Yesterday I started to plan my upcoming Fall projects by going through my fabric & pattern stashes. It’s always like Christmas to me, because I end up finding fabric I forgot all about purchasing. You know…..those tucked away bags or neatly folded fabrics crying to be cut, sewn and worn. Suddenly, the plan I HAD in my mind way back WHEN comes back to me and I end up getting all excited again. THIS is the reason it’s important to have “stashes”!! They can reignite a dim sewjo. So…..while going through my pattern stash, I found an uncut vintage Simplicity Pattern for a very cool design. The one piece wrapped pants pattern!! I’m sure many of you will remember these or even wore them. I remembered owning this pattern and even remembered purchasing the updated Simplicity version years ago. Here they are. Isn’t it funny to see how styles repeat themselves and become “current” again??
I think what’s particularly interesting is that they’re made by the same company, Simplicity Patterns. The pair of photos on the left are from the front and back pattern covers dated, 1972 while the one’s on the right are dated 2006. I carefully unfolded each pattern guide to compare them and this is what I found.
The vintage version of this pattern was from their “Super Jiffy” pattern collection. This wording designated an “Easy” to make pattern. I’d agree this is an easy pattern considering the fact that there’s only one pattern piece and it’s sized as “One Size”. Simply cut 2 mirror image pieces, sew the crotch seam, add a waistband with tie and hem. That’s it!! Easy Peasy.
The later 2006 version of this wrapped pants pattern is a little more involved. It includes front and back pattern pieces with shaping darts at the back waistline. This pattern is also broken down into graded sizes from 6-14. There’s also a curved hem option whereas the vintage wrapped pants pattern only offers the straight hem. The later 2006 version also offers a shorts version of the wrap pants, a tank top, bikini top and a kimono style jacket.
In the photo on the left, notice the prices. The price went from $.75 cents up to $15.95!! That’s a BIG difference. Granted, the 2006 pattern is way more inclusive with all the different wrapped pants options and the other included garment patterns. I think it says alot about the evolution of patterns also. Pattern instructions seem to be a bit more complicated now than they used to be. I would have encouraged a brand new sewist to try the “Super Jiffy” vintage pattern over the later 2006 pattern. The vintage pattern just seems less intimidating.
I just really found this to be really fascinating and thought it was worth sharing. I know there’s a whole movement in the sewing community now sewing from vintage or retro patterns. I always thought it was for the styles and silhouettes, but now I’m wondering if it also has something to do with the simplicity of the patterns and instructions?? What are your thoughts? Do you collect or enjoy sewing vintage patterns?
