Costume Close Up: Clothing Construction and Pattern, 1750-1790

by Linda Baumgarten, John Watson, Florine Carr

Costume Clothing Construction and Pattern, 1750-1790

Genres: Fashion, Sewing, History, Fashion History, Nonfiction, Reference, 18th Century

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Lori Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite costuming books! This is a book not about how pretty the clothes are but about construction! Most of the photos are in black and white which makes the construction details pop so they are more obvious. Most of the photos are of the insides of the garments where the real sewing took place. That's a view rarely seen in museums and much more educational for those of us looking to recreate fashions of the past. My only complaint is that the book ends too soon. I would love to see a follow up volume with more of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation costume collection. Actually, I would love if more museums made books like this one showing how the garments in their collections were made. If the Costume In Detail books by V&A were this detailed I would be in heaven.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book through ILL a few years ago, mainly to get a good look at the pocket pattern, and have wanted my own copy since. Unfortunately, used copies are EXPENSIVE. I was googling around on a whim a few months ago and found a NEW copy for sale from the publisher https://www.silmanjamespress.com/shop... for $24.95 plus $7 for shipping. It did take about two months to get to me, including one email to customer service, but it came yesterday and is PRISTINE.

[Flowergirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched, interesting book.
The only let-down is, that most pictures are colourless, which is really disappointing in a book about gorgeous gowns.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A useful book I'll want to look at again when I get to making a jacket, gown, or cloak.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Baumgarten's books on the collection at Colonial Williamsburg can't be beat, and this one I am particularly fond of. Of all of her books, this one has the most effective use layout that I've seen - it combines historical facts, primary sources, pictures, and pattern layouts with the textual descriptions and close up photographs of the garments in the collection. What it may lack in variety, it makes up in depth. In my opinion, a must-own for 18th century reenactors.

[Rachel L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book, even though most of the photography is black and white. It has several detailed accounts of existing Colonial garments, with pictures. Very helpful in making my current outfit. It wasn't nearly so interesting to me before I actually got deeper into the research stage, though; probably wouldn't be very interesting for anyone who doesn't do historical sewing.

[Jessica Courter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for mid-late 18th century clothing patterns and construction details.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very detailed look at the art of Costumes. I have a greater understanding to the way shapes and layers changed over periods of time. Lots of illustrations.

[Allison6876 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent reference guide to 18th century clothing.

[Betty Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been so simple and helpful in my journey to making an 18th century outfit (dress, stays, pockets, etc). I can't recommend it enough.

[Cody]

I love it