Odhams Encyclopaedia of Needlecraft Illustrated (n.d., early 1950s, first edition): Review (part 2)

Brian had been told this shirt dress would never date.  Looking back on it, he probably should have questioned why the dressmaker cackled wildly when she said this. Too late, he noticed the strange geometries of the fitting room. Surely they were non-Euclidean? A  creeping shadow made a slithering sound from behind the chair.

Odhams Encyclopaedia of Needlecraft Illustrated (n.d., early 1950s, first edition): Review (part 1)

 

Yet another boring date with Captain Batrachian. If he wasn’t careful, she’d shove his trans-dimensional tentacles down his throats.

Intergalactic travel wasn’t all she’d hoped for.

Dress Cutting by the Block Pattern System by Margaret C. Ralston (1932): Review, part 2

Drafting the pattern for Dress 2 and two garments based on this design.

Dress Cutting by the Block Pattern System by Margaret C. Ralston (1932): Review, part 1

First published in 1932, original editions of Dress Cutting are very rare. Fortunately it has since been edited and republished by Lacis Publications with the new title: Fashion Outlines. Dress Cutting has also been republished by Bramcost. This review is based on the Lacis edition.

 

Block pattern (sloper) drafting

A number of vintage sewing books include instructions on block (or sloper ) pattern drafting. Instructions are given on taking measurements from your body to draft a basic bodice, sleeve, skirt and occasionally trousers. You make up a prototype in calico (in Australia, NZ and the UK) or muslin (in the US). This prototype is called a “toile”. Having tried on the toile, you mark any changes necessary and modify the drafted pattern accordingly.