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How many points do I get -- and for what?
- Between 5 and 50 points for each collectible vintage sewing pattern you donate that goes to the Trade area;
- Variable points for patterns you donate that are collectible but incomplete;
- One point for every 25 patterns you donate that go to the Recycle area;
- One point for every $1.00 you donate to the Pin Money fund;
- One point per month for qualified links to Pattern Rescue;
- Between 5 and 15 points for pattern pieces that complete a featured pattern in the Preserve area;
- Variable points for supplying copies of small pattern pieces as listed in the Post area;
- Points as stated for special opportunities mentioned from time to time elsewhere but not included here.
How can I use my Pattern Points?
Trade them in for collectible patterns. All the vintage sewing patterns in the Trade area have a Pattern Points value (between 5 and 50 points). You can't buy these patterns -- you must have Pattern Points to trade for them.
You also get priority for all patterns from the Recycle and Trade areas. When we process requests each day, the first ones filled are from people with Pattern Points. So if Jane and Sue request the same pattern but only Jane has Pattern Points, she gets the pattern. If 10 people ask for the same pattern, it goes to the person who has the most pattern points.
I won't use my points. Can I cash them in?
No. Pattern Points do not have any cash value.
Do Pattern Points expire?
There's no expiration date on your Pattern Points. However, we do reserve the right to discontinue the program if necessary.
How do I know how many Pattern Points I have?
Whenever you earn or use Pattern Points, we send you email that includes your updated balance. You can also email us for your balance at any time -- but remember that it's a manual process so you won't get an instantaneous answer.
What if I have more questions?
Contact us and we'll get right back to you!
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Yes -- but is it collectible?
Rating vintage sewing pattern is subjective. Deciding whether a pattern is collectible or should go into the Recycle area -- or how many Pattern Points a collectible pattern should get -- is always a judgment call.
Pattern Points are not retail prices. It's entirely possible that a pattern we put in the Recycle area would cost you $20 or more to purchase online. Or that a pattern we've put in the Trade area is for sale at Ye Great Olde Pattern Seller for a couple of dollars. There's no official price guide to vintage patterns and resale prices can -- and do -- vary by large amounts for identical patterns.
We use our years of experience and best judgment to rate donated patterns. That being said, the decisions reflect our taste and biases and your opinion may differ.
Some of the factors we use to rate and classify patterns are:
- Type - An evening dress pattern is more collectible than a simple shirt- waist dress pattern.
- Style - More unusual and striking styles get higher ratings.
- Age - The older the pattern is, the more likely it's collectible.
- Condition usually affects the points assigned, and can be very important for more recent patterns.
- Size - Patterns for average-size women and small children are the most popular; those for older boys and girls, the least.
- Name - Popular makers or designers affect the rating and points.
- Current Fashions - patterns are subject to fads like everything else.
- Graphics - attractive envelope design can boost a rating.
Browsing through the Recycle and Trade areas is the best way to get a feel for our pattern rating tendencies. Wondering how many Pattern Points yours might earn? Send us a photo and we'll get back to you with an estimated range. The photos don't need to be huge scans of each one -- a clear group shot is fine.
If you disagree with the way we're rated a pattern you've donated, let us know and we'll be happy to take another look.
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