I recently added a couple of vintage Simplicity Pattern magazines to my collection. The images shown here today are from a 2-page advertisement for Bates Fabrics dating to 1950. We are so lucky today that we have internet shopping so we can find many of the original vintage patterns that were featured in the old sewing magazines. You can search for a particular pattern on the
Vintage Pattern Wiki, where hundreds of vintage pattern enthusiasts have uploaded images and information about thousands of vintage patterns. Or you can simply do a search for the specific pattern you are looking for and you're likely to find it about 75% of the time. That way, you can make your vintage dress in a fabric you like and in a size to fit you!
A pretty off-the-shoulder evening gown made in Bates stained glass cotton print and cotton velveteen from Simplicity pattern 2964.
At left: A pretty full skirted dress with contrast collar and cuffs made in cotton flannel in a paisley print from Simplicity pattern 8210 (the only pattern I couldn't find available today.)
At right: A full skirted shirtwaist dress with tucks at the bodice made from woven cotton plaid from Simplicity pattern 8144.
My favorite of the dresses show here, a daytime dress with big pockets, here accented with braid trim made from Simplicity pattern 2971.
I have a few vintage patterns from my grandmother's sewing room still available at
SewHallie. Maybe something will inspire you!
