About this project
New Vintage Lady plus size Sewing Patterns 2017 collection
$15,838
214
For every additional $800 I can add an additional pattern to the original 20 pattern collection :) This includes the size extention!
WHEW! It's all funded!
Still a great time to get some patterns at a discounted rate. You won't be sorry! :)
$15,000 FUNDED!
Expanding the size of my campaign from 40-52 bust to 40 -60 bust. This is ambitious, but if I get enough support, I can cover a wider group of the most deserving fashion forward folks!
$12,000 FUNDED
An original new design from yours truly that I've been sketching out for a while. It's a 40's cocktail dress that can work for a night out as well as an office setting.
Thank you all for helping me get this far. I'm truly grateful! Yay sewing!
Plus size people love fashion and fit just as much as any one else. We also love classic styles, pretty dresses, mixing old with new, and wearing it however we feel. New Vintage Lady has been dedicated to larger size period correct vintage reproductions for nearly a decade. Now it's time to take it to the next level, multi-size. Ranging in bust sizes of 40" to 52", NVL hopes to fill that gap of patterns with the classic styles of yesteryear, completely re-drafted to fit a larger frame.
The remaining patterns in the collection will be a 1930's cocktail dress, a couple of surprises.
Sample pattern Cover and back design
Sample of Instructions
Size Chart
FAQ and project details
How did New Vintage Lady start?
New Vintage Lady started in 2007 when I created a website to host my vintage sewing projects. I then moved onto the blog where I decided to do the early reproduction patterns. The eras of the pattern styles I reproduce are 1920s to mid 1940s, but I want to add earlier styles in the future.
How long have you been sewing?
About 15 years. My mother was a professional seamstress, so I grew up with sewing, but began taking a serious interest in sewing in my mid-twenties when I volunteered at a sewing school shortly before my mother passed away. Now I sew most of my personal clothes on her machine.
Why make the pattern line Plus Size?
I began sewing and grading patterns, vintage in particular, because I could never find much real vintage in my size. I then began collecting larger size vintage sewing patterns and people would want copies. That’s how the pattern side of NVL started. I want to fill that void in the pattern world for people who want great period correct reproductions in their size.
Why overlap the sizes in your pattern packages?
Because plus size bodies rarely fit one box. Packaging the patterns as 40-42-44, 44-46-48 and 48-50-52 will give people who flux in sizing more certainty when choosing a size package that is right for them. I flux between three sizes myself based on the bust waist and hip and I know I’m not alone.
Is sewing your profession?
Sewing is more my serious hobby. Illustration and animation is my profession. You can see my artwork at shelleyj.com, but sewing has also paid the bills. I have done costuming, cosplay, and garment reconstruction/restoration for a wide variety of clients.
What is your timeline for finishing the pattern collection?
Based on the completion of the Kickstarter, and when the supplies arrive, my goal is to start having completed patterns by the beginning of 2017. With at least one pattern completed and mailed out and PDF made available each month. My goal is to have all 20 completed by early 2018.
How will you update backers on the progress of your work?
I will update through the Kickstarter portal with at least one post a week with a post or a video or a live feed. More detailed progress will be on my blog and the New Vintage Lady website.
How will shipping costs work?
Because items will be mailed staggered, I’ve decided to charge a bulk shipping charge for every reward package. The shipping charges (domestic and international) are reflective of how much shipping generally costs for items I’ve sold through Etsy.
How will rewards be distributed?
Rewards will be distributed as I finish them. The Thank You card will be the first to be sent out, and I plan on having that out to people by the start of this (2016) holiday season (late December). The pin will follow that. Other rewards will be discussed with the people who ordered them and I'll work with their timelines as best I can.
How does the custom dress work?
I have years of sewing for individuals, and my process for making you a custom garment does not require you to be with me. I ask for your measurements, from that I send you a mock up, you approve or ask for alterations (more in-depth information is sent to you on this process), we then choose fabric. I can purchase it here in LA from the vast fabric stores we have, or you can send it to me. Cost of fabric is responsibility of the buyer. In a few weeks, you will have your new dress!
The dress can be made in ANY size, whether or not it falls in the realm of 40-52" higher or lower.
What will you need to draw an illustration of me on the pattern?
I will require you send me a decent resolution photo of yourself at least head to waist
Once completed, will the patterns be available retail?
That is my goal! Paper NVL patterns will retail (SRP) at $30 each (plus tax). PDF patterns will be available on the New Vintage Lady site for $20 (plus tax). For this Kickstarter, I am advance selling the paper patterns for $25 each (no tax). Super awesome deal!
Why redo the instructions?
The vintage instructions of many of these old patterns are worded in ways that may be difficult for new sewers to understand. I want to update some of the verbiage, give a more complete notions list, throw a bit of humor in, and clean out some of the redundantly.
Will the instructions be in multiple languages?
At this time, the instructions will only be in English. Though in the future I would love to do that!
How will you print the paper patterns?
The paper patterns will be printed in black and white. I want to keep the printing local, and for my Etsy pattern line, I have a California business that ships regularly.
How will the PDF patterns work?
PDF patterns are packaged in a PDF file with each sheet being printable at home on 8x10 paper. They are pieced together to the size of a normal pattern.
These PDF files will be made available either via download from the New Vintage Lady website, or directly sent via email from the email address associated with the reward.
In some of the rewards, you offer paper patterns or PDF patterns. Can I choose a combination of the two?
Mixing between PDFs and paper patterns is to the person's discretion. You can have the maximum patterns in the reward at the reward Pattern-holic and higher. However, because of the complexity of the order, shipping charges based on paper patterns and will not be refunded if you decide to mix between the two. You must choose at least three PDF patterns if you mix between the two.
An example would be you choose the reward Pattern-holic, which offers 10 paper patterns or 12 PDF patterns. If you decide to mix and you choose 8 paper patterns and 5 PDF patterns (totaling 12 patterns) that's cool.
Can I print the PDF patterns at home if my standard sheet size is A4?
Yes! My PDF pattern pieces are size at 8x10" which fits both the A4 (11.69" long and 8.27") sizing and the US letter (8 1/2"x11") paper size.
Which of your 20 patterns are you choosing for this collection?
Most of the 20 patterns that I am starting with are going to be chosen from the most popular patterns I have sold to date. I also have a few new patterns that I have not reproduced that I am planning on doing so for this new collection.
What about the men’s patterns?
The mens patterns I have listed in my Etsy store are not going to be a part of this Kickstarter. I would love to multi-size them as well, but I need more training in men’s patterns first. It is not off the table in the least, just down the road!
Do you have any stretch goals?
YES! But it's a surprise until I'm funded :) I'm TOTALLY sure you all will love it!
Risks and challenges
Risks for the project are most likely supplier delays as I have been doing repro patterns for many years now. I have my infrastructure pretty firmly in place which consists of reliable fabric stores, a quality printer with a stable projected turn around on printing, and excellent places where I know to buy quality supplies. I feel very capable in expanding what I've already built.
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Funding period
- (41 days)