Printable Artwork & Framed Prints & a Startup Business Venture by Two Moms

Antique Purple Crocus Flower Print

So it has been quite a balancing act the past few weeks setting up the new Etsy shop and website, and trying to balance my day job, my online sewing and and pattern collections, and take care of the kids (my youngest turned 1 year old two days ago!)

My best friend (Angie) and I rarely get to see each other anymore because we both are married and raising families.  She is on one side of town, and I am on the other.  We both have had our respective etsy shops and would talk about art, design, and sewing.

The funny thing is, we actually learned to sew together at her house many many years ago, when she got a sewing machine and we went to the fabric store together and each picked out a simple pattern to try and make.  I remember it so well because it was the middle of winter, snowing, and freezing.  All I could think of in the store is that I needed something warm.  So I picked up a pattern for a cape, and tried to think of the warmest fabrics I could to make it with - fleece and flannel.  I still have that cape and still cover up with it when I go outside.  I live within walking distance to a market, and I will throw it on when I walk there.  I've worn it on movie sets where I knew I would be sitting outside in the cold for long periods of time.  I took it to an overnight boy scout campout that I, well reluctantly went on, because I love the kids (and well, because my husband agreed to get me an air mattress to sleep on inside the tent).  In all cases, I have been so happy that I have had that cape.  People may think you look funny, but in my experience I have been the one gloating when they are freezing their butts off and I'm the only one wearing a warm, ankle length blanket, with oversized hood, that ties around my neck.  There's a reason people wore those things when they were riding around on horse drawn carriages.  Likely, the only reason people aren't wearing them anymore is because of the invention of the car).  Anyway, let me get off this tangent (though I will be more than happy to talk about the benefits of the cape more if anyone asks, lol!)

Angie and I used to talk about how great it would be to work together someday, and finally we decided to stop talking about it and actually do it!  It has been a wonderful venture, and I am so proud of what we have accomplished so far.  The new store is called The Woodland Cottage Co., and we are specializing in home decor and design.  This is a start up business, so we are still in the beginning stages and we have a ton to do yet.

So far, we have a selection of printable wall art as well as pre-printed and framed artwork for sale. We will be adding additional home decor items in the coming weeks.  I have linked both our Etsy store and our main website on this blog in the tabs along the top. Here are a couple of my favorite pieces that we have listed:

Botanical Succulent Sage Blue Minimalist Plant Print Wall Art

I really love the color of this succulent print, not to mention I have succulents all over my front porch in pots.  I bring them in every winter, but some of them don't make it through the winter.  I love that I can hang this picture in my house and I don't have to worry about watering it, lol!

Blueberry Kids Vintage Book Art Print

This one is just fun! I love the whimsical nature of it, as well as the fact that I could hang it in my kitchen or the kids room and it would work equally in either spot.  The poem at the bottom is so darned cute as well! This is part of a collection, and there are other "fruit & veggie" kids that would group well with this print so that they could hang as a set!

I will keep updating this blog with our newest designs and items as the go in the shop!

The Woodland Cottage Co.

We have just opened a new design and decor site called The Woodland Cottage Co.  Currently, we have listed wall art - framed, printed or instant download available.  More is going to be listed asap.  Visit our website at www.woodlandcottageco.com or or etsy store at https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWoodlandCottageCo.  This has been a new and wonderful venture!

Vintage 1910s Paper Doll Childrens Shoebox Theater - Printable Sir Lancelot King Arthur Cut Outs Kids Play Box

I love finding things like these in my old magazines - I opened my 1919 copy of The Delineator (published by Butterick Magazine), and found a really neat paper theatre toy for kids to put together with a shoebox.

This little piece has a full sheet of color graphics to cut out, and the second page contains the setup instructions and dialog for the play which is meant to go with it. This is meant to be put together by pasting the set pieces to a cut out shoebox and mounting the characters to long pieces of cardboard.

I have uploaded this item for sale on my etsy page... check it out for more detailed information!

Butterick Patterns Metropolitan Fashions Catalog of the 1800s - Victorian Clothing

I was reading more in depth in my 1888 Butterick Delineator Magazine and looking at ads, I found the following ad, for their "Metropolitan Fashions Catalogue"

Of course, now I really want this catalog.  I've searched and none to be found.  However, I was led to these reproduction books of the originals (different years), which tickled me:

This Image Links to the Actual Book at Amazon

This Image Links to the Actual Book at Amazon

If they are being reprinted, I have to believe they are pretty cool.  Gonna add these to my "want" list!

A Victorian Advertisement from the 1880s which Makes Me Happy I'm Not a Victorian Woman...

Sometimes you just need to blog... to blog... and overshare...

I came across this advertisement today from my copy of Butterick's "The Delineator" of August 1888:

This ad is from Canfield Goods, who apparently made things for ladies to go under their skirts... all kinds.

Item #1:  This seems pretty straight forward.  It is the Langtry Bustle.  It is only 60 cents (by mail mind you) and it folds when you sit or lie down.  I can see why the modern Victorian woman would want this. Nobody wants their skirts to fly up in the air when they sit.  Lying down... I guess that would depend on the woman.  But notice it comes in two colors... white or DRAB.  I will take white thank you.

Item #2:  The Canfield Dress Shield.  It's waterproof.  Okay, good.  It comes in pairs.  Why do I need a pair?  And what is it shielding?  It looks like a toilet seat cover... 

Item #3:  Sanitary Towels and cheaper than washing.  I will agree and I understand the need.  Note, they are easily destroyed by burning.  WOW.  

Item #4:  Belt Hose Supporter - "Prevents pain in hips and back."  Apparently, there was a need for this because whatever women were supporting their hose with before was causing some serious pain. Obviously, the pain couldn't be coming from wearing a bustle, dress, waterproof toilet seat shaped dress shield and sanitary towels which required burning for disposal...

Item #5:  Stockinet Diaper:  Fair enough.  You don't want your kid peeing on you when you are carrying him and wearing all the aforementioned items (and your electric corset - but they don't sell those).

Item #6:  Corset Hose Supporter:  It swings! Sweet!

Sold and manufactured by the Canfield Rubber Company. Wait, what?!!!!

Victorian Edwardian 1900s Shawl Wrap Crochet Pattern in Ice Wool and Silk

This is a beautiful 1903 Antique Crochet Shawl Pattern which I came across which was designed to be made with ice wool and silk.

Ice Wool Shawl Pattern

The edging on this wrap is so delicate and feminine. Per the pattern, "A PRETTY SHAWL -Lightweight wraps that can be readily slipped about the shoulders are always in demand. This very pretty one is simple and easily made and provides just the warmth required on a cool evening or when one is suffering from a slight indisposition."  The instructions indicate that this is not difficult to make.

Materials needed:

The material is white ice wool for the center.  For the border use one strand of the white ice wool and one of colored silk.  The needle should be large in order that the stitches may be loose.

I have just uploaded a copy of the pattern for purchase in my Etsy Store - follow this link!  I am working on adding new items each day, so check back for more!!!

How to Use a Victorian Edwardian McCalls Sewing Pattern - Original Instructions

I have done a lot of sewing using vintage sewing patterns - usually these are 40s and 50s patterns. Though I own a number of original sewing patterns from the 1920s and 1930s, I don't have the heart to open them up and use them.  However, these early patterns, just like those from the 1940s and 1950s, were not printed on the tissue like they are today with markings which show seam allowances, where to match pattern pieces, notches and etc.  Generally, the older pattern pieces consist of precut tissue pieces with a series of hole punches... that's it.

1903 McCall's Tissue Pattern Pieces

The person who purchase the pattern to construct it was assumed to have some general sewing knowledge, as people constructed their own garments more regularly back then.  They didn't always have the big department stores always available to them like we do today.  Even in the 1940s and 1950s, not everyone sewed.  My grandmother had a collection of patterns of her own, each was made for her by the seamstress she hired down the street from her.  These patterns were used to complete the garments which were used for outfits worn for her honeymoon after she married my grandfather.  One of these outfits is hanging in my closet upstairs and consisted of a two-piece suite with a matching cape.

1903 McCall's Pattern Advertisement

I was costuming a show for a local community theatre about 15 years ago, and found a 1940s pattern in my collection which was perfect for one of the actors characters.  However, at the time I didn't know how to use the pattern whatsoever.  Lucky for me, an elderly woman (who has sadly passed away since) was assisting me and knew from her past experience how to use them and taught me.

1903 McCall's Measurement Illustration

Today I was listing items to sell in my Etsy shop and came across a one page article in a 1903 McCall's Magazine which illustrates how to fit and use a McCall's pattern.  This is an invaluable resource to someone who would like to use one of their vintage/antique patterns from their collection.

I have listed this page for sale in my Etsy Shop Here as an Instant Digital Download for anyone who may need the reference.  Please visit my shop if you want more information on the listing.

Roaring 1920s Crochet Chair Back Cover Pattern

I have a love of doilies and chair back covers.  My mother-in-law has given me a bunch of vintage doilies and chair back covers over the years, and I always trade them out to display them.  I use doilies quite often under my potted plants in the house and I put the chair back covers on the chairs which nobody really sits in (I have toddlers so the more used chairs are out of the question till they are older).  I will note that I recently noticed that one of my doilies which was located on a side table has somehow migrated to the Barbie Dream House and become Barbie's bathroom rug (and I'm too in love with my daughter to take it back, go fig ;).

So I came across this gem of a crochet chair back cover, which I have posted in my Etsy store.  It is a chair back cover which says "Take a *insert picture of chair/seat here*"

Take a Seat Y'all

Not only is this an awesome chair back cover design, I think it would be amazing as a framed wall hanging in a waiting room or family room entry.  If you want more details, click here to visit my store!

Roaring 20s Crochet Pattern of Doll's Bedspread Complete Bed Set Sheets Pillowcases Comforter - Vintage Instant Digital Download PDF

So... this is one of my favorite patterns that I have posted thus far... it is listed to purchase in my Etsy Store right now and will go into my web store shortly.

This is for an adorable vintage crochet pattern from 1920 for a complete set of sheets, pillowcases, bedspread, and comforter for a baby doll's doll bed.  This is made for originally and pictured with a doll's four-poster mahogany bed, per the caption.

Per the pattern, "if dolly is big enough to walk she should, of course, have a dignified Colonial bed.  The bed for which this set was made measured 32 x 18 inches, and had a stationary mattress.  By making this set larger it would be suitable for a child's bed."

The sheets measure 29 x 24 inches.  There is a 1 1/2 inch hem between an edge and insertion of the same depth.  This uses a bird pattern design along the insertion and edges.

The pillow slips are 9 3/4 inches long by 6 1/4 inches wide and are finished with the bird edge the same as on the sheets.  The insertion is omitted on the pillow slips.

The comforter is made of blue silk stamped with bright pink roses.  It uses a 36-inch width of material, which when doubled will measure just one half yard wide to fit the bed.  It is padded with layer cotton and tacked down with tan colored wool.  The edges are crocheted.

The spread is 19 inches wide by 27 inches long, and is finished with knotted fringe which is 3 inches deep.  A crocheted octagon motif is used.  This octagon bedspread pattern also can be used for an adult sized bed.

More details on this can be found in the actual listing.  Click here to view more!

Roaring 20s Flapper Crochet Pattern of Boudoir Cap Butterfly & Buttercup Night Cap Hat

Today I have posted another amazing original crochet pattern in my Etsy Store... for a Boudoir Night Cap for a lady.  The top of the cap is decorated with a delicate butterfly design.

Materials suggested are Mercerized Cordonnet, Art. 66, 1 ball White, Size 70.  One No. 14 steel Crochet Hook. 3/4 yard either pink or blue Satin Ribbon.

Detail of the top of the cap butterfly design

This is a pattern for crochet which was published originally in a little booklet from 1920 and is no longer under copyright.  I have scanned the pattern at 600 dpi to ensure high quality viewing and printability for an instant digital download from my store.  You can see more information on it at this link.

I am currently working on building my store back up, both at Etsy and on my personal store, which is linked on the tabs above.  New items are being added daily so please bookmark me if you love arts & crafts!

Vintage 1920s Crochet Pattern for Poinsettia Luncheon Set - Runner, Centerpiece & Doily

This is another new item which is now for sale as an instant digital download in my store. It is an old 1920s crochet pattern for a runner, centerpiece and a set of doilies with simply elegant detail.

The instructions for crocheting this design can be purchased here in my personal store or you can visit my Etsy shop here.

Vintage 1920s Pattern for Baby Crib Blanket Bedspread with Animals for Filet Crochet or Cross Stitch

I have just added another wonderful item to my online store, which is available for instant download!

This is a PDF DIGITAL DOWNLOAD COPY of a precious crochet or cross stitch pattern for a baby's crib spread.

This pattern is adorable, featuring many different animals including a bunny, horse, elephant, rooster, hen, horse, cat, squirrel, deer, and hen. The center features a home and pelicans with the word "baby" and the year.

The design requires a piece of material 54 inches wide and 64 inches long as the foundation. Materials also suggested include Corticelli Mercerized Cordonnet, Art. 66, 16 balls of White, Size 50 or 60. One No. 13 steel Crochet Hook.

The pattern indicates that all of the work patterns shown are suitable for filet crochet or cross stitch. Instructions are included for the crochet blanket spread edge.

For more images and information, follow the link to the item here in my personal webstore or you can visit my Etsy shop here.

1920s Crochet Pattern of Boudoir Slippers or Bedroom Shoes

New store arrival -

This is a PDF DIGITAL DOWNLOAD COPY of a wonderful vintage crochet pattern from 1920 for a pair of bedroom slippers with a medallion design.

From the pattern, "A pair of dainty boudoir slippers of crochet medallions are worked in ecru cordonnet and lined with pink satin."

Visit my online store for more information or you can visit my Etsy shop here!

Sewing Pattern Storage

As an avid pattern collector as well as a former art museum employee, I am adamant about protecting my collection.  However, unlike a museum collection I do not have a large temperature controlled storage room with racks, archival quality large flat latching boxes, and unlimited amounts of glassine among other things (hmmm... future gofundme project?)

What I am discussing here is not the perfect way to store your pattern collection, but it is a practical way (I think).

I take each of my sewing patterns and if possible try to remove any old pins that may be attached. I have found the occasional pin which is so rusted that I will leave it rather than risk ripping the pattern, but most remove easily.   I then store each pattern separately in a 4-mil polyethylene ziplock bag.  These are the same type of bags that comic book and magazine collectors generally use for storage.

For standard sized patterns, I use a 6 x 9 inch bag, such as this one here.  The 6 x 9 bag generally fit patterns by Butterick, Simplicity, Hollywood, etc. perfectly.

For larger sized patterns, I use a 9 x 12 inch bag, such as this one here.  McCall's patterns tend to be a bit wider and slide into these bags perfectly sideways, I then fold the excess plastic over.  These bags are also perfect for storing larger Vogue Patterns, as well as vintage pattern magazines and smaller pattern catalogs, and etc.

I always make sure to get the ziplock kind to keep out moisture and dust.  I then store them in large plastic bins or standard sized filing boxes such as these here.  Cardboard boxes like these are fine if as long as the patterns are in sealed in the plastic bags and therefore won't touch the box.  What I love about using these boxes is that with standards sized patterns you can perfectly fit two rows of patterns in the box, longways, and on the outside you can mark what is inside the box (e.g. Simplicity 1970s Patterns).

Generally, I store my patterns with the tissue inside of the package, unless it is brittle or frail.  I have heard of some people sandwiching the package between the pattern pieces for protection.  However, I think of it much like I would a book.  The cover of the book was put there to protect the pages, much like the pattern envelope is there to protect the pattern pieces.  I'm sentimental, so if someone left a swatch attached to the pattern for the 1950s dress they made, I will typically remove the pin but leave the swatch with the pattern. Whenever I ship a pattern to someone, I send it in one of these bags - archival and extra protection for the pattern during shipping.

If anyone has any thoughts or other ideas, I would love to know what works best for you!