Patterns of Fashion 2: Englishwomen's Dresses & Their Construction C. 1860-1940 [Paperback]

Janet Arnold (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 88 pages
• Publisher: Drama Publishers; 3rd edition (December 1977)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896760278
• ISBN-13: 978-0896760271
• Product Dimensions: 14.3 x 10.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #170,691 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book helped me make a lovely dress..., May 18, 2001

By 

Jennifer Davis-Wilson "Jen DW" (Menlo Park, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Patterns of Fashion 2: Englishwomen's Dresses & Their Construction C. 1860-1940 (Paperback)

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.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another winner from Janet Arnold!, October 11, 2001

By 

Jennie Chancey - See all my reviews

This review is from: Patterns of Fashion 2: Englishwomen's Dresses & Their Construction C. 1860-1940 (Paperback)

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.

47 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I have a love/hate relationship with Janet Arnold, May 16, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Patterns of Fashion 2: Englishwomen's Dresses & Their Construction C. 1860-1940 (Paperback)

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.