Blueprints of Fashion: Home Sewing Patterns of the 1940s (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

Blueprints of Fashion: Home Sewing Patterns of the 1940s (Schiffer Book for Collectors) by Laboissonniere, Wade. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780764303043.

A visual collection of the most popular 1940s clothing styles that were available in patterns for the home seamstress, featuring everything from couture to everyday workclothes, ensembles, sportswear, lingerie, and more. Once upon a time, most clothes were sewn at home. Now and ever after, home-sewing patterns will provide the best blueprint to a time when suddenly everyone could dress like the models in magazines. The most popular 1940s styles-from couture to everyday workclothes, ensembles, sportswear, lingerie, and evening dresses, plus toys, needlework and gifts-are presented here in 550 color photographs of pattern envelopes from companies like Advance, Butterick, Hollywood, McCall, Simplicity, Vogue, and others. For the home seamstress, this will be a trip back in time. For artists, costume designers, and collectors its an invaluable guide. The text outlines the beginnings of the huge pattern industry, its evolution and impact on fashion. A wide array of pattern-related items is presented including publications and advertising, display dolls, tools, and various forms of packaging. The pattern envelope illustrations are wonderful period drawings of 40s fashions.