The Edwardian Modiste: 85 Authentic Patterns With Instructions, Fashion Plates, and Period Sewing Techniques

by Frances Grimble (Editor)

Book by

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

430 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1997

Reviews

[Alessandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frances Grimble makes The Edwardian Modiste more helpful than many reprints of old dressmakers' patterns. As always, the patterns are more visual suggestions than actual, usable-as-they-are sewing patterns. But the instructions for drafting them yourself are pretty clear, and Ms. Grimble includes facsimiles of the original scaled rulers that allowed for different sizes. She also includes selected chapters from a dressmakers' manual of the time and other helpful supplemental material.

This book is not for absolute beginners, or for the faint of heart, but for those with some skill and determination, it can provide nearly any garment a lady of 1905-1909 would care to have.

As an artistic note, this was the period when photo-reproduction was the spiffy, cutting-edge new technology, but was not yet perfected. The dresses are engraved to show the intricate detail, but they have halftone photographs of womens' heads pasted onto their necks. The visual effect is very peculiar, particularly when the artist has severely exaggerated the fashionable silhouette so that a photorealistic woman's head is on a drawn body with a waist smaller than her neck.

[Lucinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Requested this from my library and quite enjoyed pouring over the images. Very useful as well, I may buy a copy once I'm more confident in sewing.

[Phair · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly recent acquisition so I've only browsed through it. Covers 1905-1909 with a good variety of seasons and occasions. I was disappointed that no riding habit was included.

Have not tried to scale a pattern using the method provided in the book but it looks useful. The pattern pieces are clearly marked and the construction method is briefly outlined including fabric type and approximate yardage for each pattern. The illustrations of the finished garment are from the period magazine with the typical exaggerated proportions and the "tacked on" heads often give a bizarre effect. Lets just say this era does not lend itself to the portly. Bosomy, yes, thick-waisted, not really!