Collecting Patterns - Tips and Getting Started

I have been selling Vintage and Collectible Sewing Patterns on EBay for several years and I have been sewing almost 45 years.  This guide includes some helpful things I have learned about collecting that I would like to pass on to you!

The first thing you need to determine is what you want to collect? Make sure it is something you really, really Like. Not just a little but a Lot! Make a list if it helps. Then Zoom in on ONE type of pattern or Designer that you would like to collect. If you choose to collect one Designer, you can be looking at many different styles through several decades.  One example would be Edith Head. She was a Great Designer for the movies and movie stars over many decades. Fortunately, her designs were made into patterns under the Advance and Vogue labels (there may be others).

Do you like one type of clothing style such as the 1960s MOD Beatles-Era Carnaby Street Style? Perhaps you like the 1940s World War II Swing Dress Style or the 1950s Cocktail Dress Style?  There are so many ones to choose. If you are not sure of the style you like, browse through the vintage patterns under Collectibles.  Make notes if necessary to help find your Style.  Look over several days or weeks to get a greater variety and also get an idea of the cost of these patterns. If you have a low budget, you might not want to pick patterns that are consistently selling at very high prices. 

So you have your FOCUS and direction for collecting patterns. What is your next step?  Well, you should RESEARCH your subject.  I prefer a hands-on approach in Books over internet search. However, it is your preference as to which source to use.  These are some of my Favorite Sources:  Blueprints of Fashion - 2 books by Laboissonniere - Home Sewing Patterns of the 1940s & Home Sewing Patterns of the 1950s (loaded with color pictures of sewing patterns); Who's Who in Fashion by Stegemeyer (covers many of the fashion designers - most of them have sewing patterns), and Valuable Vintage by Elizabeth Mason (many name & bios of famous designers).  Use the library if you don't want to purchase these books and look for other books to help you with your collection.  Ask a librarian for help as necessary - they are there to help you. Some books can be obtained by interlibrary loan. 

Now you are FOCUSED and have RESEARCHED your subject. Are you ready to Buy? Not quite yet! First do just a little more homework on the prices of your patterns. Use the EBAY Completed auctions search and get an average of the prices of your Focus Search only. Notice if there is a certain time or day that you can get your pattern at a better price?  Of course, you want the best price and the best quality.

Buying the best quality pattern for your money is not that difficult.  Always Buy from a reputable EBAY Seller that has good feedback. There are many questions to ask.  Your best question is to see if the pattern is Uncut or Used. If the pattern is Used, has the Buyer checked to see if the pattern is Complete with all instructions. Does the Seller have any sewing experience and can tell if a pattern is useable or not?  Will the Seller accept returns or refund your money if there is a problem. Beware of patterns that are Sold As Is unless you are getting a very  low price and want to take the chance there is something wrong. Ideally you want a pattern that is Uncut - Complete - Clean and free of envelope tears as possible. I said Ideal but most of the time it is not likely. So buy the best useable pattern available and you can always replace it if a better one comes along.  The main thing is to have FUN collecting and hopefully using your Sewing Patterns. 

If you do use a vintage pattern, I would recommend tracing an Uncut pattern instead of cutting it up. Then storage is important. You can find many supplies for storage at your Scrapbooking store or office supplies store and on EBay. Always use acid-free supplies.

I appreciate your reading this Guide and hope you will leave me a positive review is you found this guide has been helpful.  GOOD LUCK ON STARTING A FABULOUS SEWING PATTERN COLLECTION!