I'm going to quit lending this book out --- Because it never comes back! Altho not the most advanced book of patterns (draping, other techniques not covered in detail), it is one of the best for basic clothing for the Medieval and Renn. era. It's my handbook for sleeves, necklines, and facings, what I check before I draw and cut.
I've been lending it out to newcomers, but everyone loves it so much it disappears. No more, say I!!! This one is _Mine!!!!_
Great resource for silhouette, but mediocre patterns I have to agree with the other reviews, this book is great for Halloween costumes, general period silhouette, and for the novice costumer. Instructions are not included, and seam allowance is not included in the patterns. Patterns are 1/8 scale unless otherwise noted (so they must be enlarged), and in sizes S-M-L (But I question the grading).
I teach Period Costuming from this book, and as a instructor, this book can be extremely frustrating at times. The illustrations that accompany each era's patterns do not always reflect the pattern pieces. My students enlarge these patterns by hand or take them to Kinko's to enlarge. As a patternmaking instructor, I give the patterns from this book a "C" grade. The patterns are not trued, seam lines are not walked, and skirt, bodice and sleeve patterns are not balanced. My students spend as much time correcting these patterns as they would starting from scratch with a set of blocks.
But it is a great instruction tool showing differences in silhouette and cut over the centuries.Great book for Simple patterns I chose 4 stars for this because it Should come either spiral bound or with some other plastic binding. I ended up takeing it in to OfficeMax and get it bound with spiral binding. The binding it comes with would not allow the book to lay flat on a photocopier. I could not get a accurate copy, and therefore 800% was not giving me a true shape. However other than the binding this book is great, it is Just patterns though, no assembly instructions. The more complicated pages would be easy for a intermediate, and the simple underclothes would be a great starting project for a beginner. I would buy this again, you get great value for your money, even if you end up getting it bound (binding cost me about 5 dollers). This book would be great for any one; Teachers, theatre costume people, SCA garb, Halloween, ect.
