Entry No. 5: A Parcel of Possibility

Okay, I couldn’t wait to tell you—I just grabbed five vintage reproduction sewing patterns and I am so excited. They’re not originals, but beautifully redone versions from decades past, sourced and digitized by one of my favorite vintage pattern shops. So yes, they’re printed on fresh paper… but the designs? They still carry that old-school magic.

There’s something about vintage patterns that just gets me. The lines, the shaping, the elegance! They’re so much more thoughtful than a lot of modern patterns—and they definitely don’t shy away from a challenge. I’m planning to go through each one slowly, see how they were constructed, and maybe even play around with a toile or two. Whether I end up using them for future designs or just studying them for fun, I know they’ll spark something creative.

I’ll be counting the days until their arrival from the UK. Here’s a small peek at what’s coming to my doorstep:

• 1954 Vintage Vogue Evening & Bridal Dress with Stole

• 1955 Vintage Vogue Petticoat with Elastic Waist

• 1940s Vintage Gloves Pattern

• 1953 Vintage Vogue Dress & Tie-On Skirt

• 1959 Vintage Vogue Bride & Bridesmaid Dress with Petticoat

Andddd I may or may not have added a few extra goodies—like a fabric guide, a booklet on resizing vintage patterns, and another with all sorts of clever tips for tweaking older styles. You know I love a good sewing rabbit hole.

Once they arrive, I’ll definitely show you everything. I won’t be sniffing any old paper this time (they’re brand new prints!), but that doesn’t make them any less dreamy. There’s just something so inspiring about working with silhouettes that have stood the test of time.

I’ll keep you posted, darling. These little pattern packets might just be the beginning of something beautiful.

With love from my atelier to your heart—

Dani Simone, The Dressmaker

P.S. Which one are you dying to see sewn up first? I’m leaning toward that 1954 gown… but I might surprise you.