Antique Clothing: French Sewing by Machine

Who in the world has the money to go out and get those really lovely garments that make you feel special from the skin out?[Nope, no hands going up around here either.]This grand book has hints and pattern information, and is so easy to follow, clearly written, and simple to understand no matter what your skill level might be. When you are following the directions, the result is positively eye-popping, hands down, gorgeous.Bonus, the techniques for one type of garment translate to other garments. You can make a camisole with touches from blouses, add a collar trim to a dress, put a detail onto a summer suit, and make those 'gotta look professional but hate looking I'm wearing my dad's suit' clothes look fabulously feminine. The fitting instructions also translate to fitting any project you make, from any era or any designer. Add in the fabric finishing touches and everything is beautiful from the inside out.This book was possibly the best investment in sewing I have made, aside from my sewing machine. And that is saying something. Get one of Claire Schaeffer's books on fabric handling and couture technique and you have a wonderful education at your fingertips.

Was happy to receive my copy of Antique clothing French sewing by machine. Like other books by Martha Pullen it ic very complete with a lot of instructions and pictures. Highly recommend book.

I bought this book at the same time that I bought "Fine Machine Sewing" by Carol Lafin Ahles and I'm very glad I have both. Fine Machine Sewing is great at explaining with clear photos both color and black and white exactly how to do each technique including what needles one needs, which sewing machine foot to use and what thread to use not to mention how to trouble shoot things when they do not go as planned. It also shows how to use these techniques for embellishing ready to wear clothing and those one creates from the start. This is especially true for making clothes and household items using those heirloom techniques."Antique Clothing French Sewing by Machine" shows many antique clothing items from museums, old patterns and many in the author's own collection. It explains how to use the designs to make your own garments. This book is mostly black and white line drawings although there is a center section with full color photos of both antique garments as well as garments made with techniques and designs taken from antique garments. Most of the garments are reproductions of antique garments although many are redesigned garments (many children's) using designs from pictures of adult garments. The book does a good job breaking down the elements of construction used in these antique garments so that one can create an exact reproduction (assuming that one can find the materials these days)or one could use the techniques to design one's own creation. There are good instructions on how to use these techniques. If you are someone new to heirloom sewing the line drawings are just not as clear or precise as those in "Fine Machine Sewing." While that book shows exact techniques but not how to incorporate them to a great extent, and Martha Pullen's book is big on design ideas the two books complement each other very well. I read "Fine Machine Sewng" first and then I received "Antique Clothing." I was much better able to appreceate this book having been grounded first in the details of how to accomplish the techniques and the instructions made much more sense. I did buy this book used and was unaware that it came with an envelope of patterns to make many of the items in this book. Unfortunatly I did not receive the pattern envelope with the book. Too bad it was not pasted inside the cover.

This book covers everything a person will need for making antique/heirloom clothing. One must keep in mind that this book is difficult to find WITH the patterns. However, a person could use a modern pattern while still employing the techniques covered in this book and end up with a beautiful garment. Few sewing machine brands are mentioned, but the STITCHES that machines are capable of making are referred to, but the book does not give details of tension, stitch length, etc. Keep in mind, that different machines may call the same stitch by a different name. Also, if you buy this book there is really no need to purchase "Grandmother's Hope Chest" since the two books are almost identical. Both present the VERY SAME TECHNIQUES. "Antique Clothing" focuses on the construction of children and adult clothing and "Grandmother's Hope Chest" focuses on the construction of baby clothing, but the techniques of stitches and construction are the same. Very glad I bought the book and liked it so much, I bought one for a friend.

Let me just say that I love Martha Pullen and I love this book! It has a ton of detailed drawings of heirloom garments for babies, kids and women. Beautiful photography. A very good tutorial on heirloom sewing in back. Can't wait to get started on my own Edwardian Tea dress!

This is a terrific book! It has lots of ideas and picture examples in both black and white and in color. The heirloom sewing techniques are detailed with words and pictures that help you learn how to shape lace, join lace to fabric, join lace to lace, and more. With all this knowledge you can complete the project of your dream! The pattern package that went with this book had to be bought seperately, but it is a terrific "must have" companion to the book. It gives you the basic patterns to try all the lovely lace shaping on. I highly recomend this book.

Book is in great condition, arrived in a timely manner and was packaged appropriately.

Beautiful book, full of wonderful ideas and historical antique clothing. I will use it for patterns, sewing techniques, and enjoyment. I highly recommend it.

Lovely book

This book is fabulous but does NOT have the patterns! The description of this book states they are included... buyer beware....Very disappointed about that but otherwise a great book.....