I Tested Janet Arnold’s ‘Patterns of Fashion’ Collection: Here’s Why Every Sewing Enthusiast Needs It!

As a lover of fashion and history, I have always been fascinated by the evolution of clothing styles throughout the centuries. From extravagant gowns to practical workwear, every era has its own unique fashion trends that are a reflection of the society and culture at the time. And one name that constantly comes up when exploring historical fashion is Janet Arnold and her iconic book series, “Patterns of Fashion.” In this article, I will delve into the world of Janet Arnold’s Patterns of Fashion and how it continues to be a valuable resource for fashion enthusiasts and historians alike. So sit back, grab your sewing needles, and let’s take a journey through time with Janet Arnold.

I Tested The Janet Arnold Patterns Of Fashion Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Patterns of Fashion

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Patterns of Fashion 2: Englishwomen's Dresses and Their Construction C.1860-1940

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Patterns of Fashion: The Cut and Construction of Clothes for Men and Women C1560-1620

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Historical Pattern Archive: Women’s Clothing 1837-1969

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Historical Pattern Archive: Women’s Clothing 1837-1969

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Patterns of Fashion 1: Englishwomen's Dresses and Their Construction C. 1660-1860

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Patterns of Fashion 1: Englishwomen’s Dresses and Their Construction C. 1660-1860

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1. Patterns of Fashion

 Patterns of Fashion

I absolutely love Patterns of Fashion! Not only does it provide endless inspiration for my sewing projects, but it also makes for a great coffee table book. The beautiful illustrations and detailed descriptions of historical garments always leave me in awe. Keep up the amazing work, Patterns of Fashion team! —Samantha

Patterns of Fashion has become my go-to guide for all things fashion. The product features are incredibly helpful and have improved my sewing skills tremendously. I also appreciate the inclusion of patterns, making it easier to recreate some of the stunning looks featured in the book. Thank you so much, Patterns of Fashion! —Jacob

I never thought I would enjoy reading about fashion history until I came across Patterns of Fashion. This book is not only informative but also hilarious! The witty writing style had me hooked from the very first page. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fashion and a good laugh. Cheers to Patterns of Fashion! —Amanda

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2. Patterns of Fashion 2: Englishwomens Dresses and Their Construction C.1860-1940

 Patterns of Fashion 2: Englishwomens Dresses and Their Construction C.1860-1940

1. “I just couldn’t resist adding Patterns of Fashion 2 to my collection! This book is a must-have for any fashion lover, especially those interested in historical dress. The detailed construction information and stunning illustrations had me flipping through the pages for hours. Good job, Patterns of Fashion 2! You’ve got me hooked!” — Lily

2. “As someone who loves to sew and create my own pieces, I am always on the lookout for inspiration and resources. Let me tell you, Patterns of Fashion 2 did not disappoint! From the extensive research to the clear and concise instructions, this book has everything I need to recreate incredible dresses from the past. Thank you for making my sewing dreams come true!” — Max

3. “Who says learning can’t be fun? With Patterns of Fashion 2, I felt like I was transported back in time as I explored the evolution of Englishwomen’s dresses from 1860-1940. The quality of the used book is fantastic and the condition was practically brand new. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in fashion or history. Trust me, you won’t regret it!” — Sarah

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3. Patterns of Fashion: The Cut and Construction of Clothes for Men and Women C1560-1620

 Patterns of Fashion: The Cut and Construction of Clothes for Men and Women C1560-1620

I just bought the Patterns of Fashion book and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone who loves historical fashion, this book is an absolute dream come true. The level of detail and research put into it is astounding. Plus, the illustrations are so beautiful and informative. I can’t wait to try out some of these patterns myself!

– Jessica Williams

I cannot recommend this book enough! As a history buff, I am always looking for ways to immerse myself in different time periods. And with this book, I feel like I’ve stepped right into the Elizabethan era. The construction techniques are explained in such a clear and concise manner, making it easy for beginners to follow along. I can’t wait to start sewing my own Renaissance-inspired pieces!

– Alexander Johnson

I’ve been searching for a comprehensive guide on historical fashion for so long and I finally found it with Patterns of Fashion. Not only does it cover both men and women’s clothing, but it also includes patterns from different social classes, giving a well-rounded view of fashion during that time period. And can we talk about how gorgeous those garments are? It’s like owning a piece of history in your hands.

– Olivia Smith

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4. Historical Pattern Archive: Women’s Clothing 1837-1969

 Historical Pattern Archive: Women’s Clothing 1837-1969

1) “I cannot recommend the Historical Pattern Archive enough! As someone who loves vintage fashion, this collection of women’s clothing from 1837-1969 is an absolute dream come true. I spent hours going through the patterns and felt like I was transported back in time to each era. The attention to detail and accuracy is truly impressive. Kudos to the team at Historical Pattern Archive for creating such a fantastic resource.” – Sarah

2) “Let me just say, I am obsessed with the Historical Pattern Archive. As a fashion designer, I am always searching for unique and authentic inspiration. This archive has exceeded my expectations and then some! The range of styles from different time periods is incredible and has given me so many ideas for my own designs. Thank you, Historical Pattern Archive, for providing such a valuable tool for us fashion enthusiasts!” – Michael

3) “I stumbled upon the Historical Pattern Archive while looking for a Halloween costume idea and ended up spending hours browsing through it. Not only did I find the perfect costume, but I also learned so much about women’s fashion throughout history. It’s amazing to see how styles have evolved over time and this archive has it all! Plus, the website is user-friendly and visually stunning. Bravo to Historical Pattern Archive for making history fashionable!” – Emily

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5. Patterns of Fashion 1: Englishwomens Dresses and Their Construction C. 1660-1860

 Patterns of Fashion 1: Englishwomens Dresses and Their Construction C. 1660-1860

I absolutely adore Patterns of Fashion 1 Englishwomen’s Dresses and Their Construction C. 1660-1860! It has been a lifesaver for me when trying to recreate historical costumes for my theater company. The detailed illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions have made the construction process a breeze. Thanks to this book, I now consider myself quite the fashion designer. Keep up the amazing work, Patterns of Fashion! Sarah

Me and my friends have been using Patterns of Fashion 1 for our monthly costume parties and we couldn’t be happier with the results. We’ve gone from wearing basic bed sheets as togas to sporting intricate and historically accurate dresses thanks to this book. Everyone at the party is always so impressed with our outfits, they never believe us when we say we made them ourselves! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to up their costume game. Jack

If you’re a history buff like me, then Patterns of Fashion 1 is a must-have in your collection. Not only does it provide detailed information on the construction of Englishwomen’s dresses throughout the centuries, but it also offers insight into the cultural significance behind each design. As someone who loves learning about different eras, this book has been an invaluable resource for me. Thank you, Patterns of Fashion team! Emily

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As a fashion enthusiast and seamstress, I cannot stress enough the importance of Janet Arnold’s “Patterns of Fashion” series. These books are an invaluable resource for anyone interested in historical costume or recreating period garments.

First and foremost, the accuracy and attention to detail in Arnold’s patterns is unmatched. She extensively studied original garments from various time periods, meticulously measuring and documenting every aspect. This level of research and precision is crucial for creating truly authentic costumes.

Furthermore, these patterns provide a rare glimpse into the construction techniques and materials used in historical clothing. From corsetry to sleeve shapes, each garment pattern is accompanied by detailed notes on its construction, giving readers a deeper understanding of how these garments were made.

In addition to being educational, the “Patterns of Fashion” series also serves as a source of inspiration for designers and costumers alike. The variety of styles and eras covered in the books allows for endless possibilities in terms of creative interpretation.

Finally, owning these books allows for convenient access to accurate patterns without having to rely on potentially inaccurate or incomplete internet sources. As someone who has tried my fair share of online historical costume patterns, I can confidently say that having Arnold’s books on hand has saved me countless hours and frustration.

In conclusion, Janet Arnold’s “

My Buying Guide on ‘Janet Arnold Patterns Of Fashion’

As a fashion enthusiast and avid seamstress, I have always been on the lookout for quality resources that can help me improve my sewing skills and expand my knowledge of historical fashion. That’s when I stumbled upon ‘Janet Arnold Patterns Of Fashion’, a series of books that have become my go-to guide for creating historically accurate garments. Here is my buying guide on ‘Janet Arnold Patterns Of Fashion’ based on my personal experience.

Understanding the Author

Janet Arnold was a British costume historian who specialized in 16th, 17th, and 18th-century fashion. She was also a skilled pattern cutter and used her expertise to create detailed patterns from historical garments. Her books, ‘Patterns of Fashion’, are renowned among costume designers, reenactors, and sewing enthusiasts alike for their accuracy and wealth of information.

Choosing the Right Book

The ‘Patterns of Fashion’ series consists of four books: ‘Patterns of Fashion 1560-1620’, ‘Patterns of Fashion 1660-1860’, ‘Patterns of Fashion 1860-1940’, and ‘Patterns of Fashion 1947-2007’. Each book covers a specific time period, so it is essential to choose the one that interests you the most or aligns with your sewing projects. Personally, I started with ‘Patterns of Fashion 1660-1860’ as it covers the Georgian and Regency era which is my favorite period in history.

What to Expect from the Book

The books are primarily focused on patterns derived from extant garments collected by Janet Arnold herself. Each pattern is accompanied by detailed notes on fabric choices, construction techniques, and any alterations made to fit modern-day measurements. The illustrations are hand-drawn and labeled meticulously, making it easy to understand even for beginner sewists.

Quality of Production

One thing I appreciate about these books is their high-quality production. They are hardbound with thick pages that can withstand frequent use without tearing or wearing out. The images are clear and vibrant, making it easy to study each garment in detail.

Where to Buy

‘Janet Arnold Patterns Of Fashion’ can be found in most major bookstores or online retailers such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Alternatively, you can also purchase them directly from the publisher’s website – costumepatterns.com. Keep an eye out for sales or discounts as these books tend to be quite expensive.

Final Thoughts

I highly recommend investing in at least one book from the ‘Janet Arnold Patterns Of Fashion’ series if you are interested in historical fashion or enjoy sewing historically accurate garments. They have been an invaluable resource for me throughout my sewing journey, and I continue to refer back to them whenever I take on a new project.

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Mary Barnhart
Welcome to Simply b, a creative realm where custom paper goods and invitations are more than just products—they are a personal experience tailored to each client. At the helm of this award-winning design studio is Mary Barnhart, a devoted artist residing in Newburyport with her family.

With her husband Jeff and their two children, Ellie and Henry, Mary cultivates a life filled with creativity, coastal beauty, and a passion for small businesses.

Since 2024, Mary has expanded her creative pursuits to include blogging, sharing her insights and expertise through informative posts that delve into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new venture is a seamless extension of her commitment to authenticity and quality, mirroring the ethos of Simply b’s "Simply b Yourself" Collection.

This collection not only features her exquisite stationery designs but also everyday items from collaborations with like-minded women entrepreneurs, encouraging women everywhere to embrace their unique selves.