Preserving your vintage and historical patterns

Do you have a draw or shelf of fragile vintage patterns that your not using because their fragility worries you?

Then do what I do, I copy all my vintage pattern pieces, complete with all the notches, dots, grain lines and other markings onto paper and this gives me a 'master' copy that I can use again and again.

I also photocopy the pattern cover, any pattern notes and any other pattern information and history on the pattern.

Once completed, I bundle the copy pieces into a zip-lock bag and store separately to my vintage pattern. This preserves the original pattern and also ensures that I can make any notations and pattern tweeks to the pattern on my personal copy.

I then store the original in archive boxes, organised by era and size and pattern maker so they are easy to find.

Can you tell I was a librarian in another life, LOL!

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I'm The Tailor's Apprentice, maker of The Miss Page 1940s reproduction patterns, gowns developed from pattern pieces found amongst the remnants of Miss Violet Florence Page’s life and work. Affordable, elegant, and unique garments from the 1940s war years. 

All my patterns are available on Etsy and my website where you'll find out more about me as well. This year I am publishing an 1820s gown wardrobe pattern and an Australian Army Nurses Services WWI uniform pattern.

If you'd liked to be included on my mailing list for events, pattern release dates and interesting snippets about vintage and historic sewing, please subscribe to my Newsletter on The Tailor's Apprentice website.