Vintage Inspiration ~ Sewing Patterns

I definitely spend more time sewing in the winter months. Once the gardening work is over for the season and inclement weather forces me inside, I start looking through my vintage goodies for project inspiration.Today I'm showing my collection of vintage sewing patterns. Although most of mine are skirts and dresses, I glean wonderful ideas for other smaller projects from the decorative details.

Like this stunning Vogue pattern with an asymmetrical neckline...

Or the pretty rick rack and ribbon trim used on these Butterick skirts...
And I'm trying to find a way to translate this sheer over solid window effect into an evening bag....

This one is so sweet as a toddler dress, but it might also inspire an idea for a frilly lamp shade cover...
And of course, some are just wonderful vintage eye-candy. :-)

Looking for vintage sewing patterns to add to your collection? Be sure to check out these websites...

Mom's Patterns

Fuzzy Lizzie

So Vintage Patterns

Also, take a look at the selection on Etsy. Here are just a few of the sellers that I found ...

Sandritocat

Nana's Sewing Basket

Glass of Fashion

Sew Vintage Ladies

Vintage Border Print Fabrics ~Love Them!

I'm not sure what it is about these border prints, but I just love them! The designs are so fun to use in projects because its like having two or more fabrics in one, depending on where and how you cut it.
Vintage border prints came in a variety of designs including floral, novelty, geometric, Penn-Dutch, and even scenic. Here's an example of a cowboy/western scenic one...

There were also a number of border print feedsacks made. These were often used to make pillowcases, curtains, and aprons. But, as you can probably tell from my collection, my favorites are the florals. I almost didn't recognize this lovely Lily of the Valley fabric as a border print, but then noticed the small row of roses along the one edge. I was thrilled to find it in both a yellow and a pink colorway! Love this Poppy and daisy print.

Aaaahhhh, this one is special, I have plans for it. :)
I love the contrast of the black leaves against the white and the way they trail off towards the other selvage. One day I hope to make a skirt based on this vintage pattern...I think its genius! Although you would normally think of the border going along the bottom of a skirt, here they've turned it the other way and created a circle skirt. LOVE it!

And I can't help but notice how many border prints are being used in today's fashions...from skirts and dresses, to tunics, to children's wear. A very welcome comeback. :)