We have a fresh batch of vintage patterns in our shop courtesy of Susan, a very generous sewist who emailed me to say that she would send me a huge box of menswear patterns from all the way across Canada.  In lieu of payment she asked me to donate the money I would have given her to the Red Cross and their efforts to help those affected by the massive wildfires we had in central British Columbia this summer.  When I received Susan’s email I was very touched by her awareness of the troubles going on in my province and her concern…especially since Matt was away fighting those fires when she asked me to make the donation!

As is often said on sewing blogs and social media…isn’t the sewing community filled with just the most supportive and thoughtful of people?

I have yet to add the rest of the patterns she mailed (it really was a massive box) but I’ve begun to make headway and found the box to be filled with gems.  Here are a few of my favourites (there are loads more in the shop!):

Every time I add a vintage caftan pattern to our shop it heads off almost immediately to a new home.  I wonder if this one will become a linen shirt with subtle embroidery around the yoke?

The technical illustrations for this zippered sweater or jacket show lots of promise.  If it were sewn in a soft shell material rather than fleece (with lots of topstitching and perhaps a reflective zipper) it would create a very modern and high end jacket similar to those designed by Patagonia or Arc’teryx!

I often receive emails requesting a pattern for a workshirt that can be worn atop another layer.  While I haven’t yet designed such a pattern, this McCall’s design could fill the void!  While the workshirt is the main draw for me when examining this pattern, it handily includes a pattern for a vest and trousers to complete the outfit.

I love the idea of a contrast bias band on this tie!  What a great way to mix and match small scraps of silk.  While the fabrics chosen for the sample don’t especially appeal to me, I can imagine a more subtle use of solids to create an ombré effect or perhaps a combination of florals.

This Father & Son pattern would make a great base to use for Christmas pajamas!

I really love this jacket pattern and was tempted to keep it for myself if I could ever find time to sew my dad a jacket from charcoal boiled wool with a brass zipper!  The side entry pockets would be very practical for him and I can imagine finishing off the chest pockets with antique brass snaps.  He would also love that quilted vest…if only my sewing time were limitless!

To see the rest of the vintage menswear patterns (as well as unisex and boys) head on over to the Vintage section of our shop. >