Englishwomen's Dresses & Their Construction C. 1860-1940
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
28 of 28 people found the following review helpful
All of the patterns in this book were taken from existing garments, so they are very historically accurate. Details on fabric, trim, and construction are included--as well as what type of corset was worn with each (very important!). I used one of the patterns to make a 1870's dress and it turned out wonderful--I made mock-ups of the bodice first to ensure fit, and had to make a number of alterations. The grid scale is easy to use. Seam allowances and alternate sizing is not included, so if your figure is extremely dissimilar to the original wearer of the gown, you might have trouble. These books show a few specific examples in great detail, so you should use it with other broader resources for ideas for alterations, materials, and accessories.
28 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Janet Arnold's clear, precise illustrations of period garments are just as valuable as her detailed descriptions of materials used and garment construction techniques. This book is most helpful for students of Victorian and Edwardian fashion, particularly since the garments chosen for study are not extreme examples but ones well suited for the reenactor or living historian. The graphed patterns are easily enlarged with one-inch gridded paper, and the intermediate seamstress will have no trouble creating beautiful outfits.
55 of 62 people found the following review helpful
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I know it is probably heresy to say this, but I can never decide whether or not to keep Arnold's books in my library. I love the fact that she gives you graphed patterns for historic clothing and her writing is clear and interesting. The projects are not for the beginning seamstress, but are clearly explained by the author. I guess I have a problem with some of the clothes she chooses to reproduce--not all the examples are good looking or typical of their period. The choices seem very esoteric; for some people that is probably part of their charm. If you find enough examples you like I would recommend the books, but you might want to take a look at them at the library first.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Lot of info; not for novice
This book has great detailed drawings and info BUT you must have an advanced skill in sewing in order to use it.
Published 2 days ago by mom of 6
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very technical book but a good resource for advanced sewists
This book has line drawings only, thus does not have the same appeal as the "Fashion in Detail" series. However, the garment construction information is very detailed. Read more
Published 28 days ago by B. Campbell
5.0 out of 5 stars
well done
it came on time and it was everything I needed it to be. It was in good condition and provided information regarding my fiancee's project.
Published 2 months ago by CloakedOne
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent drafting resource
I used this book when recreating/designing Civil War era wedding gown for when our house was on a historic home tour in Marietta, PA. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Elizabeth Payne
4.0 out of 5 stars
Patterns of Fashion 2 Dresses & constructon
The historic information available in this book is invaluable to me in addressing the clothing worn in the 19th century. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Julia M. Knutson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love This, a Must for Historical Sewing
I made my first "dress from a pattern book." From this. I cheated a bit and took it to a place where they blew the pattern up for me for some pieces and scaled the rest. Read more
Published 8 months ago by T.'s Mom
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic and useful
This book not only includes many graphed-out patterns, but some drawings of other garments as well. I was able to take a non-graphed drawing (from some of the earlier pages in the... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Morrigoon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Shop's go to book
I have always loved historical fashion and after the first time using this and Janet Arnold's other books while working in a costume shop I had to get my own copies of them. Read more
Published on October 11, 2010 by SR
5.0 out of 5 stars
Historical clothes patterns
Great item. Good research went into it. It came very quickly. Look forward to using it.
Published on October 28, 2009 by Debs
5.0 out of 5 stars
Arnold does it again
This book is amazing - so detailed and interesting! It is truely wonderful and an inspiration to those who sew, pattern, and create or research garments! Janet Arnold is unique!
Published on September 11, 2009 by Melissa Wayne
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