Hi, I think I posted before. I sew regular clothing and "stuff" and was approached by some new friends to make them some garb for their pirate act/ren fair jobs. I have done some alterations for formal wear but nothing in the couture level of skill. At this point I am advance beginner, quick and dirty sewing and yearning to learn more and advance my skill level. One area in which I am trying to gain is in the area of pattern alteration/fitting (of which I can do a fair amount) and pattern-making. The other area is in better technique. I am thinking that I probably would really like to work with costuming although my dh cautions that I may lose the joy of my hobby.
I have been living online looking at costume sites. I have utilized interlibrary loan to access the county's collection on costume. There is quite a range between the "costume for stage" and "historic costume". I have returned a bunch but have seen one of the volumes of Jane Arnold's Patterns of Fashion-- the second one and have one of Jean Hunnisett's volumes--(Book II). I have a running shopping cart on Amazon (which is now at over $200). I have considered that I am really impressed with Arnold's books and I do like Hunnisett's book too. I find I really like all the different eras of fashion as well (as evidenced by my rather obscene vintage pattern collection- some 1940's and up). My question, if you could use 3 books for this (these) eras, which would you buy? The ones I have in my cart are Jane Arnold's Patterns of Fashion 1560-1620, as well as her 1660-1860, Jean Hunnisett's _Period Costume for Stage and Screen, Patterns for Womens dress 1500-1800, The Tudor Tailor by Ninya Mikhaila, and Costume Close Up: Clothing Construction and Pattern, 1750-1790 - Linda Baumgarten. I also have a book called Fine Machine Sewing and Susan Khalje's Bridal Coutoure book. Do you have any other suggestions? I have purchased a package of Margo's patterns which have some wonderful guides in them. I plan on working with them today. _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
