OK, now here's a tip for ladies looking for all those old patterns tha...

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by meganne 10 Jun 2012 ( edited Jun 10'12 12:12 )

OK, now here's a tip for ladies looking for all those old patterns that are coming back into popularity.

Go to your local (old book) exchange/store, op shop, Ebay and look for books by Enid Gilchrist.
These books are worth their weight in gold as they show you how to draft the patterns for yourself, with instruction on how to sew the garment, including fabric and notions required and laying out the pattern on different fabric widths.
I have had my Gilchrist pattern books for over 40 years and I have never stopped using them.
There are quite a few different books starting at Babies, then the different age groups, toddlers to teens, right on up to Maternity, Adult wear, Craft and home wares, fancy dress costumes. Something for everyone, no matter what you want to make, you can vary these basic patterns into anything you need.
Now off you all go to Ebay but please don't push the prices up too high because there's a few more I want to buy now that I have Granddaughters. LOL!!!!
Hugs n roses to all, Meganne
PS, Some samples from only one book, below:

3 images:

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[2]

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Comments (6)

18167✽

by ezzemml 10 Jun 2012

+8✽

I have been collecting these books for years they are a great for patterns there is one i am looking for however had it when i was in my teens and it even had bra's in it. i should round round them all up and get rid of my doubles

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by kitty2011 10 Jun 2012

+6✽

I don't have any, but someone (quite recently) did mention how good they are.

I must go have a look around locally & see what I can find :)

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45070✽

by dollygk 10 Jun 2012

+5✽

I must tell you how my sisters-in-law cut out their dress patterns. They didn't have measuring tapes so they used their hands and fingers. If you stretch your thumb and pointer finger to the fullest, this is 6" and called 'fet-ter', if you stretch open your full hand from the tip of your thumb to the tip of your pinky, this is 8" and called 'shi-ber'. When they measured anything they used this method and the best cut I've seen them make was for the armhole, one shiber + 2 fingers (the pointy and middle finger together) down and three fingers in from the side seam. The width of the sholder was usually four fingers, all fingers straight out. I've gotten so use to using these measurements when ever I need a tape and don't have one!! OH, my sisters-in-law are Saudi.

1 comment

by asterixsew 10 Jun 2012

Dolly this is very interesting so thanks so much

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115778✽

by asterixsew 10 Jun 2012

+5✽

Thanks for this Meganne. I had not heard about Enid Gilchrist so I have looked up info about her. There is nothing for sale in the UK ebay but I will keep my eye out for books by her

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by meganne 10 Jun 2012

Don't forget to search WORLDWIDE that way it will show listings from other countries where the seller will send worldwide.

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64451✽

by michemb 10 Jun 2012

+5✽

will have a look on e-bay, I could never find something like that here,
thanks Meganne for sharing this info, I love old patterns
hugs
Muchelle

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299559✽

by pldc 10 Jun 2012

+4✽

wow these sure look old! I have 2 patterns that I have had for years & years & they were old when I got them & they are the best & easiest patterns that I have ever had and the only ones that work right everytime! I think one of them had 3 pcs & its a nighty or a dress! Thanks for reminding me Meg, Hugs Loralye

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