Vintage sewing guide, complete instructions on every aspect of sewing, including detailed instructions on 40’s era fashions. This book covers it all -  from the principles of buying and selecting fabrics to choice of colors, use of patterns, and details of construction for a wide variety of articles of clothing and home furnishings.

Dressmaking ~ Tailoring ~ Sewing Techniques ~ Selection of Fabric and Color ~ Slip Covers ~ Draperies ~ Gift Making

For those who are not familiar with the name of Mary Book Picken - Mrs. Picken was considered by many to be the foremost authority on home sewing. The author of 92 books on sewing and crafts, which have guided hundreds of thousands of women to successful accomplishment.  For many years she was the Director of Instruction at a famous correspondence school and sewing, and then, through her books, magazine articles, her radio and television talks, and in her work with schools and colleges throughout the U.S.A, she has become the friend and teacher of countless thousands of women who sew.

SINGER SEWING BOOK
By Mary Brooks Picken c1954

Fashion is selective. One season banding or brading is favored, the next may bring shirrings, gatherings, puffings, or flounces.  The illustrations are given to stir your imagination and show the variety of possibilities in decorations. Experienced buyers realize that the difference in price ranges of ready-made garments depends less on the cost of fabric than on the good workmanship of the better clothing.  The more expensive the dress, the more certain you are to find details such as these in its construction.

Shirrings of Fashion Interest

The fashion sketches illustrate the charming styles of the era. Great research for costume, period and fashion designers.

Some women think they can use one make or pattern better than another, because its cut more nearly conforms to their body measurements. If you know you size and where you vary from the average, you can readily adjust any make of pattern to fit you so there will be a minimum of change when your garment arrives at the fitting stage.

 It is said that practically every pattern sold requires some change in measurements to conform to those of the individual.

Despite changing fashions, this book will never date as it is intended to demonstrate the fundamentals.

For Large Waistline - Slash pattern pieces to add width to both back and front of waist, as indicated.
Divide additional amount needed into fourths and add a quarter to each side....

Installing a Zipper - Stitch down one side, pivot and stitch across end... From the wrong side overcast seam...

Fixtures - Dressing Your Windows
It is reported that from 1860 to 1900, more ruffles were used to decorate homes and wearing apparel than in
all time previous. This was due, no doubt, to the convenience and time-saving work of the sewing machine.

This book will provide

Short cuts and tips on how to:

sew with smartness
sew with economy
sew easily and skillfully

Instructions for the exquisitely beautiful fashion stitches, as well as instructions on:

how to sew straight
how to handle fabrics
how to use patterns advantageously
how to use sewing aids
how to select becoming colors
how to darn and mend, bind and miter
Study the step-by-step instructions ,and learn to achieve the professional look (fashion rightness and good workmanship) in a multitude of items of apparel and home furnishings.

Color plates showing the accepted fashions, both traditional and modern, in home furnishings that will give inspiration and guidance to anyone decorating their own home. The 1950's decor information would be great for room and stage designers.

Home Decoration ~ Color Scheme Guide ~ Bedspreads ~ How to Drape Windows ~ How to Make Slip-Covers

Decorative Finishes are highlighted

Applique ~ Lace ~ Braiding ~ Quilting ~ Fringed Edges ~ Hemstitching ~ Smocking ~
Zigzag ~ Rick Rack ~ Fagoting ~ Smocking ~ Braiding ~ Tucking ~ Pinking...and more!

Easy-to-follow instructions on making such fabric furnishings as:

curtains
durable rugs
attractive draperies
rich, luxurious bedspreads
dainty table linens
handy closet accessories
slip covers
sections on the essentials of making
complete baby layettes
all types of fashionable children's clothing
gifts for all ages
slip covers for outdoor furniture
sewing the many new synthetics and plastics
smart tailoring for woman

Comprehensive and practical book

The Table of Contents (below):

Your Sewing Machine
To Sew Successfully
Your Attitude toward Your Machine
Your Sewing Equipment
Your Dress Form
"Room of Her Own"
Know About Fabrics
Color and Clothes
Your Measurement Chart
Know Your Figure Type
Patterns for Your Use
Pattern Layout-Cutting and Marking
Chart Your Way-Bastings and Markings
Darts and Tucks
Gathering, Shirring, and Rufliing
Pleats and Insets
Fit Your Dress
Press as You Sew
Seams and Seam Finishes
Buttonholes, Buttons and Fastenings
Pockets
Neck Openings and Collars
Facings and Corners
Know Your Sleeves
Sleeve Finishes
Waistline Joining and Finishing
Skirt and Dress Plackets
Marking Hem and Hem Finishes
Belts and Belt Carriers
Tailoring Well Done
Learn to Do Fashion Stitches
Bindings and Edge Finishes
Cording, Tubing and Self-Trimming
Decorative Finishes
Designers' Sketches
Hand Sewing Stitches
Sewing for Children
Sewing for Infants
Smartness Essential in Children's Clothes
How to Bundle Your Sewing
Planning Clothes for Children
Teaching Children to Sew
Home Decoration
Windows and How to Drape Them
Changing Window Proportions
Fixtures
Dressing Your Windows
Slip-Cover Measurements Chart
Slip-Cover Your Chairs
Dressing Up Your Bed
Dressing Tables
Dressing Up Your Closets
Dressing Your Table
Monograms
Singercraft Rugs
Decorators' Sketches
Mending
Gifts You Can Make

This 1954 edition is the thoroughly revised and modernized edition of the renowned SINGER SEWING BOOK, illustrated with over 1000 diagrams and drawings an with 6 full-color plates.

Vintage 1940's Dressmaking SEWING Book ~ ILLUSTRATED Fashion