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

The 85 patterns and 91 fashion plates in this book were reproduced from rare originals of the 1905 American Garment Cutter Instruction and Diagram Book and 1907-1909 issues of the quarterly American Modiste. These publications were used by both professional dressmakers and amateurs. They offered sophisticated fashions, artistic illustrations, fashion columns describing the latest styles, and pattern instructions. They also provided the ability to create patterns for the wearer's individual measurements with the American System of Cutting. Using special rulers that eliminated arithmetic, even untrained designers could enlarge pattern diagrams to the correct size. The Edwardian Modiste provides a full set of rulers and detailed instructions for readers who wish to use the American System. It also explains how to enlarge the patterns by projection.

The years from 1905 to 1909 saw a transition from the turn-of-the-century S-curve figure to the straighter line of the 1910s. Throughout, women wore outfits appropriate to the season, occasion, and time of day. Formal dresses were made of luxurious fabric richly trimmed; street suits were elegantly styled and finely tailored; and lingerie was made of sheer fabric decorated with hand embroidery and lace. All the major styles and most garments are represented in this book. The patterns include lingerie, home robes, day dresses, street suits, blouses, afternoon and evening gowns, winter coats and jackets, sports outfits, and motor coats.

The Edwardian Modiste also includes carefully selected sections from a 1907 sewing manual, The Complete Dressmaker. These give fabric suggestions and sewing techniques for most garments, including wedding gowns, maternity wear, and mourning. Especially noteworthy are the hard-to-find instructions for ladies' tailoring. A substantial glossary explains fabric names and dressmakers' terms.