From: close@lunch.wpd.sgi.com (Diane Barlow Close)
Newsgroups: rec.crafts.textiles,alt.sewing
Subject: Re: Patterns: How to Find Other Styles?
Date: 5 Jan 93 22:02:50 GMT
Reply-To: close@lunch.wpd.sgi.com (Diane Barlow Close)
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botteron@pop-tarts.ai.mit.edu (Carol J. Botteron) writes:
>The pattern companies wouldn't have to increase their inventory to
>provide more variety, since many of the patterns they sell are minor
>variations of each other.  If they cut back on those, they could offer
>others, including "old classic" styles from a few years ago.
>
>Are there any pattern-company people on the net?

I know that some people from McCall's monitor the group from time to
time.  They rarely post or otherwise become "public" due to the
overwhelming responses via e-mail.  Perhaps one of them will see your
posting and address your concerns.  I know that I feel the same as you
do!

>Are there any places around (mail order or Boston area preferred) 
>that sell previous years' patterns?  I don't mean "antique" styles,
>but simply those that were available a few years ago and aren't now.  

Well often it just takes some digging and checking of every possible
small sewing store around.  I found one place in Solvang, CA
(Rasmussens) that sold patterns from '86-'90 and Bolt's End in Castro
Valley, CA sells patterns going back to the 1960's (12 for $1).  I
poured through both store's stock and bought everything "classic" I
could think of, even if I didn't really wear that item (like I don't
currently wear dresses) now.  Heck, for 8 cents a pattern I'm only
losing on storage space!  :-)

It was wonderful!  We found jackets (bomber) that my husband wanted
but couldn't find currently, and wonderful blouses and shirts.  Some
patterns will need grading, as only smaller or larger sizes were
available, but most were available in my size so as long as I don't
grow anymore I'm all set!  :-)

>Example: a male friend wants to make a jacket something like a Nehru
>jacket, with a high collar.  We searched many catalogs, but no luck.

Well Bolt's End definitely has Nehru jacket patterns (and hiphuggers
and bell bottoms :-).  I don't get up there as often as I'd like, as
it is a long drive through bad traffic and it's in a dingy spot of the
East Bay (but not as bad as Oakland!).  I go up once every couple of
months and would be willing to see what I could find and report back
or just buy it.

>I would _love_ to find a source for either a wide range of patterns,
>of patterns that are versatile: say, a jacket pattern with several
>front options (lapels, Nehru, etc.).  

Well definitely check out old "five and dime" type stores and mill end
stores.  That's where I've had the most success at finding older
patterns for cheap.  Another option would be to take a flat pattern
course at a community college (or borrow a book on it from the
library) and learn how to "make" patterns for options (like collars)
yourself once you find a classic, well-fitting jacket pattern.  I've
done this and it isn't too hard.  (And I have terrible problems
translating 3-D into 2-D -- I have no spatial sense at all.  I often
get my husband to do the rough drafts for my ideas.)  Good luck!
-- 
Diane Barlow Close
	close@lunch.wpd.sgi.com 
	I'm at lunch today.  :-)