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. Today's sewing enthusiasts will learn about such lost arts as boning a bodice, creating bust enhancers and other time-honored techniques. An indispensable archive for costume historians and anyone interested in replicating the fashions of yesteryear.

Over 575 illustrations detailing 59 different garments, mainly for women. Introduction and brief instructions.

Rich selection of scaled dressmaker's patterns from the popular late-19th century magazine The Voice of Fashion details 50 garments for women, from handsome daytime and evening dresses to casual tennis outfits, a riding habit, and undergarments This volume will not only find practical use among costume designers and students of fashion history but will also delight browsers and anyone intrigued by the evolution of clothing styles. 498 illus.