Got a Box Full of Patterns

4/6/2011

A recent and unexpected encounter with the friend of a friend left me with a wonderful gift and the inspiration for a new project.

I am the happy recipient of a beat up box full of sewing patterns ranging from the 1940s through the 1970s. Even more intriguing is that they belonged to one woman who I shall not-so-fictitiously refer to as Viola. Essentially, the box contains the story of Viola's life in sewing patterns.

I have been drafting a plan for Viola in my head which involves putting together the chronology of her life and creating garments from these patterns. I can't wait to share my findings.

A very special thank you goes out to Kristy for this little adventure.

Kirsten

4/6/2011 10:37:36 am

This is extremely exciting. I cannot wait to get to know Violet.

Gina link

4/15/2011 01:45:59 am

Hi,

I'm Kristy's friend that passed the patterns on. Viola was my mother-in-law's mother. She grew up here in Portland and was an extremely crafty lady. When she passed away her family invited me over to pick up a few things after the immediate family had taken what they wanted. The whole house was filled to the scuppers with crafty items, sewing patterns, etc. Those patterns were just the very tip of the iceberg. If you have any questions about the 'real' Viola, I'm sure that her daughter, Mickey, would love to chat with you about her. She's also an amazing seamstress and craftsperson.
I'd love to follow your story, even if it remains fictitious. Have a great time! Oh, and I have a few other things like boxes of 1930's embroidery patterns if you'd like to check them out.

Mickey

4/21/2011 01:56:35 am

Hello. I'm Viola's daughter and just want you to know how pleased my mother would be to know that her beloved patterns have found a good home. As you can see when going through the box, my mother kept every pattern she ever made. I also have a box full of embroidery/knitting/crochet/tatting/etc.patterns that is a collection from my mother and grandmother. I'd be happy to chat with you about my mother if you are interested.

Comments are closed.

About

Liz Cowin lives and loves Portland, OR. She is a sucker for kittens, pretty dresses, black & white movies, and pain au chocolat. Dress of the Month Club is creative outlet and experiment in selfish dressmaking (among other things).

RSS Feed

Got a Box Full of Patterns

About

Archives