Modest Dress Patterns
For those of you who don't already know about Jennie Chancey's site, Sense and Sensibility Patterns, she has WONDERFUL patterns that are very modest, feminine and beautiful! And the cost is not really that expensive, considering the fact that you can make many outfits from the same pattern. I find this a great alternative for those of us who may occasionally need to dress up but cannot find modest formal attire at a reasonable price. I think just about all of her patterns could be made into a formal dress/skirt with a little creativity, which she freely offers help with on her site. Sense and Sensibility Patterns Also, I've just been made aware of patterns that are inexpensive ($0.99 to $2.00) from Hobby Lobby (in most states, except New England and the West Coast) and JoAnn's Fabrics (in every state, except Mississippi, Wyoming and Hawaii), whenever they have sales. So this may be a good place to check out, too. God's best to you all, AmyJoe

Making patterns last
This is just an FYI note. When you get a pattern, if you will iron fusible interfacing to it prior to cutting it out, it will make your pattern virtually indestructable. I have done this for years and it works great, especially if you have a pattern that you are going to use repeatedly.

I would recommend The Paisley Pincushion. Their prices are very affordable and can be very versatile. http://www.paisleypincushion.com/ I only have one of their patterns so far but I really love it!

What cute patterns
Thanks for posting this link. We hadn't heard of them, but I love what I have seen so far.

Hint of History
I just recently found this pattern company: http://www.hintofhistory.com/home/ It is very similiar to Sense and Sensibility Patterns but much smaller. I think they are working on adding more patterns. It looks very nice.

Thanks! I just checked out this site. It looks very nice. There only seems to be a couple of patterns to choose from, but I really like the Shawl collar 1910's dress. I followed the links provided on the page and they are helpful as well. AmyJoe

Yes, I realized that. In her about sections she says that two of her patterns won some of Sense and Sensibility's con-*test*-('")s. I think it was the kimono dress and 1950's dress. I am glad that you liked it :)

Links...
Here are a handful of links that I have collected over the last couple years... I hope that at least a few of them will be helpful to at least a few of you! :) http://www.commonsensepatterns.com/ http://www.candleonthehill.net/ http://www.modestsewingpatterns.com/store.html http://www.achristianhome.com/ModestFeminine/ModestyFeminineAttireIndex.htm http://www.ajoyfulhandmaiden.com/ http://www.babiesnbows.com/ http://www.designsbysherylann.com/index.asp http://www.hannahlise.com/default.aspx http://www.liliesapparel.com/ http://www.littletouchofelegance.com/ http://www.modestapparelusa.com/ http://www.modestschooluniforms.com/ http://www.modestclothing.com/ http://www.myculottes.com/index.html http://www.plainlydressed.com/ http://www.prayercoverings.com/index.php http://www.stanosheck.com/Modesty.html http://www.simplymodest.com/ http://www.finitesite.com/vesselsofmercy/ http://www.wendysmodestdress.com/ http://www.wholesomewear.com/ http://7sisterssewing.com/ Keep up the good work, ladies, and may God richly bless you!

Modest Patterns
For those of you who like an authentic, 19th century look, you can try Past Patterns. They're expensive, but accurate. (19th century patterns were cut differently than modern patterns are, especially around the armscye. Even some modern "historical" patterns don't have an accurate cut.) There is also a series called "Folkwear" which features patterns from many different eras and cultures. A good catalog- although you have to pay for it- that features patterns from many different companies, including Mennonite and Plain-clothing patterns, is the Amazon Dry Goods Catalog. They carry Past Patterns (19th century), Attic Copies (Early 20th Century), and many other brands. They also have catalogs for shoes, general dry goods, etc. Some of the patterns aren't easy to sew, but some of you may be interested in them. If you're really into authentic historical attire and can draft patterns from graphs, you can explore "The Cut of Women's Clothes" (several volumes, I think). The patterns in these books were taken from actual museum garments and include detailed construction notes. You would have to enlarge the patterns and draft them to fit yourself, though. For your little girls, you might think about the Dover publication/republication of "How to Dress an Old Fashioned Doll" (originally How to Dress a Doll)- it teaches little girls how to sew and features simple, early 20th century patterns for little girl dolls (bebes) and baby dolls. Martha Pullen's books and patterns also have beautiful, feminine clothing for children and adults. Some of the patterns (that I got free with a book) are VERY simple in construction, although they are made to be heavily decorated with lace or trim using French Hand Sewing techniques. If you wonder how I know this, I used to be a Museum Curator with a specialty in 19th Century women's costume before I got married and became "MOMMY!" If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me at tristeange@yahoo.com. I'll try to reply as quickly as I can. God Bless You! --Lilgoatlady