Sourcing Vintage Notions and Patterns
I know I mention Etsy a lot, because I actually really love the site! A few years back Etsy changed their rules, so now people can sell mass produced goods on there…which took a lot of fun out of shopping on there. But I love selling on there occasionally and love supporting other makers there! I have shopped on Etsy a little over 80 times throughout the years, always supporting makers and collectors of all different stripes. Etsy is still a fabulous place to find handmade goods, and it is easy to spot items that have been mass produced vs. handmade.
Vintage Patterns from Etsy
This post is about finding vintage notions and sewing patterns, because doing so is one way to automatically make your sewing hobby more eco friendly. You can find vintage patterns on the cheap being sold from lots of different shops, in all different sizes. I have amassed a small collection of clothing patterns from Etsy sellers. Some are from the Seventies and Eighties, some 90’s. It is so fun to be able to find a pattern where I know the sale is directly benefiting the seller vs. shopping through a big box store. Plus, collecting vintage patterns is so addictive! Being able to create vintage looks straight from a pattern is an incredible experience. I also love finding vintage craft pamphlets and books on the site.
Vintage Buttons from AStoreCalledGalore on Etsy
Buttons, lace and trims are also so fab to buy on Etsy! I swear, I bought one or two stashes of buttons from JoAnn fabrics, but once I discovered vintage buttons on Etsy I was hooked! You can find collections in specific colors, quirky fun buttons from the Sixties and Seventies, etc…and they are typically competitively priced. You can also occasionally find sellers with bundles of scrap material for sale. I bought a random assortment of felt and fabric scraps, bits of lace and trim for like $25 years ago, and I still get into that stash for projects like art quilts, upcycles, etc.
Mystery Box Fabrics from Etsy
Last but certainly not least…the fabric on Etsy is awesome! Some of it is super expensive, so you have to really hunt for a bargain. I have purchased yardage that claimed it was vintage only to find it seemed more like new. But you can also buy up used sheets to back your projects like quilts and table runners, and the Seventies fabrics make me swoon! Look for mystery boxes and people trying to unload some of their stash for the best deals. Or buy precut scrap material in bundles!
I tell you what…I put limits on shopping for sewing and art all the time. I mean, using what I have on hand is so important to me. As far as crafting goes I have tried to have a sustainable hobby for many years. When I first started out I tried lots of random materials just to see what I liked. But once you have been sewing or making art for years you just know what works for you! My latest challenge is to use up what I have first in that sewing room before I buy anything new! I also plan on continuing to support Etsy shops for things like vintage patterns and notions, but it is on my bucket list to have turned all of my scrap material into projects and quilts. When you limit your fabric selection it makes you ever more creative! And using what you have on hand becomes second nature after a while.
Have a browse at vintage notions and patterns on Etsy, and you will be amazed at all the fun collections there. And if you get wind of a good sale or great bargain on vintage sewing stuff, shoot me a message and let me know all about it!
