The Art of the Mantua-Maker: 1870 - 1879

I'm pleased to announce the release of my newest book:

The Art of the Mantua-Maker: 1870 - 1879 

Fashion, Sewing, and Clothes Care Advice

 
with over 740 B/W period illustrations.

 

Compiled and edited by Deb Salisbury,
The Mantua-Maker Historical Sewing Patterns

"Taste in dress is the sure guarantee of the lady. Nor is it mere money that makes a tasteful dress. It is principally a knowledge of the fashions, and how to adapt them to your style."
Peterson’s Magazine, November 1875

The art of the mantua-maker was practiced by every woman who wanted to create her own wardrobe. Fashion magazines were studied and dissected, scoured for details on how each effect was created, how many seams were used, and where the pleats were used. They learned why changes were made, when they went out of date, and how to recreate the styles they liked.

 

This book compiles sewing and fashion advice given in those books and magazines during the 1870s, given in the words of writers of that time. Each entry shows the name and date of the periodical quoted. I’ve included as many pattern sketches as I could find.

“The Art of the Mantua-Maker: 1870 - 1879 Fashion, Sewing, and Clothes Care Advice” has three sections:
1) Sewing tips and fashion advice
2) Fabric cleaning and care.
3) Bibliography of magazines and books I found useful.

I’ve included over 740 black and white period engravings to help show the details of the changing fashions of the 1870s.

The Art of the Mantua-Maker: 1870 - 1879 is intended for costume historians, Victorian re-enactors, historical writers and history buffs. It has 307 pages in an 8.5" x 11" format.

It's available in paperback, PDF, and Kindle formats. The PDF format size is about 47.5Mb.

You can find it on my website:

 https://mantua-maker.com/1870s_Dressmaking_Book.html

On Etsy:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/211625835/1870s-dressmaking-paperback-book-the-art

 

At Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Art-Mantua-Maker-Fashion-Victorian-Dressmaking/dp/1502832003

 

At Createspace:
https://www.createspace.com/5049907

And for Kindle at Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PR4BMM4

 

Civil War Bathing Suit Sewing Pattern

I'm pleased to announce the release of my newest pattern:

1838-1875 

Early Victorian Two-Piece
Bathing Suit Pattern

Around 1845, the two-piece bathing suit for American and English ladies came into existence – before that time most women wore a long shirt-like garment.  The earliest reference to a suit with drawers I've found was in 1838 in France, and in America in 1848.

This type of bathing dress, with the skirt and blouse made together and with separate trousers, was alarmingly avant-garde in 1838, and acceptable but old-fashioned by 1865.  It was popular during the Civil War, and still worn as late as 1875. 

The pattern has several variations. It may be made with a high neckline with or without a collar, or with a lower neckline.  The long or short sleeves can be enclosed in a cuff, confined with elastic, or left open in a bell shape. The blouse skirt may be made from mid-thigh to below the knee in length. A separate belt confines the waist. The trousers may be made in the wide Turkish style or normal width, from below-knee to ankle length, and also may be enclosed in a cuff, confined with elastic, or left open at the bottom.

This pattern includes 18 pages of instructions with historical tips, and 5 pattern sheets.  It is printed on bond paper, and enclosed in a reclosable plastic bag. 

All sizes Petite – Full (bust: 26" – 61") are included.
 

#1800-4 --- $23

 
See it on Etsy:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/209643205/victorian-bathing-suit-pattern-multi
 
or at my website:
https://mantua-maker.com/Victorian_Bathing_Suits.html

Victorian Needle Case Instructions

     As I work on my new book, I often run across interesting little projects. It just occurred to me that you might enjoy seeing them, and possibly making them for yourself. Here’s the instructions for a darling little needle case.

NEEDLE-BOOK – CLOSED AND OPEN.

By Mrs. Jane Weaver.

     The outer part has a foundation of cardboard, covered and lined with silk; over this are little frills of silk finely pinked, plaited, and ornamented with a head in each plait. A bow of ribbon finishes the needle-book.
     The inside leaves for the needles are of fine cashmere, edged with button-hole stitch.
     Found in Peterson’s Magazine, July 1875

Goodreads Giveaway

Thank you to everyone who entered my Goodreads Giveaway for Feda's Anchor!

Congratulations to the winners -- I hope you enjoy my novel.


Your books will go out in the mail on Monday morning.

Post deleted.

Goodreads Giveaway of Feda's Anchor

I'm pleased to announce I'm giving away five copies of my new fantasy novel, Feda's Anchor. Please join in!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Feda's Anchor

by D.J. Salisbury

Giveaway ends June 01, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Sixteen-year-old Denton is shocked when he’s blamed for a child’s death, and horrified by the blackmail that follows: If he doesn’t steal the ancient Blue Anchor from the temple, his family will be framed and murdered, executed by priests sworn to protect the holy relic.

Before he can decide what to do, he’s saddled with cousins he doesn’t dare confide in. Surely they can’t get into trouble when he takes them to visit a ruined castle while he figures out how do deal with the threat.

But his cousin vanishes into a tunnel beneath the ruins and becomes trapped inside a sorcerous labyrinth designed to imprison a necromancer. Denton is torn between finding her before her torch dies and rescuing his parents from the priests’ prison.

And something lives inside the maze.

My Fantasy Website

Well, I've gone and done it. Scared myself a bit, too. ;-)

The website for my fantasy writing has gone live.
(How's that for a passive sentence? I'm still having trouble with the whole "blow your own horn" thing.)

Because I publish nonfiction as Deb Salisbury, I've decided to publish my novels as DJ Salisbury, in hope of being less confusing to my readers.

 http://www.djsalisburybooks.com/

Please have a look. Your comments and suggestions will be greatly welcomed. As soon as Goodreads lets me, I'll set up a giveaway.

Regency Boots Giveaway!

I thought this was so cool I had to share it with you. American Duchess is giving away a pair of "Nankeen" Regency Half-Boots - made in the winner's size.

http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/2014/02/nankeen-regency-boots-giveaway.html

If I win, I'll make a new Regency walking dress. :-)

Fabric a la Romantic Regency is now on Kindle

I know I'm very late to the party, but

Fabric a la Romantic Regency

is now on Kindle. :-) 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ILSVH3W

I'm slowly moving into the 21st century. LOL!

 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, everyone!

I especially want to thank everyone who entered my Goodreads giveaway for
Victorian Bathing and Bathing Suits.
Winners, your book will be in the mail tomorrow morning.

Wishing everyone a prosperous and happy year,
   Deb