Wonderful full-color photos of extant clothing from 1860-1940 with comments on construction and patterns taken from the items which sewers can use to make their own versions. Wonderful resource for anyone studying fashion of this era, even if you are not looking to recreate the clothing. ( )

This review is for the extended and revised edition of Patterns of Fashion 2.
Drafted from excisting ladies garments from 1860-1940 there are "patterns". Also there are colour fotographs of these garments, explanations of stitches used, pictures of contemporary persons in similar garments, fotographs of insides and linings in garments. If you want to compare a garment you have to try and date it; this is an exellent book. If you are a professional seamstress or tailor aiming at recreating similar garments this is an exellent book. If you are a beginner to sewing and want costumes like these then you need to complement this with other books and preferably an experienced seewer to guide you, but this book is still a wonderful inspiration. ( )

Lending

Originally published in 1966, this 1977 reprint edition is an invaluable resource for theatrical costumers, doll makers, and historic reenactors. The scale of all patterns is 1/8" = 1" for full-size reproduction. There are instructions for making 1/4" scale model dolls from papier mache over wire mesh. The dolls are 16 1/2" tall. Professional costumers rely on Janet Arnold's works. The Costume Society (UK) provides The Patterns of Fashion Award to "the student who has, in the opinion of the judges, produced a reconstructed garment from a pattern in one of the Janet Arnold Patterns of Fashion books that reflect the high standards presented in the books." .See http://costumesociety.org.uk/awards/patterns-of-fashion-award to find photos of award-winning costumes from 2008 to present day. Google to find other uses of Janet Arnold's patterns. ( )

The clothing is not nearly as exciting as in the first book, but that's a personal preference. Empire period and the 20's are nice, but the 30's are stodgy.