Historical information

Many women in Australia sewed at home and Madame Weigel's patterns spanned nine decades, closing down in 1969. Simplicity and Butterick patterns are still made today. Simplicity was founded in 1927 in New York, Butterick is the oldest pattern company in the world, founded in 1863. One source states that Ebenezer Butterick is credited with creating the first multi-size sewing patterns in 1892. It is now been purchased by another company.

Physical description

15 Assorted dressmaking patterns: 11 from the 1960's and 70's, 3 vintage - Simplicity, Butterick, Style and Madame Weigel. One is a J & L Stretch Fabric Multi-Sized Family Pattern. The patterns are presented in paper packets with coloured pictures on the front depicting the items which can be made. Inside are tissue paper patterns with paper instructions. Pattern No 9196 has a yellow and white checked piece of material pinned to the front as a possible sample of the material used. The three vintage ones are Madame Weigel patterns, two for women and a child's one. All packets are worn through use and damaged.

Inscriptions & markings

'Simplicity, Butterick, Style, Madame Weigel and J & l Stretch Fabric' patterns are printed at the top of the relevant patterns with appropriate illustrations of what can be made.