by Beth Gilgun. Softbound, 277 pages, 8" x 11". The author animates the mid to late 1700's with her entertaining "letters" to a friend on the frontier. Daily life, housekeeping, sewing skills and word of the latest goods available in the East Coast markets are some of the topics covered in this collection of fictional letters. Through her first-person narrative, the author puts you in touch with life in Colonial America.
by Anne Bissonnette. Softbound, 164 pages, 8-1/2" x 11". The goal of this book is to present and interpret garments of sophisticated cut, construction and materials from the 1790-1840 period of Ohio history. Because these garments were not the everyday dress, special care was taken to preserve them; thus, they were the ones to survive. Over fifty color plates with extensive text and research.
by Ellen J. Gehret. Softbound, 309 pages, 8-1/2" x 11". A study of the wearing apparel of the German and English inhabitants, both men and women, who resided in southeastern Pennsylvania in the late 18th and early 19th century. Based upon examination of surviving pieces of old clothing and descriptive information from primary sources. Detailed sewing instructions and patterns which are profusely illustrated.
by Linda Baumgarten. Hardbound, 265 pages, 9-1/2" x 12". The Language of Clothing in Colonial and Federal America, The Colonial Williamsburg Collection. No book has approached the subject of period clothing in such a comprehensive way. A discussion of slave and work clothes highlights the complexity of outfits that convey status, occupation, and place. This handsomely designed and lavishly illustrated book is essential to anyone who enjoys fashion and period costumes. 355 color plates and 36 black & white illustrations.
by Mara Riley, illustrated by Cathy Johnson. Softbound, 49 pages, 8-1/2" x 11". This book is meant as a basic guide for women getting into historic reenactment, specifically women doing an American colonial impression. Not a comprehensive reference, but a starting point. Starting with fabric choices and basic stitches it explores the basic make up of shifts, petticoats, pockets, gowns, aprons, caps and hats, shoes, stockings and garters, cloaks and mitts plus much more. Includes a list of books, suppliers, and other resources for those who want to explore further.
by Merideth Wright. Softbound, 128 pages, 8" x 11". This text not only discusses and describes the clothing worn in rural America between 1783 and 1800, but it is one of the few books to include scaled drawings of patterns and full instructions for making most garments discussed. Covers women's shift, petticoat, skirt, gowns, neckerchief, apron, headgear and more. Also, men’s shirt, cravat & stock, breeches, waistcoat, coat, frock and headgear. Looks at Abenaki Indian clothing.
by Sharon Ann Burnston. Softbound, 123 pages, 9" x 12". The first book to focus exclusively on an entirely American collection of 18th century clothing. This book features first quality photography and detailed inch-by-inch graphs of the original clothingin the collection of the Chester Co., PA Historical Society. Over 40 original garments, men's, women's and children's are described and depicted with 38 converted to graphed patterns by 18th century authority Sharon Ann Burnston.
by Joan L. Severa, Nancy Rexford and Claudia Brush Kidwell. Hardbound, 614 pages, 8-1/2" x 11". A visual analysis of the dress of middle-class Americans from the mid-to-late 19th century. Arranging the photographs by decade, the author examines the material culture, expectations, and socioeconomic conditions that affected the clothing choices depicted. Depth of knowledge regarding apparel allows the dating of images with a high degree of accuracy and points out significant details that would elude most observers. Over 270 black & white photographs, each accompanied with a commentary in which these details are fully explored.
by W. L. Brown, III. Softbound, 126 pages, 8-1/2” x 11”. A wonderful resource for re-enactors, historians, and those interested in social history and material culture. Each specimen is illustrated with photographs and pattern drawings. In addition to the many pictures of shirt specimens for this book, Mr. Brown has also searched to find contemporary images. Using paintings, sketches, and early photographs Mr. Brown gives these inanimate shirts life by showing how average men were viewed in public by their peers.
by Alexander and Fulton. Hardbound, 224 pages, 9-1/2” x 11”. This beautiful volume traces the history of the clan system, the origins of Highland dress and the tartan, plus gives advice on how and when they should be worn. The main section of the bookincludes an extensive list of sept and family names, accounts of all main clans of Scotland and details of leading families that have tartans. Includes beautiful full color photos of 265 authentic tartan patterns. There are numerous other illustrations,maps of clan and family lands and much more.
by Rozella Linden. Softbound, 32 pages, 8" x 11". This clearly written, illustrated guide allows even novices to fill a treasure chest with lovely tatted designs. Over 65 drawings and photos enhance this collection of easy-to-do, attractive patterns.
by Mary Ellen Harte. Softbound, 30 pages, 8" x 11". A seed bead workbook for beaders of all ages. Supplies clear graphic illustrations with instructions on how to thread many popular patterns and create attractive, colorful rings, bracelets, napkin holders, necklaces and earrings.
by Carol Kroll. Softbound, 48 pages, 8-1/2" x 11". The ancient craft of spinning is becoming increasingly popular with today’s craft enthusiasts, since it is both highly creative and simple to learn. Here is presented all you need to know from set-up to finished product. You’ll learn about kinds of spindles and spinning wheels, their history and development and modern applications. Here is demonstrated proper methods of preparing fiber, selecting, sorting, washing, adding oil, and carding. Includes an access and resources section with suggested reading, supplies, services and more. 33 illustrations, 10 black & white photos.
by Helene Bress. Softbound, 214 pages, 7" x 9". Inkle weaving—beautiful, yet simple and practical—is one of the most popular forms of weaving today, for beginners and experts alike. With more than 200 black & white and sevencolor photographs, this complete guide to inkle weaving provides information and instructions on everything from making a small, portable loom at home to working with a wide variety of techniques, including picots, fringes, slits, tabs, Ghiordes and ryaknots, to creating individual projects. Library Journal calls this the best comprehensive text for the beginner.
by Constantine Belash. Softbound, 126 pages, 5" x 8". Complete, easy-to-follow instructions begin with braiding and weaving with anywhere from 3 to 9 strands. Flat braiding, solid braiding, braiding over multiple strands, weaving across stationary strandsand many other techniques are covered. Knotting sections cover many kinds of knots and how to use them. Includes 57 drawings and illustrations.
by Gerald L. Findley. Softbound, 144 pages, 11" x 8-1/2". Practiced by Native Americans for centuries, fingerweaving requires no sophisticated loom, only the nimble hands of the weaver. Each technique is presented in detail. Instructions are simple and clearly written and each step is illustrated with color drawings that make the different threads easy to identify. Includes a color photo of each finished weaving. Great for beginners and experiences weavers alike.
by Paul E. Rivard. Softbound, 156 pages, 8-1/2" x 11". A lavishly illustrated social history of the industrial culture that did the most to transform the character of New England and of America. Based on oral histories and archival documents, this book offers a vast, accessible overview of the rise and collapse of an industry that forced New England into the modern age. In this book, the history of industry and technology tells the stories of the men and women who became the first modern New Englanders.
by Cynthia Smesny Norwood. Softbound, 100 pages, 8" x 11". How do you achive the antique look in today's hand-hooked rugs? The author helps you create your own pattern from start to finish, transferring, customizing, color planning, dyeing techniques, and different background treatments and fabric use included...meduim versus light or dark and what effect the background has on the finished product. An indispensable tool for those desiring the look of antique style decoration.
by Bridget McConnel. Hardbound, 252 pages, 8-1/2" x 11". This delightful book chronicles the history and diversity of needlework tools dating from ancient Egypt through the twentieth century. Nearly 500 color and black and white photographs beautifully illustrate tools such as needles, bobkins, pin cushions, thimbles, bobbins, clamps, hooks, shuttles, winders and more. You will also see the boxes and containers used to hold them, from slender needle cases and knitting sheaths to the large ornate sewing boxes filled not only with sewing accessories but with momentos and keepsakes of the original owner. Three appendicies, values for the tools illustrated, a bibliography, and an index round out this captivating book.
by David A. Pennington and Michael B. Taylor. Hardbound, 224 pages, 8-1/2" x 11". While the emphasis of this research centers on American spinning wheels from 1775 thru 1900, there is a substantial section on the fancy European wheels as well as the various acessories that textile tool collectors crave. Special sections on Shaker wheels, patent wheels, famous makers, chair wheels, double flyer wheels, and an appendix with over 1000 makers and their marks are highlights that collectors and dealers will treasure. Over 350 photographs accompany this painstaking research. All from private collections, giving access to pieces never seen before. A must for collectors of spinning wheels, antique dealers and lovers of textile tools.
