Figure 1.--There were extra charges if the patterns were ordered in sizes different than those specified. This was from a 1941 issue. |
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HBC has extensively used French sewing magazines to illustrate fashion trends and annual styles. Readers might be interested on how mothers ordred patterns from these magazines. Mothers every week found sewing children patterns in Modes et travaux. The patterns were included in standard sizes for the mothers subscribing to the magazine. For others sizes, they could be purchased for the list price. Each illustration in the magazine was numbered. Using that number, a pattern could be ordered by mail. The person ordering the pattern specified the size. The prices for the patterns varied somewhat from the prices indicated in the description next to the illustration. There was a suecharge for special sizes (sizes different from the size specified with the text/ad copy describing each illustration. Here are some details on how patterns were ordered from Modes et travaux. The procedure for other magazines was similar.
Each illustration in Modes et travaux was numbered. Using that number, a pattern could be ordered by mail. The person ordering the pattern specified the size.
Unlike many modern patterns which are made for a range of sizes, the Modes et travaux were made for a very specific size. Often a patter was for aboy or girl of one specific year, such as 4 years old. Usually the pattern, however, was suitable for a wide age range, say 3-6 years old.
The prices for the patterns varied somewhat from the prices indicated in the magazine. There was a higher price for special sizes (different from the size specified with the text/ad copy describing each illustration. The cost of these unspcified size patterns varied according to the type of garment. This was the typical practice, other sewing magazines also made patterns in specific sizes and offered a service like this mothers wanting different sizes.
The meaning of some of the French words here may be helpful to the reader.
Adolescent: A youth 12 till 15 years old
Baby (noun): Not used in French
Baby (adjectve): Means clothes made in the style "baby "
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