Patterns of Fashion 2 Paperback – 1 Nov. 1977

I was very excited to receive this book, but I've come to be disappointed with it, I feel like I now have it just to have large, drawn images of these costumes. It starts with an overview of patterns offered in magazines - too small to properly use unfortunately as they look more useful than the main patterns in the book.Costumes are drawn from a few angles, including what the inside of the bodice looks like and the waistband, which I do appreciate a lot and find very informative. However the information given on each costume is not enough for me, perhaps as an academic, but I think what I was looking for was real construction details. This is of course a pattern book, as the title states, but these costumes are radically different from what is worn today, there are a lot of details I felt were missing and sorely needed. Certainly tournures (bustles) weren't featured at all, which is pretty deceptive - someone trying to recreate the costumes detailed in the book would, after much work, find their efforts to not reproduce what is in the book. I'm myself struggling with supporting the weight of the fabric that's been raked up and there are no details in the book that show how seamstresses incorporated elements into the costumes so as to support the garment. There is very little in the way of balance marks or clear notes on how each pieces fits together to make the whole - which makes prior historical costuming and sewing knowledge very useful.I feel this book is merely a pattern book of what you'd see looking at a costume, but that it does not give the whole garment. I feel this book is for the historically enriched user with access to much more information on costume and an experienced pattern cutter/drafter and sewer as well. I'm happy to have this book, but I feel that I may as well have stuck to the pattern cutting books I've found online for this period.

Have been wanting this book for ages, ever since I found it (+ others in the series) in the reference section of our local library. I couldn't justify buying at the time as it was too expensive new, but I purchased a 'pre-loved' one and it arrived in excellent condition. It's brilliant for theatrical costumes and fancy dress as there are basic pattern diagrams for most of the pictures than can be drawn out on a larger scale on dressmaker's drafting paper. Lots of historical information too and much cheaper than buying commercial patterns!

I repeat the remarks I made for the 2 books above. All three are excellent. I only wish I had the money, time and energy to make all the costumes and conduct a mannequin show to show them off. I am going to a Southern Counties Costume Society AGM on Saturday, 1st March 2014 and I am looking forward to seeing the Eleanor of Teledo dress which I understand will be shown on a live model and a talk given by Sarah Bartlett. I am wondering if she used a Janet Arnold pattern or created it herself. I was fascinated with the 1920s dresses in this book. They must have looked quite stunning in the materials used. I am wondering if Janet has done anything on the 1960s?

These books are a wonderful resource, and as Norah Waugh's 'The Cut of Women's Clothes' and 'The Cut of Men's Clothes' are effectively out of reach for anyone but the wealthy these days they're about the best alternative going.Of course there are gaps, and these are the gaps so obviously expected to be covered by people having access to the Waugh books, but that is, I am afraid, life...But for a tenner each these are unbeatable value for anyone interested in making historical costume and a copy should be by the work-box of every costume designer and in every re-enactor's snapsack...

Such a great item! My husband bought me this for Christmas and it is invaluable! Can’t wait to get more of Janet Arnold’s books

For me this is 5 stars, if you want to recreate an historical piece, you will need a good understanding of how dressmaking and pattern making work. But it is possible. Fascinating facts about fashion evolution.

Our teacher uses this in classes, so I thought I should get my own copy. Very detailed. Black and white drawing throughout.

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.