Authentic Victorian Dressmaking Techniques

At the turn of the century, ladies of privilege could easily afford their own dressmakers, and even middle-class housewives occasionally employed competent seamstresses. But many women did their own sewing, often relying on Dressmaking, Up to Date, a how-to book published by the Butterick Publishing Company. First published in 1905 and widely considered the first modern American sewing book, this extremely rare volume is published here complete and unabridged.

This Butterick manual provides clear and concise instructions for altering patterns, hand sewing stitches and creating shirt-blouses, skirts, wedding and evening gowns, coats,  jackets, and many other articles of apparel. Today's costume historians and sewing enthusiasts will find fascinating instruction in such long-lost arts as boning a bodice perfectly, crating skirt sweepers and bust enhancers, concealing hooks and eyes, and other vintage dressmaking techniques. 144pp. 61/2 x 91/4. Paperbound.

Book #1115 

$12.95

Authentic Victorian Fashion Patterns 

Imported custom-made clothes were usually beyond the financial reach of the average middle-class American woman a century ago. This left many women with the option of making their own clothes or hiring a seamstress.

While a number of economy-minded women did sew simple housedresses, and clothing for their children, many took favorite fashion plates to a dressmaker who would often consult patterns in a magazine such as The Voice of Fashion. The present book, reprints a rich selection of scaled dressmaker's patterns of the 1890's, taken from rare issues of the popular, lalte-19the century dressmaker's journal. The collection includes nearly 500 patterns and illustrations detailing 50 garments for women. Every wardrobe necessity for the Victorian lady is covered-from the nightgowns and wrappers for boudoir and breakfast, a riding habit and tennis outfit, to walking dresses for town and visiting, elegant dinner dresses, and elaborate evening gowns.

An introduction and brief instructions for using the patterns are also included in a volume that will not only find practical use among costume designers and students of fashion history, but will also delight browsers, Victoriana enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the evolution of clothing styles. 144pp. 9 x 12. Paperbound.

Book #1141

$12.95

Fashion & Costumes From Godey's Lady Book

Over 400 striking designs, including 42 figures in full color, were chosen for this volume from a selection of rare issues (1837-1869) of Godey's. Captions detail the rich fabrics, color schemes and decorative trims of the gallery of vintage attire.

Costume and culture historians, clothing designers and illustrators will find Fashions and Costumes from Godey's Lady's Book a valuable reference to clothing designs of the period and a fascinating look back at mid-Victorian couture. Introduction and captions. 99pp. 9x12". Paperbound.

Book #1158        $16.95