Costumes Books

I was disappointed in this book. Not that it isn't a good book, but I did not learn anything new. I was expecting the differences in plus size - average size but it is all the same.
Lucie

As a budding custom clothing designer, I needed every bit of help that I could get. Probably adding to my inexperience, I am a very tiny, 100 lb. woman who has never needed to work with plus sizes at all. I knew that I needed this book, and the information and instructions inside are great. I read through more than half the book in one evening and devoured the rest the following day. There is more definition and creative ideas in the pages of 'Sewing for Plus Sizes' than there are in standard pattern and sewing company guides, and I am very anxious to get started on my first plus-sized project - a suit for my husband's grandmother. Thanks to this book, I'm not as concerned about fitting her properly and matching her style. I feel like I have found a guide to answer every possible problem I could encounter.

This book is a boon for the traditionally built women among us. It shows how to measure and how to adjust for a garment made especially for you. How good is that!

The book is excellent in both content and quality.

The only downside for regions outside of the US, is that postage costs more than the product itself. Nevertheless, I am extremely pleased to own this book.

I WAS RECENTLY ASKED BY A FRIEND TO MAKE A BLOUSE. I WAS HESITANT TO MAKE THE BLOUSE BECAUSE IT'S BEEN A WHILE SINCE I HAD MADE A GARMENT. IT DIDN'T HELP THAT MY FRIEND WAS RELUCTANT TO LET ME MEASURE HER AND THE PATTERN WAS NOT A TRADITIONAL CUT. I ORDERED THE BOOK IN THE HOPE THAT IT WOULDN'T BE ROCKET SCIENCE. WHAT A GREAT INVESTMENT! NOT TOO WORDY, GREAT ILLUSTRATIONS AND I WAS ABLE TO GO STRAIGHT TO THE INFORMATION I NEEDED TO KNOW AT THE TIME. THE BLOUSE FIT WONDERFULLY!

I thoroughly enjoyed Delta's book. While I normally would've been anything but interested in a woman who spent so many years in beauty pageants, I've always liked this actress. She was talented and hilarious on "Designing Women," and there was always something about her that let you know she was interesting, quirky, good-hearted, and strong. (She herself says she always knew pageants were a means to an end.) I was one of the people who sent her a letter of support when that ridiculous obession with her weight gain began. (And she sent back a lovely card of thanks.) Delta sort of had to go through it for all of us full-figured women first - through her experience, the media and U.S. as a whole seemed to realize for the first time that most women in this country are not a Hollywood size 0 (duh). I appreciate how she stuck out the difficult times and has stayed a beautiful person. Her book was a great mix of autobiography and style, makeup and clothing tips. I read it just after reading Carnie Wilson's homage to getting drastic surgery as a way to slim down, and while I realize that Delta was never as dangerously heavy as Carnie, it's such a relief to read about a full-figured woman who accepts herself as she is and is helping others do the same. Go Delta!

This book is a fun, quick read. It practically jumped off the bookshelf in the "Biography" section. And though the first (and longest) chapter of the book is Delta's autobiography, this book is much more.

The second half of _Delta Style_ is full of Delta's tips about how to dress to fit your own shape and style. She also has good tips on make-up and recipes for various home-made facials along with other skin care tips. The third chapter is all about hair. And at the end of the book is a good reference guide to finding products and services geared to real size women -- including web resources.

What I liked best about the book is that Delta comes across as a real woman -- in size and personality. She shares with her readers the parts of her life that were hard to bear. And then she shares the process she took to get through the though times. She shows how she learned to accept herself and find her own sense of style. She even has a list of 24 questions that help you learn about yourself, the life you lead, and the life you *want* to lead so that you can start to define your own sense of style.

I loved the book. I have always been heavy. I tried to lose weight for someone else not myself. At one time I did lose 50 pounds but I have put it back on and then some. Delta taught me to be myself and love myself for whom I am not how much I weigh. Her beauty tips were great also. I usually don't were make-up because I really don't now how to apply it. But Delta showed me how to be beautiful on the inside as well as on the outside. I have been wearing make-up and now I feel pretty. Thanks for always being there for the big girls.

Delta Burke has been a favorite of mine since I saw her on the HBO series 1st and 10. She has such a beauty about her, regardless of size. Her book tells about her life and struggles to meet everyone else's expectations. She didn't become comfortable with herself until she learned to accept herself for who she is. The first part of the book is dedicated to that search. I laughed and I cried along with her. To me, it took a lot for her to tell this story. I am not into the tabloids nor tabloid tv programming. I would much rather read about these things from the people involved.

She gives a lot of beauty advice and style advice in the second part. I did not always find her home formulas to be the best. Her tips, on style, however, I really enjoyed.

The thrid part, is a resource section that gives a lot of web sites. I really enjoyed surfing the sites listed.

The pictures of her family and throughout her career were enjoyable to me. Some of us can relate to these people and places. They are throughout the entire book.

Delta's way should be the way for all of us. Just be who we are, love ourselves for that, and let our inner beauty shine through. This book was really needed. Thank you, Ms Burke.

Ever since the 80s when Designing Women hit its peek I have adored Delta Burke. I have even had the pleasure of meeting her a time or two. Why it took me so long to get around to reading this book, I do not know. Even as an admirer of Ms. Burke I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I reads more like she's sitting in your living room telling her stories than stiff pages of an autobiography. Her personal style and sweetness come shining through in the pages. I could have lived without the beauty tips & dressing tips in lieu of more personal stories, but her shopping guide was a nice touch. There are lots of great pictures spanning her entire life. She is a true southern lady and a steel magnolia to boot.

Book arrived, via a friend in the US (not postable to Aust) and although the cover was a little scuffed, for the price, not bad. Love the book; just what I was looking for, and although I have only peeked through, I can tell it will be helpful in the research I need.

A great memento of a happier time for both Diana and myself. Thanks :D

The Book is very very good. I really like knowing how the Emanuel's came up with the idea for Diana's dress.

A great book to own and a great keepsake for all times. I remember the wedding well and all the glory and pagentry surrounding that beautiful July day. Never again will a dress be made and worn with so much style and all the unselfish love and care that went into making this beautiful masterpiece for all the world to see. But not for Diana herself could this particular gown or memorable event have gotten off the ground and into the pages of history. Diana picked the best- the Emanuels to make her this beautiful creation and Diana's own beauty to capture the creation and magic of the most recorded wedding day ever. Pat C, New York

I was amazed to find this book, which I had never seen, on Amazon for a wonderful price.
Filled with lovely anecdotes on all the wedding details, this book was written before the "fairy-tale marriage" was revealed to be a nightmarish sham of deciet and betrayal. If Diana was starry-eyed, so were we--and we wanted to be.
A labor of love, "A Dress for Diana" is rich with lavish details, such as the history of the silks and laces used and where they came from, close-ups of laces, shoes, patterns, and toilles(dress samples made in muslin during the design process.)
Did you know that the Emmanuels made a perfect miniature of Diana's dress as a gift for her, as did her shoe designer? Nor did I, until I read this book.
"A Dress for Diana" is a singular and fascinating look at an unforgettable time in history. If you love Her Royal Highness,Diana, Princess of Wales, or if you have an interest in English history, you will want this book, for it is one to treasure. The Emanuels have authored an exquisite tribute with a unique point of view.

This is an excellent book for those of us who watched the royal wedding at that time--and were so fascinated with that dress--and train. Although there were unexpected problems with the dress such as how do you fit a dress with an exceptionally long train into the small royal wedding carriage?--nevertheless, the dress was one of a kind--and forever will fascinate Diana fans throughout the world.

The book shares the moment-by-moment details of the making of the dress as well as some other previously unpublished photos of the dress.
A must book for Diana fans!

I have done a lot of sewing. I did make bridesmaid dresses and altered brides dresses. It was very interested to read about the different technics in the making of a good bridal dress. I hope I will get to make one in the near future and than I can use this book for the fine touches
This book is not for beginners.
Lucie Zandstra

The Susan Khalje book is an excellent source of its sort - not speaking of the nice design and pictures, it tells you everything you would want to know when trying to make an evening or wedding dress. Susan Khalje gives many interesting tips and tricks that would otherwise be very time-consuming to figure them out, like how and where exactly attach boning, what layers to use under skirts to make them look as you want to, how to work with lace and how to place it on the curved bodice by hiding the cut places, she gives suggestions as what fabrics to use for what garments - she is very fond of silk organza - for petticoats, underlining, bone channels.

This is one of the rare books that show you professional-done garments and reveal all their making secrets. Even if you're an advanced sewer, I still think you'll find many good tips here. Maybe a pure beginner would not be able to appreciate the value of the information given.

Highly recommend this book if you are making a wedding gown for the first time. Very clear instructions complete with pictures. There is also great chapter on how to attach lace.

I have been sewing for over 25 years and have a degree in design. However, I am always looking to evolve my technique, and I looked into this book because I wanted something that detailed couture techniques for formalwear. In reading other comments on this site before I purchased this book, I noticed some reviewers did not like it because of the outdated dresses. However, I wanted to add that while the specific dresses shown in this book are dated, the techniques described and illustrated are fantastic. This book is for someone that already knows how to sew well, but wants to take their sewing up another level. Don't buy this book expecting to copy one of the dresses used in the examples. Buy this book if you are looking for instruction on choosing and adding stability, using boning, etc, etc. This is about applying couture techniques to your own design. I was looking for something very specific, and found this book to be very helpful. I am glad I purchased it.

Though some of the featured gowns are very "eighties" (big sleeves, big skirts), this book is wonderful for showing how to engineer and fit the understructure or foundation necessary to achieve a remarkable fit on evening wear. The detailed instructions on preparing a muslin are easy to follow and thorough, and this book describes the small steps that, if followed, provide a "knock-em-out" gown that will stay put, even when dancing. Underlining, corsets, boning, and "how to keep things from drooping" are all demystified here. This will be terrific for evening wear and costumes, too, once the wedding gown is finished.

From the start, the writer's technique disturbed me. Most stores from the Civil War era are written in a voice that matches the dialects of the time and region. This book felt like it was written by a teenage girl in modern-day society. The story would move too quickly for comfort through interesting things and then suddenly slowed down to dwell on less intriguing items. The characters were compelling but so many loose ends were left unresolved that it was hard to really understand how the ending came to pass. Also, I found myself wanting to fact-check several times, leading me to question the historical accuracy of the writer.

The Wedding Dress is set in post Civil War South where three young sisters are trying to live off the plantation left behind from their parents who died during the war. Julia, the oldest of the three sisters, had a husband who went to war and was believed to be dead. Victoria, the middle sister, also had a husband who fought in the war but they know for sure that he is dead. Finally there is Claire, the youngest, who has never had a husband, wants a husband of her own. Victoria decides that if they try and make Claire a wedding dress a husband will eventually find her. Then Victoria gets a letter from Sergeant Monroe Tacy who was asked by her husband to tell about the experiences of war. The sisters decided that they will either get Monroe to take Claire Savannah or get him to fall in love with her. After his arrival Julia's long lost husband returns and things get mixed up once again. After a long talk with Monroe Victoria finds out that he does not love Claire but he loves her, she finds the news shocking but eventually realizes that she loves him too. I enjoyed this book for the most part. I found some of the parts to be very slow and boring. It was fairly historically relevant but some things were just way out there.

Do the times shape the individual or do the individuals shape the time? In this book the times shape the individual. The sisters were happy people very much in love before the war, but after the war they were without husbands, and joyless. If war had not struck they still would have be happy young women with less burdens. Instead of having to plant and tend to there garden they would only have to do "women's jobs" such as cooking and cleaning. Because of their lack of money, the women had to sell all of the finer things in their house and keep only the major necessities. Women in the south would have only done this if they absolutely needed too. Although the times can shape the individual and the individual can shape the times in The Wedding Dress it is clear that the times have shaped the individual.

~Tori Wingbermuehle

This book is not for Civil War buffs. I think I might have lost a few IQ points from reading this drivel. Ellis writes like a teenage girl (with comparable grammar to boot.) The plot is completely predictable and the situations in the book are unrealistic. Don't waste your time or money.

This books drew me in from the first page!! It is a sweet and very beautifully written book!! Not a bodice ripping romance, but still, a very good read!!

I loved this book. It's a romance that might be rated PG-13. Historical. A tad paranormal. Mostly a slice of life after the awful war that tore our country - the strength and love and human spirit that kept us going.

Three sisters, Victoria, Julia, and Claire, are trying to keep things going on their Virginia plantation after the War Between the States. Victoria and Julia lost husbands to the war. So many men died, the youngest sister, Claire, is afraid that she'll never get married and have a family. To raise their spirits, the sisters start to make Claire a wedding dress. As the three work on the dress, they bring hope to the community, and the world brings hope to them. They are visited by Monroe, who came to tell Julia about serving under her husband...

The book goes through about a year of ups and downs, laughs, growth, discovery, and contentment. Definitely a "keeper" you'll want to read again and again.

This is a great book to really tell you as well as show you what people wore during the Civil War. It is based on photographs, thousands upon thousands of them, and a lot of research. Plus some plain common sense.

I recommend it highly to any woman who wishes to dress properly at any event as a true "living history" example. I went to my first event after reading this book, finding a good seamstress, and got away with being thought of by both the staff and the public as a professionally paid "living history" actress! I was asked over and over how it felt to dress this way every day...I was able to spend two nights in a fine historical fort which played a large part in the Civil War and actually slept in the Colonel's Quarter's, which had two camp beds, along with another of the ladies that was also playing a part those two days.

That is how good both my seamstress was, and this book I stuck to the guidelines of!

A great book, but take it with a grain of salt. There were a few things in this book that I disagreed with but it really is the best book of its kind. The price tag on this book has scared me for years, but now that I bought it, it really was a good $30 to spend and I am pretty frugal! A good reference book and needed on the shelf of every lady reenactor.

After reading all the reviews on this book, I can see that it has stirred up a pot of controversy. I admit that I use it often as a reference for "common" style. I am an amateur historian, but the conclusions drawn by the book seem plausible and are not presented as "carved in stone" fact. Notwithstanding that I can't be assured of the exact economic or regional history of the women in the photos. It is laid out with a very practical and applicable approach, to determining an average period look. As with any historical theories, even those made by people with PHD's in the feild, take them with a grain of salt.

The book has a very easy to follow lay out. With very clear points of fashion illustrated by period photos. It covers snoods, gloves, collars, cuffs, bodice cut and style, jewelry, pleating arrangement of skirt, outer-wear, hats, and generalizations of what age group was most often observed wearing certain elements of style.

As an outline for reference, this principle could be applied to your individual region. If you found accurately dated photos from your area, and applied the same generalizations, you could construct a better historical persona. With more in depth study of what fabrics were available and what the socio-economical make-up of your region was your persona would be that much more believable. But that is what re-enacting is about, right? The in depth study and refinement of your character.

I loved perusing through this book and seeing all the pictures. It was full of useful information.

I enjoyed this book and found it informative. However if you have a general knowledge of the time then some information will not be helpful. For instance the author spoke of mourning clothes and some of the different stages. I believe most people who are interested in the time already know such facts.

Some of the pictures were outstanding and are very haunting.

I wonder how many pictures the author studied. It was a thought that ran through my mind, and where were these women from? These were just offhanded questions I had and I wondered if it would have changed some of her theories.

There was one part I did not agree with. If I recall correctly( I had to give my copy back to the library) the author states that the reason mammy was upset that Scarlett wore her dress to the barbeque was because it was childish, and cut in a childish style. Yet I seem to recall mammy saying that she was not to show her "bosoms before 3 o'clock." And if you look at the dress Scarlett wore, it wasn't a child's dress but a ball gown worn at the wrong time of the day.

My suggestion is to get this book from the library. If you really enjoyed it and believe it can be a great resource for you then order a used copy. I am unsure I would put the money down on this out of print book, especially if you already have some fashion knowledge.

Do not merely approach "A Halloween How-To: Costumes, Parties, Decorations, and Destinations" expecting a mere how-to book. Yes author Lesley Pratt Bannatyne provides Halloween how-to advise. But she provides much more than that. Approach the book looking as much for Halloween how-to as ideas and inspiration.

Because that is exactly what you'll get. How-to info, ideas on places to go, decorations, parties, costumes, etc., and inspirations from which to come up with your own ideas which don't appear in the book. Looking to produce your own graveyard but don't want the stones to merely say the ubiquotes RIP? Check in the book for ideas on names, and epitaphs. Names like I.M. Bones could add a bit of humor to your graveyard. Or maybe you'll go a bit literary with names of characters from famous short stories and novels. Or even movie characters. Epitaphs could be something that describe a character. One such idea given in the book is giving dates of death for Dracula, which kinda points out the vampire being resurrected in various movies.

What about decorations? One idea the author provides is to make a seires of lanterns out of those plastic jack-o-lantern trick-or-treat buckets, PVC piping, and a light bulb. These can then be stood up lighting the pathway to a front door. Or maybe you want to go with figures that might look a little more store bought. Well Ms. Bannatyne provides a recipe for a little something called monster mud and instructions on using it to make props. And from the basic recipe for monster mud and how you would use it to make props you can start putting together your own ideas of props to make using monster mud. Maybe some hands coming out of the ground or a gargoyle-like creature. It's really up to you how you'll use the monster mud.

Looking for places to visit during October leading up to Halloween. Not to fear, there are ideas on places to visit. However, keep in mind that on this point the book is sadly a little dated. Some things may no longer exsist, some may now be smaller, and some may be bigger since this book was originally published. Yet some things will certainly still be around.

In need of a simple costume cause you got invited to a costume party without having gotten enough time to get a costume together? Or maybe you don't have the money to afford and expensive costume or a rented one. Not to fear, "A Halloween How-To: Costumes, Parties, Decorations, and Destinations" gives some ideas of costumes you can easily make. Some of these costumes even won costume contests in past years.

Or maybe you want to host your own Halloween party. As the title suggest, this book can help you. From ideas on party decorations to ideas on invites "A Halloween How-To: Costumes, Parties, Decorations, and Destinations" will make it a little easier to start putting a party together.

In short, this book makes an excellent starting point for your Halloween planing.

If there were pictures in this book, it would be the best book I own on the subject. I love the chapter written about the background on the holiday and there were some really good decorating ideas. I wish the author would do a new edition on this book with color photographs of the projects.

I purchased this book because I was planning a Halloween party. It had alot of great ideas for costomes, props and foods to serve. I also enoyed the chapters on the history of Halloween as well as different celebrations across the US.After reading this book I really want to go to Key West for their celebration/parade next year.I had purchased 4 Halloween books and this was the best of the lot

I own several Halloween books and this is my favorite. Many have the same ideas over and over. This has some very different ideas and tricks of the trade for creating awesome Halloween displays and parties.

It doesn't matter if you are a home haunter like me, someone who loves Halloween, or just like to have THE best Halloween party in town, this is the book! It has so much fun info in it, recipes, costume ideas, decor and invite ideas... EVERYTHING! Buy one for yourself and one for your crazy friend!

I didn't like the way this book was laid out, but there were some good tips for the Ren Faire costume maker.

This is an excellent book for anyone who is studying History of Costume, or who is interested in making the costumes. The book gives detailed sewing instructions with pictures. I've been sewing for over 50 years. I like the book just for my collection of sewing books. EXCELLENT!!

Wonderful. Book arrived on time in excellent condition. Is a wonderful asset to my classroom and library.

If you are looking for a great book about Tudor clothing it doesn't get any better than this book. The illustrations and the patterns are really wonderful. I love this book.

I purchased this book for my wife, who enjoys sewing Renaissance English and Italian costumes. (Wife) I found this book very enjoyable to read, as far as the history of English costuming, patterns included, how to directions on sewing the pieces and trim, and detailed info. on why each piece was worm. I definitely recommend this book for anyone interested in sewing English costumes, as well as those that would like to learn more about the history of English clothing and culture.

This book is going to take some studying for me to really "get it". Fabrics from eras before 1900 all tend to look similar to me because of the different dyes that were used then, compared to later. The prints look the same to me. I was hoping to get more of a sense of each distinct era but while studying this book could give me that, it seems to be more of a resource for looking up fabrics one finds on old quilts. And it couldn't possibly be complete enough for that. I haven't spent a lot of time with the book yet but this is my impression at this point. Nothing else like it for sale though!

This book is a great addition to my historical fabrics/quilt collection. I really appreciate the hardback cover and the spiral binding!! It has
excellent photographs.

This is a great book and took a lot of time and research to put together, although it did not help me. It seemed to have more northern than southern information.

Excellent. It's a keeper and is now on my reference shelf. It was hard reading but the best book by far with the pictures and text for dating my fabrics. It really helped in dating my quilts.

When paging through this colorful book, Dating Fabrics: A Color Guide 1800-1960, imagine my tremendous joy when I found THE yellow flowered fabric featured in my most prized quilt, dating it between 1830-1860!

This very well researched and comprehensive collection introduces each time period from "Pre-1830 'A New Nation' with a thorough introduction of the era and the history of quilts and fabrics. Following are 1-inch x 1-inch photo swatches of the fabrics arranged by print style and colors.

A wonderful reference book for those who make, collect or simply appreciate this art form.

This book was absolutely wonderful. Before reading this book my knowledge of the ancient tradition of footbinding was very limited. In fact, what I thought I knew about the subject was woefully wrong. The pictures along with the literature were truly educational and now I feel I have a good understanding of the subject. I also bought a book (novel) called Snowflower and The Secret Fan. This novel was an excellent book that complimented the Splendid Slipper book. Thanks for recommending it!

This beautiful book was a delight to the eye. The workmanship and imagination used to create these slippers was amazing. Stories and explanations helped to further enlighten me on the origins of the practice of footbinding. More a work of art than a book, this is sure to be revisited often.

I bought this book after reading Snowflower and the Secret Fan, having been so intrigued by the history of Chinese women. Slippers is wonderfully informative and visually exciting. As a narrative, you follow the life of one young girl through her preparations for marriage and her adult life. These events are presented visually as well. The slippers are made by the adult women, embroidered intricatly and is their main occupation, as they are unable to do much else having had their feet bound. A wonderful addition to your library.

Like most Westerners, I am both horrified and fascinated by the Chinese tradition of footbinding. I found this book to be an excellent source of images and history, and cultural context of this rite of passage for Chinese girls. I appreciated that this book is written in a neutral voice, allowing the reader to explore the many meanings of footbinding, rather than simply condemning it as an abhorrant practice.

After reading Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, I had to learn more about foot binding and the slippers...wonderful book and the pictures are amazing.