Welcome to the Vintage Pattern Lending Library 1912 Titanic Sewing Project!

Believe it or not, the Revamp of the project happened on the exact day that we were mentioned in THREADS! (pg 76, not that we’re excited or anything!)  If you are looking to become a test sewer or participate in the project, make sure you start HERE!

Ladies Dress #4016 is now available.

The blog is starting to look a bit different!  Stay tuned for a whole new blog.  For the latest news on the project click here! 

With the upcoming 100-year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, there seems no better time to be motivated to tackle one of the Vintage Pattern Lending Library’s archives largest projects.   The scanning and digitizing of the patterns and magazines of La Mode Illustree – once France’s foremost publication of fashion of the era.

We have over 400 Test Sewers that have volunteered to sew patterns that probably haven’t fit living people for 80 years to document what they did and give results. The pattern packages will be downloadable pattern sheets, a translation into English of any construction information, and a graphic of the garment.

Construction and cutting information for these patterns are very vague, usually amounting to only a paragraph or two. These patterns come from a different era without all the luxuries that we have come to rely on.  They may have no instructions and no markings. Any notes or supplementary information about the construction process that you are willing to share would be wonderful.</p.

The patterns are replicated directly from the original pattern sheet without changes – so sizing tends to run fairly small.  3/8-inch seam allowance will be added, and other information to clarify construction.

We will be starting with the April 1912 Issues, which are the ones closest to the Titanic date.  Afterwards, we will be working through the rest of issues in the hopes of completing the full year by the end of 2012.

If you would like to join the 1912 Project – start here.

You can also find us on Facebook.

If you would like to help with the project by donating to cover postage or pattern costs, just click on the button below or contact:

Vintage Pattern Lending Library
869 Aileen Street
Oakland, CA  94608