Monday, December 30, 2013

Hidden Treasure

Do you ever wonder what becomes of the treasures that a seamstress leaves behind?  Fortunately, quite a few people seem to rescue gorgeous vintage patterns, fabric, buttons, and notions from the trash bin these days.  But I suspect that a good deal of the irreplaceable ends up in the landfill because someone does not know its intrinsic worth.


When I came across this Etsy listing on Pinterest, I was fascinated.  I wonder, was this a gift, or purchased with a specific event in mind?  Why was the garment never completed?  Perhaps the owner could not decide between the two designs?  (I know which I would choose!)  


There are no buttons included, but other than that, this seems to be a complete kit.  I suspect, however, that the patterns were purchased separately.  Three yards of fabric would seem to be cutting it close, especially for the Paquin dress and jacket combination.  And if the patterns were not part of the initial purchase, who decided to put them together?


How exciting would it be to open a box tucked away for decades only to find such riches?!

13 comments:

  1. How wonderful! I have several friends who know I sew and collect vintage items. This means I have been gifted some wonderful treasures! This is gorgeous.

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  2. oh wow! thats a wonderful package and a great idea!
    Happy new Year

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  3. What a lovely box! Though it was meant to be put together, I would hesitate to actually realize this project, I think this as a convolute is much more special than a Vogue-Pattern realized in Vintage-Fabric. I own some old haberdashery stuff, some still wrapped and with price tags. Most of them I do not intend to use, simply because they managed to survive in this store-bought condition for so long and I love to have them with me.
    Happy new Year, ette

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  4. I'm pretty sure you feel a moral duty to make this now! I would.

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  5. I am so tempted to buy this, you have no idea! I've been looking at making a vintage style suit this coming winter...in purple wool.... Is that meant to be or what!!!

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  6. Reminds me of the wooden spools of thread and other vintage notions that I have inherited as the fourth generation of sewists. Some still useable some like my great grandmother's darning eggs are saved for their nostalgia value.

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  7. Yes, what a find! All nicely packaged and ready to sew. The purple is a lovely color also.

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  8. You are capable of doing the pattern and fabric justice - would love to see that as a future project completed by you! Best wishes for a productive and joyous New Year!

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  9. So intriguing and the sales slips just add to the wonder of it all!

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  10. What a fabulous find! Oh, you must make the Paquin - it looks so elegant and stylish!

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  11. Yes, very much so. I have those kinds of thoughts not only about patterns, but about vintage items (clothing very much included) as a whole. It's almost shudder inducing to think about how many amazing, still very functional items and garments must have made their way into the landfill over the years. I counter these thoughts though by reflecting on how great it is that there are folks like us out there who through our love of the past, do our own part to ensure at least some of these pieces will live on for many, many more years to come.

    ♥ Jessica

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  12. I saw this wonderful listing too and wished it was cheaper as it is such a wonderful treasure. Wouldn't it be interesting to have all the vintage materials at your finger tips that a lady of the past had selected to make a wonderful garment? I love this set.

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  13. What a wonderful find!

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