Good, Better, Best Practices for Storage of Vintage/Antique Sewing Patterns

When I started out collecting I could not afford conservation grade materials (nor did I realize how important they are) so I have tried to write this as a Good, Better, Best Practices so that each collector may do the best with what resources they have at hand. I, myself, am just starting the process…

Bonfit Patterner System from 1995

In the Vintage Sewing Pattern Nerds Facebook group, there is a unit on antique pattern drafting systems. As I saw the content being uploaded, I mentioned that it seemed similar to the much younger Bonfit Patterner. Since not everyone is familiar with Bonfit, I am sharing my small collection of Bonfit materials. I have not…

Saturday Sartorial Cinema 2: “Pattern for Smartness” (1948)

This week's installment of Saturday Sartorial Cinema is an approximately 18 minute 1948 film called "Pattern for Smartness" by Simplicity Pattern Company. I chose this one because it is not only amusing, it can be educational for anyone stuck at home and attempting to learn to sew clothing for the first time. The educational parts…

Research: Vintage Guide to Sewing Slips

This post is meant to complement a project I am working on for my other blog, What Would Nancy Drew Wear? I am replacing a wardrobe staple, a bias-cut (silk) slip. Even though I am using a modern pattern, I wanted to consult my vintage sewing manuals to see what advice they had to offer…