Friday, April 15, 2011

Treasure

Davis and I went to see our friend at the barn sale last weekend.  We scrounged around a bit, and found some sturdy old tools and an awesome old galvanized steel washtub.  I asked the owner if he ever comes across sewing patterns, and he told me that he does from time to time, but that his sister (who quilts and sews) usually snatches them up.  He said he'd call me next time he found any.

We looked for a little while longer, and I happened to spy a dusty brown shoe box sitting on one of the tool shelves that was tied up with a brittle strip of cloth.  This was intriguing--I walked over and untied it, eager to see what was inside.  The box was filled with rolls of antique newspaper, tied up with antique strips of cloth similar to the one that tied the box shut.  The cloth ties were all different prints -- much older than feedsack.  The newspaper clippings, I noticed at first glance, looked to be from the early twentieth century.  I didn't need to know anything else--I bought the box for something like $3, excited as can be.  Old newspapers are so fascinating.

Once we loaded up our booty and got in the car to leave, I opened up my treasure box and untied one of the newspaper bundles.  What was this?  The first piece I unrolled was cut into the shape of...a sewing pattern piece!  A collar or facing, to be exact.  Oh my goodness -- this was a box full of patterns! You can imagine my joy. :D

Below are some pictures of one of the best finds I have ever found.  Enjoy!



This is the only bundle that dates back to the '40's.  Check out this girl's playing card bathing suit!





More to come soon about wedding/house! :D
~Bessie

11 comments:

andreak said...

Well that is just cool! Hope the house is coming along.

Unknown said...

Wow, what a great find!
Ashley x

Eileen said...

Wow, what a find! I came over from Sew Retro, and I'll definitely be stopping back to see what comes of them.

Tilia said...

So exciting! Are you thinking of trying some of the patterns out?

Tilia of Linden blossoms in my tea

sorbetsurprise said...

That is amazing! Do you think the fabric tying up each bundle is a sample of what the clever lady used for each outfit? That was my first thought.

Cinquefoil said...

Also followed you here from Sew Retro, and goodness what a find indeed! Couldn't wait to see if you're going to make something out of those patterns. Will be dropping by to see more. :)

Piia

Lizzy said...

wow!!!! what a great surprise!! the pattern you show in the picture looks like a girl dress right?
You should sew one or some the pattern, that would be nice then show us the finished pieces.

Tasha said...

what an awesome find!!

Bessie M. said...

Thanks for all the comments! :D I am definitely planning on copying the patterns and trying them out. So exciting! :D Most of them seem to be mens shirts and little girls dresses. I'll definitely post updates. :) ~Bessie

Evie said...

WOW could this be the best find ever!! what treasure!!

Sarah Griffith said...

what a fabulous find, it'll be amazing to see what the patterns are for.