This pattern is from the Commercial Pattern Archive.
Many of us have a soft spot for vintage patterns. We buy them up by the box-full at garage sales or even on eBay.
The University of Rhode Island has created the Commercial Pattern Archive, which gives you access to more than 48,000 vintage patterns, opening up a whole world of patterns and styles that date back to the 19th century. The archive is an official project of Save America’s Treasures.
The database is well-organized and searchable to help you find looks from the years 1868 to 2000.
The CoPA is an amazing resource for browsing vintage styles for inspiration, and it is a fashion course in itself, unveiling the history of garment construction and even body proportion.
While the force behind the archive, curator Joy Spannabel Emery, passed away in 2018, a limited but dedicated staff continues to respond to pattern inquiries and requests for pattern access.
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Vogue 1642
Pattern A has pleated patch pockets with flaps. Pattern B has side seam zippers. This Vogue sewing pattern kit was designed and printed in the United States and comes with sewing templates, instructions, fabric recommendations, pattern pieces, and sizing guides for (2) shirts and (1) pair of pants. Women's clothing patterns can be made to fit sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14.
San Francisco-born artist Kaffe Fassett is a celebrated name in the quilting world. His work has been commissioned by the British monarchy, American fashion designers, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. He has authored numerous bestsellers, including Quilts in Italy, Quilts by the Sea, and Quilts in an English Village.
Know Me patterns offer stylish and versatile designs, including the ME2064 rain jacket, which combines a cropped jacket and a vest that can be worn together or separately. The boxy-fit jacket features a hood, snap closure, and multiple pockets, while the vest has a zippered front and cargo pockets. This sewing kit includes templates, fabric recommendations, and instructions for sizes 44-52, proudly made in the USA.
I am so excited to read about this history of garments catalog. Can we get a sample look at how it works before investing such a large sum?
Also does the membership include history lessons?
The Commercial Pattern Archive has been updated since this post was originally written. It is free to search and you don't need to create a log-in or membership account. The patterns are, for the most part, illustrated with their cover envelope and in some cases the guide sheet has also been scanned. You can't see the actual pattern pieces, nor are the patterns for sale. However, this is an incredible resource for inspiration. The search function is very detailed; you can search by date, garment type, designer, pattern publisher, and more. It's a fashion rabbit hole I can spend hours in, if I let myself!
Carol Fresia, Threads editor
A loose-fitting, lined, robe-style design, the Grant Coat has patch pockets, a shawl-like insert around the neck, darted shoulders, and inverted box pleats at the sleeve hemline.
Are we not allowed to view the patterns before getting a membership???
DEB57 - That is my question, also.
I am so excited to read about this history of garments catalog. Can we get a sample look at how it works before investing such a large sum?
Also does the membership include history lessons?
It looks like we can only see the pictures. No patterns as such. Am I right?
The Commercial Pattern Archive has been updated since this post was originally written. It is free to search and you don't need to create a log-in or membership account. The patterns are, for the most part, illustrated with their cover envelope and in some cases the guide sheet has also been scanned. You can't see the actual pattern pieces, nor are the patterns for sale. However, this is an incredible resource for inspiration. The search function is very detailed; you can search by date, garment type, designer, pattern publisher, and more. It's a fashion rabbit hole I can spend hours in, if I let myself!
Carol Fresia, Threads editor