Vintage Pattern Lending Library has been in operation since 1998, cataloging and providing historic fashions for the community at large.

How it all works:

Once I have the perfect vintage pattern in my happy little hands, it takes a fair amount of time and energy to give it a second life. Depending upon the era, the pattern could have been printed in a magazine and needs to be put together, like a puzzle, following the various symbols and marks. Other patterns come on blank sheets of tissue with perforated dots to show the necessary markings. Regardless of the era, these pattern pieces are then meticulously re-drafted on a CAD table to ensure the proper period correct design. Seam allowances are clearly marked, as are darts, notches, pleat lines, etc., so when it arrives in your happy little hands, it looks somewhat like a modern pattern.

Transcribing directions and cleaning artwork comes next. No changes are made to the original directions. When it calls for a lapped side closure, that's what you'll see. Of course, you can use a zipper - but for period correct accuracy, nothing is changed.

Once a pattern is ready, it is then tested by myself and/or my pattern testers. Sometimes we'll put a note in a particular pattern to let you know what construction details we found to be easier, but to preserve the authenticity of the original, they are purely meant to be suggestions.

Finally, the original pattern is stored with acid free paper and backing to (hopefully) preserve it's integrity. The entire process for bringing a pattern back to life takes between 4-7 weeks - it truly is a labor of love. And, yes, other than pattern testers, this is a one-woman studio.... patterns are printed in house, one at a time when you place your order.

I love to hear from my customers and I adore it when they send photos. Let me know if I can be of any assistance in your upcoming historical fashion endeavors.