I can chalk up my fondness for vintage sewing patterns to two things: an appreciation for the gorgeous illustrations that grace the covers, and my mother's love of sewing.
My mother was so talented at sewing that she could have sewn a car if she wanted. When she was young and working at I. Magnin in San Francisco, she and a friend used to try on clothes in the dressing room in their down time, sketch the designs and then make patterns from the sketches. I can't even wrap my mind around that.
That's a photo of her above. My sewing talent pretty much begins and ends at sewing a straight seam. But these patterns remind me of her and the photos I have of her wearing stylish clothes, many of which she made herself.
This journal's cover is an actual vintage sewing pattern envelope laminated to book board. The cover is lightly waxed, making it durable and waterproof. The inside pages are nice, heavyweight drawing pages and the signatures are wrapped with cardstock that's been pinked at the edges. The book opens flat, making it perfect for writing or drawing or sketching your own fashions.
The book is sewn using a French stitch in waxed linen thread. I love the vintage Bakelite button that forms the closure--the detail on it is amazing.
If you'll be at Glitterfest on Saturday you'll see this book up close and personal, and it can be yours! I'll also be doing a free make and take there from 1:30 to 2:30. The project is a pretty little book that's sewn with vintage-esque seam binding and has a little surprise inside. Hope to see you there!
What a darling book! I love those vintage patterns, too. I wonder if the ones from the 80' that make me shudder now will ever be so attractive to someone?
I am curious, if you don't mind sharing, how did you laminate the patterns to the book board? Were the patterns already waxed, or did you do that yourself and, if so, with what?
Posted by: Amy | 03/09/2012 at 10:03 AM
Hi, Amy! Thanks, glad you like the book! And don't get me started on those '80s patterns...I shudder at them too!
I first glue acid-free ivory color paper to the book board on both sides, making sure the grain is facing the same direction (vertical). Then I glue the pattern to the covered board (both times using PVA glue). I also spray the pattern first with de-acidification spray (found at most art stores).
Since book board is fairly dark, if you glue the pattern directly to it the colors won't be as true. Also, if there are any small tears (some of those patterns are pretty fragile), they won't show if you cover the board first with paper.
The wax I used is Micro Glaze by JudiKins. If you Google it you should find a bunch of places that carry it. It's great stuff!
Hope that helps!
Posted by: Jeannine | 03/09/2012 at 10:16 AM
Thanks so much for the info! I bought some Micro Glaze on ebay and can't wait to try it out.
Posted by: Amy | 03/10/2012 at 12:39 PM
Terrific! Let me know what you think!
Posted by: Jeannine | 03/11/2012 at 06:51 AM