These comments were originally posted on the welcome page. WordPress.com doesn’t allow comments to be moved from one post to another. However, they can be copied and reposted under the moderator’s name. Rather than doing that, I am collecting the comments pertaining to blogging and other technical stuff to this post.
- Too many blog accounts to follow. Can’t they be simplified to one address? Spending all the time on blogging and not on sewing. Don’t people have other things to do? Carl Jean
Posted by Carol Jean Locke | January 29, 2012, 10:49 pm | edit
Everyone – I think that THIS blog has been set up to be the place to comment on your specific pattern and link to your own blog post about it in the comments of the page of this blog about your pattern.
For example, say I receive the pattern for “Ladies Jacket (# 0169)” then blog about it on my blog. Then I come here to this blog and comment on the post for that pattern and include a direct link to my specific blog post on my blog about it.
That helps everyone without having to keep up with a million other people’s individual blogs. =)
(I’m in group 4.)
Posted by Brooke | January 30, 2012, 11:18 pm | edit
You are right; this is the one place where everything should be! We ABSOLUTELY expect everyone to post their updates here with linkbacks to other blog posts if you are using your own blog. (So Janyce & I don’t have to visit a zillion blogs to keep track of everyone) But you are also free to do all you posting here whether you have your own blog or not.
Posted by vpll1912projecttech | January 31, 2012, 12:13 am | edit
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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!) So I’ve been a little busy! If you’ve requested to join the project, I probably have your request and just haven’t gotten to it yet. (4/18/12) I plan on having all patterns out and all people entered by 4/20/12. If you don’t hear by 4/22, you can bug me again.
For the latest news on the project click here! The project has been COMPLETELY REVAMPED! And the Job Descriptions for Instruction Editor and Blog Editor have been posted! Download Pattern Requests take 3-5 days. (Updated 4/16/2012).
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 – email vpll.1912@gmail.com
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
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63 Responses to “Home”
I am looking forward to this 2012 year and now even more so with the Titanic 1912 Sewing Project. I am up to the chanallenge for it will educate me in vintage clothe works. The best part is meeting other needle and thread enthusiest like myself and opening up to future friends for years to come…thanks to Janyce Hill!
Posted by ask4cjsewfine | January 21, 2012, 12:29 am | edit
I also am looking forward to the adventure… and with greatest appreciation and thanks to Janyce Hill for the courage to set this goal for herself and her generousity in sharing it with everyone. I shall try my best to meet the challenge…. Bonnie M from Burnaby BC Canada
Posted by Bonnie M | January 21, 2012, 5:46 pm | edit
This going to be fun. I have enjoyed all the messages recieved on Facebook and am looking forward to starting my project. It has been said you can eat an elephant but only one bite at a time, hopefuly this project is like that.
Posted by Pam Wilson | January 23, 2012, 2:01 am | edit
Me too, me too!!
I check the mail box every day! Trying to wait patiently for the first pattern to test.Posted by Rebecca Kelley | January 24, 2012, 2:32 pm | edit
I can’t wait to see what I’ll be sewing either!
Btw, everyone, if you comment when you are signed in, your name (and avatar if you set it up) link back to your blog. =)
Posted by Brooke | January 25, 2012, 3:05 pm | edit
Just TOO many blogs to read!!!This is going to be a fantastic project, and an exciting year ahead. I already have many vintage and antique things to help make the gowns!! Ooohhh, how wonderful!!
Posted by Joy | January 28, 2012, 7:26 am | edit
I can’t decide which part will be the most rewarding, sewing new patterns, learning more about this historical period, meeting and making new connections or learning new things. Group efforts are so rewarding. I haven’t decided to set up a blog as of now. I’ll just post comments/pics and see where it goes.
Thank you so much Janyce Hill, Patternmaker Software, all support staff and to all of you!
Posted by garmentconstrux | January 28, 2012, 3:51 pm | edit
Too many blog accounts to follow. Can’t they be simplified to one address? Spending all the time on blogging and not on sewing. Don’t people have other things to do? Carl Jean
Posted by Carol Jean Locke | January 29, 2012, 10:49 pm | edit
Everyone – I think that THIS blog has been set up to be the place to comment on your specific pattern and link to your own blog post about it in the comments of the page of this blog about your pattern.
For example, say I receive the pattern for “Ladies Jacket (# 0169)” then blog about it on my blog. Then I come here to this blog and comment on the post for that pattern and include a direct link to my specific blog post on my blog about it.
That helps everyone without having to keep up with a million other people’s individual blogs. =)
(I’m in group 4.)
Posted by Brooke | January 30, 2012, 11:18 pm | edit
You are right; this is the one place where everything should be! We ABSOLUTELY expect everyone to post their updates here with linkbacks to other blog posts if you are using your own blog. (So Janyce & I don’t have to visit a zillion blogs to keep track of everyone) But you are also free to do all you posting here whether you have your own blog or not.
Posted by vpll1912projecttech | January 31, 2012, 12:13 am | edit
Now that makes sense to me!
My first “update”: I got my pattern today–a lovely skirt with a 25″ waist. Mine is 35″ so I’m afraid in adding enough to wear it I would destroy the design. So guess I will just make a muslin, and ask for my next pattern online so I can play with the size on Patternmaker.Posted by Karyl Carlson | January 31, 2012, 1:24 am | edit
If you’re still interested in test sewers, I would be happy to volunteer. I’m used to working with vintage patterns that are unmarked and vague at best on the instructions/descriptions.
Posted by Cisa Barry | January 31, 2012, 7:07 pm | edit
and we’re off! First VPLL 1912 project pattern!
Robin must be psychic! She recently asked me why so many of the project volunteers were buying fabric since we didn’t know what kind of pattern we would get. What if we got a blouse? Well, Robin, the answer is……wait for it……we got a blouse! A really pretty blouse.
We will be double blogging at http://idlehandsthems-fitsworkshop.blogspot.com/
Posted by lisaandrobin | January 31, 2012, 8:01 pm | edit
Well, after sleeping on it I decided to reduce the pattern (skirt #169) to 1/4 scale for my mini dress form. I did it the old-fashioned way on graph paper. It was easy–nice straight lines for the most part. I used Kim’s method of drawing on the seam lines rather than on the seam allowances which is how I usually do doll clothes anyway. I found the “top-stitched” method recommended in the instruction sheet quite easy and it gives a nice finished look. I think it will actually fit a waist quite a bit bigger than 25″ human scale, as it is a good inch too big for my 7″ dress form.
It occurred to me while sewing that made up in Navy blue and paired with a “Middy” blouse it would make an adorable outfit for “a day at the shore”.Posted by Karyl Carlson | February 1, 2012, 1:18 am | edit
Can you post a picture? I’d love to see it.
Posted by Lisa | February 1, 2012, 1:41 am | edit
I am in group 18 but I have no blog yet guess I will have to work on that. Any other group 18′s out there?
Posted by Vicki Good | February 1, 2012, 8:57 pm | edit
Vicki, alot of people aren’t establishing their own blogs, but are going to post on this blog! Feel free to join them!
Posted by vpll1912projecttech | February 1, 2012, 9:27 pm | edit
I really WISH I had heard about this before, as I would have loved to have the chance to be involved in something like this!! I’m going to send luck to all you lucky gals (and guys?!) instead, and watch with baited breath to see the results as I hand draft and adapt a lot of vintage/historical patterns, as you say, from not very many instructions, and the results can be somewhat interesting!! Good luck from the UK!! xxx
Posted by midnightlaura | February 2, 2012, 7:39 am | edit
I have just received my pattern and rushed over to send in my $10.00 donation for printing and mailing. Thanks Janyce
Posted by Frr Mallory | February 3, 2012, 4:20 am | edit
A post on measuring the skirt pattern pieces. Yup, the waist is bigger than 25″! (see pix)
http://domesticnews.wordpress.com/ladies-skirt-0612-3-feb/Posted by domesticnews | February 4, 2012, 12:19 am | edit
I am a bit confused. I rec’d an email saying I am in group 5 and confirming download patterns but haven’t gotten anything else. Have patterns gone out to everyone or have I missed something?
Posted by Melani | February 4, 2012, 11:33 pm | edit
Hi I am MaryAnn also in group 5 and have not received anything yet
Posted by MaryAnn Hoover | February 5, 2012, 2:09 am | edit
I don’t think you’ve missed anything. I think just the first 2 or 3 groups have started. I’m in Group 4 (possibly 3 – there was a little email confusion with our contact list title) and we are still waiting on patterns as well. I’m sure Janyce is still getting patterns together for lots of groups and sending them out in stages. =)
Posted by Brooke | February 5, 2012, 3:18 am | edit
Thank you both.
Posted by Melani | February 5, 2012, 3:34 am | edit
I find the passion and energy put forth by your members inspiring. If you wish please see my post on this site.
King Rolf
Posted by Carl Waddington | February 6, 2012, 11:35 pm | edit
I see some of you have already received patterns. How exciting. I’m looking forward to seeing what I get. I’m planning to make them my size if I possibly can. Hope I can find fabric locally, but I may have to purchase on line. Except for quilting shops, we only have a JoAnn fabrics. Anyone else planning to make a muslin first?
Posted by Miira Allen | February 7, 2012, 6:13 am | edit
I always make a muslin first then I work with that as the pattern. You should try fabric.com
Posted by Brooke Paxton | February 9, 2012, 7:20 pm | edit
I am looking forward to receiving patterns (group 5) and communicating with everyone about the techniques and methods used… HAPPY STICHING
Posted by shelly | February 7, 2012, 6:27 am | edit
We are over 230+ members, looking forward to everyone’s versions.
I’m blogging about it on adonising.blogspot.com, starting with the corset.Posted by L | February 8, 2012, 12:38 am | edit
How many groups are there in total? I live in Washington, DC and I’m group 15. I have not received a pattern yet, but I’m drooling over the challenge pattern. Does anyone know where I can download it?
I’ve been sewing for 15 years and I’m always looking for people who sew in my area. If you are in the DC area and are in group 15 e-mail me at Laurelledesigns@yahoo.com
Brooke
Posted by Brooke Paxton | February 9, 2012, 7:18 pm | edit
I think there are at least 30 groups.
You need to reply back to Janyce’s email about the “Feb Challenge Pattern” to get the pattern emailed to you. I started my mock-up (costumer’s term for a muslin) of it today.
Btw, I like your name – it’s a good name. =)
Posted by Brooke | February 9, 2012, 10:01 pm | edit
I heard from Janyce today and I am so excited. I had tried a few times to get my blog going and am excited I finally have something that will energize me to blog! I just love the fashions from the Titanic era and am very excited to jump right in to make work on these.
Doing this project looks to be very fun and challenging.
I can’t wait to hear what group I will be in. The above comments have really helped me understand what I need to do to keep everyone posted on my comments.
You can follow me here…http://tlcdesigns4u-teri.blogspot.com/
Thanks for sponsoring this project! Teri
Posted by Teri Halbert | February 10, 2012, 3:33 am | edit
I’d like to hear if any other Australian/New Zealand participants are having problems with the way the pattern prints out? I’m using a Canon printer (new 2 months ago) but when printing out the pattern there are some serious problems with lining up the pages so that the pattern lines meet – in some areas – ie armhole area I had to spread the 4 printed pages apart approx 3/8ths of an inch in order to work out where the lines should be meeting !!!
I’m printing the pages with the printer setup so the blank paper feeds in from the top/back of the printer – not coming out of the paper tray under the printer body.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated so that I can finally get onto the cutting out and sewing!Cheers Ainslie.
Posted by Ainslie | February 14, 2012, 4:29 am | edit
I had a bit of trouble with that same area of the pattern.
Print only the pages from the arm hole area using “scale = fit to printable”. You won’t loose any lines, but you will have white space to remove. This will show you how the pattern lines line up, but will not be full sized pattern pieces.
see what I did here:
http://rebeccakelleysews.blogspot.com/2012/02/princess-slip-1912-pattern.html
Hope this helps you.Posted by Rebecca Kelley | February 14, 2012, 12:01 pm | edit
sorry for leaving this reply here – I tried to get to the site you referred to but had an error message –
I understand your method – it would certainly help and I’ll follow up on that. Meanwhile Janyce is helping me to sort out the problem. It seems to be something to do with the A4 paper size here in OZ is not the same as the A4 size elsewhere – and the slight difference between A4 (a) and A4 (b)is where I have problems.
ie when I print out the 6 inch square mine measures 6 inches AND 1/8th inch in both directions – instead of 6.0 inches in both directions.
Cheers
Ainslie.
- Posted by Ainslie | February 14, 2012, 12:11 pm | edit
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for your suggestion. I’ll try that idea tomorrow. (its 11pm Tuesday)
Cheers
Ainslie.Posted by Ainslie | February 14, 2012, 12:34 pm | edit
I received the email slip pattern to download and print. My printer must be off a little since my test square was 5 15/16, so it was 1/16″ short on each side. I do not know how to adjust printer to accommodate. I think I will take it to FedEx/Kinkos. Hopefully they will be able to print to scale. I may try one more time.
I would like to make it a larger size so it fits someone in today’s size range, so I am waiting for the pattern sizing software person to send me the pattern in the correct format to re-size it.
I plan to use a fine batiste for the fabric and 90% cotton 10% Poly French Lace from Martha Pullen. I have a lovely Victorian beading for the ribbon. I can’t wait to get started cutting and sewing.
This is my first ever blog, so I don’t expect much from me in this area unless I get some help from my niece setting one up!
Cher
Posted by Cheryl Pollock | February 17, 2012, 9:16 pm | edit
Cheryl, to get your printer to work right, go into your print settings and check if you have it printing to fit the pager or to actual size. I also had to tell my printer to print borderless so more of the printing at the edges would show.
Posted by loeloebelle | February 20, 2012, 4:22 am | edit
I really don’t know how to use blogs and I am still trying to find some time. I have just moved hose and find I have waaaaaay tooooo muuuuuuch stuff. And of course I couldn’t find the linen in my stash that I wanted to use so I am using a dark brown linen instead. I haven’t made it to the art gallery yet to check out any 1912 clothes they may have for appropriate colours but as I am not going for the truly authentic look, I guess it doesn’t matter. I am hoping to have some time free next fortnight as I have been called up for jury duty and have organised a week off work, so as long as I don’t get some nasty long trial I should have some time in the city. I have cut out the pattern and the material for the skirt and it looks pretty straight-forward. I may be able to finish hand sewing in at the courts.
Jenny in Melbourne
Posted by notdrowningwaving | February 29, 2012, 12:39 pm | edit
