Huge vintage pattern unboxing from a mystery box on Mercari (Pokemon card opening style)

“Where do you buy vintage patterns?” This is a questions I get ALL the time.
My answer is always, “Anywhere I can.”
Yes, this is another huge vintage sewing pattern unboxing! Yes, I did treat is like a Pokemon card opening with two camera angles and "experts". When it comes to buying vintage patterns, eBay is usually the first place that comes to mind, but nowadays there are so many other platforms that you can find vintage patterns on. Sure there are other platforms to buy vintage, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, even Poshmark has some nowadays. However, this week, I tried buying vintage patterns on Mercari. I bought 200 vintage patterns from one really terrible photo and one sentence to describe them. Did I win big? Or did I lose my shirt (even though I can make a new one)?
Grab your coffee, pull this up on your computer and let’s dig into this massive mystery box together.
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Other videos you may enjoy:
Vintage pattern seller shares personal vintage pattern stash: • Vintage pattern seller...
Exploring a 100 year old sewing pattern: • Exploring a 100 year o...
Giant Sewing pattern haul, 80 pounds of patterns: • GIANT Pattern Haul, UN...
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Wardrobe: Trashy Diva
Makeup: Mac & Nyx
My info:
My website: www.backroomfinds.com
IG - / backroomfinds
Twitter - / backroomfinds
Facebook - / backroomfinds
Music provided by Epidemic Sound
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Products I use to trace or repair patterns:
Document Repair Tape - bit.ly/Documen...
Pellon 815 - bit.ly/PellonR...
Frixion Pens - bit.ly/7packFr...
Gear:
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Blue Yeti mic: amzn.to/3n3LRkF
Dragon Pop FIlter: amzn.to/33WzxLG
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I am an affiliate to the links provided above and do receive a small commission on some items that helps to support me and my channel.
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Images:
Sports cards: commons.wikime...

[@StephanieCanada]

Sorry for the shakey closeups. My video wouldn't export with them stabilized. I hope you still enjoyed this haul, I have a playlist with other fun videos like this: kzbin.info/aero/PLaG2bBTXx7U5Thr_VfriXNf_0heqfILnM

[@uniquewhimsy622]

Loved this haul! You’re hilarious. My baby enjoyed the “relaxing” music. 💕💕💕💕

[@uniquewhimsy622]

I would love to buy some kids’ patterns from you.

[@donnabooth6203]

As soon as you said” it’s factory folded “ I did a huge “Yahoo” and scared the cat lol love your videos

[@StephanieCanada]

Oh poor kitty! But yes I was SUPER excited as well. I am so glad you enjoy the content I make. ☺️

[@grandymommy4531]

I really like seeing the vintage patterns you got. I would like to suggest that you hold them up for just a few seconds longer. I don't mind pausing to get a good look but when you pass them by the camera so quickly I just get a blur.

[@TheVelvetKitten]

I love this so hard! I can't get enough. Fascinating. It's like a woman's history told thru a box of patterns. Women do so much, and get interrupted doin' it about 100 times a day. It still astonishes me how little we know about the vast world of patterns. It seems so confuzled. This was so educational Stephani, truly thank you! Also these videos have shown me that everything I find in patterns here is "crispy."

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much! I am happy to share my finds and my pattern knowledge with everyone. And just because they are crispy doesn’t mean they can’t be used. ☺️

[@jessiej5203]

I freaking love this woman 🤣 If you ever have patterns you dont want I will happily be your trash bin 🥺

[@StephanieCanada]

Aww shucks! Thanks! I don’t actually throw things away (because pattern purist). But I will occasionally do Story Sales on Instagram of the ones I don’t want to deal with. I actually need to do one soon because I have SO many!

[@alexar.h.5031]

Ooh, let me know ahead of time so I can budget/schedule it in

[@arwynjams8898]

Now I need to find you on Instagram 😆😁

[@Concertina63]

I *loved* watching this unboxing! Please do more of these. I scored an amazing box of vintage patterns from Facebook Marketplace a few months ago and the joy of opening it and seeing all the gorgeous patterns from the 30's, 40's and 50's was so amazing!

[@StephanieCanada]

Oh hooray! I am so glad you enjoyed it. OH MAN, your box sounds AMAZING!!

[@AllanGradus]

If you have not already done this I love to see a video on how to store/archive one's patterns as well as as how to repair/restore vintage patterns correctly for all of us vintage pattern collector's. Plus sources as to where to get correct sleeves, tape etc.

[@dianamcanally5515]

all the way through I was hoping you'd find the pattern and instructions for the empty wedding gown envelope.... so pretty.

[@Rotten_Ralph]

Am I just rewatching tons of vintage pattern unboxing… yes yes I am indeed

[@lynhodge8685]

Found patterns at goodwill and they seriously use packing tape to keep them closed... i thought of you. Lol

[@ReinaElizondo]

I'm not usually one for hauls or what people bought. However, mystery vintage patterns? Sign me up!

[@StephanieCanada]

Right?! I literally had one photo that was just of the full box with 5 patterns pulled out. I am glad my risk equally everyone's entertainment!

[@beckyhuebsch7142]

when you found the nurses uniform pattern the housecoats/dusters/robes/pjs made sense....they may have been making hospital wear for patients ????

[@StephanieCanada]

Now that would be an interesting story. My version is those dusters are everywhere and are hard to sell in rough shape and a tiny bust size.

[@elizabethmccalla5767]

That Mccalls 1647 is so interesting. It looks like its for hairdressers since its called a wave wrap. I will definitely keep an eye out for when you list it.

[@StephanieCanada]

Will check that one soon for you!

[@daisydaffsforever723]

I am in UK and we never get such a bargain...you are so lucky

[@StephanieCanada]

I have heard some folks have luck at charity shops and UK Ebay.

[@janetstringer362]

I have bought quite a few from charity shops in good condition. I like wedding dress and dressing gown patterns because I can trace round garments and make my own patterns.❤

[@annebeck2208]

That last one is exactly like a coat my mother had, the best thing about it was that it actually fit lots of sizes. It fit my mom, pregnant and non. It fit her much bigger sister, it fit the smaller me. It had kind of batish sleeves, with gussets and the only part that was fitted was the wrists, and neck...the thing was amazing!

[@avintagemess53]

Lol, pretty sure my mom made me a few of those 80s kid rompers!

[@StephanieCanada]

Oh I know I was popped into one of those as a kid that my mom made.

[@1MizzDominguez]

I've lost count how many times I've watched this video! Super fun❤🎉

[@jpendowski7503]

My dear friend. For future unboxing get a good box cutter, score the tape Al peel it off, slice off the flaps to make cleaner access, lower the box so you look down on the patterns, then you will enjoy this as much as we do.

[@joannemcd1257]

I used that bedspread (4 layouts) and pillow pattern back in the mid-80's. I'll have to go through my patterns and see what "vintage" ones I have.

[@maribrown1361]

There were some great patterns in there. And the last one? OH. EMM. GEEEEEEEE!!!! 🎉

[@Lemoncatsf]

Wow amazing! This is probably what happened when my grandmother passed 😓

[@cathyswope5174]

That was soooo satisfying 👌

[@StephanieCanada]

Yeah! I am so glad you enjoyed it!

[@jadakowers4727]

What fun! My favorites were the Mexican Jacket and the poodle apron. Love your poodle!

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

I think that last mod dress was maybe a scooter skirt dress jumpsuit. I crack up when you go right past my favorite stuff. The 50s are beautiful but they’re not comfortable to my body. My waist does not like anything touching it. I love me some no waist A-line/ shift dresses and jumpers from the late 60s and the 70s, plus some of the big-shoulder 1980s jackets as well.

[@theMermaidRhonda]

This video was so fun! I scored a Gunne Sax pattern the other day at a thrift store for FIFTY CENTS!

[@thetimelesscostumemaker1266]

What a wonderful pattern haul you acquired! So awesome. Some of the men's patterns interested me (I have boys in the house). Thanks for sharing some of the other places to find patterns besides the usual ones. I had a friend bring me a box of patterns he bought from an auction house we go to sometimes. They usually auction off estates so a lot of junk but this box was a welcome surprise. There were a lot of 80's and 90's patterns in it, wedding dress patterns from the 50's - 70's, and a load of apron patterns. I found three little girls dress patterns from 1931 in the box. The best part was they were factory folded. I just wish they had been my daughter's size. It's always fun to find treasures!

[@StephanieCanada]

I was pleasantly surprised with how many men’s items there were as well. I have started to get them scanned but they aren’t up yet. My goal is to get more up tomorrow (Friday). And HOORAY for happy surprises. I love 1930’s for every style, men’s, women’s, kids!!

[@barbhayes5613]

Oooohhh, the Advance 8325 at 26:43 - the PERFECT stand-up boat-neck collar. I just need to see the pattern for this type of collar!

[@janisi9262]

Huh. Those Jaques-whatever and other designers whose names are printed with similar fonts - I have a whole bunch of "How To Sew with Tips From Designers" with his and many other big names on them. I wonder if they're at all useful?

[@avonleekley4623]

What (who) was that voice giving the values?

[@leannwhite620]

What fun! I also scored recently from the thrift shop a huuuuuge tub full and half a black yard bag of mostly vintage patterns for $25 total for both. YEHAW! I hope you make another haul video soon.

[@missmoth2588]

My momma made us those ruffle bed covers.

[@janetstringer362]

I feel li!e I've had a fix I read patterns like a book so thrilling. I gave all my patterns away about 30 years ago. I went cold Turkey which lasted 10 years. I'm back and am up to 50 patterns. I would love to have a vintage pattern but Live in England 😢

[@iamvergingonvintage]

This was so exciting!!! And they ff Vogue was just the cherry on top!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much! I had zero idea what was in the box and very presently surprised.

[@jolynnwhite7946]

Ohhhh pattern heaven lv itttttttttttttttttt💕

[@lindathompson5420]

Love looking at patterns through your eyes! Please share all of your hauls.

[@StephanieCanada]

I am certainly trying to! Thank you for watching!

[@CyberMercy]

You are terribly Brave. The second I cracked that box I'd stepped out, popped on Hazmat PPE and started praying for a discernable lack of mouse poop. glad were some pearls in all the chaf

[@StephanieCanada]

Nah, I have dug through WAY worse, and it had already spent time in the “timeout” closet after arriving.

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

You yuck my Yum. I love that very easy very vogue 1980s pattern. Those huge jackets that were inspired by the 20s but aren’t the 20s? I love them. I did a lot of sewing in that era.

[@judibess6173]

OMG, factory folded! You're a screech, love your delivery, just found u😄😄😄. What fun those aprons. Didn't see any doll patterns, always looking for the older 50s doll patterns. Not Barby! Yuck. 😂🤣😂🤣😂 Looking forward to more. TFS!

[@StephanieCanada]

Oh good to know. I normally avoid doll patterns as I don’t sell them that often. But I am happy to go through some (not Barbie ones). 😊

[@Avotts]

Use a knife not scissors You noticed the wrap around, but you did not notice it was a nurses uniform. What are red lines?????

[@DistortedMelodies_]

Oh lord, i really want that pattern (11:15) even if probably i won't use it until i can consider myself more skilled at dressmaking, that's a gown that i would happily stress myself while trying to make it :>

[@StephanieCanada]

That one is spectacular but it actually sold yesterday from my website almost instantly.

[@catinthehat1486]

Wow love it

[@SouthpawPatty]

You got some really good ones there! I always find it so annoying when people write the decade on the front of the envelopes. If they don't press down too hard I can erase that, but still.

[@jayneterry8701]

I would have loved it the company printed the date!

[@sharpduds]

I'm sorry, but I have never seen such a beautiful pattern as McCall's Pattern No. 6255 and I need it in my life!

[@StephanieCanada]

It is amazing! Here is the link if you want to buy it from my shop. backroomfinds.com/products/1930s-mccall-mens-button-up-shirt-pattern-chest-38-no-6255

[@heidikarpa2278]

LOVE your PPA ratings! Is this a regular segment type video for you? It’s really fun.

[@somewhereinoregon541]

Great haul!!! 😍

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much!

[@Dizzyknitsandcurls]

This was so interesting there were some good things in there and some real messes

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much! There really are a mixed bag. You truly never know what you are going to get.

[@monisamontoya288]

Are the patterns ever valued higher because of the artists who drew the covers?

[@mauimedows]

I buy vintage sewing patterns on Mercari often . I’ve been. lucky so far . 1930s 50s and 60s. Just to make garments for myself that I actually wear in Florida , Sunny Isles Beach 🏖 in Miami . Loved your video as always . Happy New year !!!

[@StephanieCanada]

Oh fun! I just forget about that site so often but now I am going to keep a better eye on it. Thank you for hanging out with me.

[@daisydaffsforever723]

I loved this upwrapping.....I love all the 1950s styles but I have a big waste so I cant wear them.....the 40s styles would be better for me

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much! I really enjoy the 1940's and 50's. I also know how hard it is to find the larger sizes, but if I can scale up then really anyone can. I just started sizing up patterns this year.

[@jenniefowler4968]

I bought patterns at goodwill before.

[@giovanninasuluh]

I want the Simplicity 2231! Oh my Gandalf it’s amazing!

[@StephanieCanada]

“Oh my Gandalf” may need to be my new phrase (if you don’t mind me stealing it)

[@giovanninasuluh]

Feel free! I totally yoinked it from someone on Facebook

[@aleciamcdonald3941]

I sell and buy on Mercari and like it overall. Ebay totally alienated me years ago and the last time I looked at it, I still didn't feel like going back.

[@skirtedgalleons]

I'm here to shop...

[@StephanieCanada]

You just let me know if there is anything you see. I have listed very few on my website (due to how much editing this video took).

[@jolynnwhite7946]

Those vogue origin al# are GOLD happy Canada 😍🏳️‍🌈

[@marshaarrowood688]

How do I find my own Lori… I desperately need one for my mom’s vintage patters.

[@moxielouise]

You're funny and I'm enjoying your channel. I was shocked when you said the box wasn't worth the price as you were near the end. I would have thought you'd be doing a happy dance from the time you opened it. Makes me curious what kind of percentage you expect from your purchases in order to consider them worthy...😳

[@StephanieCanada]

Hi there! I am glad you are enjoying my content. I mainly said that because there is going to be a substantial amount of time put into these patterns, and as I have gone through them there are lots that are in really bad shape (like beyond use). It was still overall a decent box, but I try my best to find patterns that aren't quite as shattered as these. Some of these have actually crumbled in my hand as I have gone to pick them up, which always makes me super sad.

[@moxielouise]

Thanks for the response. Yes, i have no doubt they are very time consuming. Do you not sell those that the package are less than perfect but the pieces are still intact? I know that i would be happy to sew with them. Exciting to see you received some 40 inch busts

[@lynn858]

I mean, it paid for itself in terms of not losing money on the lot, and shipping. But you only get paid for items you list, deal with customers, pack and ship. And the listing can get time consuming. If your time is worth nothing, or you got a number of patterns you personally want, and would have paid retail for... then it pays for itself quicker. I did some packaging and shipping, and photography for a small business that sold other paper goods - often sold in unknown lots like this. The amount of money you can get out of a junk box has a couple factors - condition, but also on the work you have to put in ensure the condition is what you think, to describe it accurately, and also having the knowledge of the history, and the keywords to use in the description. A more knowledgeable person is going to spend less time researching things, and have a better chance of knowing what keywords sell, and what flaws are and aren't acceptable depending on the pattern, age, size etc. I'm absolutely speculating here, but I would guess the condition of the package for a 40" bust is less important, than for a very small size, very pretty item, which may get collected for show, and therefore buyers want a pristine envelope. On the bust 40" which will likely get USED, it would be more worth taking the time to ensure all pieces are present, than for some other stuff. Counting pieces sounds absolutely tedious. And factory folded is more desirable, so, those are generally worth more in terms of both sale price, and in not spending the time to check for, and describe deficiencies. All I have to say is I hope Stephanie's customers are less insane, and demanding than the buyers from the company I did work for. People who would demand the most time asking questions, and badgering about shipping times, and were most likely to file a dispute with ebay were almost always for $3 items.

[@barbaramatthews4735]

It looks like a good deal over all. A little flaky seller as well as a few patterns. You could get some of your investment back if you resell. I would love to see you sew a few of these.

[@Mrsfalldowngobump]

I'm becoming a huge fan of your pattern unboxings. I bought a huge box of patterns for 3 bucks at my local thrift store. Someone had donated grandma's pattern collection, most of them complete but honestly looked as if they had been stored under a bed in a cardboard box, pretty tattered envelopes. Good thing I buy to sew and not resale. Just out of curiosity, do children's patterns resell well? Loved the video!!!!

[@StephanieCanada]

Aww yeah! I am glad they are entertaining. And I LOVE a good "grandma" stash! Good score! Kid's patterns sell well in smaller sizes, and with good "frills". The in between 7-12 don't sell as quickly, but I still try to find them good homes.

[@hannahinjapan7087]

Did the boys pattern with the cute hat sell?

[@cherylpuckett7302]

Loved this video and would Love to see more like it.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@cherylpuckett7302]

@@StephanieCanada , I always do enjoy all of your videos!!

[@shellamurphy6932]

Fun SCORE!!!!!

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much!

[@lizhumble9953]

I have a box like this I was given. Instead of going through them I am watching you go through yours. It was packed so tight like that one, with empties and possibly not the right pieces in them. I just get overwhelmed every time I look at it, also it does not help they are all smaller patterns. i am not a smaller person.

[@StephanieCanada]

One at a time. Take them one at a time. If you start to get overwhelmed just leave yourself a note so you know where you left off.

[@meloncornets3034]

I loved this! Combing your site for gold.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you! Anything in particular I can help you find?

[@meloncornets3034]

@@StephanieCanada Thanks for asking. I found a few things my size that I'm marinating on but I might go back and grab that Laura Ashley.

[@The_SherSher]

27:35 I have this one in a larger size!! I thought I had quite a few vintage patterns, but this is the first one in your video that I have as well. I need to step up my game, lol

[@StephanieCanada]

I don’t ever expect someone to reach my level of insanity. Just get the patterns you enjoy.

[@The_SherSher]

🤣🤪

[@alexar.h.5031]

Ooh, are you selling those red line transfers?

[@StephanieCanada]

Honestly, just DM me on IG. I have SO MANY. I will just send you some.

[@kathynelson2833]

Any tips for graphing patterns from size 40 to54?

[@FridayTheThirteenth2006]

Okay, so I know I am late but one of these patterns is McCall's 5308! (9:44) I am in love with it, its a dress and blazer style top. if you still have it PLEASE let me know! I would love to buy it!

[@StephanieCanada]

No worries! I just checked my website (www.backroomfinds.com) and that one has already sold. But always check back, as I list patterns daily and ya never know when I will find one like it. Thank you for watching!

[@FridayTheThirteenth2006]

@@StephanieCanada Oh, I cant find it online ANYWHERE. But thanks for replying!

[@StephanieCanada]

@@FridayTheThirteenth2006 it is a harder to find pattern for sure!

[@dAPERize]

The pattern at 12:29 my mom absolutely made for me as a kid

[@StephanieCanada]

Amazing!

[@crinolinegremlin]

the "special" vs 〜*〜special〜*〜 boxes hold very different things

[@StephanieCanada]

SO TRUE!

[@amandaamacher8535]

Why is using regular tape a bad idea? I tried googling this but my google foo is weak. I didn't know about archival tape and I've applied regular tape to a few of my vintage patterns without knowing it was bad 🙃 including *ahem* preserving an entire envelope with packing tape *high pitched squealing that only dogs can hear*

[@StephanieCanada]

Ok. Regular tap is bad because it doesn’t last long term and it can destroy the pattern in the long run. In the description of this video I link “archival tape” on Amazon and THAT is what I use to repair my personal torn pattern.

[@michellecornum5856]

A LOT of patterns. Always love a haul. How do you deal with the crumbly patterns? Happy New Year!

[@StephanieCanada]

I have to be careful, because most of the time I sell "as is" because a lot of folks prefer to restore them "their way". So I try to lower the price on fragile ones appropriate to the damage. When i do repair, it is usually for my own stash and I use the archival tape that is linked in the video description box.

[@annelisevonhaussen7121]

How do you put a dollar value on the patterns? Surely when the pattern and envelope are in good condition the value is more. But what is the dollar increment when the envelope or pattern are damaged or the pattern is cut?

[@StephanieCanada]

You honestly just look at the market. What is available, how many, and what are they selling for on average. For me, unless the envelopes aren’t readable, I don’t adjust the price too much. The biggest change is FF or not.

[@BeverleyButterfly]

Ooh what a haul you got some really lovely ones! Do you ever put the empty packets in frames or make anything with them to sell? I’d love to see some DIYs and stuff xx

[@StephanieCanada]

I am such a purist! I send them missing ones to my friend to eventually put them back together again.

[@BeverleyButterfly]

@@StephanieCanada oh that’s such a lovely thing to do

[@tinawiththelakeexchange2093]

What service are you using for the “papa” value? Thanks.........so much fun watching.

[@StephanieCanada]

That is just me giving my “evaluation” of the pattern. It is what I look for when deciding price.

[@sam-co1oo]

hollow?

[@RoseDoes]

Quick question: Do you ever tape or reenforce torn patterns? If so, what type of tape do you use?

[@RoseDoes]

Nevermind...you said archival tape. Any brand specifically?

[@StephanieCanada]

The brand I use is linked in my description. I forget the name off the top of my head.

[@RoseDoes]

@@StephanieCanada Thank you!

[@romeoslover817]

First I have heard Mercari.

[@AdventuresInLife2012]

Candy "Yum, mom has bacon residue on her thumb from the sticky box".

[@StephanieCanada]

Oh who knows?! Maybe that is it!

[@sam-co1oo]

what's wrong with red lines?

[@kathywiseman7944]

❤❤❤

[@neldahargo5933]

I watch for the sarcasm.

[@jenniefowler4968]

I too, speak fluid snark or sarcasm

[@arwynjams8898]

I was so shocked when I realized that people call 1980’s patterns vintage 🤦‍♀️ Uh Nope.

[@StephanieCanada]

RIGHT! It just feels so wrong....

[@angela-ti1np]

I don't really feel like you had the right to be so miserable when they didn't promise you anything but vintage patterns, which you got.

[@jolynnwhite7946]

Intelligent satirist indeed Pokémon my youngest # son in remember POGS 🏳️‍🌈🦹🏾‍♂️👌🏾

[@lulufune1489]

I had to turn off, the box 1/2 lid was annoying me!!😮

[@cheaphussey5028]

Who thinks 1930's patterns look like 1980's patterns? Seriously

[@StephanieCanada]

You would be amazed how many seller's list 1980's as 1930's. I want to say they do it because they don't know any better, but they may be doing it because 1930's is more searched than 1980's (and more desirable).