1973 Vogue Pattern Counter Book Page-Through

Thank you to Renee for giving all of us a fun trip down Memory Lane!!💕

[@evalucilledixon3879]

Memories of mine are rich simply because all the women in my family chatted (yakking on the phone) about their sewing projects. Grandmothers sewed, each Christmas, pajamas for grandchildren. One of them sewed pillow cases and sheets so she could adorn those with her handmade Tatting Lace. My Great Aunt Ona was the town seamstress for wedding gowns and bride's maid dresses and handmade velvet roses for their bouquets. Mother made everything I wore until I began the craft. My first project was sewing my majorette uniform. Bathing suits--I had lots and lots of bathing suits made from scraps. 1971, I sewed my wedding dress and bridal veil (likely a Simplicity Pattern). I would not know how I would feel if I didn't know how to sew. I learned from all of these beautiful women. I must not leave out my high school Home Economics Teacher Mrs. Freda Richey who remained my friend for decades. God rest them all. I wish I lived near my adult girls and my granddaughters so I could pass along the sewing hints that were taught to me. It remains that won't be feasible because of the distances from my house to theirs. And so the rich blessings seem to halt with me. I think everyone should slow down and sew something up. Handsewn garments are more fun than pushing coat hangers in the retail stores. Thank you, Viv. 1973 was a fine year for Vogue. ~ L

[@lovemesomeslippers]

I’d love for you to consider making a KZbin channel! I have no one near to teach me so I scour KZbin for teachers.

[@deehawkins9983]

N😊

[@streamstriss]

Really enjoyed reading your comment :)

[@kaoim5045]

@@lovemesomeslippers thats a great idea for sharing your knowledge !!!! YES PLEASE!!!!!

[@michellerudis4068]

1:02 Hi Vivmom Sews! I'm having so much fun watching this video as you go through an old Vogue pattern catalogue 😊 I have a memory for you! I was in junior high in 1968 and paid a friend to make my Home Ec's class assignment. My mother found out and hauled me off to the local fabric store and made me pick out a Vogue pattern to make. She was an excellent seamstress and told me I would learn more by making a Vogue pattern than any other. It was a struggle at first and she made me rip out and start over every time I made a mistake but at the end of that 'punishment,' guess what I learned? I love to sew!!! So Vogue patterns will always have a special place in my heart 💜 Thank you so much for sharing! 😊

[@teresastevens2084]

Hello, Viv! What a treat you gave me as you paged through this 1973 Vogue counter book. Talk about memory lane…my Mom, who immigrated to the U.S. from Greece in 1945 with my Dad as a newly married couple, was an extremely accomplished seamstress who made a career out of couture sewing. Everything from simple everyday dresses to bridal and evening gowns to tailored suits. I rarely had a store-purchased garment the entire time I was growing up and when I left for college in the fall of 1972, I had a trunk full of gorgeous clothes to take with me! It didn’t stop there, she made my wedding gown, of course, along with the dresses for my five brides maids in 1975, and when I became pregnant in 1984, and was teaching junior high school, I had a beautiful collection of maternity clothes made by my wonderful Mom ❤. She was amazing and the greater the challenge, the more she enjoyed the project. Vogue was often the pattern of choice for her because of the vast variety of designer garments from which to choose. Her clientele were women who did not want anyone to be seen wearing the dress or ensemble that Mom made for them to be seen on anyone else. Customizing was essential back then and Mom would see to it that the dress she created for Mrs. Smith was a one-of-a-kind garment. I learned so much at her knee and it is because of her that I love to sew to this day. I recognized several of the patterns from this book. Today, my pattern companies of choice are Indie pattern makers, but every now and then, I’ll reach for a Vogue, McCalls, or Butterick! ❤

[@mb5ggX2SyFMM]

Thank you for sharing. I can only imagine what it felt like to stand for fitting adjustments with your mom. There is something special about standing and being fussed over the minutest details as tweaks and adjustments are made to eventually produce the final garment. And then to own a one-of-a-kind garment! What a wonderful blessing to have had your mom be your personal seamstress and stylist!

[@kwajcarol]

1973 …. I was in high school and PASSIONATE about sewing ! (My mother was an excellent seamstress). Remembering those days … sewing and singing along to James Taylor ❤

[@susandevinenapoli7649]

In 1973 I was a freshman in high school. I sewed in the 4-H club and got a reserve champion in 1977. I made a navy polyester suit with two piece sleeve, princess seams. I was second by a crooked line of topstitching and a half of a button hole. I wore to suit for interviews in my new career as a teacher. I also made a quianna maxi dress with a cowl neck. A favorite designer was Gunne Sax in the 80s. I have never sewn a vogue pattern. These days I see Altered Couture and have a few pieces for sale in my Etsy shop. I redesign garments. It's the cheap way to get fabric and challenge...without much of a pattern. I have also written books on altered couture. I have been collecting patterns at resale shops from the 80s.

[@cor3944]

Well, I was 9 years old then but I love these archeological divings into vintage patterns with you. An inspiration are the great gorgeous pockets I see. I’ll try to apply them to my future sewings. ❤

[@cjhines726]

Loved Vogue-sewed mostly Very Easy Very Vogue! Such great style!

[@Cynthia2v]

I loved going through this book with you. I was the one who said the Jean Muir dress was my wedding dress, my mom actually sewed it, but I had cut it out- it was the knee length version made with Qiana, a luxurious nylon knit that had a natural sheen. It was beautiful! The details of many of those designs truly made them classics. Thanks for sharing. I caught a glimpse of a wrap skirt, Very Easy Vogue that I made for my sister and me out of a gauzy cotton print and we had cute tees to wear with them during the summer. The pocket detail was so cute.

[@lisahurst8565]

I was 8 yrs old in 73 but I was sewing then. My mom helped me make a pretty involved jumpsuit which I loved - sometime around then. I also made my 8th grade graduation dress which was a long prairie style dress with a ruffle on the bottom in ecru cotton eyelet. The bodice had lots of lace and peach and rust colored ribbon. Boy I loved that dress even though I was such a tomboy and normally did not like dresses. In high school in the 80s I made a lot of polo shirts and shorts. They used to have the collars and cuffs for polo shirts in the fabric stores to match the striped knit fabrics. I made a ton of those. I love to watch these page throughs. Keep em coming.

[@maureenleclair8773]

This was a great stroll down memory lane. I was in my 20's and 30's during the 70's. I made all my daughter's clothes as well as my own. I really liked the structure of the dresses in the 70's. Also, I really liked polyester. ❤

[@suek7086]

I sewed some Vogue patterns in those years but they were brutal. I did make a lot of maternity patterns, mostly because 3 of our 4 children were born in the 70’s, lol. The knits were certainly easier than the wovens I sewed with during the 60’s. I did make a couple of bathing suits including a wrap style I found in a magazine. It was two wedge shaped pieces, joined at the crotch and tied at the top. It looked good on me at the time but at 73 would be horrifying now.

[@seaside2001]

Loved seeing this book. My Mom was a dress maker in the 1970's and I was a teenager attending high school. Instead of babysitting for spending money I would take the clients who just needed pants or a skirt hemmed. My Mom made a lot of the patterns and styles you have shown us today. There was a lot of hand stitching in a custom garment to make it look professionally made. Coats had horsehair and buckram interfacing and chamois lining for warmth. The "sizzler" pants you mentioned were called hot pants and I had outfits with hot pants that I wore to school. My favourite designers in the 70's were Mary Quant, Jean Shrimpton, Jane Birkin to name a few. Fast fashion now mostly made of polyester that came into style back then hasn't gone away. I dressed up for everything right into the 1980's, but the styles now really shows the "slobbification" of American style. A lot of the Independent pattern designers have got their hands on old patterns who's copyright has expired and they were able to present them under their own label with more comprehensive instructions, but not really presenting us with anything new.

[@pollyechristopher690]

Vivmoom...thank you so much for sharing Vogue book... I learned to sew on my mom's Singer sewing machine with a knee pedal I was in high school in late 60s and graduated in 71... illturn 70 this July... I sewed most of my clothes and for Easter of 74 I made my dress and a jacket...my one year old a overall with a jacket...and my husband a blazer...the jackets all in matching fabric. Thank you for encouraging me to go back to making clothes...I love your posts!!!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

In '73 I was 20-ish in Southern Calif. The media used "sizzler" but I don't recall ever hearing it in conversation. I wore them in the late '60s, but hot pants took over in the early 70s. Vogue patterns were always my favorite because they didn't take short cuts. The garments were nicely tailored/lined/finished, and I found the instructions were so well written that even less skilled seamsters (like me) could learn the techniques. I learned more from them, than from my home-ec classes, but because they were expensive, I only got them for special occasions. Never a bridal gown, but I made several bride's maid dresses in that era.

[@davederrick9431]

Wow! I feel so old. With a wife who didn't sew 2 small children and money was a bit tight,I started sewing in the 70s. I loved Vogue patterns and thought the instructions were fantastic. I believe that is the reason I learnt to sew so quickly. My work wasnt to bad and I picked up a few extra dolllars sewing for the women at work. My wife entered me into a fashion comp😊.

[@nalabean11]

I loved Vogue patterns but they were really more expensive. I sewed lots of little bikinis and my mom made my sisters wedding dress that I'm pretty sure was one of the Vogue patterns you showed. She got married in 74. It was the tiered one with puffy sleeves. It was beautiful. Sewed all thru highschool and college. The 70's. Now I'm a quilter in my 60's.

[@cdustin1161]

Love the catalog page for page! Thank you for sharing this treasure! I feel that the growing popularity coming back to home sewers is largely due to you tube video sites like yours and the My Bucolic Life, Stephanie Canada, closet Historian, sew rena, drew hayden keelin to name a few have made it okay to make mistakes and have shown folks that they can fix pretty much any mistake they do. That our youth, as much as our retirees, hobbyist, cosplayers, professional have more opportunities to better their techniques, be braveer to wear their style proudly, confidently and gives our youth hope that they can change what they wear if they can not change their environment; it empowers and inspires people without judgement. Thank You vivmom! PS Love that you wear your dresses to the dog park, really like seeing other ladies wearing dresses other than pajamas out in public!

[@cecedubois5147]

What a great "book look!" I sewed a lot of these designer looks in the 70s. I wish I still had the patterns! From what I remember, the instructions were pretty good. I sewed my two-piece swimsuit my senior year. When I had kids, I made all their clothes, girl and boy. Made my little two year old boy an Easter suit. 😂 I love sewing, my Nanny put a needle and thread in my hand when I was five. And I never stopped!

[@bestillandknow2986]

Ahhh I was sweet sixteen in ‘73 and had only been sewing a couple years while in home economics. I tried a Vogue pattern back then & learned very quickly that I was in over my head - lol. And I actually made a sizzlers dress (mom wouldn’t allow it too short) with a BIG white collar. Weren’t they called Baby Doll too? My first job was in the fabric dept of a TG&Y...had I known about the $ on saving the counter books- boy o boy. Lots of fun thanks!!

[@graceyhitchcock4013]

They were Babydoll dresses with matching panties.

[@janisdressler7380]

My grandmother used to sew for us on occasion. We had plaid skirts that may have been "Donegal tweed", with a big pin on the front! I remember looking at grandma's Vogue pattern books and magazines when I was little, imagining the glamour of the fashion world, wondering if I would ever have those impossibly long legs that they drew on the models! Turns out, nope!

[@lindathompson5420]

Love this era, I graduated in 1970 and am now 70! My Mom had #2087, she was an excellent seamstress! Love the ruffles then and now. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@a.guerra2139]

I started high school in 1973, and I was heavily in my Rhoda phase (from the Mary Tyler Moore Show). I made all my new school clothes each year. Like most girls, I had sewing in 7th and 8th grade, and continued in sewing class for the four years of high school. My 7th grade sewing teacher loved Vogue so that's the company to which we were all exposed. I have exclusively sewn with Vogue for the last 50 years. My teacher always explained that the patterns weren't that much different from Simplicity or McCalls, the big difference was how the garment looked on the inside. I still make finished seams, line most things; Vogue requires a greater level of detail than other patterns. I like to believe I'm a better sewer because of it. I love that younger people are starting to sew because of people like you, Viv. It's very satisfying to know that I can make something that people will ask me where I bought it. I have some of the patterns in that catalogue!!! Love, love, love this episode. I'm going to watch it again and freeze on those designer patterns. Yes, I know how to make patterns ... learned that in 9th grade! Yay for old school American public education!!!!!!! Nothing was better.

[@celarasmith8030]

I have always enjoyed the illustrations far better than the photographs in the counter books. The illustrations accent the line drawings. I can instantly see the outfit in my head before I even pick out the fabric. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. I enjoyed every second. 🎉 Hurray for the 70's styles.

[@cynthiakendall3313]

Oh my, looking at those fashion's brings back memories ❤

[@robyn3349]

Thank you, Vivmom! I graduated high school in 1973! I still see these styles everywhere. This was so fun.

[@2L82Sk8Bye]

Ahhh, Memory Lane. I remember sewing chocolate brown velveteen bell bottoms and a flame stitch shaggy vest in beiges and browns. It turned out great. I also made one of those DVF wrap dresses in a rust color knit with cream color rings. Loved it and wore it a long time. Great silhouettes in fashion then.

[@dixiecarson5364]

I was in high school in the seventies and made a lot of my clothes. Never Vogue! Thanks for the memories!

[@kellihasley7406]

I am 44, and grandmama tells me about her sewing through the decades. She said 70’s polyester was a bear on her machine and wasn’t like the stable knits nowadays. I think she was so used to Wovens that sewing knits was “revolutionary”.

[@ChellyWood]

You said, "I feel like Vogue pattern instructions are more prone to errors." YUP! I would definitely agree! I learned to sew with Barbie and Tammy doll clothes patterns in the 1970's. By 1980, I was making my own clothes for school, including both of my high school cheerleader uniforms -- mini skirts with bloomers. (We bought our cheerleader sweaters.) My JV cheer skirt had pleats and was made of polyester, and as you said in one of your videos, pleats are definitely challenging!

[@bunniesandroses499]

I love it when you show pattern books!!!!!!!!!!!!!! back then I sewed blouses and dresses with the help of my grandmother and now I sew the same!

[@janefranklin33]

I graduated from high school in 1972. I made lots of jumpers and plaid Bermuda shorts ( shorts and knee socks were popular). In the late 70's or early 80's, I took the Stretch and Sew course and I made many bathing suits. Moving along into the 80's, I started making great Halloween costumes...Snow White, Grumpy the Dwarf, and even a kangaroo complete with a baby roo in my pouch! I also made most of my teaching wardrobe, jackets, Pendleton skirts, slacks, and dresses.

[@rhondareadybishop1639]

I have a pic of my knee socks and wool Bermuda shorts, but there’s no icon to add a pic.

[@lindahartwick4091]

I got married in 1973, maxi, midi and mini skirts were in along with hot pants and platform shoes. I miss those shoes, although all things are returning.

[@expatpiskie]

My mum's machine was a 1950s manual Singer, it could cope with anything from light leather to satin. I remember her making my sister & I Crimplene trouser suits, mine was shocking pink & my sister's was sunshine yellow. My youngest sister managed to escape the trouser suits somehow. Many of our play clothes were made from my mum's 1950s skirts and dresses, we also had dungarees made from an aunt's old nursing uniforms. We were wearing navy & white striped dungarees before Osh Kosh made it to UK shores.

[@ruarifinn]

👋🏻 I wore wool Bermuda shorts with knee socks in my senior year of high school. I loved that combo with a great sweater on the top!

[@rhondareadybishop1639]

I did too! I even have a picture somewhere!

[@ruarifinn]

@@rhondareadybishop1639 I do, too! Unfortunately it had a high school boyfriend with whom I no longer communicate🤣.

[@deborahlittlejohn7194]

Love love love sewing vogue patterns, weren't difficult, they were detailed which took time and were so worth it. Many women in 50's, 60's, and 70's didn't sew them they took them to seamstress, who sewed them, my grandmother was a seamstress for 65 years. Always had patterns filed by customer's name. Most of these ladies would pick my grandmother up and take her with them as they shopped for pattern, fabrics, and notions. I used to love sitting in corner of sewing room and watch all the ladies get excited about new garments, my grandma was always just as excited, she couldn't wait to start new project. She especially liked it when it was something she never sewed before.

[@bjsuggs2122]

I made all my hi-school dresses, a lot were Vogue coz I had an older cousin that let me use her Vogue patterns. Even made my prom dresses, 4 proms and one military ball. We couldn't wear blue jeans our pants had to match blouse. Made our own swim suits, to go back wow😂

[@sunflowersammee1994]

I'm a '58 vintage...and boy was that a walk down memory lane. I started sewing at age 10 and I was one lucky girl, because my Mom would never say "no" if I wanted to go shopping at the fabric store. Just imagine polyester in AZ at 110 degrees?? Thanks for sharing. 😅

[@knitnut246connie7]

I made all my clothes in the 1970 . Vogue was one of my favourite patterns.I see several of the ones I made in your book.. suites and dresses were my favourite and always lined. Never a real polyester fan. Great podcast.❤️🇨🇦❤️

[@lesliejacobs3605]

This was so much fun!! Now I know why I like my shoes to match - I’m a child of the 70’s 😊

[@robynlaszlo6128]

Thank you for a most enjoyable time i was born 1950 many memories here

[@map2932]

I was a young bride in 1972 and very much enjoyed the trip down memory lane. My mother loved sewing Vogue. She said they were drafted and thought through better. (I think she meant finished with better detail)She made everything she and I wore plus tailored jackets for my brother, who was very tall and thin. I loved sewing too and have sewn many Easy Vogue patterns. When you flipped to the last coat pattern I saw the one I made!!! A long length, hooded coat. I made it in a heavy, camel colored wool. I wore it to the Cotton Bowl with my sports writer husband. We lived in Florida and rarely needed a heavy coat. Sadly I kept very few patterns. I finished a dress for my daughter today. She doesn’t sew but the granddaughter shows interest.😊😊😊

[@nancyoppegard6665]

VivMom! Loved your counter book video. Graduated in 66, sewed lots of school clothes, prom dresses, then later adult clothes, kids clothes...loved it all. Those fashions took me right back to the 70's...such a fun time. You commented on shorts with knee sox...kinda love that look...just spent a few days in Gatlinburg, TN, people-watching last week...saw lots of knee sox & shorts...pretty cute. Mid 70's, sewed a pair of "Hot Pants" shorts and matching vest in a yummy orange knit...wish I would have made a scrapbook with all my patterns and fabrics I used. Always good spending time with you! Nancy in Mobile.

[@tammymasson2343]

This was so fun! I even wish you had lingered longer and shown every single page, ha ha! Really!! I sewed my own swimsuit decades ago. It was a one piece by Kwik Sew, and was so feminine, but also had great support and bum coverage! Very good instructions as well. I made all my four daughters' clothes when they were little. Sewing saved money on clothing before fast fashion arrived. I made lovely matching pink floral cotton dresses with sheer lace and voile collars. I used a contrasting pale blue ribbon for accents. They were all so pretty in their dresses! I made elaborate matching Christmas dresses one year. My mom bought all the materials and notions. It was a bigger project than I would have chosen. They were made of a Mary Englebreit print made especially for the pattern, which had red florals with green leaves on a black background. The pattern called for big pointed collars with white piping and lace, which was quite challenging around the points! But I did it, and I was so pleased with the dresses in the end! Thanks for the walk down memory lane!

[@suelowther5104]

I combined two Vogue patterns from 1973 books and made my own wedding gown in 1974! Empire waist, lace overlay, shear sleeves, etc. My husband wore a pale blue tux!

[@beebabe9343]

I’m 81, I don’t remember how difficult but made all of my pants and jackets once polyester came on the market! I found a good pattern that fit well and reused it many times. I used to make a pattern off of a store bought blouse and remake it. Yes, made swimsuits, caftans, vests and just about made it all since the age of 7. Now most of my sewing is making quilts! A fun trip down memory lane, thank you!

[@tanasampsonford8812]

Seeing the Tennis Dress patterns was a stroll down memory lane. In the early 70"s, I was in 4-H. I made a tennis dress with little matching bloomers, to model at a 4-H Fashion Show competition, out of pink & white seersucker check fabric. My hair was in braided pigtails. I don't remember what score I received, but vividly remember one of the judges commenting that I had great legs!! Trust me they're not so great anymore. Thank you for showing us Vogue pattern book. I began my sewing career in the late 60s.

[@samyriahcrain642]

Hi Viv, thank you so much for taking me on memory lane sharing 1973 Vogue patterns. That was fun!

[@nunciat57]

Thank you so much for that look into the beautiful Vogue pattern book! It brought back so many memories! I laughed to myself when you mention the word Qiana. I can still picture that Qiana shirt I had. Lol The end of the 70s were my college years and then for my first job I made some suits using Vogue’s Joseph Picone pattern. I was so proud of those suits! I wasn’t ready to jump in to knits yet, not until I got a serger. But I sewed the heck out of cotton and linen! Thanks again.

[@carlenec6209]

I'm around the same age as you Viv..1964 baby and Mum used to make all my clothes. I remember going to primary school in my 'hotpants' remember those? and I wore my favourite wooden clogs. Mum taught me to sew and my first school project was a denim wrap around skirt. I sewed a bit in my teenage years but when I was working I couldn't really fit in sewing as I only had the weekend to do it so I gave it away - literally gave all of my patterns and fabric stash etc to my Mum. Well back in 2019 Mum went into a nursing home at 90 years old and we had to clear out her house to sell and all of her sewing patterns etc was dumped. At the time I hadn't taken up sewing again so wasn't really too bothered but as I've now retired and just started sewing again in the last 12 months, how I wish I had all Mums patterns etc back. I've been sewing tops and made a couple of jackets but am a bit scared to tackle a dress with a waistband as I'll need to alter it but I'm sure once I've made that first one I'll be OK. I must say that I love those line drawings on the patterns more than the photos too. I used to love leafing through those pattern books too as a child...they reminded me of those paper dolls with the paper clothes that you used to cut out of a book. I loved those. Enjoy all of your videos Viv. Have a great week.

[@sewndebisdream6953]

Hi Vivmom...Down memory lane...My mother made my wedding gown out of cream colored double knit fabric with lace trim and used the pattern 2253. It was nice and I was so thankful for her doing that. The view I chose was the first one with girl in the cap. She made the bridesmaids dresses too from a different pattern. Thanks for showing Vogue patterns.

[@kimmielovesparis1]

Oh my gosh…loving the 1973 Vogue…what a treat to look through. I would be pouring over it over and over again. Thank you for sharing.

[@conniesmith9989]

Hi. Thank you 👌. I remember a lot of the fabrics, fashions, and people. Wow.

[@Julia-xf5ps]

I sewed vogue 8583 for my Jr prom [1975 ?] in a pink Quiana nylon fabric. I was 16ish…..it didn’t phase me…though now it would!! Haha! What a wonderful trip down memory lane vivmom…. I’ve been looking forward to this!! One thing, I really was surprised …..but so happy for was that the some of the illustrations of models were of ladies of color!! Yes!!

[@rhonddalesley]

My dad had a pair of flares from the 70’s that he just wouldn’t part with, his justification was that he was in fashion once every decade 😂 This was wonderful Viv, I really enjoy it when Bianca the Closet Historian does these from the 40’s and 50’s, so much fun and really inspirational!

[@michellecornum5856]

As little kids, my mother made me and my sister these fabulous short sets where the top was like a large apron that criss-crossed in the back or closed with a wide tab that had snaps, and the shorts had elastic around the legs. It might have been Butterick 5332, but it seems like there was another one, as well. My mother sewed a lot through the 70s, and I remember that Vogue had the hardest patterns. She mostly sewed McCall, Butterick, and Simplicity. It was a thing to watch her sew. She would aggressively mark every dart and notch and balance mark. She bought colored transfer papers by the box, and she had many different wheels and rollers and pencils. And, at some point, it would be time to practice holding REALLY still while she pinned things on you. I still have not been able to replicate her seam finishes. She turns the raw edges under twice and sews them under the machine, like her aunts and her mother did. I have never been able to keep the sewing machine from eating that narrow edge. And pintucks! Oh, my, stars, that woman can pintuck like no one ever. It's obviously part of the same talent for finishing her seams, but wow! Back in the 70s we had so many blouses and skirts that made use of the pintuck. The pintucking on the blouse I wore for my sister's wedding took longer than it took to make my sister's entire wedding dress. She made me more than a few outfits I would like to replicate in my current size.

[@LindaStitches]

I sewed a lot of my clothes when I was 13 in 1973. My pride and joy was a denim jumpsuit with cool patch pockets w/ flaps and wooden buttons, and a belt with matching wooden buckle. The wooden buttons and buckle had wood burned detail. I LOVED that jumpsuit and wore it so often, switching out tops underneath sometimes. When it finally wore out I saved the buttons!

[@denisemulraney69]

Hi Viv, I am in my sewing room sewing up a sweater today and came across your channel. This was so interesting. In the 70 s I was I. My 20s, I learned to sew at school and sewed at home on mum treadle machine. I never bought vogue patterns they were much more expensive than the other big 4. Mainly simplicity and McCalls. I always thought Vogue were very chic and the styles too over the top for my needs, but loved to look at them. Sewing for me back then was, get a pattern and material and sew up a dress or outfit for the sat night dances. I purchased my very first elna, the small elna elite, it was fantastic. When I had my children I did a Kwick Sew class to make their Tshirts, trackpants and dresses using the stretch fabrics. Back then there were no KMart, Target, or any of the big stores that now stock all clothes made overseas. I stopped dressmaking for many years but have gotten back into it since I have retired. I see all the new indi pattern companies patterns and have purchased some but I procrastinate in the fitting area. Between my measurements and the finished garment measurements and the ease. I am never confident in altering a pattern. When I was young I bought the pattern, made my size and that was it. Anyway, thank you again for this very interest vlog down memory lane. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺I have now subscribed to your channel .

[@vivmomsews4962]

Hi Denise! Welcome, just wanted to thank you for writing as I am enjoying this wealth of sewing memories everyone has contributed. I have very good results concentrating on the finished garment measurements. I match them, I don’t add or subtract from them for fit because the wearing ease is already built into them. Glad you’ve returned to sewing!👏👏

[@dannabortolin9777]

Thank you for this trip down memory lane! I had so many happy times flipping through the Vogue Patterns books at the fabric store counter and looked forward to seeing the fashions for every new season! My wedding was in May 1974 and I remember looking at the wedding section of this book and falling in love with the wedding shirt dress ensemble. My wedding party gave me a bad time about the style and I changed my mind to a more traditional bridesmaid’s dress and always regretted doing so, my wedding would have been very unique! Looking at Vogue patterns always made me feel excited about sewing and I always learned so much when I sewed with them, they were challenging but I always thought the instructions were good! BTW I made my own wedding dress too, but it was a Simplicity Pattern! Thanks again!

[@chris22043]

I went out and found TWO vintage patterns that I liked that were featured in the LAST 70's catalog. I had made these two patterns back in high school, and although I couldn't find the right size for me today, I still like just having them for posterity.

[@ginahayes6169]

Wow what a great trip down memory lane! Thanks! My mother was a fabulous seamstress and made most of us girl’s clothes! As well as hers, she loved Vogue patterns and made many things for herself! They took several cruises and she made gorgeous dresses for all the galas aboard ship! Mom made our wedding dresses as well. I too am a seamstress ( now a days they say sewists!?) sewed everything for my husband and kiddos, gosh many years have flown by and so many wonderful memories of who and what I’ve sewn, I’m now a quilter as well! Thanks So much Viv, love your videos! Looking forward to more!

[@DeeND47]

Thank you, Viv what a pleasant trip down memory lane. I learned to sew in 1970. I drove into downtown Denver to the Opportunity School for my sewing lessons. I think the class lasted 3 months or more. My first make was a maternity dress which I finished in time to wear to the hospital to have my daughter, our first and only child. My daughter sews purses and wallets so she did get the sewing bug which makes me very happy. Vogue patterns scared the heck out of me. To this day I still haven’t tried one. Now I love the independent pattern companies. Thank you for your contribution to the sewing world.

[@sarahrihm-hg3yo]

I sewed a wool, fully lined dress for my senior pictures in high school. Started sewing when I was 10 years old. Many years of 4-H and family members helped me learn and trouble shoot. Also sewed bridesmaids dresses. I love beautiful fabrics and sometimes find ready-made to have such cheap fabrics. I used to make clothes for my daughter and her dolls. Love sewing!

[@judithholleran6423]

You are so fun loving and creative. Thank you for sharing your passion.

[@conniebuchner4715]

I saw a jacket I made, with my mom’s help. I made a lot of halter tops and the short tops with ties. Seeing those labels reminded there were care labels inside bolts of fabric that the woman a Minnesota Fabrics would pin to each cut. If I was making halter tops for several people, she would ask how many labels. My friends loved that I sewed! I spent last night looking through my patterns. So relaxing! Finally finding out that all these doctor visits, I’ve lost myself. So crocheting, knitting and sewing to get rid of my blahs. It is working!❤

[@craftymystic4868]

Vogue was always off limits, they were indeed pricey. Thanks for sharing! Yes, I sewed all my own clothes since the age 14. I yearned for RTW, just the grass was greener I guess. I did not receive clothes from a store, but yes to fabric and patterns. Magically. I did sew my (second) wedding dress in 1990. I also sewed for a previous of my weddings in 1980, all my bridesmaids too. And high school, sewed ALL my dresses, and had to have a new dress for each event don’t you know, sewed a lot of my friends prom dresses in high school. And ties and shirts for my dates. No, I did not remember all that polyester gumming up my machine, but cotton was more inexpensive on the whole, but prom dresses, don’t remember anything unusual. I still have a few pieces of lux polyester, it presses just fine. Somewhere in leisure suit land polyester got worse, I think. Thicker, unsuitable for dresses. Qiana, vague memories. Thanks again.

[@keelaeldridge8487]

Just found your channel! Watched way more than I should! But in 1973 I was 8 years old and my mother ,grandmother and many others would sew a lot! I remember the pianist at the church that my dad pastored , she had 2 boys no girls and she was fabulous seamstress! She made her husbands and her boys church clothes including their suits! Beautifully made! She inspired me then and now! She passed a few years ago ,but I will always remember her!

[@maryanntamburello8840]

This was a great video. I remember the sizzler dresses with matching panties. I also remember hot pants. My dream was to make a pair of velvet hot pants which I never did. I bought Vogue patterns in the 1970s. A department store in Medford, Oregon was closing out their sewing department and they sold patterns for 10 cents each. I still have all of those patterns. The best gift I ever received from a school friend who sewed was a pattern, a print fabric, a complementary solid fabric, a spool of thread and a zipper. I sewed that dress and wore it all the time. It was one of my most favorite dresses.

[@streamstriss]

This has got to be one of my favorite videos of yours! That was so fun. I could have sat for another few hours, going down that memory lane 😉My mom must have had this book. She was a great seamstress. She enjoyed sewing me sailor suits/dresses, when I was young a child.

[@grandmajane2593]

In my past 1970's life there was a recession and I could not afford to buy even a yard of fabric. Buying Vogue patterns would have been a pipe-dream!

[@kerryputland3635]

Oh what a trip down memory lane. One of the highlights of my life has been enjoying visiting such magnificent garments in the Vogue Pattern Books. Have made quite a few and spotted a favourite that I made myself in daffodil yellow for my evening gown when in a beauty pageant-It was the 8583 (non designer). Jean Muir was a standout as was Sonia Reikel. The pattern you inherited, make it. I am sure I made that as well. Thank you so much.

[@beckyborgmann9815]

Bought my first sewing machine in 1959, Lady Kenmore from Sears. Sewed just about everything from toddler to wedding dresses. My youngest daughter graduated in 1992. She went to every prom boy did we have fun picking out fabric and patterns. Vogue was her favorite. I ended up doing custom sewing and alterations. Made lots of bridesmaid dresses and wedding dresses for customers, daughters and nieces. I used a Phaff with a built in walking foot it was essential for all the satin fabrics. In 2021 I made my granddaughter’s wedding dress. I could write a book.

[@user-lb3kp4ic1b]

Thank you for the walk down memory lane! I was beginning high school in 1973 and sewed most of my own clothes including jumpsuits, jackets, pant suits, swimwear, the whole gamut. For a friend I sewed a taffeta flamenco dance costume with ruffles and machine embroidery (before they had embroidery machines for home use) and a chiffon three-piece wedding dress of my own design copied from a bridal magazine. I had such confidence then! I could spend hours looking through pattern magazines.

[@Lantanana]

Wow, I did not know all that about Vogue! Altho I started sewing in the 60's, my mom steered me away from Vogue cos they were complicated, and I was blissfully unaware of anything they did. I am amazed at all those top name designers designing for Vogue. I sewed a lot of my clothes during high school, usually Simplicity patterns, occasionally McCalls. The patterns you are showing look familiar cos they were the styles of the time, and they were over in the other brand books too. In home ec class I made an orange (ewww! lol) wool suit, lined of course. I was so proud of it but barely ever wore it since I lived in the desert. Another memory I have is the fabric. I shopped from the dollar table and got some absolutely fabulous knits that I wish I could still get today. Loved them! Btw, you are right about the 'cc' being a hard K in Italian. I had a boyfriend with a double c way back when!

[@daur5314]

Thanks Viv, that was great. Loved the history and I appreciate you taking the time to look that up. The Jean Muir maxi dresses were 💗.

[@joannesaliani2258]

I love Vogue patterns but in 1973 I was in my last year in high school and my part time job paid $1.00 an hour and in Canada the Vogue patterns were a little more than those listed prices so sadly I couldn’t afford Vogue lol. I did make most of my clothes myself including my prom dress. It was an empire waste pink lace dress and I had a pink slip I wore under it lol. Thanks for the trip down memory lane 😊

[@leahjacob3553]

Wow.. I enjoyed this video. I still recognize some of these vogue patterns from the early days. LOL. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@silk_n_vintage_etc2643]

Love the walk down memory lane, including the rendition of Flipper😊

[@kerstintaugher1793]

This was so fun! In 1973, I was sewing Simplicity. I was a freshman, making wrap skirts and peasant tops out of kettle cloth. No knits. I didn’t have a knit stitch on my Singer. No zigzag then.

[@lindahartwick4091]

Thanks so much for sharing the book. I did so much sewing then and I have just started sewing clothes again. I waited long enough I will be 70 this year and married 50 years so nice to get back to it. Love to sew!

[@UNITS200]

I need to get a 1970”s pattern book. It’s so fun to get outfit inspiration from that time period!

[@estelleduff6682]

I loved looking at this thank you. very inspiring and fun!

[@cherylross4238]

Well, what a memory lane! I was in my 20’s and was sewing all the time. Even with 3 young kids!! I loved looking at the Vogue patterns but never bought one as the other patterns were 50 cents to 75 cents!! I was not influenced by designers or who they were, I would just ideas from the pictures and look for similar pattern in the other 3 popular pattern books! I think I did buy one Vogue for a special occasion. Thanks for reminding me I once had a figure and could sew anything up and it fit😄 I still see some but my 76 year old body needs a lot of adjustments. So I make a lot of quilts , bags etc. I still have all my patterns from the 60’s thru today!❤️

[@rhondareadybishop1639]

OMG that’s where the labels in the vintage machine cabinet I bought came from. I had no idea they gave you the designer label when you bought a designer pattern. I could never afford the designer patterns in 1973 when I was a newlywed.

[@debbier6500]

Those names! How we (my 3 sisters and widowed mom) poured over those old Vogue pattern counter books. I wore some of those patterns. Mom was so skilled. (She taught herself as a kid during the Great depression) We were a single parent working class family. Mom made us beautiful outfits, prom gowns, truseau, etc. She felt if we were dressed like ladies, we would be treated that way. I think it did help. (That was the tale end of an era when men stood up when you entered a room. They held doors open for you, even your car door, but you also didn't earn the same pay as them necessarily. Mom was cool too. She made halter tops and form fitting caftans for us. (I recognized my all-time favorite white halter top in the tops section.) Wearing a designer fashion was such a wonderful thing for a family on a limited budget. It helped us believe in ourselves and our future. Thank you for sharing. I love that women of different ages are discovering those beautiful patterns once more.

[@vivmomsews4962]

What wonderful memories, Debbie! Thank you for writing.

[@kathleengradberg1918]

Love it! I was married in 1973 and sewed a bunch. I have only recently sewn Vogue patterns. They were too pricey for me in 1973. I sewed lots of knits and even took Stretch & Sew classes. One of my early coups was making a long duster with matching hot pants using aqua velveteen and a zillion bound buttonholes. I still have the outfit, certainly doesn't fit now but I still enjoy looking at it. I would wear most of the styles in this pattern book now. Many are timeless. Thanks for sharing!

[@mrgarner4796]

Thank you for the walk down memory lane. I never attempted a Vogue Pattern...I always felt intimidated by them. Most of my garment sewing was during the mid-1960s. My first winter coat, pant suit, vests, skirts. I even made a crepe with sheer overlay for a shirt dress. It made the dress look quite classy in the lovely pastel that I chose. (my opinion, of course) I am now getting back into sewing garments but more relaxed styles. I am also trying desperately to sew up my quilt fabric stash into my own designs. Hopefully my 'grands' will appreciate them. Viv, I love to see your videos and feel like you are visiting with me here at home.

[@72569gab]

A really good video, brought back a lot of memories. I sewed most clothes for three daughters til they were in school. Lived in small town , not many stores, but we had a material and notions store.

[@veraillingworth2431]

I loved this!! I was only just starting high school in 1973 and these styles brought back so many forgotten memories . Reading all the great comments too has made this so enjoyable 👏👏👏❤❤

[@vivmomsews4962]

I love the comments so much, Vera!!

[@peggydid]

Wow! The memories! I didn't sew Vogue. They didn't seem to have the everyday-styled patterns that I needed! I still have all the patterns that I sewed from back in the 70's, and plan to make some cool dresses for this summer! I prefer natural fiber (cotton) that is woven. I hope you keep getting on to chat, even if you don't feel that you have been doing much sewing! Hugs! Peggy

[@stephaniecruz8260]

I found a few Vogue patterns from the 1960s I got them cheap. I love vintage patterns ❤😊

[@jennyhonda9642]

In my teenage years in the 70,s I sewed dresses and skirts using woven fabrics for my summer wardrobe. We lived in a seaside town in Victoria Australia. Vogue was too hard for me , I used simplicity and Butterick mostly. I remember a psychedelic swirly fabric, also a zip up shirt dress in yellow for a shop uniform. i saw one of the patterns you showed my Mother and her staff made. It had no sleeves and they wore a shirt or jumper or skivie underneath, the drees was in a warm knit i think. They made those dresses to out compete the other shops of the same type I have a photo of the three at the doorway of the shop. Mum was always working so my sewing education was what i learnt at high school, and Mum organised some sewing lessons with a customer, her sewing machine was in the bedroom it felt a bit awkward. The local Green Grocers were tailors from Italy, Mum set up a pattern measuring session for me, you know they take all the measurements and then later present you with big brown paper pattern pieces. Wish I could have a do over now!!

[@kathyhernandez7121]

I love your videos, your amazing energy and beautiful choice of fabrics! You have inspired me to get into my sewing room and sew dresses. Looking forward to more videos!

[@vivmomsews4962]

Thank you Kathy! Welcome!💕

[@surban2005]

I was 11, my mom sewed me a knit gym suit and it did not stretch!! It was zipper front and constantly gave me a wedgie! I wanted what all the other kids wore, a boring T-shirt knit. Now I think, she was really ahead of her time! She sewed my prairie wedding dress with full blown floppy hat. She never sewed Vogue! Only Simplicity! We had matching Easter outfits, 3 girls & 3 boys and dad matched the boys and we matched mom. I really hate that fast fashion has caused so much damage. Many people, including me quit sewing because it got expensive. But now tides are turning! Yay Fabricmart Fabrics

[@oskarmolly]

Hi Viv, seeing these patterns brings back memories. Back in the early 70's I took a college course on beginning sewing, one of the projects was to sew a Vogue dress, it was just horrible. the directions, the details, bound button holes. I had sewn for myself and my babies at that time but this dress was a nightmare. Sp difficult for a poly dress.

[@socarole66]

What an absolute joy to look through this book with you. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@beckyborgmann9815]

Wow does this video bring back memories. In the 70’s I remember sewing bonded knits. A solid navy A-line dress with a full length vest from boucle fabric, a hounds tooth check. Sewing also a hounds tooth cape for my eight year old daughter. I still have multiple boxes of patterns from 60,70,80,90’s etc,etc.

[@vivmomsews4962]

Wow Becky, you’ve got a real treasure trove of patterns!! They’re valuable these days - some of the prices on eBay floor me.

[@barbarajohns6613]

Oh Viv! Thank you so much for this. I held my breath when you turned each page, hoping to recognize something I made. I sewed for myself in high school and when I was home in the summer for college. I sewed a lot of Vogue and loved the labels! I made many formal dresses out of Quiana for fraternity and sorority things. I don't remember them being difficult but I also didn't finish seams at all! Omg. Nowadays I rely on the instructions of the indie patterns because I can't figure out the instructions of the Big 4! 😂 Thx again for showing us the book. It made my day!

[@ritakay909]

I made most of my clothes in the 70's. Also sewed cuffed bell bottom pants and a western style shirt for a male friend.

[@kayhopp4866]

Viv. Love, Love, love the line drawings! so much easier to see the details. Have a lot of Vogue patterns, many are still classic enough for today. Remember using one to make a really pretty dress for a convention for my husbands work. We had to drive 75 miles to another city and I spent the drive hemming my dress!!

[@kathleencrumbaugh8050]

Oh my word. I remember sizzlers. This was a fun video. Thank you!! 🥰

[@melindaarivett4349]

Viv, I wanted to thank you for showing the last pattern book..I saw a housecoat pattern I have been looking for..and I ordered it off ebay and now have it....thank you so much