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Halloween Sewing Season is here!

October is one of the busiest sewing seasons, and Halloween costume sewing is one big reason! If you love to sew your own costumes, then you will find a great selection of vintage and modern costume patterns at Sewing Pattern Heaven! We have sizes from babies to adults. In addition to Halloween theme costumes, we have costumes for historical re-enactments, plays, pagents and Christmas.

As you make your selection, be sure to read the pattern envelope information carefully. Most patterns are comfortable, loose fit but some patterns require special materials such as lycra or other specialty knits for the correct fit and appearance. If you love the classic look of a vintage costume, we have some great selections too. Remember that vintage patterns (those issued before about 1968) also have different sizing, so read the measurements and sizes carefully before you choose a vintage pattern.

In addition to costume patterns, we have seasonal clothing and home dec patterns as well. And if you like to sew for Christmas gifts and home decorations you will find a nice selection of patterns, kits and books too. I am always adding new patterns, so please bookmark this site and visit often and let me know if there are any patterns you are looking for. Thanks and Happy Halloween!

New Fall patterns have arrived!

Fall is now here, and a great time to start sewing your new seasonal wardrobe items. Many of the patterns listed on Sewing Pattern Heaven feature fast and easy details as well as great designer tips and shortcuts to give your garment a professional look. Sewing for kids is also a great way to save money and get a good fit as the child grows. Fabrics such as polar fleece are warm, easy care and easy to sew as well and come in a wide variety of colors, prints and thicknesses. Making zip up jackets from polar fleece for example is not only fashionable but polar fleece does not ravel so does not require special treatment of the cut edges.

We also carry popular vintage patterns, styles that are timeless, classic and always in style. Remember if you choose a vintage pattern, that those issued before 1968 had different sizing than the modern day patterns. You may have to choose a size other than the one you currently use in order to get the right bust, waist and hip sizes. Coming up soon is also Halloween, a big sewing time of year. If you enjoy sewing costumes, please visit our site for patterns for babies, children and adults, as well as for pets and dolls! I am always adding new stock, so please check back often and “like” us on our Sewing Pattern Heaven Facebook page so you will get notifications each time we feature a new pattern to our stock. Thanks!

Warm Weather Sewing fun-Vintage Patterns, Modern and more

For those of you enjoying warm weather now, or plan a trip to the warmer climates, we have some great patterns for everyone! The Vintage Butterick sundress featured in this article is a great example of how patterns from a few decades ago still have modern appeal. If you love to sew for kids, see our children’s pattern section, there are swimsuits for toddlers, baby clothes and so much more.

Remember if you buy vintage, which means patterns produced before about 1967 or 1968, the sizing is previous vintage sizing. Check the pattern envelope back to view the body measurements for each size which can vary from modern sizing.

All of the patterns on this site are originals, not downloaded or photocopied and all are checked for completeness. New invetory is added weekly, so please bookmark this site and visit often. Many of the patterns here are available in more than one size, so let me know if you need a pattern in another size. If it is in stock I will be happy to substitute that size for you.
Thanks!

Vintage Sewing Patterns and Sizing-important details

Cute vintage McCalls wrap around sundress for little girls!
Cute vintage McCalls wrap around sundress for little girls!

Finding old patterns, ones that are often decades old that have not been used can be rare. The reason is that in past decades there were fewer patterns produced and when people purchased patterns, they most often used them. A used pattern is still desirable and can still produce wonderful garments and crafts. The vintage pattern envelopes often can show signs of wear and use such as creases, fading, tears, and writing on the envelope but often the instruction sheets and pattern tissue inside can be in excellent condition. Since patterns are made of paper and subject to handling and use, they often show signs of wear which don’t affect the overall use of the pattern.

Generally for the major pattern companies the patterns produced before 1967 had vintage sizing, meaning that the measurements for a size 12 can have smaller measurements if the pattern was produced before 1967.

In 1967 and 1968 all of the major pattern companies went to “new sizing” and the measurements for each size became larger.  So keep this in mind as you choose your pattern. I include either the back of the pattern envelope especially from vintage patterns, or put the size chart in my listings, to help you quickly check the information and make you aware that is it vintage sizing or modern day sizing. However some of the boutique and cottage industry pattern makers can have their own size and measurement charts which can vary widely and it is  best to be sure that you check to see if that information is listed to ensure that you are getting the pattern that will fit you.

Some of the very old patterns, such as those issued in the early 20th century or during wartime, may not have words or printing on the pattern pieces such as pattern number, size and the cutting lines as the modern ones do. The pattern tissue was often blank and usually had perforated dots punched into the tissue to identify the numbers or names on the pieces. These patterns are just as usable as those that had printing although the tissue and envelopes might be a little more delicate due to its age. It is a good suggestion if you purchase a pattern with blank pieces that have only the piece number or letter punched in that you write the pattern maker, pattern number and other details on the pieces to avoid those pieces becoming lost or misplaced with another similar pattern.

All of the patterns on Sewing Pattern Heaven are original patterns and not photocopies or downloaded to disc. If you buy from other sources and are not sure if the pattern is a photocopy, be sure to ask the buyer because reprinting on a copier can distort the size and pattern pieces causing the pieces to not fit together.  Visit http://www.sewingpatternheaven.com to view a great selection of vintage and modern day patterns. Thank you!

Happy New Year!

Wishing all of you a very happy and healthy new year. As we start the new year, I hope you will find time for the pleasure of sewing and crafting. It is not only fun to sew and craft but it’s good for your health too!

Sewing Pattern Heaven will now continue to offer a large inventory of vintage patterns as well as contemporary ones. All of the patterns and books I sell are originals and not photocopies, downloaded or copied to a CD. Most of the patterns I sell are also uncut and in like new unused condition, out of print, rare or hard to find, so what you will find here is the best quality and value.

Looking for a pattern or have a request? I carry many of the patterns in more than one size and if you have any questions or want to add your request to our request list, just email me and let me know what you are looking for. Always happy to hear from you.

The Holiday Season Has Arrived!

Make fabulous Scandinavian holiday pieces for home and gifts.

The busy holiday season is here but be sure to make time to enjoy sewing and crafting wonderful items for yourself, your home and gifts. I always enjoy unpacking my Christmas decorations and see pieces that I made in past years.

Sewing Pattern Heaven has many wonderful patterns, books and kits. Plus I have more items in my Etsy store (http://www.etsy.com/shop/colojd?ref=seller_info) and many more of Vogue, Simplicity, McCall’s, Kwik Sew and Butterick in my inventory, so don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any requests or questions.

I look forward to serving you soon and Happy Holidays!
Joyce

Spring has arrived

Gunne Sax designer dresses
Perfect for weddings or prom!

Spring is now here, time to start a new wardrobe that is easy to sew and easy to wear.

This season also begins sewing for prom, wedding, First Communion and more. The patterns on our site is just a fraction of the vintage sewing patterns and modern patterns we have in stock. Contact me if you are looking for any pattern and we will be happy to check our inventory.

Vogue designer patterns are among the patterns we feature. The cost of these special patterns keeps rising but we will continue to offer them at affordable prices and shipping.

Please browse our site and contact me with any questions or comments. We hope to serve you soon. Remember that we ship to all of Canada, the US and Australia and most of Europe.

March brings spring sewing

Anne Klein Summer Suit
This year already seems to be zooming by. For many, March seems to be coming in like a Lion – severe weather of all variety seems to be affecting many of us. We all look forward to the cheerful arrival of spring and an opportunity to sew another season of wonderful clothing and accessories.

Colors are brighter, fabric texture is lighter and the fit is easier and cooler. The Anne Klein Vogue sewing pattern shown here is a great example of a fashionable summer suit in bright citrus colors, ready for work and casual wear.

As you begin a new season of sewing, take a moment to check your closet. What garments are always your “go to” clothes? Which ones make you feel good when you wear them and which ones just no longer have an appeal to you.

It is a great time to do some spring cleaning of your pattern and fabric stash. Treat yourself to some patterns with a fresh look. I invite you to browse my store for some great selections. This store is just a fraction of my extensive pattern inventory, so please if you are looking for any pattern, contact me. I enjoy hearing from you and always am very happy to be a “matchmaker” to help you find that pattern you have been seeking for so long, or just one that fits your style perfectly. Thanks and Happy Spring.

Winter Coats, Jackets, Polar Fleece – Dress like a star!

Gorgeous Coat by Oscar de la RentaCute Hooded Cape, Capelets and Hats for Little Girls

For many of us in northern hemisphere, it seems that winter is hanging in there! As I write this, we just had another unexpected snowstorm. As the winter continues, we also want to keep not only warm and cozy, but also dress fashionably.

Sewing Pattern Heaven provides a great selection of not only vintage sewing patterns, but great modern day patterns by all of the top pattern makers. You can find high fashion Vogue designer patterns by the top designers in the world. By sewing your own couture garments, you can dress like a Hollywood star on a budget!

Our prices and shipping are reasonable and we provide quick shipping! Don’t miss getting some of the best patterns out there to enjoy while the weather is still cool!