The Little Corset Book: A Workbook on Period Underwear (Little Costume Workbooks) [Paperback]

Bonnie Ambrose (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 56 pages
• Publisher: Drama Publishers (March 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896761304
• ISBN-13: 978-0896761308
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 3.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #157,711 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Arts & Photography > Graphic Design > Commercial > Fashion Design
  • #4 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Reference > Education > Research
  • #4 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Textile Arts

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars simplified corset construction info, March 21, 2000

By 

allison taylor (orange county, california) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Little Corset Book: A Workbook on Period Underwear (Little Costume Workbooks) (Paperback)

This teeny volume shows b/w hand-drawn construction diagrams for reproduction corsets from the eras of 1700, 1750, 1860, and 1890, plus basic chemise and basic drawers. Drawings are very clear, and include some suggestions on fabric selection and decoration. Text covers step-by-step construction, fabric/notion requirements, and a chart to assist in getting the right number of the right size of corset bones. Anyone who has attempted a corset without instructions has probably ended the attempt in frustration, but this inexpensive guide and a friend to help with fitting, that will change. No historical info is included, this volume is about simplified construction and it hits the mark. Not for beginning sewers, but that's because of the project nature, not the book. The only improvement I'd like to see would be more detailed guidelines to determining correct dimensions of cut pieces, maybe even fullsize pieces. But the information contained would be worth twice the full price. Certainly cheaper than a single period pattern for a corset, regardless of your source, and those are a gamble with regard to adequate instructions. This compact book is ideal for amateur costumers, especially Ren Faire or re-enactment folks. Professional costumers will probably not find any new information here, but it's really a gem.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice little book, but could be better, June 13, 2000

By 

JRP - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Little Corset Book: A Workbook on Period Underwear (Little Costume Workbooks) (Paperback)

This is a nice little information book if you are just starting to look for corset info. Instructions are vague at times. No expense was put into this little book. The size chart goes to size 6, so you'll have to do the figuring if looking for smaller and doll sizes. Materials chart looks to be misplaced and put on page 12. You do need sewing experience for these instructions.

35 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars This book is absolute rubbish!, December 21, 2003

By 

Joe Chin "Software Developer" (Edina, MN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Little Corset Book: A Workbook on Period Underwear (Little Costume Workbooks) (Paperback)

I was exicited when I received this book, as it looked like it was full of useful information. Upon closer inspection, I found an astonishing amount of typos and misplaced information. Also, the author draws her patterns with seam allowances, which makes initially fitting the pieces together distracting, given the vague measurements she provides. She tells the reader incorrect information about the quantities of fabric to cut. She gives the reader poor information about how to cut a facing pattern. I'm surprised she found a publisher for this rubbish! I have done more research on this subject and it was recommended to me by experienced corset makers to stay away from this useless book and to get Jean Hunnisett's Period Costumes for Stage and Screen, 1500-1800. In fact, all of her books are much more thorough and better thought out.