A Spoonful of Sugar

Make. Bake. Create.

Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Crafts
    • Crochet
    • DIY
    • Embroidery/Cross stitch
    • Gift Wrapping
    • Knitting
    • Miscellaneous
    • Paper Crafts
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Australia Day
    • Back to School
    • Valentines Day
    • Easter
    • ANZAC Day
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bars & Slices
    • Bread & Pastries
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Confectionery
    • Cupcakes & Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Ice Cream
    • Jams/Preserves
    • Main Meals
  • Sewing
    • Sewing Tutorials
    • Quilting
    • Sewing & Quilting Patterns
  • Family
    • Back to School
    • Family Fun
    • Our Home
    • Parenting
    • Travel
  • Shop
    • Pattern Store
    • Etsy Store

I Heart Vintage Patterns

June 15, 2011 By Spoonful of Sugar - 27 Comments

I love vintage sewing patterns and inherited a stack from my Nan, who was an avid sewer. She made some of my most favourite childhood outfits, and made my kids a lot of track suits to play in when they were toddlers.  I have framed a few of her patterns and they are on display in our sewing/craft room (as shown here and here).

Today I scanned a few of the patterns and then printed them out on cardstock to make some cards. They will be the  perfect cards to have in my stash! Now I just have to come up with some sewing related verses to add on the inside. Any ideas?

These cards will go perfectly with gifts wrapped in pattern tissue.

Filed Under: Crafts, Miscellaneous Tagged With: card making

« Sashiko Table Runner
Sunday Happenings »

Comments

  1. Dmarie says

    June 15, 2011 at 6:15 am

    I heart them too! thanks for the blast from the past!

    Reply
  2. Nancy-Jane says

    June 15, 2011 at 6:25 am

    I LOVE this idea! I am a new card maker and also a sewist and quilter among many other hobbies. I, too, love vintage patterns and have a few from my grandmother. I wish we would have thought to save all of them. She made many an outfit for me and my siblings growing up. I just Googled “sewing poems” and came up with this one:

    http://www.quotegarden.com/needlework.html

    There are also quite a few other websites to check out.
    Happy crafting!

    Reply
  3. shez says

    June 15, 2011 at 6:52 am

    what a fantastic idea Lisa i love it and its great for the environment,recycling,well done

    Reply
  4. nest full of eggs says

    June 15, 2011 at 6:57 am

    “Thank you sew much!”

    Reply
  5. NeverBored says

    June 15, 2011 at 6:59 am

    Love the idea! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  6. suzitee says

    June 15, 2011 at 7:01 am

    Have a look at the Stampin Up Autumn mini-catalogue… 😉

    Reply
  7. Lisa says

    June 15, 2011 at 8:07 am

    I have a couple sewing sayings I love:

    1. Live Life Simply
    Eat, Sleep, Stitch

    2. Princess of Perpetual Projects

    3. I got a sewing Machine for my husband! Good trade, Huh!!

    4. Keep Calm and Sew Stuff

    5. You Sew girl!

    Lisa

    Reply
  8. Nancy says

    June 15, 2011 at 8:27 am

    Those patterns look fantastic! I really like the one with the yellow dress.

    Nancy

    Reply
  9. Anne Heidi says

    June 15, 2011 at 11:04 am

    What a great way to use those wonderful vintage patterns! The cards are adorable!

    Reply
  10. Anita says

    June 15, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    What a great idea. Here are some of my favorite sewing quotes.

    Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don’t unravel. ~Author Unknown
    Memories are stitched with love. ~Author Unknown
    Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years. ~Simone Signoret
    Love is the thread that binds us. ~Author Unknown

    Reply
  11. Bela says

    June 15, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    They are so beaautiful, Lisa! I love this idea and your story too!
    Much love!!
    Bela

    Reply
  12. Leanne says

    June 15, 2011 at 4:11 pm

    As always another lovely idea.

    Reply
  13. Fiona says

    June 15, 2011 at 5:17 pm

    A wonderful idea – Thanks. Here are some of my favourites :-

    “A home is built of peace and love … and not of wood and stone, A place where happiness lives and memories are sewn”

    “Love Sews a Bond that time can never tear”

    “A family stitched together with love seldom unravels”

    Hugs – Fee X

    Reply
  14. Katie says

    June 15, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    What a great idea!!!

    Reply
  15. Happy Cottage Quilter says

    June 15, 2011 at 7:17 pm

    I think this is a fabulous idea!

    Reply
  16. Taylor Made says

    June 16, 2011 at 3:58 am

    Such a lovely idea thanks for sharing it.

    Reply
  17. Happy in red says

    June 16, 2011 at 4:34 am

    I love these! I love those drawings more than anything! Same as those old ‘Vogue’ covers, so great!
    Esther.

    Reply
  18. Beth says

    June 16, 2011 at 8:05 am

    This a such a great idea! And, it gives a reason to send a handwritten card in the mail.

    Reply
  19. mamas kram says

    June 16, 2011 at 11:05 am

    I love vintage patterns too! I have decorated my craftroom with some of them… Great idea to make some cards out of them!
    Warm hugs from Switzerland
    Doris

    Reply
  20. Talin's Corner says

    June 16, 2011 at 2:00 pm

    Very clever. Several months ago, I cleaned out my sewing room and threw out all my old patterns. Now I wish I had saved them.

    Reply
  21. Janellybelly says

    June 17, 2011 at 1:08 am

    Another clever idea – I especially love the hairstyles of the models!

    Reply
  22. Kelly G says

    June 17, 2011 at 3:58 am

    Hi Lisa & Sarah.

    I know I am only one follower of your many – but I just wanted to say how I find your blog so inspirational. Lisa you have inspired to start sewing again and Sarah those yummies that you make all my family love you for.

    That is why I have decided to award you both with the Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award – you both deserve it.

    Please hop over to my blog – http://kelskaszazzkaleidoscope.blogspot.com/ to see what you have to do. I am not trying to rouse up more followers – I’m just trying to give you both a little blog love for a job well done. Hugs Kel

    Reply
  23. Paola says

    June 17, 2011 at 9:57 pm

    I understand, now that I have some of my granmother stuff for sewing I´m doing some projects to use them and share with my family

    Reply
  24. Kris says

    June 18, 2011 at 3:19 am

    Vintage patterns can transport you to another time! I was at my local Salvos this week thumbing through their patterns when I discovered one my Mum had many years ago!

    Reply
  25. Katherine says

    June 18, 2011 at 9:50 am

    Clever! I adore vintage patterns and just happen to have some passed on from my great-grandmother. This would be a wonderful way to share their beauty.

    Reply
  26. Jodi says

    June 19, 2016 at 8:40 am

    Do you think there’s any issues with copyright with scanning? I’ve been fussy cutting images to use in cards but it would be good to scan some to use over and over.

    Reply
    • A Spoonful of Sugar says

      June 19, 2016 at 12:00 pm

      Hi Jodi – You have raised an interesting point. I did scan a couple of old patterns to use in greeting cards for my friends (for personal use not for sale) as shown in this old post. I have just looked up Australian copyright law
      http://www.copyright.org.au/acc_prod/ACC/Information_Sheets/Sewing___Knitting_Patterns.aspx
      and it looks like the artwork would be copyrighted for 70 years so my patterns are not old enough yet to reproduce. So I would imagine scanning them for your own personal use would most likely be acceptable, however if you are selling your cards, it would be best to use really old patterns from the early 1900’s.
      I love my vintage patterns 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Categories

Archives

PURCHASE PDF PATTERNS

We offer over 100 affordable PDF sewing patterns available for download from our store website or Etsy store. Each pattern includes detailed instructions, numerous photos, and templates.

WEB STORE ETSY STORE

Instagram

Mug rugs are one of the most satisfying projects t Mug rugs are one of the most satisfying projects to sew — quick to finish, perfect for scraps, and such a lovely way to build your skills in small, low‑pressure steps. Little details like trimming curves, pressing well, and choosing the right batting can make a big difference to how flat and polished your mug rugs look.Swipe through for simple, beginner‑friendly tips that help your seams stay smooth, your corners turn neatly, and your finish feel more professional. Save this for the next time you need a quick, satisfying project.If you’re ready for your next make, I have a collection of 30+ mug rug and coaster patterns in my store — you’ll find the links in my profile.#mugrug #mugrugpattern #beginnersewingproject #scrapbustingsewing #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
My most‑made gift? The Bakers Buddy Mitt.Here ar My most‑made gift? The Bakers Buddy Mitt.Here are 3 reasons it’s always on my sewing table:
• No binding, which means it’s quick and beginner‑friendly
• Layers of Insul-Brite + batting to protect your hand
• A modern shape that looks beautiful in any stash fabricWant the pattern link? Comment BAKER and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.Perfect for gifting, scrap‑friendly, and such a satisfying make.Pattern details: Bakers Buddy Mitt (available in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop).#quicksewingproject #beginnersewing #makersgonnamake #scrapbusting #giftideas
Why makers love this little pouch duo ✨The Hand Why makers love this little pouch duo ✨The Handy Drawstring Pouch + Mini Treat Pouch make such a sweet set — all beginner‑friendly, quick to sew, and perfect for using up your favourite fabric scraps. They’re lovely for gifting, organising, or adding a pop of colour to your sewing space.You’ll get both patterns in the bundle, and you’ll also save 25% — a thank you for choosing two of our most‑loved pouch designs.Which pouch would you sew first?Patterns linked in bio. Comment BAGDUO for the bundle link.Fabric: Tilda Songbird collection, kindly supported by @tilda_australia.#sewingcommunity #pouchmaker #beginnersewer #scrapfriendly #sewingpattern
The Scalloped Gift Bag is such a sweet little make The Scalloped Gift Bag is such a sweet little make — beginner‑friendly, quick to sew, and perfect for Easter or spring gifting. The colourful felt stars (or hearts!) are a lovely way to use your favourite felt scraps, and the scalloped edging adds that extra touch of charm.Comment SCALLOP for the pattern link.Pattern Details: Scalloped Gift Bag Pattern ( available in our Pattern Store & Etsy Shop)#scallopedgiftbag #sewingpattern #eastersewing #scrapfriendlysewing #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
The Ribbon Gift Box is back for Pattern of the Wee The Ribbon Gift Box is back for Pattern of the Week — and this fresh spring version in Tilda Creating Memories feels so sweet. It’s a reusable little box with a clever base, a ribbon closure, and it even folds flat for storage. A quick, satisfying make for Easter gifting or small treats.Comment BOX for the link — it’s 25% off this week only.#ribbongiftbox #sewingpattern #giftsewing #tildafabric #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
Tiny projects are my favourite way to use every la Tiny projects are my favourite way to use every last scrap — and these little Threaded Tokens are so quick and satisfying to sew.Here are 3 sweet ways to use them: • Add to a wrapped gift or treat bag • Use as a place card at your next gathering • Clip onto a pouch or zipper pull for a handmade touchThey’re perfect for fussy‑cutting tiny motifs (especially Songbird!) and make lovely little keepsakes.Comment TOKEN for a link to our free Threaded Tokens pattern. Happy sewing, friends 🌼#sewingproject #scrapbusting #tildafabric #tildalovers #fussycuts
Follow on Instagram

Featured Pattern

Travel Sewing Kit Pattern

Featured Tutorial

Retro Drawstring Bag

Featured Recipe

Lemon Pound Cake

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Popular Posts

  • The Ultimate Resource for Vintage Haberdashery Lovers
  • Merry Little Christmas Sewing Projects
  • Hexie Pincushion {Free Sewing Tutorial}
  • Charm Square Fabric Tray
  • The Ultimate Guide to Drawstrings
  • Sew your Stash
  • Favourite Uses for Fabric Tape

Copyright © 2026 Lisa. K. Cox - A Spoonful of Sugar