Sometimes I wonder if I should have gone into the library sciences. I mean, who doesn’t love organizing and categorizing things for easy reference? I remember when I was little (about 10 or so) I used to spend my free time arranging and rearranging things in my room, mainly books. I would alphabetize them by author, I would cluster them by ascending or descending height, I would sort them by color (and then by height within their color assortment), or I would divide them into genres and then alphabetize within the genre…well you get the picture. Actually, I love collections in general, but a collection that gets the designation of a “library” sounds a bit more comprehensive then just a plain old collection. Anyway, I mention all this as a very round about means of getting to the subject of today’s blog, the Vintage Pattern Lending Library. Not your normal fair of books and magazines, this library traffics in vintage sewing patterns exclusively. Non-members can purchase pattern reproductions at reasonable prices (rule of thumb seems to be that the older the pattern, the more expesive it is). Membership programs start at $10 and the benefits include being able to borrow patterns from the library for $5 a month, as well as discounts on all the “for sale” patterns they offer. This is a great resource for every seamstress looking to customize their wardrobe with classic pieces and not simply the most current fads. I absolutely love the many retro possibilities, as they have patterns from my favorite fashion decades, the 20’s, the 50’s and the 70’s. Not to mention, if you have any need for costume patterns, their resources go back into the 1800’s. the Vintage Pattern Lending Library is not only an important resource, but a fun one too. Check out a small sampling of what they have to offer below.