My friend, Julie-Ann, asked how I've managed to find such great plus size patterns...both of these sites are prime reasons why...along with a few lucky winning auctions on eBay. But after a few months of immersing myself in "vintage" patterns (and different people and collectors have different ideas of what vintage is!), I have defined a style of pattern and a couple of things I desire...
60's Mod, Jackie Kennedy retro, dresses and suits with lots of details in plus sizes and some half sizes...I primarily look for Simplicity and Vogue patterns. These pattern companies seem to have embodied the looks and translated them best to me.
I have also found that if I have an idea of what I am looking for, I am not easily distracted by how much there is out there. Another consideration is price...I like cheap priced patterns but I am willing to pay for what I want...however, I have set a limit of $25 if I really want something and $10 for something I'm interested in.
This gives me plenty of room to play and has resulted in some very interesting finds...these are the latest:
Pattern Description:One piece dress and scarfSlim skirt joins bodice at waistline. Buttoned front closing below front neckline. Lap seamed detail at side front of bodice and skirt. Elbow length, short sleeves and sleeveless. Tubular scarf. Novelty or self belt...size 42...no copyright date.
Pattern Description:One Piece Dress Sheath dress with notched collar with or without top stitched trimming has optional modesty. Below elbow length sleeves and short sleeves with cuffs. Size 42...no copyright date.
Pattern Description:Half size and women's dress and jacket. Semi-fitted, a-line dress has princess seaming, oval neckline with front slit, short sleeves and self-side belts with button trim. Semi-fitted jacket has princess seaming, rolled notched collar, patch pockets and short or waist length sleeves...size 40...no copyright date
However, I have to tell you that I am very anxious to actually sew up some of these patterns. I think they will really kick my work wardrobe up a notch and give me the detailing and styling that is so lacking in plus size patterns today! I am really tired of the sacks, the ill-fitting, unstylish items that the pattern companies are passing off for plus size women. Short of learning pattern drafting, I am taking back my fashion destiny by using this catalog of "vintage" patterns that I have amassed as well as some of the new Burda magazine dresses for plus size women.
On a final note...I've moved onto late summer/early fall transistional sewing...dresses and suits will figure predominately in this sewing...so stay tuned for a little vintage, a little Burda and a whole lotta plus size style!
I would love to see your finished project. The 60's Jackie Kennedy style eludes classic timeless charm. Are you going to use a sewing machine or do it by hand?
ReplyDeleteGreat pattern choices! I love your attitude over the baggy, shapeless, featureless clothes they show for the larger woman. BTW, look carefully at the pattern instruction sheets near the bottom, there is usually the copyright date on one side or the other in tiny print, usually the side with the actual sewing instructions.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, these are great. I agree with Summerset, the baggy things now are so generic for anyone who is not small. I am not a large person, but thick with a tummy from recent pregnancies around the middle and trying to lose it. The sheaths/sacks do nothing for me! Maternity clothes look better on me than the shapeless things.
ReplyDeleteSo you're the one who buys all the cool plus size patterns before I get to them! I'll have to be quicker! It is true that the older patterns have many more interesting details. Don't overlook the Advance patterns too. Sometimes they have a plus size gem
ReplyDeleteThose are very interesting pieces. I am truly inspired by seeing how you take a pattern and incorporate the details into what you know is 'you.'
ReplyDeleteWhile I still haven't cut into but one piece of my NY fabric spree (and then I ruined that one). I am stepping out of my comfort zone with patterns and techniques. Thank you. g
Most plus sized patterns are pretty boring. I do think that the latest BWOF patterns are better than they were a few years ago and certainly better than any of the other pattern companies.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have been finding some great patterns lately. Nice haul.
FYI - I've nominated you for two blog awards!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the site info for plus size patterns. I make alot of my own clothes and always have to adjust the current patterns to have any kind of style
ReplyDeleteAnd as if not buying patterns were not hard enough...
ReplyDeleteEtsy, my dear.
Some of the sellers also offer the buy 3 free shipping.
Just trying to help out.
:-)
What fabulous design elements are to be found in your recent acquisitions. I really can't wait to see you start to actually use some of these patterns. I've found that the shaping drafted into some of the vintage patterns is subtle but far superior to many patterns drafted today. Great choices
ReplyDeleteThese patterns are highly addictive! Great finds!
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