1925 Woman's Institute Dress Decoration and Ornament Sewing Course Book No. 417
Original 1925 Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences Sewing Course Book No. 417: Dress Decoration and Ornament.
Decoration is often treated as the finishing touch to a garment, but this Woman's Institute volume argues that successful ornament begins long before the first trim is applied. Rather than encouraging decoration for its own sake, the book teaches how ribbons, embroidery, lace, beads, appliqué, fabric design, and other embellishments should reinforce the overall design of a dress. Throughout, Mary Brooks Picken and the Woman's Institute emphasize balance, proportion, purpose, and artistry, showing readers how thoughtful ornament can enhance rather than overwhelm a garment. Filled with illustrations, historical references, and practical examples, this volume offers a fascinating look at 1920s design philosophy and decorative techniques.
Topics covered include:
- Distinction between decoration and ornament
- Purpose of dress trimming
- Using decoration effectively
- Applying ornament correctly
- Expressing individuality with trimmings
- Influence of age and size on trimming choices
- Artistry in trimming
- Purchasing trimmings
- Decorative fabric designs
- Painted fabrics
- Block printing
- Batik work
- Tie-dyed fabrics
- Self-material trimmings
- Tucking, plaiting, and decorative stitching
- Embroidery and appliqué
- Selecting and creating embroidery designs
- Drawing inspiration from nature
- Historical and peasant-inspired decorative motifs
- Developing original designs
- Color selection for embroidery
- Threads and ready-made embroideries
- Beads and sequins as dress trimming
- Appropriate use of lace
- Gimps, braids, fringes, and passementerie
- Decorative ribbons and ribbon ornament
- Artificial flowers for dress decoration
- Fur as trimming
- Decorative buttons
- Buckles and belts
- Neckwear and collars
- Applying trimming principles to one-piece dresses
- Afternoon dresses
- Children's clothing
- Sportswear
- Coat dresses
- Evening gowns and wraps
It is an authentic correspondence course text published by the Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Please review the photos carefully for its condition, as they are part of the description.
