Replies

1. 
   kayl | Sep 05, 2004 04:25am | #1

   There are a number of "vintage" patterns in the Big 4 patternbooks,

   recast for current bodies (remember, the 1940's featured major control

   in the undergarment department). And there are a number of places

   on line that sell genuine vintage patterns like rustyzipper.com

   You might also want to look at Harriet Pepin's 1942 book, Modern Pattern Design, over at http://www.vintagesewing.info -- it's got a wealth of

   details, and shows you how to draft them.

1. 
   PowellPat | Sep 06, 2004 02:26am | #3

   Kay,  where would I find the Big 4 patternbooks?  Not familiar with them.  Thanks for the info.  I'm going to try rustyzipper first.  Maybe I will need to buy a girdle--Duh

   pati

1. 
   kayl | Sep 06, 2004 03:18am | #4

   Big 4 -- sorry -- Vogue, Butterick, McCalls, Simplicity <g>

   Take a good look at the changes in measurements with pattern size,

   you won't take the current sizes for true vintage patterns. As for

   undies, you may need a waist cincher, girdle and a bra with conical

   cups -- the shape was much different from modern bras.

   It may be easier to take a modern dress pattern (either "vintage style"

   or just plain modern) and add 1940's details like the puffy cap sleeves, tabs, interesting uses of buttons and seaming details, etc.

1. 
   PowellPat | Sep 07, 2004 02:08am | #5

   Kay    

   Gee. I feel stupid.  Of course, big 4.  Rustyzipper was good, except I would have to alter the patterns to fit my measurements. Am going to check the big 4 before ordering.  Thanks so much for your input.  A little more research and I am ready to roll.

    

   Pati

1. 
   kayl | Sep 07, 2004 02:14am | #6

   Enjoy! Costuming can be a lot of fun!

   Kay

2. 
   carolfresia | Sep 07, 2004 09:12pm | #7

   Pati, take a look at Folkwear, too. I think they have at least one 40s-inspired dress. Folkwear.com.

   Carol

2. 
   Elisabeth | Sep 05, 2004 02:45pm | #2

   Here is a list of sources for vintage patterns http://www.gbacg.org/buying.htm

3. 
   Millineress | Sep 07, 2004 11:55pm | #8

   Your first stop should be ebay. You may also want to try some of the vintage sites, such as avintagewedding.com, patternstudio.com, mysisterspatterns.com, oldpatterns.com, pastpatterns.com and longago.com. If none of these have what you are looking for, try vintage or antique stores, which often have a selection of patterns.

4. 
   colleency | Sep 08, 2004 03:29am | #9

   I will recommend http://www.folkwear.com. Their patterns are easy to sew. While I haven't made the swing dress, I've made the Rosie Overalls and shirt, and the Hollywood shorts from the 40's. I've also made their kimono and Victorian bathing suit patterns.

   If you are at least intermediate, check out the Vintage Vogue patterns. They are very, very good. And they are completely accurate, as I believe they actually are from the 40's, but they are redrawn with instruction for the modern sewer.

   If you are advanced, you can check out past patterns attic copies, but you will have to resize these patterns to your own size.

   I wouldn't really recommend Butterick, Simplicity, etc. Their costume patterns are costumey. They look like a costume. I'm assuming that you want your dress to look like a dress from the 40's and not a halloween costume. The patterns from the above companies will yield a clothing look with all the details.

   Good luck!