Simplicity's "Vintage Holiday" Patterns are NOT it

[@mil_enrama]

Indie pattern companies remain the MVPs of the hobby. These big companies don't really care about the craft anymore.

[@StephanieCanada]

CORRECT! I actually have a surprise coming with Mrs Depew Vintage soon…

[@MimmiesMinis-KellyPenny]

@@StephanieCanada 🤩😍 THAT will be soooo cool!!! 😎

[@gigiiv]

Um no. I've had too many experiences with companies that couldn't draft a pattern outside of the founder's size. Don't get me started on photos that don't match the line drawings. At least with the big 4 I get consistency and things that don't have weird darts. My mom's been sewing over 50 years, I've been sewing over 30. Neither of us will waste our money on indie patterns ever again.

[@kristinedoty7876]

They didnt "forget" to put the structure underneath, it was done on purpose because they think the people sewing today do not have the skills, the time or the patience (not to mention, the figures) to make these dresses the way they were originally made. Its also more difficult to find some of the specialty fabrics (horsehair anyone?) uncommon fabric widths and fibers, and notions such boneing, covered buttons etc. I guess they think no one is going to notice that the garments look nothing like the illustrations?

[@wanderingspark]

The irony of that being, even in the 1950s, most people didn't actually have the correct hourglass figure. Putting the correct structure under the dress is what enabled women in the 1950s to get that look anyway.

[@AtticHaunt321]

Do the DVF wrap dress in the Grinch patterned fabric! Tres festive!

[@StephanieCanada]

HAHAHA! That would be festive.

[@Hippiechick11]

Love this idea!.

[@debcloud3298]

Sitting in Australia thinking holiday patterns should be summer and cute. Stephanie sitting in northern hemisphere saying why is this pattern summer lol. Happy holidays from the southern hemisphere 😅

[@blktauna]

My mom wears that 70 black velvet jacket, frilly white shirt and plaid maxi skirt. That was totally xmas back in the day.

[@StephanieCanada]

I believe it, but there are so many kitschy options they just ignore.

[@blktauna]

@ I think you have proved several patterns ago they are in sore need of your insight and expertise. And as an aside I’ve used a few of the old 60s holiday patterns already. One of which I got from you. They are a riot and honestly Id want more of the slippers patterns

[@kristinedoty7876]

​@@StephanieCanadaYes, this was definitely a holiday look at the time. With suede boots!

[@sewthernbelle]

I think what they meant by “holiday” was patterns one can use to make dress up clothes for holiday gatherings/parties. Not cute holiday themed vintage crafts.

[@lenabreijer1311]

This is sad. I have hundreds of Burda pattern magazines going back to 1964, when i discovered in a deli, sitting in the basement . So many holiday outfits! So much glitz .

[@SewRena]

To be fair the walkaway dress is an apron so why wouldn’t you make it for all the holiday cooking?

[@MimmiesMinis-KellyPenny]

@@SewRena that's probably the best functional idea for that sad monstrosity🤭! I think someone commented "make it with the Grinch fabric"; probably one of the better ideas so far 🤷‍♀️.

[@sarahgoetz1170]

I feel bad for the website person as they obviously get told to do this page with very little content to work with 😢 Really hoping that you'll do a followup video with your favourite holiday vintage patterns.

[@StephanieCanada]

Right! Like we can’t be bothered to give you new stuff, but make it look FULL. I feel for that team too.

[@Acadian_Proud]

I wish you could be a consultant with some of these companies….

[@StephanieCanada]

Honestly me too, but only if they would listen.

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

I grew up in the 70s and I totally would’ve worn one of those super bell pants with shirt jacket made out of crushed velvet back in about 1973 to about 77. But it also makes really good made in that sort of brushed synthetic “Quiana?”

[@tripleacosplay]

If you haven't already done so, I'd love to see a video of your list of vintage holiday patterns you think people should be considering instead!

[@midnightqueen3332]

Why cant these big boys do a little research, talk to resellers, do some polls online, etc? We have the internet and technology. It's not like its a huge monetary investment and massively extensive time sink.

[@StephanieCanada]

I truly don’t know.

[@gailbrassard9806]

My thoughts exactly! Why cant they do some market research and hold focus groups comprised of people who actually BUY patterns and are unhappy with what's currently offered? Better yet--join the 21st century and see what internet vintage influencers are buying/thrifting and what styles vintage sellers are having trouble sourcing and keeping in their inventories. What are the "cool vintage" items currently in demand? I've noticed their cluelessness for the past decade at least. They are not paying attention!

[@gadgetgirl02]

I'm starting to wonder if the people putting these patterns up don't know anything about history. Or vintage fashion. Or sewing.

[@kobaltkween]

Companies rarely leave money on the table, and when they do, there's almost always a competing economic reason. If you see them do something for a year or four, that might be someone with power making a personal choice. If they do it every year consistently, there are economic reasons. They have their traffic and sales data. They're not ignoring them to spite you. They don't even know you.

[@pansepot1490]

I am willing to bet that they use Artificial “Intelligence” to make these decisions instead of actual market research.

[@jacquieskipper4907]

I was a teenager in the 70's. Would total do the elephant bells/secret pants in a fancy fabric!!

[@StephanieCanada]

That would look great!

[@PhilbrookHandcrafted]

I would love to see a video of the patterns that you would have picked. You are right, they completely misunderstood the assignment.

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

I made the two-color teddy bear in November 1976. Same design offered in 2 sizes, different collection of toys.

[@gigiiv]

So much of what makes something fancy is fabric & trim. Your favorite sundress pattern in a fancy fabric with a longer skirt can make a really lovely formal that you'll feel comfortable in. I'd rather have something that looks great than something that looks like it can only be worn to one event a year.

[@gwenhagey-shirk5175]

I love your vintage vs reproduction videos. My grandmother worked at Simplicity for years (mostly before I was born) as a folder so whenever you have a 'factory folded' Simplicity pattern it could have been my grandma who folded it :D

[@StephanieCanada]

That is SPECTACULAR!!!

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

I dropped from a 46 to a 42 since summer. I started measuring since watching you display patterns.

[@Hippiechick11]

Congratulations!!!

[@jadakowers590]

Good for you!

[@snowyalice]

Like 80% of the reason why I collect vintage toy patterns is because they look terrifying. I just like that sometimes the toys just don't look right.

[@dannycarrington1601]

Simplicity did a pattern in the 40s for stuffed animals based on characters from Bambi; Thumper looks like he has a goiter.

[@snowyalice]

@dannycarrington1601 It’s so cursed. I want it.

[@pauladavitt7554]

Oh now vintage craft patterns would go down an absolute treat with me.

[@Dizzyknitsandcurls]

I’ve worn a dvf in red to Christmas Stefanie …. So anything is Christmas if you make it 😂

[@StephanieCanada]

That is true. But I also wish they would lean into the kitsch of it all.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

I would love to see the Mary Martin, Peter Pan, pull over shirt (from the 1950's) again. My sister had one and she loved it.

[@coolthinghere6853]

id love to see a part two to these roasts of what youd want to see in their vintage reproduction catalogues! theres certainly enough stuff in the pattern wiki to pull from

[@CalicoMom83]

McCall 8542 is SO 70’s. The pantsuit was everything. Velvet was huge (Austin Powers). Velvet skirt, satin blouse? Holiday.

[@sugakookie6303]

I was going to say the same thing, my mother had a Christmas outfit like the pants outfit made with velvet and a satin blouse…

[@Venus_hooked]

They really don't care, I'm happy we have you❤

[@connie6545]

True story!

[@StephanieCanada]

It really feels like they don’t. And it makes me so sad.

[@Venus_hooked]

Lucky we have you and the community to assist us in keeping them "slightly " honest. Thank you

[@mellie4174]

Oh the sass. I'm so here for it.

[@StephanieCanada]

Aww shucks.

[@mandeliongardens]

Hello lovely other viewers! Hope you are having a great day!

[@MimmiesMinis-KellyPenny]

@@mandeliongardens thank you!! Hope, if you celebrate it, you had a beautiful and blessed holiday with family, friends, and loved ones!! ❤️

[@elisabethmontegna5412]

I wonder if the issue is the parent company? I went down a rabbit hole for a bit and financially the craft part (sewing patterns and a bunch of other things) of Design Group represents less than 20% of their revenue. They stated that that there was a decline in revenue in that division in 2024 due to “activity and sewing patterns affected by our decision in DG Americas to more tightly manage credit risk in US retail.” I don’t speak corporate but that doesn’t sound like the kind of language that indicates they are looking to support the pattern companies doing anything fun and exciting.

[@kristinedoty7876]

They picked the ones that were the most popular at the time. At the beginning of the jeans mania, they even put out a pattern to make your own jeans because the market had not expanded to where it is today. Especially, women couldn't really find jeans that fit curvy bodies and they didnt have the stretch denim then either. Reissuing something like that would just be stupid. But you must remember, about the teddy bears, we didnt have the influx of dirt cheap Chinese goods that we have now. It was actually economical to make your kid a conventional Teddy bear at the time.

[@Itstheshoes22]

Hi. I LOVE your rose/spider web dress, it’s gorgeous 🥰xx

[@StephanieCanada]

Thanks! It is actually from Vixen by Micheline Pitt.

[@lisalee9182]

Oh Stephanie make that jacket in deep purple velvet! Prince vibes all the way

[@lauralake7430]

Maybe we're just too demanding?

[@JenInOz]

By the way, the jacket that you suggested borrowing from grandma's wardrobe - only goes from size 6-16!

[@StephanieCanada]

Of freaking COURSE?!

[@angelkeith4767]

I didn’t realize, with all the other professions Barbie appeared as, that there was Hooker Barbie. All “glammed up” in red and leopard print with those knee high boots. 😂😂😂

[@MimmiesMinis-KellyPenny]

@@angelkeith4767 🤯🤣❤️ I never even considered that!! lololol 😂😂 luv it!!

[@lauralake7430]

All we need now is Ken 😂in assless chaps

[@m.maclellan7147]

Do love when you vent, lol 😆 They would be wise to listen to you !

[@StephanieCanada]

Aww thanks.

[@madebymaryssa]

The teddy bear patterns next to the link to 'Vintage Reproduction' could make cute gifts. They look kind of like the classic Beanie Babies. They look very much like the 1980s teddy bear pattern that shows up later in the video, except in pastel colours. I read somewhere that 'vintage' is 'at least 30 years old' (which doesn't sound like *that* long to me anymore, not the way it did when I was a teenager), so yes, as of 2024 there are still 7 years to go before a pattern from 2001 can be called 'vintage'! That tiny spaghetti-strap crossover top might work for an Australian Christmas, since it's summer there.

[@jaxxcapta8345]

One thing that's bothering me a lot is... Does that Barbie clothes pattern even fit a modern doll? There's no photos of them or specific sizes I saw on the page, and they certainly don't reference the standard/petite/tall/curvy bodies. Even an 00s doll doesn't have the same body shape as the newer standard ones, from what I can tell.

[@rebeccataravonschleinitz]

I absolutely sewed the Laura Ashley/ Sailor Collar dresses back in the 80s - and rocked them, thank you very much! 😄And a futuristic Claude Montana suit with the most amazingly difficult tiered sleves. Still the outfit I am most proud of sewing. Too bad it's about 4 sizes too small for me today...

[@kieraoona]

I exclaimed the same thing when you showed the walkaway dress again! lololol

[@StephanieCanada]

Right!!!

[@gadgetgirl02]

Simplicity -- maybe they think "holiday" means "wear a dress" for people who only wear dresses on Christmas and Easter?

[@DonnaleaSpencer]

I'm searching for a vintage a-line or full skirt pattern that hits mid calf. Size 24, 26, 28 to go with all my Poetic License granny shoes. 1940's look. I want to make it a holiday print fabric. Have yet to find one.

[@bonnieprater5124]

I made that grey jacket back in the 70s when I was 100 lbs. It was black velvet with pewter buttons and I wore it until I grew out of it, then passed it to my sister.

[@pinkporcupineknits]

Excellent use of the sewing clip for the microphone!

[@mildredflemyng-middleton4795]

You said ‘lie in store’ but I heard ‘lie in wait’ with an undertrack of ominous music. Yep. Ominous music accurate.

[@cassmacdonald-perfectlyimp2486]

Turn the oven up to hot, because this company is about to get ROASTED!

[@StephanieCanada]

When the bird is thawed, ya just gotta cook it. 🤣

[@michellecherie419]

I live for these savage reviews 🤗

[@marthamalone9791]

I agree. Not much holiday here!

[@StephanieCanada]

Glad I’m not alone.

[@SewingBoxDesigns]

Overlooking the fact that one doesn't have to stick to the colors and prints on the pattern cover. 😂 Look at the line drawing, pick a Holliday type fabric, etc.

[@HealthyDisrespectforAuthority]

but but.. the elephant pants.. New years! I'd wear them.

[@StephanieCanada]

Oh I agree. They are extra.

[@lenabreijer1311]

I made those back in the day! They are wonderful for parties, so much more freedom then a mini skirt, especially if you drink to much st george wine that tastes like grape juice and you end up dancing on the table

[@HealthyDisrespectforAuthority]

@@lenabreijer1311 I never really trusted tables.. give me a good solid bar instead. They're anchored properly.

[@RobinT346]

even if it was 3 pages of 80s Christmas pyjama patterns it would have been better. I get that they want to broaden the category to "holiday" and not just "christmas" so that does mean a wider range of things. But they still need to decide what they actually mean by "holiday" and go with that.

[@cherylhuot4436]

It is disappointing that modern sewers would think that stuff is actual vintage Christmas!! I was there and sewing in the 60s and 70s!! And that ain’t it!!! Back then you wouldn’t dream of showing up for a family Christmas without being dressed up!! The Kids too! My kids were dressed in new dresses that I made for them until they got to Jr High school. After that they chose more store bought clothes, but they didn’t show up in pajama pants and tee shirts!! even the "adults" show up looking like they just rolled out of bed. I’m all for being comfortable. Wearing lace and itchy crinolines is awful and I wouldn’t want to go back to those days, but at least make an effort. Ok …old lady rant is over.

[@SewingBoxDesigns]

Same here. It's not vintage Christmas if it's not shiny taffeta, velvet and metallic threaded acetate plaid. It's just not. 😤

[@williej3831]

Really enjoy your videos. The goat always cracks me up. 😊

[@wicketthecanuck]

In 2001(?) I believe, simplicity made a line of doll patterns inspired by eras. 1920s, 1930, 1940 etc. nice patterns(I primarily make doll clothes) the pattern being inspired by the 1970s, that would be accurate 😅

[@marief9858]

I really love your new website set up!

[@liddybird3608]

It seems to me, if they're going to use the same patterns they sell year round, why not make outfits for the models that use holiday fabrics and embellishments in a vintage fashion. Show people what could be done with ordinary patterns to make them holiday.

[@charminsavage2512]

The white fuzzy bottom 9848 gave me Louise Tate from Bewitched vibes.

[@kieraoona]

I recently sent a friend of mine some of the vintage patterns you sell from your website, and I remember a while back that there was a hashtag to tag you on socials for if they make something with it (or probably even myself soon using those apron PDF patterns I bought) What was that hashtag again so I can pass it along?

[@StephanieCanada]

Oh amazing! The hashtag is BackroomMakes but with Insta turning off following ability I don’t know if I will see it unless they tag me too.

[@Sewicked]

Where are the vintage pajama patterns to make matching new sleepwear for the family?

[@Sewicked]

Or vintage decor? I remember table runners, place mats, etc.

[@kristinedoty7876]

Generally, you can get cheaper from China online. Made of chemicals, but they will be matchy-matchy.

[@Sewicked]

@@kristinedoty7876 I can get cheaper, and much lower quality from China (& probably made by underpaid workers). I would rather spend my time, use quality fabrics, & get something that's coordinated & will last for years. The tree skirt my grandma made lasted for a decade (until the house fire).

[@kristinedoty7876]

@@Sewicked Me too, but many of the consumers nowadays have no idea what quality looks, feels or fits like.

[@marieanne2680]

I can see that suit with the giant bell bottoms in a super luxurious brocade. That would work for a fancy party. The girly Laura Ahsley patterns? not so much

[@AnniCarlsson]

Most of that is festiv cloth so is christmas or holiday depending on fabric choises. Not like they going to recolor for people to get it. What is christmas cloth really? Must it look like mrs santa or? Who dress like that for christmas? And depending on where you live some has summer so bo sleeves and ahorts is what they have for christmas

[@МарияБешенцева-я4г]

What a gorgeous dress! Which pattern did you use for this?

[@catherinehata2499]

Adore your dress Stefanie! ❤

[@thewomble465]

I just want to say your Jewellery is "amazing" its the added bonus to your look forward to videos

[@kelleyarcher3635]

Oh god! That first Laura Ashley pattern looks very familiar. Loved that sailor collar

[@mariabean8627]

Oh yes, I already take things from grandma's closet 😂 ❤

[@frannygrace2191]

You look fabulous. Your hair, dress, jewelry, etc look amazing!

[@Jokerkles]

I'm guessing it was a bad wording of the sale title lol it should be titled their "holiday 'vintage pattern' sale" instead.

[@raprilc2]

Ooooo…I would wear the crap out of that first 80’s jacket. Will purchase.

[@stevezytveld6585]

Ah. A supremely heart-breaking effort from the Big Kids table. When are they going to learn how to talk to their customers? Or buy up the juicy bits of their back catalogue? I buy vintage patterns because I like to 'shop the century'. Never mind that the modern patterns they produce tend to be boxy and unflattering. I'm trying to figure out if what we're seeing is the result of people relying too much on design software, or is it just a lack of actual drafting experience. Sigh. Do better, people. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi

[@jmchau]

M8542 - I have/had that pattern, I MADE that pattern (jacket/long skirt). I think it was kind of a federal blue cord?

[@froggyjen9791]

I so wish they would reach out to you. All the companies! Preserve the patterns and make them available too!

[@leannwhite620]

Loving the black and white top!

[@nadiasews]

Ugh...simplicity is tone deaf to what their consumers want... their stuff isn't all that size inclusive and their repro's are done poorly. I would like to go into a store and buy a simplicity pattern and all the fabric and notions and have the confidence that they have a good product that can be successfully made. Alas...we work with what we have. I love love love the indie designers and support them regularly but I miss the early '90s shopping with my Mooma in a tiny joannes that had nothing but sewing and we could thumb through the pattern books, good times.

[@StephanieCanada]

At least to our community, yes. Tone deaf to what we specifically want. I acknowledge that within the echo chamber I have created they aren’t providing what we are looking for most of the time. Who knows if this is what the larger populous wants??

[@MarisaFrasure]

Here's another (?) problem.... NAFTA (thanks, Mr. Clinton) closed most of the garment and garment fabric manufacturers....and shipped them to China....sooo....you may have to use upholstery fabric (which has its own "charms").......

[@meggzcharm]

Why go through all those pages when half are PDF dups? UGH. It's more fun to go to thrift stores and craft stores that have older patterns in their inventory to find the crafty patterns from years gone by.

[@MimmiesMinis-KellyPenny]

You know, 🤔 there are more than enough of us, customers, creators, crafters, etc., that we could present the company with a petition filled with names that shows the desire for those patterns. KZbin content creators like yourself and Sewrena, and sooooo many others, I'm certain would lend their name and ask their subscribers to support such an effort. 🤷‍♀️ Some of those vintage looks could be "holidayed" with the right fabric, but, like just about every other commenter has said, this is ridiculous, frustrating, maddening, and just plain sad! Sometimes I think companies are afraid to upset or offend the public by focusing on certain holidays because not everyone celebrates them. I just can't figure any other reason WHY they do what they do!?! I am always looking for the crafty type holiday patterns! The stockings, tree skirts, ornaments you know...all those really super cool felt cut-outs with the sequins and layers!! I have a really awesome vintage dollhouse pattern made with cardboard that has patterns for all the furniture, curtains, and bed linens.

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

...I kinda want the elephant bells at 4:30 ...

[@dagnolia6004]

this was fun!

[@lisahodges8299]

I want to see your choice of patterns from real vintage patterns. I was unable to see anything very festive from the modern fashions. I am goat screaming here Birdy

[@dindog22]

I don't understand why the pattern companies didn't just digitize their original vintage patterns and print them out exactly as they were

[@fraeuleinpusteplume2730]

I am always PUMPED for your reproduction rants!!!

[@wyvern723]

As soon as Simplicity bought out McCalls, Buttrick and Burda, quality went down. I know a lot of folks who make a lot of costuming, and they are super frustrated with the patterns of late.

[@SabineK.]

Nice Video. You look verry stunning in the dress with the roses :-)

[@yalissa73]

At least remake a new photograph model item with fancy or glittery fabric that screams holiday or uses themed fabrics. Also that dress looks too big for that model (needs boning or structure) and petticoats.

[@sharonrimsza7960]

The people at BMC and Simplicity are”young, I know better because these are before my mom was born” so these will be vintage holiday. Instead of putting up evening wear from years gone by. Heck, I can give you vintage holiday ware just from my pattern collections. Face it, it is no longer a stash af this point. 😊

[@leannwhite620]

LOL me too! Not a stash, more like a vault!

[@nikkipackham2234]

Hi could you do a video on toys and the patterns for gifts or nightmares! lol

[@KnitzyKitzy]

Give the children nightmares - ah yes the classic Nightmare before Christmas

[@JenInOz]

When will they offer you a paid job?

[@StephanieCanada]

Who knows?

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

I found a kimono pattern, I am thrilled even if I won't wear it for months.

[@KristiChan1]

Big Pattern Company really is out here throwing crap on the wall to see if it sticks and if it doesn't...tape it up on the wall or something, leave me to swim in my vault.

[@gigi3242]

So, does that mean that you will be doing a video featuring your holiday patterns? from your website? There really wasn't any holiday in Simplicity's vintage patterns.

[@grandmasmagic3858]

so..some of those patterns would be great holiday patterns........for summer christmas that is...

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

My screen froze on 'rebooting' lol.

[@crinolinegremlin]

I'm still personally offended by patterns costing $5 "on sale"

[@SewingBoxDesigns]

Happy just to find my fave repros 'on sale' for 10$ 😭 But then I have to make at least 5 outfits from it to justify the 10$. 😁 That brings it down to 2$.

[@notthebayang408]

Love

[@originalkingdomhearts]

I think they are reproducing the ones they can find randomly in their collection and not really trying to pick ones that sold the most.

[@StephanieCanada]

Maybe? Or remnant donations? But my god, the underwhelm….

[@originalkingdomhearts]

@@StephanieCanada I know how you feel. I havn't found any patterns from any of the big brands that I like enough to buy. So sad that they brought Mccalls and then discontinue kwiksew which had some of he best quality and easy to make garments for beginners. Not really vintage more of historical, you might like some stuff from Truly Victorian!

[@lauralake7430]

I dont think anyone at the pattern companies has ever sewn anything

[@marycarnahan5716]

They have a junior staffer doing this, is my guess.

[@lisalee9182]

Stupid observation here, maybe my spicy brain catches it, but on numerous female channels I notice the camera or lights, something, catches some aspect of the person’s makeup and it highlights it so all I see are blotches of different color or different glosses? Oh well Love your channel.

[@gigglepantsiii9350]

It's really so frustrating that companies like simplicity refuse to give their customers what they want, and try to play it safe with patterns that have sold well in the past. Did they forget how patterns are used? A person only needs so many copies of the same Vogue pattern and more importantly most of the patterns they reproduce are kind of boring and often line up aesthetically with their more modern patterns. I can get a stack of blazer patterns from any thrift shop with a shoe box of patterns. However, I can't get patterns with fun accent pieces or design elements new, I have to go buy them from a vintage pattern seller or be content with having a main hobby of endlessly keeping an eye out at thrift stores on the off chance there is something interesting tucked between the 70's shirt patterns

[@moxielouise]

C'mon Stephanie, don't you realize if you sew with a tartan plaid it's automatically holiday . lol