June's Shop of the Month
The Vintage Pattern Market
Welcome to the New Shop of the Month Page! Each month a different shop will be featured so that you, our customers, can meet us and learn a bit about us and our businesses.
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This month we are learning about The Vintage Pattern Market and its owner, Kay.
Kay and her husband live in beautiful Auckland, New Zealand's largest city where they raised 5 children and now have 3 grandchildren! Kay was originally buying and selling vintage clothing but she kept seeing beautiful vintage patterns in the Charity Shops. One day she bought some and that is where the story of The Vintage Pattern Market begins. She loved the cover art and although patterns can be fussy to get ready to sell, vintage clothing can be fussier!
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While she loves where she lives, finding sewing patterns isn't always easy. She scours Charity Shops, Estate Sales, and, sometimes people find her. Although Auckland is a big city, it has many small-town traits. Word of mouth is one of them!
Kay keeps her patterns well organized using Aseptic carton cases with the tops removed to file them by Brand and Number. Storage doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. It just needs to be organized! Labeling is the key to success. If you haven't discovered The Vintage Pattern Market yet, stop by and look around. Kay has a lot of Vogue Patterns
I asked Kay a few questions about her business, what she likes the most, what she dislikes the most, and a few other tidbits.
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Kay, What part of selling vintage sewing patterns do you like best?
I really enjoy interacting with my wonderful customers.
What do you dislike?
I'd say that counting and ironing the pieces of the used patterns. It's very time-consuming and a bit tedious.
Do you have a favorite Era or Decade? Yes, I really love the styles from the1930s. The "Smart" suits and long slender bias-cut skirts are so beautiful.
After being a vintage sewing pattern seller for 20 years or so, what advice would you give to sellers that are new to the genre?
Take the time to check and iron the used patterns. Describe the patterns accurately including faults. Most importantly, be kind and courteous to your customers.
You can find Kay through her website Chat, or on Instagram
Website: https://thevintagepatternmarket.com/
Instagram: @vintagepatternlady
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Above right: Simplicity 3000 a 1950s Cheongsam Dress Pattern. Left is Butterick 3216 a 1940s Suit It has a fitted overblouse, slim skirt, and a capelet jacket.