The Georgian and Regency period was a time of extremes in clothing, from the heights of the extravagant and decorative headdresses to the widths of the panniers. These garments were supported by a wide range of padding, boning, frills and flounces to create shape and texture. This essential book will guide you through the exciting fashions of the time. Suitable for experts and novices alike, it is filled with practical projects ranging from grand gowns to dainty bonnets, all presented with clarity and insight. There are ten detailed patterns, dating from 1710 to 1820 with five suggested variations to show how the patterns can be adapted; eight patterns for contemporary undergarments and seven patterns for accessories. Step-by-step instructions and photographs show how to construct the patterns and lavish photographs illustrate the finished designs. With general advice on the period, the role women played in it and the fashions of the day, this book will be of great interest to stage and screen designers, museums and heritage sites, costume players, re-enactors and design students. Lavishly illustated with 309 colour images and step-by-step instructions to show how to construct the patterns.

Filled with practical projects dating from 1710 to 1820, this practical guide to creating authentic-looking styles for women will be of great interest to stage and screen designers, as well as museums, re-enactors, and design students The Georgian and Regency period was a time of extremes in clothing, from the heights of the extravagant and decorative headdresses to the widths of the panniers. These garments were supported by a wide range of padding, boning, frills, and flounces to create shape and texture. This essential book will guide you through the exciting fashions of the time. Suitable for experts and novices alike, it is filled with practical projects ranging from grand gowns to dainty bonnets, all presented with clarity and insight. There are 10 detailed patterns, dating from 1710 to 1820, with five suggested variations to show how the patterns can be adapted; eight patterns for contemporary undergarments; and seven patterns for accessories. Step-by-step instructions and photographs show how to construct the patterns and lavish photographs illustrate the finished designs.

Starting with the early years of Victoria's reign, this practical book examines the developments and evolution of fashionable dress as it progressed throughout her six decades as queen. From the demure styles of the 1840s to the exaggerated sleeves of the 1890s, it explores the ever-changing Victorian silhouette, and gives patterns, instructions and advice so that the amateur dressmaker can create their own versions of these historic outfits. Contents include: information on tools and equipment; a guide to transferring pattern pieces; a concise guide to the various layers of Victorian underwear; and step-by-step instructions with colour photographs to help construct the patterns and advice on how to personalize each outfit. Illustrations of fashion plates, Victorian carte de visite photographs and original surviving garments provide visual inspiration and reference. There are seven main project chapters, each starting with an overview of the main fashions characteristic to that style of dress, and giving patterns, instructions and advice to enable the amateur dressmaker to create their own versions of these historic outfits. With 309 beautiful colour photographs including illustrations of fashion plates and Victorian carte de visite photographs, this will be an invaluable resource for the dressmaker.

Making Working Women's Costume gives a unique account of the clothes of ordinary women from the mid-fifteenth century to the early twentieth century. As well as introducing the historical periods, it gives patterns for a range of typical garments that women of the poorer classes would have worn. Organized by century, it draws on historical sources and finds, paintings and photographs to recreate the clothes of these under-celebrated women. It includes useful information about equipment for present-day use, calculting curves, taking measurements and sewing techniques not in current use, and patterns for late medieval clothes, such as smocks and gowns, are developed from ancient T-shaped garments and can be marked out on the fabric with given measurements. Garments for the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, including bodices, waistcoats and skirts, are drawn on grids. Proportionate cutting is used for the clothes of the later nineteenth and twentieth centuries, such as nurse's uniforms and cotton frocks, with options to add a range of features. Written for costume students, teachers and re-enactors, this book will be an invaluable source for everyone seeking to recreate and wear the clothes of these under-celebrated women. Illustrated with 43 colour illustrations and 81 patterns.

Nothing epitomizes the look of the 1950s more for women than the hour-glass silhouette of the tightly fitted bodice and full skirt. This ubiquitous style - first introduced in 1947 with Dior's New Look - was so widely adopted by the mid-50s that it came to define the decade. This practical book introduces and explores the styles and construction techniques used in the 1950s. Step-by-step instructions and photographs demonstrate how to achieve a well-finished and authentic look using equipment easily obtainable at home. Chapters explain the processes from fabric selection, cutting out and preparation through to garment assembly using traditional techniques for creating the silhouette of the day. There are photographs and analysis of original pieces from private collections and museum archives and scaled patterns that have been standardized to a modern size 12 and can be graded up and down in size. With patterns and instructions for making your own bullet bra and girdle, each project includes a materials and equipment list and a section on specialist stockists and suppliers. Additional chapters include practical advice on measuring and fitting, and how to create the 1950s look. Aimed at students, teachers of costume, re-enactment societies and costume designers for TV, theatre and film and superbly illustrated with 300 colour photographs and 14 patterns.

Over the centuries, the corset has been a vital garment designed to support and shape the fashions of the day, and has progressed from being an undergarment to bold outerwear. This practical book explains the full process of making a corset with clear instruction and supporting photographs. Packed with information, it explores methods of creating modern corsets, whilst acknowledging the pioneering techniques of the past. Whatever your reason for creating a corset- be it for theatre- re-enactment or personal wear - this book is an invaluable guide to making a well-constructed, figure-flattering garment. Includes: a list of helpful tools, equipment and materials; step-by-step illustrated instructions showing how to self-draft or personalize a commercially purchased corset pattern; techniques showing how to correct an array of fitting issues to produce a well-shaped corset; a selection of corset-making methods, illustrated with photographs and, finally, imaginative approaches to decorating and personalizing corsets. There are three main projects showing the development of the patterns and construction techniques to create gorgeous corsets.

First published in 2000. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.