When a little sewing pattern needs some tlc

This is a sweet little antique girl's dress pattern from 1909 had a really rough time before she came to me.

The pattern pieces were in good condition for their considerable age but the envelope was very fragile and has a great deal of wear and tear, as you can see in the images.

The front and back had separated and were just trying to fall to pieces when touched so I carefully scanned copies before I put each into a separate acid-free cello sleeve. Now they can be admired without damage to them. I then printed clean, fresh copies so that the pattern could more easily be read down the road.

And then came the research part. I found it advertised in my March 1909 McCall's magazine!

"No.2622 (15 cents).-Crimson serge was employed in making this smart little dress. Trimming bands of black satin and small brass buttons form an excellent contrast. A guimpe of white lawn with yoke facing of allover embroidery is shown with the dress. Another attractive frock after the same model was of dark-blue albatross worn over a guimpe of ecru linen, lawn or batiste. The construction is not at all difficult. Two tucks at each side of the surplice fronts supply ample fulness. The flat collar and the slashed sleeve cape are especially attractive. The skirt is a well-designed seven gored pleated model and is attached to the waist by means of the belt. The dress opens at the back. Among other suitable materials are linen, chambray, pique, denim, gingham and madras. The pattern is in four sizes, from six 10 twelve years. "

That also got copied and reprinted, then tucked behind the pattern.

When I get patterns like these, I don't worry about whether or not I can make a profit on the time I spend getting them ready for a new home. That doesn't matter in the least when a beauty like this finds it's way into my hands.

I simply NEED to leave it better than I found it.

This part I do for love.