Clothing in the 19th Century
See also Women/Civilians
Sewing machines were in use in the United States before the Civil War. Singer, one of the major manufacturers at the time, was the first company to introduce the idea of time-payments so that everyone could afford to buy one. In 1862 one of the major sewing machine companies, Wheeler & Wilson, purchased a patent for machine-sewed button holes. Click here to read more about sewing machines.
Click here for Manners/Letter Writing Beauty
Skip down to "Making Clothing"
CIV004
Who Wore What
Juanita Leisch
This text provides invaluable
information on the dress styles and designs of women's clothing in the 19th
century.
A main
source for reenactors.
CIV008
Dressed for the Photographer
Joan Severa
272 photographs arranged by decade show how men, women, and children
dressed and styled their hair during the last half of the 19th century. The
authors descriptions give an insight into the social reasons for clothing
choices.
FEM082 80 Godey's Full-Color Fashion
Plates 1838 - 1880
ed by JoAnne Olian
The plates -- each featuring several costumes -- depict a rich variety of
Victorian garments
FEM069 Vintage Hats
& Bonnets 1770-1970
Susan Langley
Each chapter includes historical and Fashion overviews
including information on materials, milliners, and designers. Hundreds of color
photos of antique hats and bonnets are accentuated by vintage photos and rare
fashion plates. The hat has reflected not only the mood of
its wearer, but the spirit of its time.
FEM087
Dating Fabrics. A Color Guide 1800-1960
Eileen Jahnke Trestain
Textile appraisers and collectors of fabrics, quilts, and
antiques can use this book to recognize, identify, and date vintage American
fabrics as used in quilts and clothing. Over 1,000 color fabric swatches are
shown in this handy, pocket-size reference guide. Simply match antique fabrics
by selecting a time period and comparing colors and prints.
FEM049 Hands to the Spindle.
Texas Women and Home Textile production, 1822 - 1880
P. Marks
Brings to life the day-to-day activities of 19th century Texas women.
Through the
stories of real women and an overview of their crafts the reader is introduced
to an art rarely practiced today
FEM011 Fashions
and Costumes from Godey's Lady's Book
Blum
FEM019 American
Victorian Costume in Early Photographs
P. H. Dalrymple
Over 280 rare photographs document clothing from the 1840's to 1890's.
FEM020 Victorian
and Edwardian Fashion: A Photographic Survey
Gernsheim
FEM097 Thoughts
on Men's Shirts
Thomas
Everything you need to know about making
period shirts.
FEM003 The
Ladies' Self Instructor in Millinery & Mantua making. Embroidery &
Appliqu� 1853
Shep
practical handbook covering all types of plain and fancy
sewing for the period.
FEM006 Handbook
of Practical Cutting on the Centre Point system (1866)
Shep
Tailoring men's garments from the Mid-Victorian/U.S. Civil War/Empire of
Napoleon II period.
FEM007 Complete
Guide to Practical Cutting 1853
Shep
2 volumes in 1
covering all types of men's garments and some ladies'.



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