Lesson III in Isabel Conover's 1921 dressmaking course, with the first few chapters devoted to teaching you how to do all of the fancy stitches, insertions, tucks and trimmings; and then proceeding to pattern drafting for chemises, camisoles, step-ins, nightgowns, and petticoats on which you may practice your new skills.
Free pdf to be downloaded from the Antique Pattern Library.
Such fun! Going to try pin tucks again....
ReplyDeleteBy hand or machine? :-)
ReplyDeleteGoing to try machine once it comes back from the shop. The Bernina needed a new foot pedal.
ReplyDeleteOne thing about these antique patterns (and others I have for infants' wear) is the scant turnovers and minimal finishing of slashed buttonholes. I think they got away with it as the cotton was more finely/tightly woven. I'd be tempted to try batiste or plain quilting cotton lest they fray in the wash. I love those step ins. Can you just imagine the conversations between corseted mothers and daughters wearing a cotton brassier or step in and only one slip or no slip under her dress?
ReplyDeleteI have a sewing book put out by Singer Sewing Machine Company in 1927, touting the benefits of the new printed patterns. The books explains the difference between pressing and ironing - something I didn't know, and I've been sewing since I was a pre-teen!
ReplyDelete