Costume History Books | Reading for Sewing the Past

🍂 Since autumn is upon us. It is time to sit inside with a cosy book and a cup of something warm ☕.
Reading costume history books, or fashion history books, is a great way to learn something new or to get in the mindset for making your own creations. Whether connecting with primary sources to learn the authentic tips and techniques; or utilising the convenient compiled knowledge of secondary sources.

This video is a list of some of my favourite historical costuming books. They are a mix of primary and secondary sources. A variety of sewing instructional and reference books covering a wide range of history. Mostly covering 18th to 19th century with some Victorian reprints but with a sprinkling of Medieval Norse. Hopefully they will aid you in your journey to sewing the past.

How to Read a Suit: A Guide to Changing Men's Fashion from the 17th to the 20th Century - Lydia Edwards:

Household Sewing with Home Dressmaking - Bertha Banner:

Authentic Victorian Dressmaking Techniques - Kristina Harris:

The Keystone Jacket and Dress Cutter - Charles Hecklinger:

The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking: How to Hand Sew Georgian Gowns and Wear Them With Style - Lauren Stowell & Abby Cox:

The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Beauty: 40 Projects for Period-Accurate Hairstyles, Makeup and Accessories - Lauren Stowell & Abby Cox with Cheyney McKnight:

Medieval Garments Reconstructed: Norse Clothing Patterns - Lilli Fransen, Anna Nørgård and Else Østergård:

Patterns of Fashion 1 (reprint) - Janet Arnold:

Patterns of Fashion 5 - Janet Arnold:

Timestamps:
00:00 - 00:40 Welcome
00:40 - 03:50 Patterns of Fashion
03:50 - 06:10 How to Read a Suit
06:10 - 09:45 American Duchess Guide to 18th Century
09:45 - 12:43 Needlework and Cutting Out
12:43 - 13:37 Household Sewing with Home Dressmaking
13:37 - 15:25 Authentic Dressmaking Techniques
15:25 - 18:00 The Keystone Jacket and Dress Cutter
18:00 - 21:00 Medieval Garments Reconstructed: Norse Clothing
21:00 - 22:21 Closing Thoughts

Socials are all Lilja Husmo:

#FashionHistory #CostumeHistory #FallReading

[VBirchwood]

Yayyyy FIRST 😂 (I'm still watching the video, but so far it's great! And yes, we all want to hear about your dinosaur books.)

[sewwithmsjones]

I have one of the original Butterick sewing books that "Authentic Victorian Techniques" is based on, but mine is a 1913 printing.

[alexmaier]

Costume Close Up by Linda Baumgarten is also great :)

[dawsie]

If you are looking at knitting, try Tunisia knitting/crochet it’s a fun style of knitting.

[aquaaurora]

[BLEEP] YEH DINOTOPIA!! I freaking loved those books! Also thanks for the recommendations. Will probably be buying 1-2 of those at least.

[celticbarbarian]

Great video as always Lilja <3 Enjoyed watching this while drinking some tea :>

[michellecornum]

Good references. I have a couple of these. I will have a look at the rest. Good job.

[stevezytveld]

Thanks for this. I'm always interested in what resources are out there. At present, I'm (almost) patiently waiting for the republishing of Patterns of Fashion (here's hoping for a storage box of some kind).
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi

[oliwiadykiel]

Aaah you came at the perfect time darling! I was just looking for some recommendations💙

[beeticket]

Hey Lilja, are you an INFP personality type on the Myers-Briggs by any chance? Funnily enough I’ve bothered Vasi with the same question (from V. Birchwood - she’s INFJ), and, well, everyone really... 😅😁
Just curious as I’m INFP as well.