Creating Historical Clothes: Pattern cutting from Tudor to Victorian times Paperback – 2 Oct. 2013

It would have been helpful to have pictures of projects made up from the patterns in this book. Or indeed historical references for all of the patterns - there are quite a few, but not all of the patterns are related back to historical images.Would also like an index of the patterns shown in the book.One word of warning: The patterns produced following the instructions in this book are intended for stage plays, not authentic living history. From that point of view it's a bit disappointing that the structures produced are not 100% as they would have been - but armed with that knowledge from my own research, I was able to further adapt the patterns to produce the designs I wanted.Other than that it's useful, inspiring, helpful, and all in all a good book.

I found this book to be ideal for the beginner in the making of ‘period’ clothes. Starting with the sort of equipment needed, it goes on to illustrate how to make basic blocks. These include bodices, skirts, sleeves etc. Ms. Friendship then has a chapter for each century. She tells a little of the prevailing fashions and how/why, for example, they may have changed. This is followed with instructions on how to adapt the blocks in order to achieve each costume. Also given are variations in such things as sleeves.

Lovely book... remains constantly out on my desk... always used!! has patterns right from late tudor to edwardian times.... there are very few pictures of the finished garments - but that doesn't annoy me. Brilliant as a starting block for getting the basic look of a period. Of course, if a more specific look is needed, a specialist book will need to be consulted, but all in all, a very worthwhile purchase.

I am so excited about this book. I make a lot of historical clothing based on scaled down original patterns in books and this book is the first I've seen that connects those with how we cut patterns in the modern way. Thank you so much for making this exist, it confirms everything that I've so far had to guess. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because I could easily have a book 5 times the size (it isn't small as is, it's just really useful)

This book contains detailed instructions on how to draft your own basic patterns, and then to use them to create patterns for period clothes to ensure an excellent fit. The instructions are clear and accompanied with explanatory diagrams - however there are very few images of what the finished pattern should look like as a garment, rather than a technical flat pattern. Nevertheless still a must for those interested in making period costumes, and even includes instructions for undergarments such as farthingales, panniers and bustles!

Package arrived a few days after intended date but I am 100% happy with the product. Wonderful condition and everything that it says it was. Packaged responsibly for the post.

Nice book

Was really looking forward to receiving this as I was keen to get into making historical costume. The instructions and diagrams are clear enough but apart from the occasional historical plate there are no photos at all. I have had a first read through but can only say that I wasn't inspired to get started at all. In a book like this I would expect to see photos of the making process and of finished garments not just pages and pages of diagrams. Disappointed.