1923 Woman's Institute Tailored Suits, Coats and Capes Sewing Course Book No. 24-3
Original 1923 Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences Sewing Course Book No. 24-3: Tailored Suits, Coats and Capes.
One of the most advanced dressmaking booklets in the Woman's Institute correspondence sewing course, this volume teaches the principles behind creating professionally tailored women's suits, coats, and capes. Rather than simply following a pattern, students learned the methods used by professional tailors to achieve garments with proper structure, fit, durability, and elegant lines.
Mary Brooks Picken's message to students establishes the philosophy behind tailored clothing:
"When tailored clothes are worn, usually the chief consideration is service..."
She emphasizes simplicity, precision, quality materials, and workmanship, teaching that true tailoring is achieved through careful construction rather than excessive decoration.
Topics Covered Include:
- Purpose and evolution of the tailored suit
- Tailored suit design and planning
- Coat construction
- Tailored jackets
- Tailored skirts
- Coat foundations and "coat making"
- Tailor's canvas and interlinings
- Pattern layout and cutting
- Sleeve construction
- Lapels, collars, and facings
- Single- and double-breasted styles
- Professional tailoring techniques
- Proper fit and proportion
- Material selection
- Construction diagrams and pattern layouts
Illustrated throughout with detailed fashion drawings and technical construction diagrams, the booklet demonstrates how women could produce garments with the appearance and durability of professionally tailored clothing while working at home.
An outstanding reference for collectors of Woman's Institute publications, vintage sewing manuals, fashion historians, historical costumers, and anyone interested in early twentieth-century tailoring techniques.
Please review the photographs carefully for condition. You will receive the exact booklet pictured.
