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A Tailoring Manual
"A Tailoring Manual" is a classic guide to tailoring with a specific focus on producing woman's outfits and clothing. Written in simple, plain language and full of helpful illustrations, "A Tailoring Manual" is not to be missed by novice needle-workers and those looking for new ideas and inspiration. Includes full instructions for making skirts, dresses, blouses, socks and stockings, and much more. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new introduction on tailoring.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1944
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January 30, 2025
I have a LOT of vintage dressmaking books, so petitioners for a space on my bookshelves have to really work hard to convince me that they offer something new. I am delighted to say that this one is first class and I am very happy to accommodate it.
So what makes it so special? In a word, comprehensiveness. I always prefer my reference books to teach me the 'whys' as well as the 'whats', which is why Natalie Bray remains my 'go to' for pattern cutting, and this one is similarly thorough. The text really does talk you through not just how to do a thing, but how to do it PROPERLY. I was taught all manner of tips and tricks at college and this book is the only one I have seen that comes close to covering that same detail. Many books cover setting in a sleeve but not many tell you how to hang it properly or prepare and shape the sleeve cap first.
The book also rises in my estimation in its inclusion of all the different stages of the process. I'm accustomed to seeing grading and pattern adjustments covered by books about drafting and grading and I'm also used to seeing construction techniques covered by dressmaking books but it is particularly useful to see the different topics brought together under a single cover as it allows the reader to be drawn seamlessly through the entire process, within the context of producing an actual garment, making the learning a practical experience rather than being simply academic.
So what makes it so special? In a word, comprehensiveness. I always prefer my reference books to teach me the 'whys' as well as the 'whats', which is why Natalie Bray remains my 'go to' for pattern cutting, and this one is similarly thorough. The text really does talk you through not just how to do a thing, but how to do it PROPERLY. I was taught all manner of tips and tricks at college and this book is the only one I have seen that comes close to covering that same detail. Many books cover setting in a sleeve but not many tell you how to hang it properly or prepare and shape the sleeve cap first.
The book also rises in my estimation in its inclusion of all the different stages of the process. I'm accustomed to seeing grading and pattern adjustments covered by books about drafting and grading and I'm also used to seeing construction techniques covered by dressmaking books but it is particularly useful to see the different topics brought together under a single cover as it allows the reader to be drawn seamlessly through the entire process, within the context of producing an actual garment, making the learning a practical experience rather than being simply academic.
Displaying 1 of 1 review