Butterick Counter Book From 1945! // Cataloging Catalogs

Grab a cup of tea, because today we're flipping through another 1940's primary resource, a Butterick patterns COUNTER BOOK (!!) from February 1945. Just like when you visit a crafting/fabric shop today, there used to be counter book catalogs showing every pattern available back in the 1940's too, and they are very rare today. A great resource on 1940's design options and styling, lets take a look inside...
The scans! / butterick-counter-book...
Music and Sound Effects from Epidemic Sound.
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But wait there's more! A PO BOX finally wahoo!
First, a disclaimer: So many of you have kindly offered to send me things, including vintage items you may have inherited, and I am so honored you would think of me and of course I do adore vintage treasures, however, unfortunately I only have so much storage space currently! So there is a chance that if something just wont work for me, or doesn't fit me etc, that I may not be able to keep all of your lovely things. Please only send things if you are okay with the possibility that I may donate items I just cannot keep. If you would prefer I put things that I can't keep into the TCH Etsy shop to help raise funds for me and the channel, please specify this in a note or letter in your parcel. Thank you so much!
Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!

[@tarawurster6272]

It would be interesting to see a series of “let’s make this page” videos where a month is spent making the dresses on one page of a catalogue. Also, would happily sit through a six hour session flipping through a catalogue

[@michellecornum5856]

Absolutely Agree 100%!

[@allieg6401]

I'd sit through a 6 hour catalogue video... even in a couple of sessions. I have a play list of her visa to help me sleep!!

[@zyzxzsgedr]

Thats why I subscribed on patreon 😍 love the long form content!

[@leiria87gaming]

"Not to be goth...." No. Please. Be goth. You're goth is an inspiration for me as someone who wants to incorporate more vintage into my wardrobe and you have given me more ideas than I can ever create.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I only go more goth over the years, so more coming surely 😂🧛‍♀️💜

[@cherylrosbak4092]

1940s Star Trek dress with all the accessories is now my dream con outfit.

[@MiffoKarin]

I'd love to see a 40's Star Trek uniform, the pattern in question might work well with a The Next Generation or Voyager colour blocking, with the shoulder being a different colour than the rest.

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

the design is very similar to the dress uniforms Picard and Riker often wear for the more formal occasions/ceremonies.

[@ThePrairierider]

i would totally wear the tuxedo dress! Also, the name of the store on the card was likely the Hudsons Bay Company.😊

[@SuziSmartPhoto]

Definitely The Hudson's Bay Company. I was just at the Victoria, BC Hudson's Bay just last week😊 Unfortunately no longer sells patterns or fabric.

[@DavidAShaw1]

Yes the "rationing" was done to conserve silks, nylons that were available and wools at the time for use in our war time production efforts. Surprisingly most fabric rationing continued past the end of the war into the winter of 1945 as well. It wasn't until about spring of 1946 that fabric rationing was pretty much lifted fully.

[@kellymartin2603]

It was probably so production didn't get overwhelmed by demand. Sort of like how things such as toilet paper were sold in limited quantities after the first part of covid (where people were hoarding it), because the companies making it couldn't keep up with demand. After things started going back to normal (for the most part), they were able to not sell out as quickly, and eventually got to the point where they could lift the 'rationing' of items, because they were finally at a place where they could keep up with the (now lower) demand. If they'd just suddenly allowed people to have as much of the fabrics as they wanted the second the war was over, they likely would've run out of it entirely for a while, which would be far worse than having to limit it because they didn't have enough. That's my theory, anyway.

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

I honestly can't wait to see the coffin dress, I do love unintentionally goth clothing!

[@fawntheresa5338]

I would totally spend 6 hours with you on Patreon looking through this. The wrap shoes on the last page of that insert were delicious!

[@ailsadixon408]

Me toooo!!!

[@zyzxzsgedr]

Me too!

[@geppettowoman]

Agreed! (Runs off to sign in to patreon…)

[@doblemaltita]

I will watch 6 hours of Bianca nerding about anything, tbh, I love passionate people talking about their passion and she is super instructive and pleasant to listen to

[@zyzxzsgedr]

Yes!!

[@raraavis7782]

The little tidbit about certain 'wasteful' patterns having been prohibited because of rationing was very interesting. I didn't know, that was a thing.

[@michellecornum5856]

Yeah, I was just wondering if that's why you will find a pattern book with some amazing designs and you can't find the pattern to save your life.

[@mariegarside8830]

The British Empire had fabric rationing longer than the US. Canada is part of the British Empire.

[@CandycaneLane999]

It was probably Hudson's Bay, still in Canada🇨🇦

[@kfries1282]

Came to say the same thing. Almost every medium town to big city still has "The Bay"

[@traceybradshaw]

I’m quite amazed at how many of the dresses and suits are reminiscent of 80’s power dressing and even some things I remember from the very early 90’s. My mother definitely had dresses that reflected these styles and I even remember my sisters and myself wearing suits and dresses similar to so many of the styles in this book, though I know my suit skirts were definitely a few inches above the knee.

[@elmmusicful]

hudsons bay company. the company that pretty much "owned" canada for a very looooong time before it became canada

[@tholan1313]

Oh please do the coffin skirt! That sounds amazing 🖤🖤🖤

[@gowriwarrier2370]

I'm looking forward to that one, too! You can never be too goth.

[@katperez7884]

Just want to say thank you for all the work that went into putting this on Pinterest. It is appreciated.

[@sinndymorr6358]

You have a treasure! I am imagining so many wonderful things. Coffin shaped details in a dress..why yes..I am curious!

[@CherriesJubilee]

It was a Hudson's Bay Store - very big in Canada, especially in BC.

[@charliecat5686]

Yes please for every page! Listen doll, you have a great voice, good for all of us!!! As a insomniac I approve.

[@Inaneassylum]

I have to watch this in segments. Too much beauty and inspiration all at once.

[@waterbitten]

Same

[@Christine-vu4ej]

I love these catalogue walkthroughs. I learn so much with the description of the construction and how darts are manipulated for the designs. Thank-you for uploading the images into Pinterest too. I vote for pattern 3017 being made, the green dress with the sewn on scarf piece going over the shoulder, matching belt, with the gathered skirt detail on the same side 😍

[@emmadroste8493]

I'm actually going through drafting and adjusting my own bodice block right now! Once that's done the sky's the limit so thank you for all the advice! All of these garments look gorgeous

[@kosmosjk]

I would absolutely sit through six hours of vintage pattern booking. Also, just so you know it isn't just you, ohhhhh the hats!!!!!!!!!! 🙂

[@madamemegan]

Why did I just go through the Pinterest uploads saving everything that I love. I may just end up with a huge 1945 wardrobe

[@StephanieCanada]

Not me over here NERDING out over the counter catalog with you. Also me with a dress with the GIANT bow (but from New York) that I made and can concur that it only ACCENTUATES the bust. I also have the center accent wedding dress that I have an idea to make out of black for this fall. Hehehe….

[@reavanante2160]

That 'Kitten Ear Hat' I think is Medieval. I used to gorge on old art and costumes, great reference also. It's been a long time. Nostalgia for me.

[@lizmcgovern1173]

Probably the Hudson's Bay Company. Very big up here in Canada, almost every town and city had either a large or small store.

[@elizabethrobbins8580]

Princess seams were Vogue in 1945. I agree with you on the zig-zag front suit. I would love to see the skirt as well. A trumpet skirt with contrasting fabric in the gore would be so cute. Acid green with a burnt orange in the gore's would fit you down to your bones.

[@QueenOfTheNorth65]

That black suit at the far left of page 1-186 is just gorgeous. ❤️

[@kaytiej8311]

Page 97 raised waistline! Please! This was wonderful. I just love when you show us through these patterns. Your ooo's and aaah's, the drooling, and sighs... mirror what we're all thinking! The green suits, accessories...its just wonderful.

[@susanrobertson984]

Going through old patterns is so much fun!

[@mrs.knecro7044]

I love that you kind of break down how the darts are moving or eliminated or being changed into gathers/ tucks etc. so cool to see how it works.

[@PlasticBuddha88]

Oooh I love these!!! I used to look at pattern books when I was a kid and my mom and/or grandmother were fabric shopping. These styles remind me a lot of my grandmother too. So awesome!

[@crystilmurch5659]

This was such a neat look into the mid 40's. I was surprised to see how many of the styles hearken back to the 18th century. Many of the yokes look like they could have been fichus and the seam lines on the backs of the jackets appeared to follow the historically appropriate lines from that period also. I love that your mind instantly tries to make many of these styles as sci-fi as possible. The pillbox hat with the pompom reminded me of the little Final Fantasy creatures calles Moogles. I may have to see about doing a game-bounding type of outfit that would pay homage to that. Thank you for sharing! Can't wait to see which of these you take for inspiration in your upcoming videos. :)

[@ToilAndStitch]

21:10 that neckline makes me think of window curtains. That being said, I love the green version!

[@Eloraurora]

Hooray! Cataloging Catalogs returns!

[@ghostsandcoffee126]

I adore that design with the geometric shoulders in green and/or brown! I 1000% agree that in black with a neon piping it would look just fantastic!

[@pamelajohnson9810]

Yesssss I would love to see you makes the dresses from these eras and you model them I loves the 40s50s 60s and 70s looks but I'm mostly interested in the the 40s,50s and 60 s looks I was born in the 60s in 1961.lol👛👝🛍️🥿👟👡👗🧥🧣👚👖👕💄👒💎. I loves your channel I loves vintage clothing's furniture's and cookbooks 📖📚🛋️🛏️🛁🚿🚽

[@marathorne6821]

Beautiful book! Many happy hours could easily be spent leafing through for inspiration... 😍 Thanks for sharing, Bianca.

[@saricadouglas5469]

Dreamy, love this Thank you for sharing!

[@bethliebman8169]

So many wrap dresses, pre-dating Diane Von Furstenberg by 20 years. I am so enjoying your catalog videos.

[@bbrosser694]

Oh my goodness, you've made my day so bright. I loved almost every pattern that was featured in your big find-- a 1945 Butterick Counter Book. I'm wondering if that's because I was born in 1946? Or, maybe it's because design excelle coupled with beautiful fabric, notions, and accessories just can't be denied. I am thanking you for taking the time to provide the experience, and adding your insightful comments as well.

[@marimba26]

So many pretties! I'd be happy with whatever but oh, the scallops! Love those! And the zig zag button placket...yum! Also, the company on the card in BC? The Hudson's Bay Company. It still exists.

[@shelbeemariee]

Thank you for uploading these for free. I've found pattern books scanned and sold as downloads, but never free to view ❤🖤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I always think they should be free!! it drives me bonkers 😫

[@katieprentice6934]

I love these because I always look at the fabric or pattern in the drawing, but you're like, no, look, this has a cape!

[@the_dapper_scrapper]

Thanks for sharing the scans !!!!

[@keebly6107]

My mother made most of my highland dance outfits and as a child purple was my favourite colour, so I had a purple plaid aboyne (women's version on the kilt). So purple plaid is out there!! I recently found some of the left overs while cleaning out the farm house. I'll need to make something nice with it.

[@abigailwrigley6462]

“Killed your fourth husband look” - I actually spat my dinner out!

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

When I was in the Women's Army Corps (back in the late 1960's), one of the young women modeled three dresses for many of us (who were talking and standing together on the outside walk). One of the dresses had a bow on the front,a nd the other two dresses had bow on the back. A nice looking man with us told her, "I like seeing a bow coming rather than going away from me. We all agreed with him.

[@Siansonea]

These are all great. I'd watch videos about just about any of these projects. I think the ones that you're most scared of should nudge their way closer to the top of the list, though.

[@chrish2277]

It looks like they were enjoying having slightly more fabric to work with toward wars end. The broaches.... the peplums.... the draped skirts. The pinafores are interesting too. Thanks for sharing

[@mandycollins8795]

Oooh, I look forward to the jacket/suit project! That's something I definitely want to get into soon!

[@funonyoutube1716]

Amazing images. Thanks so much for sharing with the Internet!

[@Lulab3ll3]

Although I am no where near your level of sewing capabilities, you have helped me understand so much about sewing patterns. After watching your videos and seeing how you manipulate darts I can easily see how you can achieve almost all these dresses without physically having their patterns. You are one of the few content creators where I have zero problem watching an hour long video! Thank you for being you and sharing your skills with us!

[@gowriwarrier2370]

I feel the exact same way! I stumbled upon her "Stop Buying Commercial Patterns, Learn Pattern Drafting Instead" rant video and have been hooked ever since. Since then, I've learned so much more about sewing and pattern drafting and the general art of making clothing from her than from any other content creator. Thank you so much, Bianca!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you so much Megan! ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@kimwilliams5165]

I'm drooling 🤤 Thank you for your work making these scans available 😍

[@VondaInWonderland]

I have a few boxes of patterns from many decades. The book would take up so much less room 😍

[@LindaStitches]

Wow, this was such a treat! I loved seeing all the 1945 designs. My plan had been to do some stitching while your video was on, but I couldn’t look away!

[@dayna139]

I love when you do these!

[@ailsadixon408]

So looking forward to coming back to this when my son goes to sleep and I can cozy up with some tea and all this beauty! 🖤🤎

[@paulapercsi8897]

So much to sew, so little time... Thank you, Bianca for sharing and talking us through! 🌸

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I'm so glad you bought this!

[@tammerastephens4649]

Not Adrian for the, "Blade Runner" dress, Travis Banton designed that dress in, "Smash-Up".

[@waterbitten]

Love, love, love this series!, Also same, when it comes to a fur + hat + gloves combo I immediately think "rich widow to a much older gentleman with old money".

[@apollonianeumer3094]

Lovely designs, that S-shape bodice to skirt seam looks very intriguing.

[@gowriwarrier2370]

Yes, I'd love to see that one, too! The one at 36:31 on page 2-195.

[@WheezyCatLady]

Wow! This was so exciting to look through. I feel so inspired!! Loving all the yolk-age and the flowy/wavy drapes of fabric down one side of skirts. GORGEOUS!!

[@gowriwarrier2370]

I think she called that a sarong style? I'd love to see how that was drafted!

[@KathrynsRavens]

It's probably a book from The Hudson's Bay Company, they started as fur trading and are still around but now just called The Bay. Pretty iconic Canadian store

[@geriattrique7141]

I don’t know if I’d call this ASMR, pattern porn, vintage clothing porn or what, but what a glorious set of images! And so wonderful you scanned these all! ❤️❤️❤️

[@kirstenpaff8946]

I wish you could still find that many pretty green fabrics.

[@MeMe-Moi]

Cape suit @7:20 = 1945 Lady Sherlock Holmes! 👀😍

[@amaliakomperda3798]

That is lovely ! Thank you for digitizing and putting these up for everyone to enjoy 😃

[@geministargazer9830]

I definitely want to see that S shaped gathered dress drafted

[@gowriwarrier2370]

Seconding this!

[@jenniferlawrence8533]

Love the catalog!! Always enjoy them.

[@bethknapp4935]

So beautiful!! I love going through these with you!!!

[@ksarge2135]

Ok! Found a design detail I would like to see, if you're interested please. It is on P.98, View A the Raspberry dress with the amazing 3/4 sleeve where there is ruching going into a triangle piece. I would love love love to see how to make that as I'm going to immediately put it on everything. :-D

[@killamoosdraree730]

Thanks for continuing to share catalogs with us! I love this!

[@fathomswanson9510]

The quality content I am looking for!!!

[@briannaberg3388]

A big book full of amazing things indeed! I absolutely adore this series thank you so much for sharing these catalogs

[@mladeau2105]

You did so much work. Thank you

[@deidrabenson361]

Absolutely loved this video! Thanks sooo much for sharing ❤️❤️❤️

[@emmetarot2966]

Very inspiring. I also just can’t get over the lovey sound of the pages turning! 😍

[@KatherineYoung]

I love looking at all of these! So lovely. I just picked up my own catalogue via auction and can't wait to share it!

[@anniehosking2408]

Wow! What a find!

[@hannamk9375]

😍 I now have so many options to make out of my fabric stash! Thank you for making these available ❤️

[@Handbagqueen23]

The second page has a aqua dress with a circular gathered detail that looks really different.

[@MysteryMommy1]

Thank you for this!!

[@pamfrank3962]

Such a beautiful era of clothing. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@geppettowoman]

3191, yes please! Wrap dress that I could do with a tropical feel? So my style!

[@lynn858]

The cat ears head cover seems to be a style of tying a headscarf - but the tutorials I’m finding give tiny bumps on either side, nothing triangular or deliciously odd like these pictures. Except some knit options. I’d have guessed it would be something more like a curvette fascinator. Suggestions? Keywords?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

They are quite rare anymore it seems sadly, though I would like this one as well www.pinterest.com/pin/100768110388189677/

[@juanitad.3065]

I really like your sense of humour! (and sense of style!) I really like your videos!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Juanita!

[@heatherkemp1846]

I find it funny that the larger or maternity wear was still shown on a skinny tall model. I think you should start at the beginning and make all the ones you like. Best wishes xx

[@DawnYarnDoll]

These videos are so calming and fun for me. Thank you! Sending well wishes xo

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Dawn! ❤

[@annadj33]

Another great video! I just love your channel. I’m trying to incorporate a more vintage style into my wardrobe and your videos are very helpful. I can’t wait to see what you do next!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Anna!

[@gowriwarrier2370]

Can you please show us how to do 3157 shown at 21:24 of the video? It’s just absolutely stunning. Also, thank you so much for taking the effort to scan and color correct all of these to put on Pinterest. I imagine it would be so much effort to do so, so please know that it is deeply appreciated. You're doing us all a great service!

[@djwanacaraway7007]

Hi! I have been watching all your videos and they are amazing!!! I am really enjoying them. I would really, really love to see you create a 1920's cocoon robe or jacket. I have wanted to make one for so long. I think you make everything really understandable. So, hoping you could help me. Thank you! And I love your makeup too.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@gerrilyn1070]

The 1940's is my favorite decade for fashions, such wonderful tailoring and detail. I always say that it was too bad there was a world war going on otherwise it would have been the perfect decade. Thank you for sharing this.

[@penny7b]

I'd love to see you do a wrap dress and one of those cute suit jackets, especially an asymmetric one.

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

So many delicious details. I really do need to pull my finger out and get a body block done so I can play with some of these designs. Also need to figure out what will work with my body shape.

[@Downhomeherbwife]

Wow! Butterick with cool Vogue type styles! 💖

[@colettebramwell-colyer]

The book was probably at the Hudson’s Bay company. It’s a Canadian store that still exists today.

[@zyzxzsgedr]

I signed up to and subscribed to your patreon because the content you put out (for free??) is gosh dang amazing! Love the videos and the work you do to put it on pinterest too

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@LualaDy]

I would really love the Tron neon details dress/suit/thing ^^ I imagine (only imagine because I never go out) this would look great at a bar or club night or concert or dance thing whatevr =D