For feminine hygiene: cloth pads are a great option -- easy to make if you are the sewing-type, and several folks who sell them for folks that don't (
http://www.naturallycozy.com/)
For sewing: Having a non-electric sewing machine is a great idea and they often can still be found. Probably the best resource for folks who want to actually USE a vintage/antique machine is the Treadle On community (
http://www.treadleon.net/) - Knowing the difference between rotary and vibrating shuttle, whether or not the machine uses standard needle sizes, etc... makes a big difference when you're looking for a machine. Also certain models of vintage electric machines have the capacity to be switched to treadle power by only swapping out a few parts (usually the hand-wheel).
For making clothes: Patterns are great, but better yet is to learn the skills on what goes into clothing construction and fitting. That gives you the option of drafting your own patterns and how to start with a pattern and make it custom-fitted. This can be a better option even now, before its necessary, since you'd have the option to use better quality fabrics than commercial clothing manufacturers typically use.
Also, the small durable supplies like straight pins, safety pins, hand-sewing needles, machine needles, snaps, buttons, clothing hooks, etc... These are easy items to collect over time cheaply, they store small, easily divisible, and extras can become useful barter items.
Understanding how to make cosmetics can be a good skill as well. In a fast-collapse when people are still adjusting to the new paradigm (eg collapse of USSR, Argentina, Cuba's 'Special Period', etc..) such items can be big moral boosters, a comforting touch of normalcy and also a useful barter item. Knowing how to extend shelf-life of such oil based items with Vit E, certain essential oils and natural gums can also be important.
