The Art of the Mantua-Maker: 1870 - 1879: Fashion, Sewing, and Clothes Care Advice

by Deb Salisbury

Taste in dress is the sure guarantee of the lady. Nor is it mere money that makes a tasteful dress. It is principally a knowledge of the fashions, and how to adapt them to your style. Peterson’s Magazine, November 1875 The art of the mantua-maker was practiced by every woman who wanted to create her own wardrobe. Fashion magazines were studied and dissected, scoured for details on how each effect was created, how many seams were used, and where the pleats were used. They learned why changes were made, when they went out of date, and how to recreate the styles they liked. This book compiles sewing and fashion advice given in those books and magazines during the 1870s, given in the words of writers of that time. Each entry shows the name and date of the periodical quoted. I’ve included as many pattern sketches as I could find. “The Art of the 1870 - 1879 Fashion, Sewing, and Clothes Care Advice” has three 1) Sewing tips and fashion advice 2) Fabric cleaning and care. 3) Bibliography of magazines and books I found useful. I’ve included over 740 black and white period engravings to help show the details of the changing fashions of the 1870s.

Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2014

About the author

I'm the creator of the Mantua-Maker historical sewing patterns. My costumes have won Best in Show at Costume Con, organized by the International Costuming Guild. I'm also a member of Forward Motion, an online writer’s group.

You can visit me at my blog at http://www.debsalisbury.com/ and my website at https://www.Mantua-Maker.com.

I also write fantasy novels as D.J. Salisbury.