59 Authentic Turn-of-the-Century Fashion Patterns

by Kristina Harris

The dressmaker's patterns for the more than 50 different garments included in this volume first appeared in the 1890s in issues of the quarterly The Voice of Fashion . Most of the patterns are for stylish daywear for women, but there are house dresses and nightwear as well, along with a selection of suits and dresses for young boys and girls and several garments for men.

Reproduced from rare original issues of The Voice of Fashion , these patterns show that although most ladies' fashions of the 1890s were designed to conceal the body behind high necks, long sleeves, and full, floor-length skirts, a lively interest in revealing the female figure persisted. Elegant hand craftsmanship and the luxuriant draping of rich fabric further enhanced this statuesque idealization of femininity.
An informational general introduction to dressmaker's patterns and concise instructions for using them precede this lively parade of fin-de-siècle fashions. Readers will also find over 575 patterns and illustrations detailing the various garments, with individual instructions for making them. Costume enthusiasts interested in re-creating exact copies of vintage clothing will find this book an indispensable guide; indeed, anyone interested in the history of fashion and costume will welcome this fascinating reference to late Victorian dressmaking.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, Sewing, Reference, Fashion History, History

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 1995

Reviews

[Alessandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with Ms. Harris' book, Authentic Victorian Fashion Patterns, this is a large number of 1890's sewing patterns for women's garments from the old magazine "The Voice of Fashion". It has the same difficulties as the other book.

These patterns are suggestions, not literal shapes, meant for dressmakers to use as guides for their own patterns. They cannot be used as they are, even blown up. You have to already know a lot about drafting patterns to make them work.

They also do not include much in the way of assembly instructions, or information about trimming or linings. You're basically on your own.

If you are already an accomplished pattern drafter, this book can be very useful. But it is not for beginners.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look at fashions of that era but most are definitely not usable as sewing patterns. The instructions for assembly are very brief and if you are not of the impossible dimensions listed on the pattern pieces, you must draft a shape for your specific size. The illustrations are a hoot, though! Look at those teeny waists!

[Kayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great variety of patterns for women and children, but not so much for men.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. The range of styles is fascinating (especially once you get into the era of leg-o'-mutton sleeves), as is the fact that these are the full authentic patterns which women would have used at that time.
If I ever need a costume from this era, this is the book I'm turning to.