Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I can't stress how great this book is (like her others!) the accuracy of the patterns and the detail that is given makes them wonderful. If you want to sew the clothing (and adjust the patterns to a fit, I don't recommend this book for beginners. It is for those who are experienced at the art of sewing. Otherwise, it's great to see how some of the effects were gotten. Some of the patterns also include methods of construction.... Wonderful!

This is a great way to have a historical dress without tearing a old garment apart. Easy to follow patterns and good directions.
A great book for any reenactor or anyone who wants to have history live again with a museum copy dress or gown.

This and all the Arnold books are the go-to books for the costumer. The detailed examination and pattern drafting really tell you what you need to know about period construction and design. Check The Great Pattern Review at www.GBACG.org and you'll see other reviews of Janet Arnold books as well as pictures of garments that have been made from the patterns. I have made several myself and plan to make more. The directions are clear and concise and the drafting is superb. She has passed on now, but her legacy will remain in these wonderfully helpful books. See also Lucy Barton. She was a professor at U Tx long ago, but there is a small pattern book that goes with her text book, if you can find either!

This book is awesome. Although, as someone else said, a few of the items are not the best representation of their period, they are all quite gorgeous. I have made a few of them already, they are easy to draft and the ones I've made luckily were my size! It's a great reference, it's extremely detailed in construction (not a how to, but an explanation of the details of what they did.) Overall, a fantastic book at a great price! If you want something with more sizing for the bustle era, try Fashions of the Gilded Age.

This book is one of the essential books for a historical costumer! The authentcation and documentation can not be disputed, and the patterns are easy to follow and construct!

I have all three of the Patterns of Fashion and they are GREAT, if you need information on historically correct clothing these are the books to have.

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. The patterns are wonderfully drafted and scaling them up is a breeze. Yes, there are alterations that had to be made to some of them size-wise, but nothing worth sweating about. My books have seen lots of use though I still haven't managed to make anything for myself. The details that are provided with sketches and the patterns are wonderful for anyone looking to reproduce any of the garments. That being said, they aren't the best representation of the time period nor of the different classes, but it is still an amazing series of books.