This vintage how-to manual — the first modern American sewing book — provided turn-of-the-century seamstresses with clear instructions for altering patterns, hand-sewing stitches, and creating shirt-blouses, skirts, wedding and evening gowns, coats, maternity wear, undergarments, children's clothing and other apparel. Also details lost arts like boning a bodice, creating bust enhancers, more.
American Dress Pattern Catalogs, 1873-1909: Four Complete Reprints by Nancy Villa Bryk Over 3,500 rare illustrations depict everything from bicycle suits to evening wear. Invaluable reference; rich royalty-free source for designers, illustrators. Co-published with Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village.
Turn-of-the-Century Fashion Patterns and Tailoring Techniques by S. S. Gordon Patterns, instructions for creating over 60 garments and parts of wearing apparel: leg-o-mutton sleeves, broad collars, military cape, knickerbockers, bloomers, opera cloak, riding breeches, and much more.
The "Keystone" Jacket and Dress Cutter: An 1895 Guide to Women's Tailoring by Chas Hecklinger, Kristina Seleshanko Professional tailors of the time turned to this comprehensive resource to create office outfits, riding pants, blouses, and other garments. Filled with more than 80 patterns, it's an invaluable reference for costume designers and fashion historians. 92 black-and-white illustrations.
Historic English Costumes and How to Make Them by Talbot Hughes, Kristina Seleshanko This well-researched guide traces the evolution of English fashion for men and women through hundreds of illustrations. More than a history of style, it's a dressmaker's delight, filled with scaled-down patterns for 67 authentic costumes.
