There are a few super books covering the period Lisa, complete with some of the magazine patterns and photos, but they are only in German unfortunately.
With quite a 'retro' movement going on at the moment, the old ideas are being taken up not only by the folks who lived through the time but also youngsters. In fact German eBay often has examples of East German clothes and patterns that go for an amazing amount of money, especially considering that immediately after the wall fell they would have been thrown out with the trash.
Now the 'frugal' living concept has really spread worldwide it would really be a good idea if they published one or two of the best books in English. There is one I especially like, it is so visual and packed with ideas, perhaps it is worth contacting them with the idea they have it translated.
Thanks very much for your feedback Lisa.
Francine A. McKenna - German Culture Editor
German Culture Site -
German Culture Facebook Avatar: HOHENZOLLERNBRÃœCKE Cologne with CATHEDRAL and LUDWIG MUSEUM. The Bridge a symbol of how Germany was rebuilt after WWII, it was left in ruins, the Cathedral with roots in the 13th century represents the country's history, Museum of Modern Art the present day.
Behind the Berlin Wall fashion was inseparable from politics, with the East German government's "one style fits all" mentality covering everything from cars to buildings. 
