The Nest Haberdashery’s preloved patterns are not just affordable, they range in age from vintage to contemporary. With over 3000 patterns on display, customers make remarks like:
‘You have a bigger range of patterns than Spotlight’
‘I’ve been searching online everywhere for these two retro Vogue patterns V7937 and 2634. I can’t believe I found them both at The Nest’
You will find big brands like Vogue, McCalls, Butterick, Simplicity, Burda, Style, New Look, KwikSew and Knitwit alongside various boutique independent brands. You might call us the Utopia of patterns or as we like to say, Pattern-topia.
How did The Nest get so many patterns?
Over 10 years of receiving textile donations, patterns quickly took over. To deal with the deluge, we had to develop a cataloguing and sorting system that would put this valuable resource back into circulation. We now have a comprehensive database of patterns dating from pre-1940 through to current independent brands.
Currently, we have a couple of very dedicated volunteers who sort through the steady stream of patterns that are donated through our Textile Recovery Centre. It’s an unrelenting job that requires a detailed, trained eye.
What sort of preloved patterns are available?
For as little as $1 you can find craft patterns for quilting, embroidery, appliqué, toys, dolls, bears and bags in baskets around the store.
Yet dress patterns is where we have our largest range of stock. To give an idea of volume, we have 8 filing cabinets filled to the brim on the shop floor with an equal quantity in various stages of sorting out the back.
The first stage of sorting requires volunteers to wade through tubs of patterns to categorise them into Vintage 1950s – 1960s, Retro 1970s – 1990s, Contemporary 2000s onwards, Vogue and Indie (smaller boutique brands).
In our donation guide we ask that only uncut or complete patterns are donated, however guidelines are not always followed.
To ensure quality control our volunteers open and check all viable patterns to check that they’re complete, and if unused, add an ‘uncut’ sticker.
How much do the patterns cost?
Many vetted patterns are given a new protective sleeve. They’re then colour-coded to indicate price, with a 50c surcharge for ‘uncut’.
From donation to restocking the cabinets, there are countless woman-hours that go into maintaining and presenting this cornucopia of possibilities. How do our prices compare?
Contemporary $3.50 (retail $20)
Retro $4.50 (retail $25)
Vintage $6.50 (retail $25)
Vogue $5.50 (retail $35)
Indie $6.50 (retail $35)
Next time you’re looking for inspiration, don’t just look for recent designs. Take a stroll through pattern history and explore fashion through the ages at The Nest Haberdashery.
