These Purls Are Free

I really enjoy getting things, and not having to pay for them. Who doesn't right? Well, its no different with knitting patterns. With my lack of knitting skill (read awful) I do not want to invest money in patterns that I will likely never get around to casting-on.
I am quite pleased to share that their are gracious and kind people out there who scan knitting patterns and don't charge for them! This is fantastic, especially if you are only hoping to try your hand at knitting a sweater (or scarf.)
I am loving this pattern I found over at Faded Splendor. I mean, take note of that amazing hair inspiration, and knitted finery! Delightful.

Faded splendor is not the only place to track these down either, here is a minimal list of a few favorites...

1. The 3 Hour Sweater which you may remember I was working on last December.. still working on it. HA!
2. Historic Knitting Patterns also has a medium selection for all members of your family.
3. Vintage Purls has patterns for women, men and kidlets.


Well this small list should get you started. And maybe the generosity of others will have you inspired to share some of your vintage knitting/crochet patterns. I have a few crochet purse patterns I am in the process of turning into PDF files, so await their un-costly-ness. That's right, I am making up words tonight! Bed time.

A seam for stress

Today was to be another lovely sewing date with fellow blogger Solanah.
Alas, the horrid flu bug has hit my Monday babysitter, also known as mommy-in-law. Because of lack of baby sitter for my two tiny tots, I was unable to stitch up a dress today and even less able to take pictures of the adventure.

To make up for the lack of a garment making fiasco to talk about I decided to spotlight another blogger in the vintage world, who can sew stitches around me... Lauren of Wearing History.
I love to read her blog, and drool(literally my friends!) over pictures of her amazing skills of frock fabrication.
Do make a stop over at her blog, if you want to feel inspired to create.
She is also saving up money for a trip the Paris Flea Markets, and all envy aside, I hope she makes enough money to enjoy herself there. So I thought I would drop her internet shops for you all to peruse.
She usually sells 30s 40s and 50s patterns and they are all just lovely! So if you are thinking about sewing a vintage piece and don't have a pattern yet, check her goodies out:
on ETSY
on EBAY

Quick Pattern Picture

This is a short post to show off my newest Pattern I acquired at the weird "tweaker vintage store" by my house.
I can't even put into words, the insanity it is to shop there, not to mention the fact that you leave store with something along the lines of a meth contact high. But you may just score a hidden gem like this 40s pattern for $2.00!

Click to enlarge

What do you think Solanah? Another Monday project? We can be come the weird matching dress posse.
At any rate, I am excited. I hope to get sewing on this someday soon.

Delineator!

My latest acquisition is this lovely 30s pattern.
I picked it up at this insane "vintage" shop in town here. The owner is almost completely off her rocker, but she has some fantastic hidden gems once in a while.
I have practically cleared her out pattern wise. Every time I go in, I ask if I can dig in the back room (where she keeps the patterns) and I buy all that I can afford. This shop is only 5 blocks from my house, so it's so easy to stop by all the time. Even if I have to put up with her total lunacy.
I scored this pattern in my size for $2.00!
Now I just need Solanah to get a Monday off, and we are going to have a sewing party!

Depression Era Dames

I find myself dramatically drawn to the depression era.

The 30s had such a diverse style to it, with in vogue styles changing several times.

I got into vintage the same way most girls did, the rockabilly trend.

I was never much of a rockabilly kid, and jumped straight into 50s vintage attire. From there I moved to late 40s, which does not suit my body type very well, which led me to the 30s.

Oh the 30s, how lovely the dresses, how detailed the patterns are.

Now anyone else remotely into the 1930s will notice, that it is increasingly hard to find 30s garments. If you do happen upon one, you are looking at a small fortune per piece.

I digress, I am a so-so seamstress, and quite un-nerved by un-printed patterns.

Which is why I aimlessly search the interwebz for 1930s-40s MCcall's Patterns. MCcall's was among the very first to market printed patterns, I think starting in the 1920s.

Sadly, when you come across one, it costs nearly as much as dress from the era.

Regardless, they are lovely patterns and I will keep up my hunt for the perfect dress, and other finery by MCcall's.

This  one is pretty cute, and quite reasonably priced.

It can be found here:

At Woodland Farms

for $18.00

Another from woodland farms, in a larger size!

Not my size, but if it fits you the price is quite fair also.

Grab it on This Page 

for $18.00 as well.

Great summer attire, also from Woodland Farms

a bit higher on price, but cute enough to be worth it.

Here it is for $30.00

I couldn't help but love the puff sleeves and cute skirt on this one.

I love giant bow collars too!

Here it is for $28.00

Pre-Historic Patterns

There is a house on my short drive to work, that has been for sale for a few months. Its a big old Craftsman style, and I love it. I really wanted to buy it, until I noticed a "Sale Pending" sign the other morning.
Well yesterday, I am driving along, oogling the house, and I notice a tiny sign in the front yard, "Garage Sale."
I slam on breaks and run inside, and it turns out to be a completely un-advertised Estate Sale. The only thing I saw that I wanted in my quick glance, was a giant box of patterns marked, "$10 for all"
So I took them all, as you can plainly see. Most were from the 40s, 50s and 60s. Above is a picture of the best ones! I am quite happy with my score, and watch ETSY, as I will be listing the ones I can bear to part with soon.


In other ETSY news, I was featured in another treasury!!
I am the skirt in the top left corner:

(Click to enlarge)

I also bought a new Hot Rod magazine (My and My Fella's guilty pleasure!) and it featured tons of 50s hot rod pictures, with 50s swimsuit models! I will be scanning and posting for your viewing pleasure soon!

Make Do.

This came along with one of my lovely 40s blouse patterns.
It could easily be used with most any vintage blouse pattern you have to alter a men's shirt, or a modern women's shirt for that matter. On that note I felt I should share: