Great for general ideas, but can be off on specifics.

books:

	• Patterns for Theatrical Costumes: Garments, Trims, and Accessories from Ancient Egypt to 1915 Katherine Strand Holkeboer Drama Publishers, 1993 - 350 pages average customer review:based on 32 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

My Bible for Costume

I found this book around 25 years ago. At that time it didn't have any explinations, only the designs and some general info in the front. I do pre 1660 re-enactment and still use and teach from my well worn copy. I put it in a notebook and lend out sheets to explain how pieces go together. It isn't totally accurate, but it is a starting place for new costumers. It is easier to explain changes to make it accurate from there.

Wonderful sourcebook

I am a costume designer and have had this book for many years. I
recently purchased a copy for one of my student workers who has
gone on to pursue a degree in costume design. It is a great book
for fashion history overview. It is full of basic period patterns
that are simple to draft and then use your own details.
It accessible to beginners but a wonderful resource for professionals
as well.

for more information click here

Good basic costume book .

This is a good basic costume pattern book. Easy to use and patterns are easily redrafted and understood. Good historical references. I recently used it for Ancient Greek costumes (easy), as well as Medieval (good ideas). I know that I will be reaching for this book over and over again whenever I need to costume a historical play.

Great for general ideas, but can be off on specifics.

I first found this book at the library, and eventually, I did get a copy for myself. It is valuable for the extensive time period it covers, and has moderately well drafted patterns. As someone else mentioned, they have to be corrected every once in a while (though maybe not the extent they claimed.)

I do have one nitpick about this, though. As the title suggest, this is for theater. It's for getting the *spirit* of the costume. Yes, their provided silhouettes are correct. However, their patterns aren't, necessarily. They are simplified a lot, to *look* the same way, but if you're searching for historical accuracy, then it's best to double check.

Don't get me wrong, it's a great, useful book, but it's not always the one I want to turn to for period work.

for more information click here