Vintage Couture Tailoring

WOW! Even better than I expected. Everything about the book is exceptional. The number of photographs, the full description of all the textiles and tools, and the speed at which the author proceeds is perfect! The construction detail is exactly what I’m trying to develop in my own work and I can see this book is going to stay VERY close to me!

UPDATE: I would love to see this book added to the Kindle MatchBook program. The book is great, but I'm hesitant to carry it around for fear of losing or banging it up. I've been taking sewing and tailoring classes and am working up to making clothing for myself. I bought this book when it came out because it looked great online and upon receiving it I went through it and was very impressed by the photos and detailed description of techniques. I agree with at least one reviewer that the typeface could better, but it is not "almost impossible to read," as one reviewer said. Last week, I did my first serious pad stitching exercise and didn't like the results. I was frustrated because some people were telling me that it was just a diagonal stitch. I knew that couldn't be the case because a regular diagonal stitch leaves a big thread bar on the underside and with a permanent pad stitch the thread is not supposed to be visible. I couldn't figure out how to maneuver the needle through layers of canvas and fabric to create the half-chevron shape without exposing a sizeable stitch underneath. I looked at all the tailoring books I own, including Roberto Cabrera's "Classic Tailoring Techniques: A Construction Guide for Men's Wear", Stanley Hostek's "Hand Stitches For The Fine Custom Tailored Garment", and "Tailoring: The Classic Guide for Sewing the Perfect Jacket." Only the last title gave me a partial answer. Then I looked at this book. It provided the most detailed instructions by far, including the best needle to use. There was also an interesting anecdote about a French woman who had taken a master tailoring exam in the 1930s, which illuminated the standard that could be reached for this technique. An hour later, I was doing much better. I was pleased that my initial instincts had been correct; but I needed the additional finesse provided by this book. Many books fail to include the small tricks that make all the difference.

Amazing book. I have a carefully cultivated library of sewing books and this made the cut, despite the high price. Intended audience: In short, this book covers the construction of a blazer-type garment. I would say that this book is targeted those who are experienced enough with sewing to attempt some meticulous, old-fashioned techniques, such as handmade buttonholes, pad stitching, and shaping with an iron. It is not the sort of book to discuss things like fusible interfacing or other modern shortcuts. Content: I've read this book from cover to cover a few times, and while I have not tried every technique mentioned in the book, the instructions seem to be extremely clear. I found that both the chapters and sections are well-organized and well-defined. Visuals: This book has numerous color photographs, but nearly every single one is clear and informative (though not very enlarged. If you have trouble with things like newsprint, these may be troublesome). It does not spend resources on dramatic or artistic photography. What this book does NOT do: This book does not give you step-by-step instructions on how to drape a blazer, but it will teach you to do things like getting a collar to sit as intended. Also, while the advice about scissors is generally good, I would like to add that someone with smaller or weaker hands would want to go on the smaller end of the recommendation, or a different model that is more lightweight, but still high quality. My palm is three inches across, so attempting to use 12" shears of the all-metal varieties illustrated would be like attempting to wield a pair of hedge clippers with one hand. Instead I use a pair of 9" (very sharp) professional shears that are made to be lightweight, with the metal extending through the handle for strength, but plastic for the grips for comfort and a lighter weight.

I'm really delighted with this book, which provides step-by-step photos and instructions for tailoring a classic woman's suit jacket. The methods shown are those used by the tailors of Savile Row and couture houses, and the author doesn't attempt to simplify or abridge the process, thus affording the tailoring enthusiast a means to acquire the skills necessary to produce a professionally tailored garment, not just a simulacrum. The information provided in this book is clear, well-organized, minutely detailed, and very satisfying if you're curious about what goes into a vintage tailored jacket. I am finding the sections on pressing especially helpful and enlightening, and would recommend this book to anyone who is serious about learning to tailor or who wishes to bring their skills to a higher level. If you follow the instructions, you should be able to use any tailored jacket pattern you like to produce beautiful and professional tailored clothing.

This book is a must for anyone who wants to tailor beautiful garments. The directions are easy to understand, and the book is well illustrated.

I'm applying the information in this book right now to tailor a Prince Charlie Jacket for men, that is how adaptable it is. I like it because it addressed some of the techniques of men's tailoring in written form. I only wish there could be a book dedicated to men's tailoring like this, but this will do. The print is faint, and I have to wear my head magnifier to read it, but I'm usually wearing that when I'm sewing anyway. The sentence structure and word usage is different, but learnable if one thinks about it long enough. Its taught me very good details on fabric preparation, hand stitching, and fitting, illustrated via great photos. If only things like this could be more popular these days, sidestepping the cheapness of manufactured clothes that people wear once and throw in the charity bin.

This is a great book. Highly informative with wonderful pictures. It's beyond my skill level at this moment in time, however, I am reading and absorbing as much of the technique, method, and approach as possible in preparation for making two tailored jackets I plan on making. I have read soooo many books on the topic but this one is the most informative thus far. The fabric I have selected for each jacket is incredible and distinct so I pray I have the ability and patience to do as instructed by Thomas! With this is mind, I decided to take Thomas' recommendation and create a practice jacket out of flannel/fleece to hone my skills a bit. Getting to the two jackets will take longer than I had anticipated but the final product will no doubt be wonderful which is what I yearn for. WIth all this praise and 5 star rating however, as many have also noted, the font is a bit bothersome. Since I love the book so much, I have over come it. I'll provide feedback on my practice jacket which most likely I'll start in January 2015.

The book has a specific goal, step-by-step illustrated instructions for tailoring a woman's jacket, and it accomplishes the goal extremely well. It even includes some photographs showing what a step should not look like. The pictures are close-up and clearly show the steps. All the information illustrating steps is there without the fluff of personal anecdote which is exactly what I want in a reference book. Even though I already own other women's tailoring books, I am still extremely pleased I purchased this book because of the well photographed, clearly explained steps to the tailoring process.