s. These first paper patterns were des… [more]
Geoff and Norma Dickens' reference site on vintage toy sewing machines from the late 1800s. Browse the images alpha… [more]
Looking for some vintage patterns or style ideas? This Flickr photo pool, a group effort, showcases a huge collecti… [more]
Inspired by the French fashion magazine of the same name, this site offers fashion catalog covers and magazine illu… [more]
An extensive collection of photos and ephemera illustrating changing fashion styles from 1795 to 1959. Includes por… [more]
Got a site to suggest? Let us know.
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