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About WH Patterns
Welcome!
My name is Lauren, and Wearing History is a one-woman run indie enterprise that strives to make fashion of the past available to sewing enthusiasts of today.
I have a passion for historic fashion, and love to share this with my friends and customers. I have a degree in fashion design and have studied costume design on an acedemic level. I currently am employed at a well known theatre's costume shop. I love to combine the knowledge I've accumilated with my passions in order to make the best quality pattern I can, in a variety of styles that are hard to find elsewhere.
Here's a little more about the patterns offered on my website:
Wearing History Patterns vs. Original Period Patterns
- Use without worry- When using a Wearing History pattern you do not have to be afraid of harming a delicate original vintage pattern and they cost a fraction of the price of purchasing an original rare vintage pattern.
- Easier to understand and clearly labeled pieces- Even though some Wearing History patterns are often called "reproductions", this is not the case. A "reproduction" should be an exact copy of original period source material. Because the home sewing industry and sewing knowledge in general have changed so drastically over the years, I work hard to make these patterns more understandable for today's sewist. Historical home sewing patterns most often precut from tissue paper with holes (called dot perforations) for markings, not printing like modern patterns. in many cases with pre-1920s patterns, home sewers enlarged patterns from a diagram or transferred overlapping dotted outlines of pattern shapes from books and magazines to create single size patterns without any markings as we now know them, and without seam or hem allowances. By contrast, Wearing History Patterns are printed on hearty bond paper, and include seam and hem allowances. No guess work as to what dots mean, or handling of delicate tissue!
- Most patterns are multi-sized- Oriignal historcal patterns were available with only one size pattern per packet. Wearing History patterns are most often multi-sized, with three sizes per packet, and most styles have a variety of sizes available. This makes a world of difference if you're between sizes, as you can trace from one size line to another with little difficulty.
- Patterns are Durable- Wearing History patterns are printed on nice hearty bond paper that you can use and reuse without worry. No worry about tearing the old tissue or worry about ruining a historic original!
- Durable Packaging- Wearing History Patterns are packaged in a clear, resealable plastic bag that you can use and re-use. You can even include a fabric swatch and design inspiration pictures if you wish. They are easy to store and waterproof! No fiddling trying to get fussy tissue back into a tiny, delicate sleeve.
About Pattern Fit & Ease
Most patterns are based on a vintage block or historical original or in order to retain the historic look of the garment (for more information about vintage block vs modern block, please see the F.A.Q. page). Some patterns are based on our modern block and altered to a period shape, but retain period fit and styling.
- Very little ease is included in comparison to modern standards, and most run true to size or a little small- so if you would like more ease you should purchase a size larger.
- Armholes and sleeves fit higher than tighter than modern standards, so you may need to alter your sleeves and armscyes if you prefer a more modern fit with more ease.
- Meant to be worn with period foundations- Patterns from the are meant to be worn and fitted over period foundation garments or corsetry. For example, a 1950s pattern might look best and require the least alterations if worn with a period waist cincher and bra shape. A Victorian or Edwardian garment will be sized to fit over a corset. If you desire to wear a garment without period foundations, more alterations may be required.
- Seam allowance & fit can vary from pattern to pattern, especially with "Resto-Vival" patterns, so be sure to read all instructions carefully before use.
- Make a muslin mock up to check fit and construction before cutting into your fashion fabric. Every body is different, even if measurements are similar, and making a mock up of inexpensive fabric is the only surefire way to make sure your garment will fit your unique figure and have the ease you want. Don't make a garment out of your final fabric without testing and expect it to be perfect- it's just not feasible. It's kind of like going shopping at the mall- you don't expect every item on a hanger to fit you perfectly and it requires some trying on. Not all sizes run the same between all the stores and brands. The same is true of sewing patterns, so make your mock up!
"Signature Styles" vs "Resto-Vival"
Wearing History offers both new patterns and patterns that are often called "reproductions", which we call "Resto-Vivals".
"Signature Styles"
New patterns based on original period sources or brand new designs with new step-by-step illustrated instructions, improved fit, and new cutting layouts and yardage requirements for modern fabric widths. These patterns can either be based on period originals with changes that improve the original pattern fit and instructions, or a unique draft to Wearing History that has been drafted by me personally and heavily researched to be period correct. These patterns also include instructions that are hand drawn or digitally drawn and composed by me personally.
"Resto-Vival™ Patterns"
Recreations based on original historic patterns that have been restored and revived. Original patterns are usually available only in single sizes, precut from tissue paper and totally unprinted, with details like grainlines and darts indicated only by small perforations. Resto-Vival™ patterns are printed on sturdy bond paper instead of tissue and clearly marked with drawn and labeled markings. These markings aid the modern sewer in understanding the markings of the original pattern and the construction of the garment. Resto-Vival™ patterns follow the period shapes of the original patterns, maintaining the historical accuracy of the completed garment. Original period instructions are included. These instructions vary from pattern to pattern, and may be text only (unless otherwise noted) or include illustrations. Instructions are fairly minimal, especially compared to instructions for modern patterns. At least an intermediate knowledge of dressmaking and a good familiarity with pattern construction is suggested. You may choose to have a modern or period sewing book handy to help with basic construction methods that the pattern instructions do not cover in detail. As a rule of thumb, the earlier the pattern in date, the more difficult the construction and minimal the instructions. Because of this, patterns from the early 1930s and before may be best suited for upper intermediate to advanced seamstresses, or someone brave enough to tackle the project and expect a little trial and error and several mock ups.
Please read each individual item description carefully before purchase, as patterns can vary depending on the needs of the original source material to make it more comprehensive to today's sewers.
Pattern Guide
The following is a guide to Wearing History patterns, to simplify for you which are newer releases and which are closer to original source materials, as described above.
Signature Styles Patterns
1003- Palisades Wrap Dress
1005- 1910s Blouse and Guimpe
1006- "Rita" Pleated 1930's-1940's Shorts
4001- 1940's Sailor Girl Seperates
"Resto-Vival" Patterns with Updated Cutting Charts
3018- 1930's Jumper Dress and Blouse
"Resto-Vival" Patterns
3011- Late 1930s Halter Top and Beach Trousers
3017- Lounging at the Lido Pajamas
4003D- 1940's Digital Bra Pattern
Pattern Use Policy
Wearing History Patterns are for personal home sewing or non profit use ONLY. These patterns may not be used to make clothing for sale or profit*.
In the above, each of the terms means:
Personal Home Sewing= an individual creating clothing for themselves, their family, or their friends, without financial profit.
Non-Profit Use= Creation of clothing for something of which there is no financial gain. This includes creation of clothing for charity work or charity auction, such as to aid a church group. If you use a pattern for a non-profit activity, such as an education use, please have each of your students purchase a pattern for themselves. Making copies of Wearing History pattern is not allowed. If you are teaching a class, please contact me, as I may be able to make a discount for your group to use if a certain amount of patterns are needed.
*These patterns may be used for custom clothing, provided one pattern is purchased per client, as per industry standards. Buying one pattern and making multiple garments in which you recieve financial gain is not allowed.
Purchase one pattern per client, or have the client purchase the pattern from me directly. This way both the seamstress and I are compensated for our time and talents.
Why the Use Policy?
Nearly everyone knows how frustrating it is to have someone take advantage of their hard work. I've poured countless hours of work, research, and finances into making these patterns available. In addition, these aren't just copies of period materials- I work hard to make these these the best they can be, so many people can enjoy them. I do everything from start to finish- spending countless hours sewing up samples, testing patterns, photographing them on myself or a model, putting together the instructions, grading the patterns to different sizes, packaging and folding them, so it's easily recognizable to me what has been made from these patterns. Using the patterns in a way they're not intended by the person who works hard to make them available is just a mean thing to do. Please respect the time and work I put into this enterprise and help support small business. Thank you!
For more about the patterns please read my About Wearing History Patterns page and the F.A.Q. page.
Other Places to Buy Wearing History Patterns
Nehelenia Patterns, located in Germany.
Kansas Mercantile, by Shelley Peters. Shelley sells at various events in the Southern California area.
For more information about Wearing History patterns please read the Frequently Asked Questions.
