OMGOMGOMG. I just read on Dress A Day that the University of Rhode Island is allowing free access to their Commercial Pattern Archive for one week. WOW! I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a pattern archive but I am happy to hear it exists. Normally you have to pay 120$ a year for access.
Login with the username “guest” and the password “pattern”.
Hello, I know what I will be doing this week, just call me ‘guest’!
Their search form looks great and really gives you many options to narrow down what you are looking for. You can find free clothing, needlework, embroidery, crochet and quilting patterns!
Go to it! Let me know what you find!
UPDATED:
So the free pattern downloading started yesterday and ends on August 25th 2009.
This archive is by no means perfect. There are some broken images and finding sewing instructions to go with your pattern pieces appears to be rare. BUT STILL. It’s awesome and having the shape of the pattern pieces is one step in the right direction.