Sewing Magic -- 225 Patterns for Sewing Vintage Fashions, Accessories, Household Decor and Gifts

Originally published in the 1950s, this fantastic vintage fashion and accessory sewing book includes more than 200 cutting chart patterns (also known as "drawn to measure" patterns) including skirts, blouses, dresses, boleros, jackets, coats, stoles, capes, scarves, lingerie, aprons, accessories, childrens clothing, home furnishings and gifts. All of the garments in this book are custom made from *your* measurements. Because cutting chart patterns use your own body measurements, they allow for individual irregularities to be accounted for so you can be sure the proportions are correct for your size and the garment will fit well. Using a cutting diagram also provides time- and fabric-saving shortcuts, perfect for beginning pattern makers and sewers. Sample cutting chart patterns can be seen in the last picture above. The author, Mary Brooks Picken, is well known for her role as founder of the Women's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences and was the author of more than 90 books on needlework, sewing, textile arts and fashion. She taught Economics of Fashion at Columbia University and was one of the five founding directors of the Costume Institute. She was also the first woman to be named a trustee of the Fashion Institute of Technology. Mrs. Picken was an authority on dress, fabric, design, and sewing, so you know this book was well written by a master in the industry.Sewing Magic is perfect for beginning sewers because you can start with an easy pattern -- such as the eye glass case or shoe cover bag -- and work your way up to aprons, blouses and skirts. Each garment has clearly written instructions, measurements needed, detailed cutting charts, sewing instructions and a line drawing of the finished garment. Sample fashions and patterns are shown at the top of this page.