I have a question and something to offer in return to all on this list with similar interests. It's about the McDowell Garment Drafting Machine;
With my first McDowell Garment Drafting Machine I only had the Sleeve book and a lovely lady on the Belle Alley sent me a copy made of her Instruction Booklet and I sent her copy of the Sleeve book + Measuring book.(patent 1886) With my second machine, the Improved McDowell Garment Drafting Machine, it's very complete including tape measure even! Instruction Booklet and all.(patent 1901) I noticed something rather amazing in the Instruction Booklet... as where the 73rd Edition has information on how to make a Dolman. The 103rd Edition in my possession the difference in garments is that it ads instead of a Dolman, an Eton Jacket, a Circular Skirt with Gathers and a Tight Fitting Coat with Cross Skirt. And it explains how to make a Mutton Leg sleeve. Now, looking back on my amazement, this would make sense fashion wise, but most of it is the same. Both consist of a Princess Polonaise, Waterproof Ulster and 2 differenent capes. Since the machine itself barely changed at all between 1886 and 1901, it should be able to handle all the different era's. And it has been manufactured from 1879 till 1912. I wonder if there are ladies/gentleman out there, or here that may have other Editions of the Instruction Booklet with other "special" garments that are specific to a time period. Of course in return I will copy and send, since it's not many pages that are different I can scan and make a .pdf out of them, by e-mail the pages I have in return. And I also have in my possession a complete and in good condition measuring books, which pages I could copy aswell. Maybe one day I can have a whole serie of period fashion garment instructions for the McDowell put together in .pdf format, for all those who own one! According to the serial numbers my first set is in the 23,000 series and my older version in the 103,000 series. So there should be more out there!! I need help tracing the instruction booklets though I will start by locating as many online as I can and inquiring. Maybe someone here can help me aswell. It would be extremely appreciated!!! Please excuse my poor English, for I am a Dutchie! With kindest regards, Manon Antoinette -- Victorian Elegance KvK39089975 www.victorianelegance.nl -- Victorian Elegance KvK39089975 www.victorianelegance.nl _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
