Vintage Patterns: The New Retro
August 19, 2009 | By
What makes a vintage design truly timeless? Is it the intricate stitch patterns used to challenge the bored homemaker? The fineness of the yarns recommended for the project? The flattering fit of the finished garment? These qualities in vintage patterns both appeal to our modern sensibilities and make them enjoyable for generations to come.
Granted, some vintage fashions are obviously outdated, like the bulky bat-winged sweaters, but other patterns are nothing short of stunning. In a time when retro is the new black, many vintage dress patterns, bag patterns, and even sweater patterns look like they could have come fresh off the runway today. Times may change, but people stay the same, and what appealed to people 50 years ago can still be just as appealing today.
Working with Vintage Patterns
If you are lucky enough to find a vintage pattern (take a look around—they are all over Ebay and Etsy—do not hesitate to try it. You will be surprised at the universal appeal of a design that was loved just as much many years ago as it is today. Moreover, the feeling that you are creating a piece exactly the same way, and with the same excitement, that your grandmother would have, can be quite exhilarating.
Be forewarned, however. Terminology has changed somewhat over the last few decades, so reading a vintage pattern for the first time may feel like reading a foreign language. Additionally, sizes were very different before the 90s than they are today, so a modern size 6 would probably be close to a vintage size 12.
Don't let the differences discourage you, however. Here are some helpful resources for working with vintage patterns:
Vintage Crochet Hook Size Chart
A Field Guide to Yarn Substitutions
Antique and Vintage Basic Crochet Terms
Terms Used in Vintage Knitting Patterns
Vintage Clothing Fit Guide
Make a Vintage Design Modern
If all that sounds like too much work, you can still get the same satisfaction of working with vintage styles by taking a finished vintage piece and making it modern. A vintage knitted sweater would look very chic with a wide belt around it, and a couple of vintage crocheted doilies could make a charming purse.
By using a vintage design as a starting point, you can be confident you are designing a piece that will be treasured for generations.
Further Reading:
Vintage Baby Knits: A Crafty Book Review
Knitting Q & A with Author Kristen Rengren
Mad Men Fashion
Chanel Fashion: Just Add Pearls
Glamorous Costumes: Project Runway Takes Inspiration from the Movies
Paper Dresses: Project Runway Flashes Back to the 60’s
Flatter Your Figure: Shopping Tips from Project Runway
Project Runway: Tips for Working in Teams
Project Runway’s Shirin Askari Talks to Handmade News
Project Runway: Lessons for DIY Design
Project Runway Struts onto Handmade News!
Photos courtesy of S. Vaka and bigyellowtaxivintage.
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S. Vaka has a love for all things creative and feline, and the only thing keeping her from becoming a crazy cat lady is her encouraging and indulgent husband. You can follow their adventures at CrochetKitten.com.
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