My Sister's Secret Sewing Stash! What??!! 

Hi Everyone, Claire’s sister here! Thank you all so much for being here for Claire when she absolutely needs it most! You are a great bunch, what an amazing community you have ❤ and thank you all for such lovely comments ❤ So about the sewing 🪡 machine … I was indeed gifted one a long time ago and had it for over 10 years and never used it. It was the top **** so to speak, bells and whistles… but felt it was going to waste! So I passed it on to someone who I thought would have much more appreciation for it than I… Fast forward a few years and I don’t know what got in to me … hang on, yes I do … for some crazy reason I had an idea to make bespoke waist coats … Problem was/is, I don’t sew 🧵 and I no longer had a machine 🤷🏼‍♀️ but I decided … I wanted to give it a go! … Drum 🥁 roll 🥁… I got as far as buying some patterns (from eBay) 😂😂😂😂 realised I have no understanding of them whatsoever 🤷🏼‍♀️ and the little dream stayed a dream 💭 purely because I didn’t have, and still don’t have the time and energy to learn. So best left to those who know what they are doing! 😅😅😅😅 A little bit of background… I loved wearing weird and wonderful waist coats as a teen, styles and materials you just don’t find today! ❤

Thank you Claire. Really enjoyed looking at your sister's patterns. And to Claire's sister - thank you for looking after our Claire. xxx

Such pretty patterns! Disclaimer: this is Laura, sharing my husband’s RU-vid account, don’t want people to think he’s making such “girly” comments, lol. I love your sister’s style! I would have enjoyed wearing those, 30 pounds ago. Now that I have the middle aged spread, I’m not so comfortable with such fitted garments. It was fun to have a look through, and daydream about being small again 😂

I can see you and your sister getting together and sewing for each other. That would be wonderful for you both.

I learned to sew at the end of the seventies. I think I made almost all of these. Well, not quite so many waistcoats. But I love the vintage patterns. And a hello from Vancouver 🇨🇦 to your sister. I get it, not everyone feels comfortable in front of the camera. Maybe some other day 😊

I'm with you, Claire, I like sleeves! I think there should always be the option to add them. I've run across some of my old simplicity patterns, too, not just mine, but things I made my girls and my son when they were children. It got me to thinking what I use to pay for patterns, I think it was 45 cents, the first time I bought one. Prices have been cruel for us sewers. Good thing I have enough fabric to probably last me a few more lifetimes!! I'm so glad you have your sweet sister there for you. She sounds a very sweet lady, too. Love Lita Sister, sweet to meet you in here, too!

What a fun nostalgic video looking at patterns. Im 80 now and it reminded me of my slim , sewing days when I made all my clothes. Hello to your sister, once she starts sewing the. bug will get to her. Good luck.

Loved all those patterns your sister has found. Love listening to you Claire.

I do like vintage patterns. I find they generally explain things very well, finishing techniques as well, whereas modern patterns often skip over that in favor of "quick and easy". Your sister seems a bit like me in the sense that when I find something I like I buy ten of them (in her case, waistcoat patterns). It doesn't seem to matter that they're all relatively the same. It's like they belong in the family lol

What a fun video! I really enjoy your presentation and humor :) thank you for sharing. You encourage me to enjoy sewing

That was a lot of fun! Thank you, Claire, and thanks to your sister!

Thanks for all your lovely comments!! In case you missed it the other day I did a video on my second channel talking about habits that help me to feel better ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-JMFXcdXTAsI.htmlsi=GksizqpEuto-NSRC I’d love it if you’d have a watch

I am too large to want to show my midriff or my upper arms. I'm also short so look even shorter in longer skirts. My sisters have meant the world to me, Claire. I wish you both many blessings right now as you treasure each other and navigate this transition.

I love seeing all the vintage patterns but not tempted to sew them. LOL I’m Clare’s sister and I’m a waistcoat addict 😂

Buying patterns at the thrift/charity shop is something I had to curtail and did declutter ~60% so they fit only in one small basket. Prior to that I had quite a collection and I like looking at the images and imagining what my version would turn out like. I do sew but admittedly I wouldn't sew most of what I'd collected - the fantasy sewist in me couldn't help it. (She's on a mostly reformed track now.) 🤗

I love the look of all these vintage patterns. My grandmother just gave me some of her old ones

Hello to Claire’s wonderful sis! I think we all want to be best friends with you now because you’ve been so kind to Claire! I love the idea of a waistcoat dress or a super long waistcoat. I started to want to make one because I Disneybound when visiting the parks (it’s when you dress up in regular clothes with the general theme of a character/film) and the idea of a long waistcoat in tans with textures would fit in perfectly in Galaxy’s Edge (the Star Wars section at the parks.) Like Claire, I don’t like my upper arms showing most of the time, so I’d be covering them up with a thin sleeved shirt underneath.

So nice to see these vintage patterns❤❤❤ Thanks for sharing!!

I had no idea about not hanging items cut on the bias. I always learn something from you!

I love seeing the patterns. I hope your sister will decide to let you teach her to sew. How fun that would be. Claire, I loved that vintage slip pattern. I am so happy you have your sister… that is such a git. Like a lifelong BFF. ❤ I am so happy your making videos. I watch every one.

20 years ago I made lined tartan waistcoats for my three young sons to wear at a wedding. I remember the frustration of turning them through and got in quite a muddle somehow! For myself I'd like to make a long, bottom-skimming open waistcoat that I can wear over a shirt or blouse with jeans or trousers. Felt nostalgia for the 70s hearing about your sister's vintage pattern stash! Lovely!

I have to laugh because I wore all those fashions in the 70s. Even though I made $2.00 an hour at the beginning of the 70s up to $3.50 at the end, patterns still were a bargain and so was fabric. Skirts or pants with a vest and long sleeve blouse were THE office look especially that long vest, usually made in double knit or polyester gabardine.

Wow! Super fun video! "I don't like vintage patterns" said no one. Ever. What a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Your sister's vintage vest pattern stash is off the charts. I wore those types of vests all the time back in the day. Thank you so much for sharing. Great to see you looking relaxed and comfortable. Btw, I don't care if your hands shake, your toes shake, or your teeth shake. You consistently create interesting, entertaining, and helpful content, AND you are funny! Sending you support and encouragement from across the pond. Claire's sister: Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking such great care of our sweet Claire. She is a gem. Love your vintage pattern collection. So fun!

That's the beauty of fashion -- so many options.

Love vintage patterns - thanks for sharing. Particularly love the slip pattern and the Jiffy dress with kimono sleeves. 🎉

I do like waistcoats, never made one but might now lol. I am past the age now where I care what anyone else thinks of me or the way I look, very large plus size Sewist I wore sleeveless all summer in the heatwave, very liberating. From now on I am going make what I feel comfortable in. Cargo pants next on my list. Happy sewing everyone.

Your sister sounds like a lovely person. Please don't persuade her to go on camera if she doesn't want to

This was a lot of fun. I made some of these looks a very long time ago. The vest with the wide leg trouser. I was in 11th grade. 1970. WOW long time ago. All the best to you and your sister. ❤

I love vintage patterns. Not so much as to make up, but just to look at the styles and drawings of the times.

Love the jerin and trousers. Enjoy this chat today

I liked the slip pattern best as one to actually sew for myself. I avoid scarves knotted above my chest as it feels like I'm just adding bulk. I love the look on others but just can't. I have to school myself not to knit scaves and shawls, no matter how pretty as they become clutter in the closet. Sister, you are a rock star for being a steady support! 💜💛

Thanks for the video, and thanks to your sister for sharing. I only started sewing a year ago and before that there were lots of things I would never wear. But sewing has shown me that as long as it fits correctly, anything can be flattering. This summer I wore shorts for the first time since I was 8 years old and loved it😁

I love the vintage patterns. I personally would not wear sleeves or crop tops. I also don’t like mini skirts, or even skirts that fall above the knee. Great video. You are so knowledgeable! Keep up the great info. I Appreciate your videos!

I enjoyed looking at all these vintage patterns!!! I love clothes with princess seams !!! I am not a fan of vests but your sister obviously likes them so I hope you will make one for her someday!!! Glad to see you are looking well and keeping busy!!! As usual it was a pleasure to hear from you again!!!

Really liked the patterns. The high neckline looks so elegant.

Hi Sis I love your patterns, very stylish and look doable for a new sew-er.

Great fun video. It sure brought back some memories. I have been thinking of getting back into sewing for this winter. I think a vest is a wonderful place to start. I am so, so glad I found you. You are in my thoughts daily. Oh, and I love my sisters too. I'm smack in the middle of them.

Thank you Claire, this was so interesting and pretty! Also, I really like your little jokes 😊 Thanks to Claire's sister for lending her patterns and sharing them with us!

Back in the 1970s, multi-size patterns were extremely rare. One size per envelope was the norm. Around the mid-80s we started to see multi-size patterns. 12:15 - i would call that a sheath dress. A-line has more width at the hemline.

Oh dear, these patterns bring back memories. I have the Simplicity 5294 waistcoats, I have never really left my "Hippy" days behind. I would always wear sleeves under waistcoats The pattern with the jerkin and trousers - that style of trousers are Oxfords not flares or bell bottoms. The only pattern I would sew of that collection would be the petticoat. I always wear one under an unlined dress because they hang better when wearing them and it gives a better silhouette.

I don't do sleeveless either because at 75 years of age my arms are now very skinny and wrinkly.

The 1983 pattern for the waistcoat is very current.. The top left one could be made with patchwork in colourful fabrics and quilted like a gilet... Never reach for the gravy jug when wearing bell sleeves...... enough said!😉 Jerkin is longer than a waistcoat .... I actually made that waistcoat ( vest) pattern in about 1972..... when I was very thin and very young .. those were the days! Come on sis....

Hi, sweetie. I was listening to you as I'm driving to Walmart.😊😊😊

I am a recent follower of yours, I really enjoy your videos!

What a fun video. I can see you in a narrower shoulder waistcoat with a nice blouse underneath. And I understand the high neck thing. I prefer lower necklines for the same reason. BTW, those glasses look amazing on you.

Hi Claire , Thanks for sharing the vintage patterns. Yes, the sizing is so very different and only one size in the envelope makes it much harder to grade up or down a size or two! We have it easy in comparison.😊 I wouldn't wear sleeveless or strappy, I would feel very uncomfortable/self conscious. Hope you are coping OK. When will you be able to start sewing again? Sending love and best wishes. Sue. xx

What a wonderful video, Claire, and thank you to your sister for supplying the vintage patterns! 😊

I recently watched a short series of videos on Seamworks YT channel. Hansel. They went through vintage patterns from 1940s to 1960s. They specifically looked at vintage details that we could incorporate into garments we are sewing. I found it inspirational and am now scouring my stash of vintage patterns for ideas. There are also vintage pattern reproduction companies that have redrafted patterns for our modern times. Women were definitely smaller ‘back in the day’ weren’t they? I think it had to do with diet etc. My mum had an 18 inch waist when she was younger. I, on the other hand have never been 18 inches anywhere🤣. Great video, thanks very much😊

I used to sew in large 70’s and early 80’s but gave up when I had my son in 1984. Came back to sewing in a big way 3 years ago and how I wish I had kept all my old patterns. I had so many Vogue/designer patterns. Wouldn’t fit me now of course but they would be collectible. Never heard of pin point patterns! Only had the Big 4/5 in my neck of the woods. All selected out of the big books in a department store. Those were the days.

❤ thanks Claire ❤️❤️❤️

I love vintage patterns, but don't make them often. And Claire my hang up is definitely my arms never have them uncovered xx

Greetings from New Zealand. Love the patterns. Thank you sister for being there for our Claire

Vintage patterns are the way to go especially if you want to develop your own style.

So happy that you have your sister! My sister is going through a crisis right now (a 33-year relationship breaking up) so I can at least partly understand what is happening. I don't know what your sister's name is but in my mind, I call her "Iggy" because of all the g's in her whatever it's called (sorry, long day yesterday and I can't think). I love your videos!

I’ve been “into” vintage patterns recently, especially “half-sizes” as I discovered the sizing of a vintage 18 1/2 is almost exactly my proportions (and made for women under 5’3”… that’s me too!!) I haven’t cut any out yet, but they are definitely in the queue. A lot of the dresses call for “interlining” (I think I got that right) - you add a layer of flannel or organza to the fashion fabric - baste them together and treat as one unit. I really want to experiment with this. It’s not anything I’ve seen in contemporary patterns.

I still have some patterns from the 90s. I used to buy Prima every month and another sewing mag (can't remember the name). And yes I made the mistake of buying patterns in my RTW size and not the size on the patterns. I've learnt my lesson now. Oh wow, your sisters patterns are lovely.

I love vintage patterns

As I’m in my sixties I don’t wear cropped tops and prefer sleeves (any length). I do enjoy looking through vintage patterns though but the sizing is 🤯😂. Hi also to Claire’s sister 👋🏻 ❤

I'll comment too as I watch along.

I would never wear anything with skulls or animal prints! And the reason I recently began sewing clothes clothes for myself, is that I'm quite tall (178 cm) and tired of wearing clothes that are too short...

I just love vintage patterns, they are my favourite style ... fircle skirts, beautiful dresses, nice finishing.... i dont like sleeveless clothes.

Love and blessings from Trinidad 🇹🇹 ❤❤❤❤

I love seeing Vintage patterns but I'm an Indie pattern girl ☺ I love waistcoats but I would always wear them over a garment with sleeves, I don't do sleeveless and as I get older my sleeves are getting longer 😂

Your sister has a great selection of waistcoat patterns which would still work today. Other than fabric, trim or color, waistcoats are timeless. I admire the really vintage patterns from the 30-40-50's--everything had such interesting details and designs. HOWEVER, no way, no how would my girls fit into any of this styles. I think God misunderstood when I said I wanted to grow as He thought I meant my bust and I was talking about my height! So now I'm 70 something top heavy shortie who despises having to do FBA's. My retirement years default has become knits, no darts or fittings.

Love this idea. I do like Vintage patterns. Depending on how old they are will depend on whether you use ‘modern day’ measuring tools or you receive a tiny pattern that you use a special measuring tool to enlarge your pattern. They also do no give step-by-step instructions because if you are sewing you know how to make your own facings and sleeves. This are from the 1930’s and older. I do like the Vintage styles the 30’s, 40’s(lots of details), 50’s and forward but I lived starting in the fifties and starting sewing in the 60’s. I do like tailored clothing. I do not like coveralls, one-piece jumpsuits. Hate taking them down to go to the ladies room. I’m all for redirecting the eye to the design and less figure display clothing. I think I own most of Claire Shaeffer’s patterns…I never cut the tissue pattern. I take careful measurements and use Bee Paper to trace my pattern with size blending, etc. I give myself an extra inch all the way around to make adjustments with my toile. Once it is set I can make a master. If I really like it I can use Manila paper and make several of the same garment. Putting in changes here and there.😉. Never cut the original tissue pattern because you will keep the original in tact for any updates or changes needed and you can resell your original tissue pattern. So glad your sister is looking into sewing.

Wonderful patterns!

Love vintage patterns unfortunately as you say they are for small frames but I did find a shirt dress pattern in a bigger size from a company I never heard of win win the garment I would never wear is polo neck tops too high and anything that has writing on it thanks for the video Claire

This was so much fun! I don't use commercial sewing patterns, just indie patterns. I had a bad experience in a high school sewing class with a commercial pattern and haven't been able to bring myself to try another one, years later 😂

I'm in the no sleeveless outfits with you, Claire. The other thing is that I have fat knees, one of which is highly scarred, so I don't show my knees either.

Your sister is a lady after my own heart! I love a waistcoat/vest/gilet/jerkin etc. Very 1970s. I’m certain I sewed and wore the longline waistcoat pattern you have. With matching flared trousers too😮. Happy days😂

It the U.S. we call them vests. Claire you just wear a blouse under it. That's the way we wore them before even tho now they sometimes wear them as a top. I'm plus size, an inverted triangle, an I love them.

I also steer clear of sleeveless, I think my upper arms are too big. Glad I'm not the only one.

I love vintage patterns. I’m a bit chunky for a lot of them now, but am also old enough for them to be the clothes of my youth. 🙄

Just come across your channel an love it. Subscribed ❤

I don't really like vintage patterns, although I have some because I've been sewing for a long time. Also, I have some of my Mom's patterns that I think are from the 1950s--I haven't looked at them lately. Because I have a pronounced "high hip" I can't wear elastic waistband skirts (Boho style) although I've made about 6 or 7 of them. However, I realized that I can convert them to zippered skirts that are more form-fitting at the top which I am working on at the moment. I love your videos, prayers going out to you.

I really like the Simplicity waistcoat pattern. But I would wear sleeves underneath as I’m not a fan of sleeveless either.

I find vintage pattern sizing to be a lot smaller. I am 2-3 sizes bigger for a vintage pattern. But I’ve bought a vintage butterick in my old size as my size in that brand in the 70-80s was always too big. A brilliant 90 yr old sewist friend of mine advised vintage vogue patterns because the information was so comprehensive but are not so informative today. 😊 ps doing a pattern making course is very helpful

1041 looks like it has pleats in the front, but the other drawing is of the back, which would appear to have no pleats.

Cute patterns (for women with itty bitty waists)!!

So Claire, are you making your sister a waistcoat! It seems you have a selection to pick from😮😊

Yes, jerkin! It can have short sleeves.

I also need sleeves. 🤭

Anything covered in frills or puffy is not for me.... im big enough 🤣

Hey sis, come join us and learn to sew!

Hope you are doing well.

I have always hated jumpsuits on me. Never could wear as I am is short and stocky .

I remember wearing most of these as a child in the 70s. I like the last dress pattern. Hello to your sister! Quick question, does it make a difference in how much you make if I don’t skip the ads? If it helps, I will not skip the ads 😊

I'm not keen on the boho style for me. I have never tried it but I'm sure it would look ridiculous on me! I discovered a while ago that my sister had an old vintage Singer sewing machine, and I was going to take it off her hands, but decided not to bother and it's now gone to a charity that sends them overseas to help young women get work. Anyway, inside was a pattern for a tennis dress (she used to play tennis in her younger days) cost 55p - only a one size pattern, which I doubt she even started as it was a size 14 and she marked the size 16 on the back!! She also had my mother's old Singer (the one I learned to sew on) but it was in her garage. She had to go into a nursing home so I had the house cleared earlier this year to sell and when they got to the back of the garage the machine was destroyed with damp and mould and had been near a rats' nest so I was advised not to even touch it. I could have cried! All credit to your sister for what she's doing for you. Take care x

That last one is not an a-line dress. It's just a straight dress? I like that one a lot I remember when they had the seam lines on the patterns and we learned to trace them. But that was before they had multisized patterns.

I just can’t wear shorts. I haven’t worn shorts since gym class SO MANY years ago!

Never heard of Pinpoint patterns. Is that a UK pattern?

I have legs like a chicken. Absolutely no hems above the knee.

Is the type of collar on that dress pattern jabot?

Any sleeveless garment is a non-starter for me.

I don’t like puffy sleeves. There, I said it, and I’m not going to feel bad when a RU-vidr gushes about “epic sleeves”.