Raiding my grandmothers patterns

A few weeks ago my mum found me browsing vintage patterns online (oh those full skirts and waspish waists!) and suggested that we go take a look at my grandmothers old patterns as she had distinct memories of seeing all the sorts of patterns I was looking at. So off we went...

We pulled out a large box and a big bag, full of patterns, however....it appears that a whole heap have been lost (sob), apparently at one point they had a lot of things in storage and a lot of it got water damaged. My grandmother then told me about some of the patterns she had had, and they sounded beautiful. One in particular, a ball gown with criss-crossed fabric across the body leading to a full skirt, which in my head I can just imagine in a beautiful pale sea green. Despite this there was the odd treasure, especially two original patterns from the 1920's, these would look terrible on me so I left them there but it was still interesting to see. Most of the patterns that survived were from the 70's and 80's, which was a bit of a laugh, and it was interesting to see how my mother and aunt dressed when they were young (they are also sewers and when younger made a lot of their own clothes as well). I did however get my hands on these three patterns, and a really good sewing book that covers everything from drafting a pattern, to how to iron as you sew, to all the different sleeves, collars and darts. Really, really informative and hopefully will help me in my sewing.

So now, as these patterns are only on loan I have to learn how to trace and re-size patterns, that will be a steep learning curve, but I am looking forward to the challenge!

By the way, if you are looking for specific vintage patterns this website can be a good starting point:

http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page

Musings on creativity in craft

So, my journey to re-enter the world of craft has led to a dress and a hat (posts and photos to follow) but has also got me thinking about the creativity of craft. I come from an art background and remember discussions at university about art vs. craft. The basic premise that people seemed to have in their heads is that art is creative and craft is not. However, the resurgence in the craft world that has so inspired me is inherently creative. I don't think anyone can argue that creating an embroidery, or dress or cake, from scratch, without a pattern etc is creative. But, where does that leave me? I have always created from patterns, wether sewing, knitting, crocheting and always considered my art and photography to be the creative element. But, my mind is slowly changing. I have not crafted for a long time, at least five years, but I have found the creating process, even using a pattern, to be so creative. Making decisions about fabric, colour, embellishments, sleeves, hem and so on has been incredibly rewarding, my hat is my own, my dress is exactly what I envisioned. I have not felt so fulfilled in a long time. My photography is no longer my only creative pursuit. In saying this though, I do want to get to a point where my knowledge is such that I no longer need to follow a pattern, that I can turn the ideas in my head into reality, I just need to hone my skills first. But in the meantime, making, even if following a design or pattern is making me very very happy.