Book Details

• Note: We are the publisher of this book. Buy with confidence.
• Condition: New
• Edition: High-quality, unabridged reprint, carefully restored for modern readers
• Originally published: 1950s
• Publisher: Bramcost Publications
• Publication year (reprint): 2012
• Format: Softcover
• Pages: 272
• Size: 7.44 x 9.69 inches
• Language: English

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 -- 12 patterns including wrap arounds, square dance, long and short
• BLOUSES -- 20+ patterns including halter, mandarin, t-shirt, lace, portrait neckline, crepe, open-front jersey
• DRESSES -- 20+ patterns including crepe, eyelet-embroidery, allover dress, boat neck, crepe
• BOLEROS, JACKETS, COATS -- 15+ patterns including shoulder bolero, satin evening jacket, reversible coverall
• STOLES, CAPES, SCARVES -- 15+ patterns including ribbon stole, crepe/lace capelet, velvet shoulderette
• LINGERIE -- 15+ patterns including one piece negligee, makeup cape, shirred nightie, petticoats, camisole
• APRONS -- 15+ patterns including circular, heart shaped, work apron, clothespin
• ACCESSORIES -- 15+ patterns including velvet shoulder cape, peplums, veils, bonnets, purses
• CHILDREN'S CLOTHES -- 25+ patterns including dresses, apron, play smock and western costumes
• HOME FURNISHINGS -- 10+ patterns including flanged edge pillows, summer bedspread, curtains
• GIFTS -- 25+ patterns including bean bags, shoe covers, lap robe, bathing suit bag, beach roll

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 pictures. 

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.

Please see images for the book's contents pages, cutting diagram patterns and samples of completed garments that can be created using the instructions/patterns in this book. Be sure to check our other listings for more vintage sewing and fashion books.

About Bramcost Publications

Bramcost specializes in preserving rare and out-of-print vintage lifestyle books and patterns, focusing on how our foremothers and forefathers lived, worked, and created. Our catalog emphasizes:

• makeup, hairstyling, beauty
• sewing, fashion, pattern drafting
• knitting, crochet
• millinery, hat making, hat patterns
• ribbon work, embroidery, embellishments
• needlework, quilting
• jewelry, beadwork
• weddings, bridal interest
• paper dolls, doll books, doll clothes patterns
• holiday, celebrating traditions

Please see our other listings for additional titles in vintage beauty, fashion, entertainment, needlework, and domestic arts.