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The Folkwear Book of Ethnic Clothing
Mary S Parker c 2002
Book Review
Recommended
I don’t own any Folkwear patterns, so I can’t compare the contents of the book to the contents of the patterns. Six garments, The Seminole Vest, The Polish Vest, The Moroccan Burnoose, The Syrian Dress, the Tibetan Coat and The Japanese Kimono are included.
This is a coffee table quality book, but it doesn’t just float over the surface of the subject as so many picture books do. The photographs are rich and clear, and the text includes precise line drawings and detailed steps.
The book starts out with an over view of ethnic clothing around the world, discussing the fabrics and styles. It covers embellishments of all sorts, from paint and dye to embroidery and appliqué. Examples of typical designs and motifs are provided, along with detailed instructions for Seminole patchwork, applying braided designs, simple hand embroidery, and machine embroidery.
The sewing section begins with instructions for converting the line drawings into full size patterns. General sewing terms are touched on lightly, then it’s down to the “meat and potatoes” so to speak – the Folkwear patterns. Each pattern has its own chapter. The first few pages of each chapter are devoted to history and culture. Photos of each completed garment, along with illustrations of old postcards and paintings, bring the words to life. The pattern pieces themselves are clearly and precisely drawn. The instructions are detailed and heavily illustrated.
The designs and motifs, along with the lavish photos, make this book a “must have” for anyone doing ethnic, folkloric or ATS style costuming. If you’re considering purchasing one of the patterns included in this book, you’re better off buying the book instead of the single pattern. New Folkwear patterns are not cheap, but I purchased a used copy of this book from Amazon for a very reasonable price.
Mary S Parker c 2002
Book Review
Recommended
I don’t own any Folkwear patterns, so I can’t compare the contents of the book to the contents of the patterns. Six garments, The Seminole Vest, The Polish Vest, The Moroccan Burnoose, The Syrian Dress, the Tibetan Coat and The Japanese Kimono are included.
This is a coffee table quality book, but it doesn’t just float over the surface of the subject as so many picture books do. The photographs are rich and clear, and the text includes precise line drawings and detailed steps.
The book starts out with an over view of ethnic clothing around the world, discussing the fabrics and styles. It covers embellishments of all sorts, from paint and dye to embroidery and appliqué. Examples of typical designs and motifs are provided, along with detailed instructions for Seminole patchwork, applying braided designs, simple hand embroidery, and machine embroidery.
The sewing section begins with instructions for converting the line drawings into full size patterns. General sewing terms are touched on lightly, then it’s down to the “meat and potatoes” so to speak – the Folkwear patterns. Each pattern has its own chapter. The first few pages of each chapter are devoted to history and culture. Photos of each completed garment, along with illustrations of old postcards and paintings, bring the words to life. The pattern pieces themselves are clearly and precisely drawn. The instructions are detailed and heavily illustrated.
The designs and motifs, along with the lavish photos, make this book a “must have” for anyone doing ethnic, folkloric or ATS style costuming. If you’re considering purchasing one of the patterns included in this book, you’re better off buying the book instead of the single pattern. New Folkwear patterns are not cheap, but I purchased a used copy of this book from Amazon for a very reasonable price.
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Cleveland
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