Peter over at Male Pattern Boldness recently posted about the cost and value of vintage patterns. It's a really interesting read, and the comments are also very thought provoking. Of course, I had to chime in with my two ten cents. Enjoy some eye candy whilst I opine.
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| 1975 McCall's 4494 |
I have only been in the sewing world for a year or so, so I am certainly no expert on vintage patterns or their true values. But from my personal experience, some sellers seem to push the envelope (ha) as to how much cash they are owed in exchange for their pattern. I get that some are very rare, and that condition is a major factor. But since there is no formal set of guidelines for pricing these patterns (is there?), where do sellers get their figures? For example, one pattern I'm currently coveting on eBay has the Buy It Now price of $47.61. Really? It's not necessarily the steep 40 dollarness of it; it's the odd figure. Where does that amount - that ultra specific amount - come from? Plus, if I had $47.61 to spend on a single pattern, do you have any. idea. how much more fabric I would have?! Cripes.
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| Butterick 4631 (No date that I could find. Early 80's?) |
I don't mean any disrespect to vintage pattern sellers, I truly don't. We can all choose where and how we spend - and make - our money. And like I said, I don't speak from a place of expertise. On the other side of the coin, I sometimes wonder if the people from whom I've bought my el cheapo patterns knew what they were selling, and that they possibly could've gotten more for them. Did they not know the pattern had value (above .99¢), or did they just know they weren't going to make the rent by selling it?
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| 1977 Simplicity 8041 |
((*UPDATE - See the above pattern sewn up HERE!*))
There are people who sell these vintage patterns on the cheap and there are people who do not. I intend to sew with them, not have them matted and framed, so I will continue to seek out the affordable patterns. They are plentiful. Admittedly though, a few of the pricey ones do haunt my dreams.
There are people who sell these vintage patterns on the cheap and there are people who do not. I intend to sew with them, not have them matted and framed, so I will continue to seek out the affordable patterns. They are plentiful. Admittedly though, a few of the pricey ones do haunt my dreams.
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| 1980 McCalls 6944 |
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| 1945 Simplicity 1338 (I die.) |
((*UPDATE - See the above pattern sewn up HERE!*))
Every pattern pictured above was 3 bucks or in most cases, less. I'm not a completely cheap bastard though. I would probably spend up to $15 if I just haaaad to have a pattern.
So what do yall think? Do you buy and sew with Vintage patterns? If you do, how much are you willing to spend on those bad boys?
Love to hear your thoughts!
Cheers!
Every pattern pictured above was 3 bucks or in most cases, less. I'm not a completely cheap bastard though. I would probably spend up to $15 if I just haaaad to have a pattern.
So what do yall think? Do you buy and sew with Vintage patterns? If you do, how much are you willing to spend on those bad boys?
Love to hear your thoughts!
Cheers!
I'm not quite sure if mine are considered vintage. My mom used to sew for me when I was little (mid-1980s) so I have been taking some of her patterns to use with my little ones lately. I haven't sewn a whole bunch with them yet but am gradually making my way there. I love the adorable body suits that you have though!
ReplyDeletePennies... That's so sweet! My mom used so sew quilts and toys and things, so I don't have any clothing patterns from her. Thank goodness for eBay, right? :)
ReplyDeleteI think the 80's are technically considered vintage, although some purists would probably argue otherwise!
Happy sewing, and thank you for sharing!
I'm so sure my mother had all of those patterns and made those for Vanessa. If only she still had them for you!
ReplyDeleteGahh! That's so sweet! I know, I wish I took up sewing when I was like, 9, so I would've gotten tons more hand-me-downs! :D
ReplyDeleteInteresting post. I have also wondered where sellers get their prices per pattern. I try to avoid looking at vintage patterns online, only cuz I know I might get sucked into one of those pricey ones. I've been really lucky to find vintage patterns at my local thrift shop for only 25 cents a pattern!! They are from 60's, 70's and 80's and I get to purchase them all at the same price, cool. I don't think anyone else has figured it out in my little town...lucky me.
ReplyDeleteKristie, you lucky duck! I can never find patterns at my local thrift stores. Boo. I think this summer I'll go to more tag sales and estate sales... Perhaps that's where they're all hiding :)
ReplyDeleteAw! It's too bad that you weren't sewing when we moved from the house in EL - my mom had TONS of old patterns! I'll check to see if she kept any of her favorites, but I'm pretty sure they didn't make the move :(
ReplyDeletePS - consider this my RSVP for Spring & Summer Tag Sale-ing! Bargains galore!
I think that if pattern makers were smart, they'd develop a vintage line, especially for people who just want to sew with them. Or sew a slightly updated line.
ReplyDeleteDagnabbit! I bet mamma had some cute stuff :)
ReplyDeleteGranMarty, I agree completely. I think if they did that, then the collectors could go their way, and the folks who want to sew with the patterns can go theirs. I'd probably still buy the cheap vinatge patterns that I find, but if they would 'rerelease' those crazy-rare old ones, I would for sure give those a try. Then again, would reissuing those patterns cheapen the allure and the magic of the original? I go in circles in my head about this :)
ReplyDeleteI am a collector of vintage patterns too.......I would spend up to $15 for a pattern if I really wanted it. Have been looking for the Simplicity pattern 1338 that you show online.....would you be willing to sell a copy .....I have lots of patterns and have been looking for that one.........will do a trade or pay you for copy....thanks
ReplyDeleteShoot me an email @ sarahbethhaag@gmail.com ! We can arrange something, for sure! It's a great pattern :)
DeleteI am interested in simplicity 1338 (pictured above)......is this pattern for sale.....let me know.....thanks!
ReplyDeleteSorry to say, it's not for sale! It is my most beloved pattern. :)
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