Inherited patterns

[Speedy]

Hi ladies. When my grandparents moved out of their house 2 years ago, I inherited most of my grandmothers crafting (sewing) things. It was stored until April when I finally went to pick it up and then finally moved into our new bigger apartment. I just started going through the boxes and I'm discovering a lot (like A LOT) of patterns for 80s style skirt suits. My grandmother made all of her own clothing for a long while.

So, my question is this - this is clearly not my style of clothing. Would you keep it anyways in the hopes they may be useful? Or chuck them?

[mommabakes]

I would toss, but I'm incredibly unsentimental.

[oliversbear]

I'd check to see how well similar things are selling on places like eBay. I know when we went through my grandmother's house her patterns from the 50's-80's sold pretty well at the "estate" sale. I think we charged $0.50 a pattern or 3 for $1.00, but then our goal was to reduce what we were going to take to the landfill. We sold most of the 100+ that we found.

You could also check at second-hand shops (Goodwill/Salvation Army/etc.) and see if they want or need those kinds of donations.

[CestLaVie]

Ooh I need to do this too. I just was gifted my grandmas sewing desk, supplies and serger. I'm the only grandchild that sews but I'm a very beginner and it's a bit overwhelming

[Speedy]

oliversbear, I never even thought about the fact that I'm supposed to have a garage sale later this summer. Thanks for tickling my brain with selling them!

CestLaVie, Yeah, I got my grandmothers epic sewing cabinet and serger. I already had a sewing machine that my mom had got me, so my cousin got her sewing machine, but she's a very basic sewer, whereas I'm pretty heavy into costuming. Even I'm overwhelmed with everything, but I'm loving making my BFF insanely jealous. Among the favorite things I've dug out so far are the 95" soft measuring tape, and the super heavy and long fabric shears.

[Dramaphile]

People also sell vintage patterns on Etsy

[bonzo]

I would definitely try selling before just tossing the old patterns. But don't feel obligated to hold onto old patterns -- even if some of those styles come back, the sizing is so different now than it was a few decades ago!

[Ee]

I would sell if it turns out the patterns can be easily and conveniently sold (aka not an enormous hassle, and quick to get them out of the hosue), and if not I'd just donate or toss.