Online Resources

Below are a few of the websites I frequent, other than sewing blogs. It is by no means a complete list and I’ll be slowly adding to it as I remember/re-visit sites.

Pattern, fabric and notion websites are only listed if I have purchased from them personally (unless otherwise noted with an *).

I hate page lists with broken links too so please use the contact form below to notify me of any.

I am sure this list will be under constant revision so remember to check back every now and again.

Sewing Patterns (envelope & downloadable):

• BurdaStyle – Downloadable patterns from BurdaStyle and selected patterns from BurdaStyle magazines
• Sewingpatterns.com – The “Big 4″, Burda, Neue Mode, Kwik Sew, Hot Patterns, New Look, La Fred, Brown Paper and many independent brands. Regular sales, envelope & downloadable patterns (via PrintSew.com)
• Vogue, Butterick & McCalls (also Kwik Sew)- Envelope patterns, join the mailing list to get notifications for new patterns and sales
• Simplicity  – Also sells New Look and BurdaStyle envelope patterns, some downloadable patterns available. Postage for international orders is ridiculous, buy from sewingpatterns.com when they have a sale instead.
• Colette Patterns – Amazing independent envelope patterns, super cute, beautifully packaged. Newer patterns available in downloadable format, older patterns will be uploaded soon.
• Sewaholic Patterns - “Sewing patterns for the modern seamstress”
• Deer & Doe – “Pretty Sewing Patterns”
• Sew Daily/Stitch – e-Magazines, e-Patterns and Books
• Papercut Patterns – Beautiful & sustainable envelope sewing patterns – Designed and made in New Zealand 
• Lekala - Individually sized downloadable patterns in your measurements as well as standard sizing
• Eliza M Vintage Style Sewing - Vintage inspired sewing patterns*
• My Sewing Machine Addiction – Fantastic blog of the complete stripdown and restoration of a 1940s Singer 201-2

Free Downloadable Sewing Patterns:

• BurdaStyle – The few remaining free downloadable patterns by BurdaStyle and some from BurdaStyle Magazine
• BurdaStyle (Member Patterns) - Link to free patterns uploaded by members of BurdaStyle
• BurdaStyle German Site – In German, you have to sort of follow your nose and you “purchase” the free patterns (for $0), just keep clicking through, you’ll get them in the end
• Your Style Rocks – Fairly new sewing site, member inspired patterns, regular competitions, free pdf downloads in all sizes A0 or A4
• Peppermint Magazine Sewing School – A new free pattern each month!
• Bernina - A few free dress patterns and instructions
• Modern Sewing Patterns - aka M-Sewing
• PrintSew.com (Click on the ‘Free Patterns’ link at the top)
• Manequim - Selected Manequim patterns (Portuguese)
• Osinka - An “Internet Magazine” in Russian
• Sew Daily – Free ePatterns & projects
• Ralph Pink – Free patterns in PDF format, most in size 10
• Lekala - Occasionally allow free downloading of their patterns in a fixed size (approximately Burda 44 equivalent)

Magazines:

• BurdaStyle.de - Magazine Archive Page
• Manequim - Preview Page

Vintage Sewing Machines (Identification & Manuals):

• ISMACS International – International Sewing Machine Collectors Society – Lots of great vintage, antique and rare sewing machine information including, serial number search, free manuals, restoration advice, history and fun facts like this and this
• Sandman-Collectibles Singer Sewing Machine Identification - Follow through the questions to identify your Singer machine
• Singer Serial Numbers – Find out when your machine was made
• Singer Product Manuals - Search for your machines manual
• Singer 160th Anniversary Site – Enter your details and your machines serial number to get a cute commemorative certificate
• Sew-Classic – Discount sewing machine parts & supplies
• The Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Blog – Find ‘em, get ‘em, clean ‘em, fix ‘em, use ‘em, great blog
• Vintage Sewing Machines Blog - Lots of information about various machines.
• ISMACS Elna page – Links to history, model information and serial numbers
• Elna USA – Celebrating 70 years
• Helen Howes Sewing Machines – Vintage machine parts
• Needle Bar – The International Antique Sewing Machine Museum
• My Sewing Machine OBsession - Another useful blog
• Keeler Sales - Singer replacement decals
• Custom Featherweights - Decals and other information

Notions:

• Hawes & Freer Ltd – NZ based supplier of fusible interlining, linings, fabrics, Italian buttons, zips, shoulder pads, pocketing and more! 
• Lots of Buttons – Just like the name says! Great quantity discounts and free international shipping for orders over $25. Read about my first order experience here.
• Gone Sewing - Sewing machine feet and other notions, excellent service, huge range, fast delivery, cheap postage (free if you spend USD$120)
• Fantasy Labels – Woven name tapes & designer labels (Australian based)
• Nancy’s Notions – Great notions much cheaper than in the stores but check the shipping rates before you order

Fabric:

• Tessuti – Based in Melbourne – beautiful quality fabrics and a great source for books as well
• KimoYES – Vintage Japanese fabrics – Kimono, yukata, obi, remnants & more

Drafting:

• Pattern School - Stretch-fit pattern making, swimsuits etc, all free
• VintageSewing.Info – Free online access to public domain sewing books

Free Software:

• Evernote – Free database type software – read my gushing fan-girl essay here (update: The Android app is amazing!)
• Pattern Making Calculator – Calculator with all the fractions and sewing formulas you could ever want
• Gimp – Photoshop equivalent for Windows- see what you can do with the Gimp software here.

Other:

• Fashionary – Fashion Sketch Book
• Fashionary Templates – Downloadable Men’s & Women’s
• Threads Croquis Family

Last page update: 23 April 2013

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