Antique Clothing: French Sewing by Machine/With Supplement [Hardcover]

Living in Oamaru, New Zealand, we often feel the need to dress up in Victorian Clothing, as we have the most wonderful collection of Victorian architecture, now becoming recognised by world authorities as a wonderful asset for our little town. The buildings attract thousands of tourists every year, and there are a number of events staged at various times where dressing Victorian is de riguer. Penny Farthing championships, victorian picnics, steam train rides, traditional boats day, a Victorian Ball, the Victorian Heritage Celebrations.

I found the patterns enclosed with the book, a copy of which is at our local library, looked fabulous, and the techniques described recreate the garments in exactly the same way as our great-grandmothers would have made them. Well, except for the fact that we have access to electric sewing machines, and they did not. But the detailed instructions for embroidery, pintucking and patchwork techniques are very thorough and easy to follow. Some are more difficult than others. There are more than 26 blouses to make, each one a variation on the one pattern. There are drawings of "A to Z" blouses, but you can make up your own designs using the techniques described.

The range of sizes available in the patterns is extensive, and I have made blouses from sizes 12 to 24 for customers and they fitted together well, and looked great on the person. I intend to buy the book so I can have a copy myself, when I borrow it from the library, six weeks doesn't seem long enough.

I thoroughly recommend this book as a practical guide for recreating garments from the past, lovely detailed or plain things for girls, ladies and little children. It is written in a lovely gentle way, and is a pleasure to read or work with. Photographs of actual dresses, christening gowns, skirts etc are clear and very interesting. Some garments pictured are able to be made from the book.

Enjoy!

Victorian Shirtmaker,
Claire Dickie.