1970’s Sewing Pattern Counter Book Page-Through

I buy my old sewing pattern counter books/catalogs from eBay. Some of the asking prices are insane!! I’ve seen vintage Vogue for $499.00. What?? I paid $38 (delivered) for the 1977 Simplicity catalog in today’s video and that’s the highest I’ve gone. Many sellers are willing to strike a deal.
Kwik Sew circa 2007-2010 are super rare. I look all the time for them. If one were to come up for sale, I’d probably pay a lot. Kwik Sew obsession and all that.
My top is Simplicity 8556 sewn with an abstract dot cotton voile.

[@janebowman3188]

I married in 1977. My wedding gown was made with ivory Qiana. My two bridesmaids wore ivory Qiana too. Their dresses were made using a McCall's Stephen Burrows pattern. They carried bouquets with fall flowers, pheasant feathers and eucalyptus. But the guys in their cream tuxedos with brown velvet trim stole the show🤣😂😅 Thanks for a wonderful trip down memory lane. I made everything I wore back then!

[@sharonzotoff3975]

Gosh do I miss the seventies. I was in high school in the mid seventies and those pages just took me right back. My husband walked past as I was watching this video and said he was instantly reminded of his mum sitting in the fabric shop going through the pattern books looking for her next project. Fun video Viv!

[@pamelawomick5033]

Oh wow! When you turned to the dress section the cute jumper dress Simplicity 8118 jumped out! It brought such precious memories! I was a young military wife with small children. My husband was coming home after being deployed many months and we were planning to go to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for a belated 7 year anniversary celebration. I wanted something nice to wear so I made this dress. I remember feeling pretty in it! I think I may still have the pattern. Definitely going to look for the pictures from that trip! We’ve been married 52 years and we’re a little older now. But sewing is still my most favorite thing to do! And you are such a joy to watch!

[@TitianTopsyTurvy]

Do you scrapbook? If you do, I hope when you find the photo you create a scrapbook page with it. A sweet memory like that with a photo to go with it deserves to be scrapbooked.

[@YouHaveAGoodPoint]

So much fun! I would love to see more books

[@rlgunnoe]

I was born in the 60's and this reminded me so much of going with my Mom and Grandmother to the fabric store and looking to see what we wanted to make. We would sit and look for hours. It was my job to go find the patterns in the drawer. They made a lot of my clothes. I really miss the quality time I had with them while they were sewing. Thank you for that walk down memory lane.

[@joycebrown560]

I learned to sew in the 60’s as a teenager and I remember some of these. Fun to regress.😊

[@mrgarner4796]

Me too...memory lane... 🤗

[@lorijustice4073]

Blast from the past and my beginning to sew years! Sweet memories! I wish I still had all the patterns my mom & I sewed in the 70’s 💕

[@ginahayes6169]

What a fun, memorable time down memory lane! ThankYou!! Watching you flip through Simplicity patterns made me giggle! So many of these I had sewn! Of course I own None of the patterns, given and thrown many away! I know, I know what a horrible thing, Right😱🤦🏻‍♀️? And realizing that there was a difference in teens, misses, and women’s patterns and they did look different! Now from toddlers to woman’s we all look the same! Little girl fashion resembles a big girls, moms and daughters can be matching?! Phew……. Thanks again loved it !🙋🏻‍♀️♥️♥️♥️

[@marylusk8287]

Hi Viv, I would love to see the other pattern books thank you. I just love visiting with you and going down memory lane I was a teenager in the 70's and sewed a lot of my clothes.

[@judyrobinson5044]

I sewed ENDLESSLY in the seventies, and maybe even more for my two girls that were born in 75 and 77! All their little fancy dresses were hand made! These pictures CRACK me up. Oh and BTW I was too poor to hoard patterns THEN. I bought when on sale JUST the pattern I needed for the article I was sewing. ONE at a time.

[@peggydid]

Oh my! What a walk down memory lane! I didn't see my wedding dress pattern there, but I did sew my own. The maternity dresses/tops, too. Simplicity 7153, 7588, 7551, were familiar. The Sim. blouses 8148, 7896, and set, 6881 I made. Also the jumpers, 8118, and 8015. 8155, 7952, and the top 7430 with the hand embroidery! 7672, 8292...thanks so much, Vivian! We had a box of scraps we could dig into at any time without asking! Simplicity was our favorite. Seemed to have the styles we liked, and directions we could follow, as we were learning.

[@rhonddalesley]

I love watching Bianca (the closet historian) do these walkthroughs too. Me and my grandma made my first wedding dress back in 1988 which was an ivory very princess Diana esque meringue, I looked like little bo peep on speed 😂 We then altered a gold column bridesmaid dress for my second wedding in 2002 which took FAR less fabric and time, I now have my grandma’s industrial sewing machine which I named after her that both dresses were sewn on ☺️ Thanks Viv for the trip down memory lane!

[@letitiathomson914]

Oh dear Viv, you have brought back so many memories by looking through the old pattern books. I used to like the Simplicity patterns best. The McCalls always seemed to be smaller and as for Vogue, I couldn’t afford them, they were always more expensive. I made my wedding dress from a Simplicity pattern in 1967, I think my bridesmaids was from Mc Calls and the little girls were from Simplicity too. I made all the dresses by setting up my mothers machine every night after I came home from work and after dinner. Those were the days!!!😋 🧵🪡🇦🇺

[@bobbieburrs2506]

Loved this! I cracked up when you got to the leisure suits! Yikes! Thanks SEW much for taking us through memory lane!

[@evalucilledixon3879]

As the pages flipped, I spotted my wedding dress pattern, a jumpsuit, a man's leisure suit (with that sewn, my husband told me not to sew him anything else! LoL ...nothing else!) ...oh really lots of these patterns were my beginners. This was fun.

[@eileenlois6129]

Very fun. I really enjoyed seeing all those old styles. I was pregnant with my second child in 77, first was a boy in 74 and second a girl in 78. I sewed a lot for her and myself. A few of the photos looked vaguely familiar, so fun!

[@nancyoppegard6665]

A sewing memory: Had my daughters in 67 and 70, sewed maternity dresses and lucky me...TENT DRESSES came into fashion, so I just kept wearing them !! At age 74, still love the loose, flowing style of the swing dresses. Happy sewing !

[@julietierney2516]

This is so fun to look at. I graduated in 1977 from High School. I sewed all the time. I remember the patters so well! Fun!

[@maryrames6247]

This was fun! Oh yes! I saw MANY patterns that I made for maternity and as a new mom back in 1977! A friend handed me a box of patterns, mostly Simplicity, and fabrics to sew for my baby daughter early in 1977! I would LOVE to see that Vogue Pattern Catalog book again 😍 Now THAT brought back so many memories for me 💖And yes! I did start making wedding gowns in 1981 and continued for the next 40 years. Used many different patterns to "mash up" in order to create the style that the client was looking for! I learned a lot and am forever grateful to the 4 professional mentors who guided me through those decades of design, fabric choices, couture, skills development and all of the business "ins and outs" it takes to successfully produce a custom gown! WHEW! I can't believe I had the energy to do that then! A SPECIAL thank you to my grandma Pauline who patiently taught me to sew when I was 10 years old ❤ I still love sewing and continue to make my own clothing and occasionally "gifts" for special friends. Thanks again Viv for this sweet walk down memory lane 🥰

[@suzysewsnv4445]

LOL! I made that ‘77 Men’s leisure suit for my husband out of navy double knit. He loved it!

[@Milliesmushroom]

Butte Knits! That brought back a memory of a knitted fabric outfits which in the UK were made in Wales. For church I was allowed to wear a Butte Knit navy Cape with white piping over a white top and the matching navy bell bottom trousers. This was co ordinated with a straw boater type hat and white lace gloves. Wow that was an outfit I'd forgotten all about 🤣🤣 1970s fashion has a lot to answer for! Fiona in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@leonahawker7977]

I like the styles to sew. They are timeless. I was in 4H and also my sister was in 4H. The last year she made a tailored coat. I always thought she should have went to the state fair with. But she was a runner up. She also made her own wedding dress. I also still sew and Im 71 years old. There are many good ideas on line that i enjoy making. Many pretty fabrics and patterns

[@ME-pt3bt]

I was a teen in the 70"s and made almost all my own clothes. Smock tops were one of my favorites along with baby doll pjs. I no longer make my own clothes and have moved on to the world of quilting. I do enjoy your videos and especially am enjoying taking a trip back in time. Thanks for the memories!

[@chanaalexander7446]

Oh my goodness! You were beating on my wedding dress with your pointer. I didn’t make it my good friend did. It was the one you said looked kind of Gunny Sax like. You flew past the pattern I made the junior bridesmaid’s dresses from for my stepdaughters. So many memories in that book. I got married April 1976. I will be looking forward to seeing the other books. ❤

[@a.guerra2139]

Oh my gosh, I started college in 1977, and this takes me right back to those hot knit dresses. They were hotter than going through menopause. I've always sewn with Vogue Patterns because my 7th grade teacher loved them, but I do remember Simplicity's style. Oh, these looks are EVERYTHING. Thanks for the blast from the past!!

[@eileenpayne3446]

Thank you for this video. I love the old pattern books. I learned to sew in the 70’s so this brings back old memories ❤

[@deniselindquist2131]

I would definitely like to see another catalog. I graduated high school in 1977 and some of those patterns look very familiar.

[@louisegreen14]

I also graduated in 1977 - moved to the "big city" ... bought a sewing machine and had to sew some office clothes. Definitely used some of the patterns from this book ... can't wait to do the page-Flip through Vogue ... probably sewed some from that book as well.

[@debbierenee7896]

Thanks for the blast from the past🎉🎉! That was my favorite time in fashion. I saw a few things that I made back in the day too! So Fun reminiscing🤗!!

[@poppies1215]

Leisure suits! I was a teen in the seventies when they were popular. In The Northeast it brought back memories of a Robert Halls where you saw racks and racks of fashion designs. There were special counters at the local Woo,worth stores where you could browse these great pattern books for as long as you like. The patterns were in large drawers beneath the slanted counters. My first outfit was a mini plaid wool leisure suit that was a jumper dress with slacks beneath. The plaid was a challenge to match but it came out perfect for a newbie. Today I quilt but am looking forward in my search for baby doll clothes (sundresses and bloomers LOL) to introduce my grandbabies to the wonderful world of sewing! Thanks Viv!

[@helraymc]

One of the things I made my husband in the 70's was a leisure suit!! OMG cant believe I did this!! Also made him a few of those thin shirts that had the wild prints on them. And cant forget the chambrey shirt with the hand embroidery on it!!

[@rhonddalesley]

It makes me wonder what we or our kids/grandkids will be saying about what we’re sewing now in a few decades’ time 😂

[@cathyjohnson8096]

They were Ban Lon…very popular for the guys in the 70s

[@pamgomes5683]

I remember very well, sitting at the counter looking at those big catalogs. Dreaming of all the things I wanted to make but didn’t have the funds, lol. I was in high school at the time. Brings back so many memories.

[@wandacarr668]

I saw the pattern for my bridesmaid dress in the evening gown section. It's #7807. My mom sewed my dress for me. I still have the pattern. I saw some others we had, but this is the one that really stands out for me. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to seeing the other catalogs. Really enjoyed it!

[@ames0596]

I learned to sew in the 70's in my teens. In the 60's each school year and before every holiday Mom would take my sister and I to JC Penny where they had a large fabric department. We picked out our pattern and fabric for our back to school dress, (wore uniforms the rest of the time) Christmas dress and Easter dress before those holidays. Loved it. My first make I had to have when I was 15 was a corduroy blazer with awesome lining. I think I chose a complicated Vogue pattern with so many pieces. She helped me A LOT! With her help it turned out great and I felt pretty cool in it 🙂She is gone now and I love that I embraced her love of sewing, and I passed this on to my girls as well!

[@leslie594]

I recently had the thought of fabrics that have disappeared from our lives. Corduroy was one of them. I had many wonderful garments mom made from it.

[@sewingspace]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful 1970s counter book! Wow! Sure brings back memories.

[@kimmielovesparis1]

I’m loving he retro looks - and yes, they would be sewn today and look on trend. I adore the sailor looks. When I seen the wrap skirt…I had a flash back to my 1st sewing project in 1979 - I was in grade 7. Thank you for sharing your counter books.

[@lindathompson5420]

I was pregnant with my first child in 1977, so was fun seeing the maternity portiion of the catalog. There really wasn't very much to choose from. I love seeing all the patterns....I think i'm a pattern junkie! My Mom sewed matching shirts for my Dad and my son. I wish I had pictures of those 2! I was an only child and a girl, my Dad wanted a son so bad, so when my son was born he was thrilled!!!

[@dimples7334]

Would love to see the Vogue. I made a suit in tailoring class back in the 80’s. Would love to find the same pattern 😁

[@charlottemccaig578]

Sharkbite is slightly different than handkerchief. Sharkbite is shaped with a curved front/back, as though a bite was removed. Handkerchief is very pointed as opposed to curved. I made a dress from Quiana (nylon) and was so excited! It was a pain to sew but I powered thru...then I wore it. The static between my hosiery and the dress was so bad! There were no real products to spray or otherwise available so we finally made a mix of liquid fabric softener and water to spray on my pantyhosed legs, I smelled like fresh laundry all night, lol. Never used Quiana again. I agree with your take on maternity. There are very chic ways to wear maternity...imagine using lush silks to make loose fitting tops or rayon from bamboo knits. I don't like the body con choices, I can't imagine being comfortable. My favorites were always the Vogue books. My Mom didn't buy Vogues much, especially when they were priced $1.25. After I turned 18, I only bought Vogue and especially the designers. The Indivualists were my main purchase, especially Issey Miyake when they were available. I was drawn to Avent garde, not traditional. I did buy a lot of craft patterns as I sold things at craft shows. I've never bought a costume pattern unless it was an oldie at an estate sale/thrift shop that I could sell for $$$.

[@ginahayes6169]

Yes! Please more, more showing of the books!

[@teresastevens2084]

Thank you, Viv, for this fun trip down 1977 Memory Lane! Mom was my first sewing teacher in the 1960’s ( doll clothes, pillow cases, stuffed toys) and I’d say by the time I was 12 I was ready to make my own garments from a store bought pattern! In 1977, I was newly married (1975) and working my first teaching job out of college. I made several coordinating double knit outfits from Jiffy #8369 and I LOVED them. I’d put a turtle neck top on underneath the sewn top just like in the drawing on the pattern! The other pattern I recognized was a Butte Knit pattern (#8196). In the 1960s, Jonathan Logan Corp. was the largest manufacturer of women’s clothing in the world and Butte Knit was a was a division of Jonathan Logan. In 1959 they began producing a double knit fabric (Butte Knit) for the garment industry (the first company to produce double knit in the U.S.) and shortly thereafter, the home sewing industry. I remember in the 1970’s, Mom would go into our local department stores, look at all the Butte Knit separates and go home and recreate them on her sewing machine. I thought double knit was the best thing since sliced bread and took to making many of the patterns for myself. They were indestructible! This was so much fun, Viv! Please do same with the other two counter catalogs! ❤

[@mrgarner4796]

I love the vintage patterns. I did more sewing in the 1960's. One coat pattern I remember was Simplicity 7804. I made the 'Evening Coat' out of grey Melton Cloth and lined it with the best lining I could afford. I trimmed it with imitation Persian Lamb down the front and around the mandarin collar. I thought I was the bee's knees in my vinyl black boots and Persian Lamb 'Tam' hat. I just loved to sew back then and 'back then' the patterns used to fit me without much alteration, except for the length of the sleeves and the pant legs. I really liked the styles.

[@sewbizzylizzy]

Hi. It’s so wonderful to see your video’s. I can’t believe how much of the fashions from the 70’s are back. The wide leg pants are in again. I’m not a fan. They aren’t flattering for me at all. I couldn’t believe how many pages of kids clothes. They were really cute too. There was on with a little girl in pants with a ruffle on the bottom. I haven’t met a ruffle I didn’t love. I have a Johnson ruffling machine. It does nothing but ruffling and attaching ruffles. I loved the Gunnie Sax dresses!!!! I was a teen in the 80’s when they were all the rage. I remember the price was close to $100. That was a lot back then. When I started my business, most were wedding gowns. I loved making them. When you saw the look on the bride’s face, it was thrilling. The happiness it brought them was so sweet. I can’t wait to see the other books! Thanks Viv-Mom. Blessings, Liz

[@carmensalome]

Love those books. I learned to sew in high school which was during the 70's. So many of those patterns and drawings brought back memories of my high school textiles shop class.

[@livancarr5321]

I remember that McCall’s book with the Raggedy Ann dolls. I have the Raggedy Ann and Andy doll pattern and have made several including an Andy for my son who is now 52 years old. Loved looking through the old pattern books!

[@franciejo]

Wow! This brings back a lot of memories!! I loved going through the books in the 70s!! I made all my clothes in the 70s. High school, college and first real job.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

What a pleasure. So many memories . . . so many old friends . . . and Jayne Modean! Loved her! xox

[@louisea4778]

Wow, thank you Viv for jogging my memory. I live in Western Australia and in 1977 I remember making my first pencil skirt - I was 17 at the time and I made it using a striped cotton. I was sure I would see the skirt when you were flicking through the pages. I think it was a Jiffy pattern. I was so proud of it and wore it everywhere, even wore it taking my drivers test - thought it would help to pass the test. I did pass it. Thank you for your taking the time to make these wonderful videos. 😊

[@RobynsLoveofSewing]

I loved looking through this pattern book with you! Lots of memories . I used to look through the pattern books while my mom shopped for fabric. My mom made me some of these Simplicity sun dresses. So pretty! Thank you for sharing your books with us!🤗💗

[@tanasampsonford8812]

Brings back so many memories..I made so many of these patterns in my teens. Thanks for sharing!! I would really like to see the other pattern books.

[@nancyoppegard6665]

VivMom: Yes, more counter books, please. AND anything else you want to show us...fashions, patterns, fabric...ANYTHING! Always love it when your videos pop up. Have been watching vintage episodes of That Girl...her wardrobe is so fun to see. Nancy in Mobile.

[@maureenrobertson350]

I married my husband in 1976 and designed and made my wedding gown in candlelight Qiana. It was beautiful and can stand the retest of time. I was teaching Clothing &Textiles to high school students in 1977. The little jumper at the beginning of the book(esp) was entered into the nation wide competition “Make It Yourself In Wool” by one of my seniors. She obviously made it in wool, and then covered the bib in crewel embroidery by hand. She ended up winning the Eastern Seaboard portion of the competition. Thank you for the video, my Mom and I sewed so very many of those patterns. A happy trip down memory lane. Cannot wait for the next two❣️

[@michellecornum5856]

It occurred to me that I have never heard anyone but my mother say blouson. My mother is Chilean and spoke French in her family home. She says it like "blue-sawn". I had to look it up and hear the English pronunciation -- 😳😳. But, yes, it seems like that was the only top to wear in the 70s. Back then, my sister was flat as a board, and EVERYTHING looked fabulous on her. I had an hour-glass figure, and looked awkward all the time. NOW ( now that I know what I'm doing,) I have been amassing a few 70s patterns. By far, my current favorite is Butterick 6086. I had to size it up, but WOW. It has the nicest shape. I've made it a few times, already, and have a couple more fabric pieces waiting to be cut. I am so with you on the maternity wear. I need big things. I could NOT handle any tight AT ALL, when I had kids. Un-zipping my pants and wearing my t-shirts was NOT going to cut it. Yes, please do more of these! What fun!

[@smokeywhale]

Really enjoyed this video. Loved the 70s. Thanks so much for sharing your catalogue finds with us.

[@barbarafrancis5196]

Oh yeah! That was good! Made at least 7 of those patterns! Can't wait to see the Vogue if you choose to do that too. I had to sew 7 bridesmaid dresses in different ginghams all having puffy sleeves and 2 rows of ruffles on the bottom. It was from one of those patterns in the book. I was paid $20 per dress....believe it?!! Ha ha ha! Memories! Love you and your videos!!

[@mirtaPR]

I love looking thru the counter books I saw a couple of outfits I made in my homeEc class in 1972 n 73 😲🤣🤭 oh my Time flys by I’m 67 now still love sewing make quilts n love looking at the counter books still . It’s my tranquilly n peace 👍👏🏼👏🏼🥳

[@alicesews8909]

Taught myself to sew in the 60's in an attempt to recreate the designs of Mary Quant, mini skirts especially. This lead into a life-long love of sewing and remains my favourite hobby. There's nothing better, to me, than having my own pattern book to leaf-through, allowing me to dream of my next inspired project. Thanks for sharing this and look forward to the others.

[@leannekenna]

So fascinating to revisit these patterns decades later. This was early in my sewing journey. At age 16, I made 8201, vest and skirt.😊 Thanks so much for the catalogue flick through 🥰

[@conniesmith9989]

It is me again. It takes me a while to put my thoughts together. To make a long story short, my brothers and I lived w our aunt, uncle along w their family a majority of our lives. Anyway, our aunt sewed on and off. She made lot of the past styles. I learned a lot by watching her and started sewing by her artistic style. I did not appreciate like I do now. I made a dress that did not turn out but learned from it. I remember making culottes and vest from left over fabric. Thank you again. Later.

[@katheyzareian1220]

I had Home Ed class in 1970 and our first sewing project was a corduroy skirt with zipper and darts, I remember wearing it and felt so special that I had made it myself...thanks for the roll back in time. 😍

[@gillianbrown4913]

So many styles which could be worn today. I got married in 1973 and made myself a blue jacket and skirt suit for the occasion. Would love to see more videos. My favourite brand were Style patterns.

[@rhondareadybishop1639]

You’ve never made me tear up until today. I was expecting my daughter in 1977 and made every single maternity pattern in this book.

[@carlenec6209]

Love looking through these old books. It's amazing how much of this is still wearable today. My mum is 93 and sewed all of her life and when she moved into a nursing home a couple of years ago we had to get rid of everything. How I wish I had kept her patterns. Love your videos Viv. Have a great week.

[@amyshimonkevitz4803]

When I was a kid, I loved going to the fabric store and paging through those counter books as well. I remember that my mom helped me make a wrap skirt in brushed black denim, and my nephew, who was 2 years old at the time, picked up a pair of scissors and cut into one of the patch pockets, so I only had one pocket, not two. (My mom would never have bought *extra* fabric!) I remember also sewing a pair of gauchos to wear to school. And I also recall my sister, on her way back to college, made a small wardrobe of items in a two-week binge of sewing -- a wrap dress and a couple blouses. All were sewn on my mom's Kenmore machine in a wooden sewing cabinet.

[@sabrinac4092]

What a fun video! So many memories and I saw quite a few patterns that I made while in high school. 7389 and 7807 were two that I used for a prom dress in “76 and ‘77. I made all of my clothes in high school. Home ec was my favorite subject! I had 6672 made out of a beautiful red Quiana. I found the pattern again a number of years ago and remade it, but I don’t have it anymore. I was hoping to see my wedding dress pattern, but I don’t remember what company it was. I got married in ‘78 and I made my dress, my bridesmaids dresses and even the suit that my husband wore. :) When I was a junior in high school, I got my first job and the reason I got it was because the boss asked me if I had made the suit I had on. I had and he was so impressed that a teen could actually sew and be diligent, he gave me a job in wrapping gifts for the Christmas season. :) I later got put in the fabric department which meant I was totally in “fabric heaven.” I still sew today and made clothes for all of my 9 children over the years and they also all know how to sew. Some love it, some don’t, but they know how to do it, even the boys. :) Thanks for this fun trip down memory lane. :)

[@vivmomsews4962]

Oh my goodness, Vicki! Among all the sewing royalty here in the comments, each with their outstanding memories and makes, I must say that someone (you!) who made their wedding gown, bridesmaid dresses and husband-to-be’s suit is truly remarkable! Congratulations and thanks for sharing!

[@mollysmith6055]

I remember those great big counter books...it was always great when a new one came out. I loved, loved, loved this video! Thank you for taking the time to go through this one. I'm going to turn off the volume and watch it on super slow so I can soak in the pictures longer. Isn't it funny to see so many of those models who were 'nobody' and they went on to show up in 70's tv shows?! Wish I could remember which one but I made a couple of different 'safari suits' out of polyester and also out of twill for a neighbor. Those were popular from the 70's and into the early 80's. Made so many patterns from this book! What fun memories.

[@robincook4349]

I made several of those patterns. I used to make my maternity pants and those stretchy panels you had to put in I only bought white, and I would dye them the color of the pants they were going in. I love the t-shirt look the girls wear now. I also made the raggedy Ann doll for my niece.

[@lydiabowers8792]

I can’t wait to see the vogue book 1973. My mother made me and my sisters dresses from it.

[@Merdulac]

Thank you for celebrating the some of the Giants of industry that backed the church and the mothers to raise her children. They will be sadly missed. Bless you!

[@suzannechristian3965]

I made 7950 jumpsuit in a light blue kettle cloth type material in 9th grade! Love it! I always wondered what pattern number it was! Thanks for showing the book!! The memories!!

[@lynnekingham8754]

Fantastic! bought back a lot of memeories from being a kid in the fabric shop in town. Pretty sure I wore some of those patterns. My mum was great at sewing in the 70s.

[@dellb4398]

In the '60s, my mom let me order one fabric from her Elegance catalog! I chose a rust-colored wide-whale corduroy to make gauchos like Kim Darby wore in "True Grit"--with a zipper! 😲 I have always loved making gauchos since! I'm still looking for a Very Easy Vogue pattern I made in the '90s and wasted a lot of time online looking for it, but now think I can make my own pattern. ha! All the online DIYers have helped! Your channel is especially refreshing!

[@craftymystic4868]

Oh, thank you!I sewed all through the late 60’s to the early 90’s, I did sew my own wedding dress, funny, I trusted myself a whole lot more than I trusted a purchased dress for the occasion! Sewed all my bridesmaids dresses as well! Made one of those western shirts for my high school boyfriend, used the same fabric for a round necked smock type blouse for me. Thanks again, very fun.

[@molly_sewsmolly_sews8477]

I totally loved this. I was just starting to sew in the 70s as a teenager and remember these 'fashions'. Nothing here looked like what I saw in the retail shops - very hard for a teen! I laughed so much when I saw those menswear pages, especially the denim suit, that I began to wheeze and needed my puffer!! Terrific.

[@donnakelley1202]

I love those vintage sewing patterns. I was young in the 70's. I still love the styles from then. I for one don't concern myself with what is in style and what is not. I am not a slave to fashion. If I like something I wear it. If other people think I look dated...well... at my age, I just don't care. I'm not trying to impress anyone. I want to feel comfortable in my clothes. I would love to make these outfits. If I could sew like you do, oh what a ball I would have. You are amazing. Your sewing skills are awesome., I would have a ball making and wearing these cute styles.

[@salliecook7528]

What fun!!!!! Love those old patterns.

[@expatpiskie]

My mum worked in a haberdashery department in the 1970s. I well remember the huge counter books. I was just beginning to sew my own stuff in 1977 under mum's supervision & using patterns she'd selected.

[@elizabethvera5321]

This was so much fun!!! I really enjoyed going down memory lane. My mom sewed several of those patterns. I actually made my brides made dress for my uncle’s wedding. I inhabited my moms sewing patterns when she passed away. It was nice to see a couple of patterns in the catalog. Embroidery was such a big deal in the 70’s. My mom had embroidery a jacket and blouse for me. I would love to see the other catalogs.🤗

[@susangenz7594]

I loved the McCalls drawings in the 1970's, they are so appealing! I stopped buying the patterns that didn't have a picture of an actual garment, those beautiful drawings were very deceptive, but I still love them!

[@vivmomsews4962]

I’m just the opposite, I prefer drawings to photographs. Different strokes!😄

[@nancyhurt7145]

Walked down memory lane tonight looking at your book! I was a young working girl who sewed all of my garments. The Go Everywhere patterns were my favs. This was so fun!

[@dianecrews6130]

Amazing how so many of them are in the pattern books of 2023. Everything comes back around

[@sew_So_beautiful]

I love 70's fashion, and the majority of it is in style right now. My mom made me one of those vest type things that had the tabs on the sides instead of side seams, and I absolutely loved it. It was one of my favourite things that my mom sewed for me. I don't think I knew too many other teens that wore them but I didn't really care. I wore what I liked whether others wore it or not.

[@lindadurochia7066]

I was teaching Home Ec. in the 70's & 80's and adult education sewing classes. So many of these patterns & styles are familiar. Many of my beginner sewers made that Owl pillow. Thanks for the memories!!!

[@maatatukuafu3405]

Aloha! My sister Kapua and I watch your videos. Our mom taught us in the 70's how to sew on a treadle sewing machine. In 1975, I was 10 when I made my first patchwork skirt, and it fit my sister Kapua, not me. That jumpsuit pattern 7630 for boys? My poor younger brothers had to wear those, although one became an airline pilot and said he had no problem wearing the jumpsuits in adulthood. Pattern #7407 for toddlers is darling and was a carry over from earlier times. Mom made me one in a LadyBug fabric, and I loved wearing it in the late 60's. And 8068, I made a sundress, although being Mormons, we were required to wear a shirt under "sleeveless" dresses in order to be modest. Thanks for going over the books, hope you do more. PS, as I read through the many comments, sewing is a skill that is important; meditative, functional, a learning experience and personal. It's kind of like being in a group of people, who had a great experience in youth, and the feeling is like opening a new album by a band and listening to it over and over on a record player. Mahalo for the memories.

[@andrearyan816]

This was the best. OMG those men’s fashions, Peter Wyngarde would have loved them 😂

[@lfaber2747]

🙋‍♀️💝Hi Viv, Love your channel & all you show & teach! I enjoyed seeing the old pattern book! If anyone asks you about your nails, just say, "none ya"! None ya business!!!😂😂😂You do you! Nobody here on earth is perfect no matter how hard we try!😘🤗💞 Hope you have a Great Day! Your Wisconsin Friend 🐄 🙋‍♀️💐💝Laurie

[@jillrutherford6361]

I first sewed pajama pants in Jr. High. High School was '77-78 through '80-'81. An elective I took was Bachelor's Living, like a Homemaking class. Our project was a sweat suit with a jacket with a zipper. Since I had some experience,the teacher put me on a Bernina machine. At home I sewed with the black old,simple Singer. You were going through the book and I saw my Choir dress my Mom had to sew. Simplicity #6672. It was white long dress like the pic with long sleeves. I spotted it quick because we wore it for 4 years. I was in a group Pop group in high school. Our dress was like a hot chocolate brown color but it was in the slinky,shiny material you were talking about. The bottom would swing. I'm guessing the director was thinking of disco. We sang and danced with a partner.

[@DLG728]

Ok. 1970’s made a bathing suit, caftan, skirts, halter tops and bathrobes and so much more. Really happy you paged thru since I had forgotten so many. Things were so much simpler back then. So many memories-soothes the soul! ❤️Happy Sewing Viv!!!

[@chris22043]

I was a teen in the mid to late 70's. I took every sewing course that my high school offered. I absolutely love 1970's fashions from about 1974 onward.

[@pegustad932]

In 1977 my best friend had her wedding dress made with the pattern you pointed out as being modest/demur - it looked beautiful on her. My maid of honor dress and the bridesmaids dresses were also handsewn - they were a peach floral. Brings back the memories. My mom taught me how to sew in the 60s, she was a fabulous seamstress - even went to the Make it Yourself With Wool national contest in the late 1940s with a long wool coat.

[@sueb4368]

I did make about three of the patterns in that book back then. I made mostly McCalls at that time, though. Thank you so much for sharing this; my favorite "hobby" is looking through pattern books and always has been. They made the best things back in the 70s and many can still be worn today. It's so great to see re-releases of some of them now. I still crave those styles. And you're right that not everything turns out great, no matter how much measuring you do. But when it works, it really works.

[@kathymcconville6428]

Oh, yeah. That was a kick. I'd love to see the other 2. I made my son and husband matching western shirts in an unbleached calico with ditsy floral yokes and pearlized snaps. The height of fashion. I was primarily making clothes for my 3 children in the late '70's. I mostly sewed through the '60's for myself. I have 4 small Simplicity catalog/magazines with adds that I found once in an antique store which I love. Thanks for the memories.

[@micheleallen1327]

I made myself the same shirt! With burgundy piping! Hahaha. It was a few years before this catalog. Loved that shirt.

[@daur5314]

Love your commentary and yes, please do more of these. Your video brought me joy as I waited for a car repair seam ripping a waistband. 🙂

[@annkoegel1595]

Just from your flip through I saw 4 patterns that I made. So many more choices than now. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[@deborahmorgan9812]

Thank you so much for this video! It brought back such sweet sewing memories for me. Simplicity 7284 is the pattern I used to make my college roommate's wedding gown. It was so chic then - and so vintage now. We had graduated and I was starting my first job as a newspaper reporter so I didn't have a lot of time, but we planned ahead and I spent the next six months working on the gown. It has an empire waist, modest scoop neck and long sleeves - beautiful in glistening white satin. Then I made the hooded, full-length cape from chiffon and sewed yards and yards of 1/2-inch baby blue lace in rows around the edge. Sadly, it took longer to make the dress than the marriage lasted ,but your video reminded me of the one and only wedding gown I have ever made and the joy it brought to so many on that sunny wedding day.. After your video I got on eBay and actually found the pattern - it is just like new and even in the same size 8. Remember when patterns had actual sizes! It has a place of honor in my sewing room where I spend most of my time now that I am retired. Again, thank you!

[@vivmomsews4962]

These sewing memories are my favorite to read. Thanks for writing, Deborah! And congrats on making that wedding ensemble - very high fashion!

[@robynstock3516]

Lovely to see you ,wow what a blast from the blast I was a young mum 1977 and have worn a lot those patterns as my mum used to do all our sewing so looked through that pattern book many times for ideas …… some of the ideas are so valid for 2023 😅….look forward to seeing you again as you gave me so much inspiration to sew again and I just love it 😍

[@felicialawrence1761]

I like looking through the books just to see what was and what new today thanks for sharing

[@st6457]

I was a kid then, but that brought back the fashions that I remember the adults wearing. My older sister sewed the cheerleading uniform for my niece (who was my age) and I think she used the cheerleading pattern from that book. When you flipped that page, it looked very familiar. Thanks for bringing back the memories.

[@celarasmith8030]

Takes me back...I saw 4 patterns I remember my friends and I made. I wonder whatever happened to that poor guy who wore the green unisex vest. It looked like it was made out of trash bags! I'm still laughing! I bet he never showed that picture to any of his kids or grandchildren! One of those models was in Charlie's Angels. I don't know her name, but that was her. Oh, the good ole days. Viv, thanks. This made my day.

[@LynneAnderson-lv3pt]

I really enjoyed this video! Yes, please show us the other catalogs. I work at a thrift store and one of the departments I take care of is the sewing pattern drawers. I get literally boxes and bags full of patterns. I recognized so many that I have put out to sell in the past, and some that I'm sure are sitting in the drawers right now. I know Etsy and Ebay are good sources, but please do check the thrift stores. Often times they have old patterns as well as donated fabric. The bonus is that frequently a large percentage of your purchase goes to help local charities.

[@vanessajones3508]

I enjoyed the video. It brought back a lot of memories. I got a kick out of the men's leisure suits. My father and his friends wore leisure suits. Those were fun times. In the seventies I was sewing junior petite and junior patterns. The styles back then were great.