Seventeenth-Century Women's Dress Patterns: Book 2

Fantastic! I bought this book thru Amazon while taking advantage of their special offer of 30% off of the most expensive book in my shopping cart - and this book was it. I have bought other V&A books while visiting the UK back in 2000. I see that the V&A has improved on their books. This book has drawings on garment assembly as well as pattern pieces. Amazing attention to details such as embroidery patterns along with embroidery and sewing stitch instructions. One must remember that the sewing machine did not exists (invented in1750's, 1st sewing machine design in 1790's, not widely used and practical until 1830's) during this period and everything was sewn by hand. Even had a couple of shoes thrown in there. Had instructions on braiding string for a purse or pillow. Had construction and description of a picadil sculpted firm shape that sits behind the neck. Also shown samples and construction of collar supporters. Some garments were X-ray and/or disassembled followed by pattern piece reconstruction and assembly of the piece. I'll study this in more detail over the weekend. Finally a book worth buying!

A continuation of 17th Centry Women's Dress Patterns Book 1. Many of the articles of clothing are originally described by Janet Arnold. Thiis book contains patterns and assembly notes for a gown in mulberry-colored velvet (it was mostly "recycled" in the 18th or early 19th century), a couple of jackets, bodices, a pair of stays, supporters for flat ruffs, and collars edged with flat lace, A brief discussion of "small articles", such as purses, busks, a hat and shoes round out the book. As with the previous book, the authors have included detailed pictures - including x-rays - of the articles and step-by-step instructions as to how the garments were put together. I am anxiously awaiting the next book on the 18th Century clothing from the V&A collection.

This is an amazing book. The curators of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London have picked treasures from their collection from the 17th century, (1600's) and virtually deconstructed them, included the pattern pieces and lace prickings if necessary, along with period stitches, so you can duplicate it. They show pictures, and then highly closeup details from the picture so you can see every stitch, how many plies in the thread, all that, at important points on the garment. They also go into some detail about the difference between a tailor and a seamstress. The pieces are x-rayed so you can see what went on inside the garment, to see repairs, corrections, etc., as well as fragments of the lace involved if it was metallic. They also include contemporary paintings of the garment discussed, or similar, so you can see it in context. It includes a 'robe', jacket, hat, shoes, supporters for the lace collars that framed the face from the rear, a falling band, all sorts of things. If you need/want to duplicate 17th century women's garments, this is the book for you, along with volume 1.

Very informative for pattern making. Also, had plenty of info for making historical stays

I've been eyeing this book for a while but finally broke down and bought it.. SO glad I did. I haven't tried this era yet but would like to, and this book is going to prove invaluable. It has an excellent balance of examples in era portraiture, many clear photos of the item with detailed captions, even x-rays! The unexpected bonus was the pages of sewing directions, complete with illustrations, for nearly all of the patterns given. There is also an intro chapter on all the types of hand-sewn seams used on the garment, and how to reproduce them. Very detailed. I've only given it a once-over since it arrived in the mail today, but I can tell it's going to become one of the core books of my costume library. I am an intermediate-level seamstress and re-enactor, but for anyone remotely interested in this period or historic fashion, I highly recommend it.

There isn't much more to say. Both books are gorgeous, or are gorgeous if you are an avid historical costumer. These aren't exactly beginner-level books, but I'm not a beginner, either.

Great details, fascinating, one to take time with. Good fodder for design ideas.

Great book full of instruction, different perception on construction methods, a good book to bulk out your reference library with

Ich bin noch nicht dazu gekommen, das Buch zum nähen eines Kleidungsstückes zu benutzen, aber das ist sicher nur eine Frage der Zeit. Zu dieser Zeit gibt es nicht viele Bücher. Das Buch ist sehr schön und verständlich geschrieben, die Kleidungsstücke werden gut beschrieben.

Très beau livres avec beaucoup de détails et de photos

Era un regalo para mi hija que se quiere dedicar al mundo del diseño de vestuario y esta encantada con este libro

A must for any historical costumer! Both this and volume 1 were arriving on the market just as I was finishing my degree, and I really do wish they had been available when I was studying! Much like Patterns of Fashion by Janet Arnold, both of these books contain patterns on grids to be scaled up by the user; however, what makes these books so fantastic is that they go into great detail in how each item can be replicated with step-by-step instructions which are as close to historically accurate as the writers could make them. I was actually made aware of these books when I worked very briefly on a project at the Bowes Museum alongside costumier and contributor Luca Costigliolo. Having first hand experience of Luca's work and knowledge, I cannot recommend these books enough for anyone who wants to develop their knowledge of historical clothing and techniques.

Jenny Tiramani has brilliantly depicted the beautiful handwork and patterns of women's dress from the seventeenth century. She has enabled us to see and learn from these very up close photos and x-rays of the baleen placement. This book is a wonderful learning tool.