Given that I'm making something of a habit of recreating my favourite Hollywood dresses for my own wardrobe, you can imagine how excited I was to hear about a whole book dedicated to the concept, when Lena of Queens of Vintage contacted me about doing a review.
Sew Iconic profiles ten movie costumes, each epitomising an era, with patterns and instructions to make your own version. It's a well thought-out, nicely presented book, though despite efforts to make it accessible to beginners it's still not really suitable for the novice.
Some of my favourite projects are shown below, and you can read my full review over on Queens of Vintage.
The brown polka dot dress worn by Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman
Audrey Hepburn's little black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's
Marilyn's Seven Year Itch white halterneck dress
Wow, what a great idea for a book! Maybe the publishers have been reading your blog :) It's a shame it's not suitable for the beginner, maybe after I get a bit more comfortable with my sewing machine, I'll have a look :)
ReplyDeleteBest wishes.
R xx
I don't want to discourage beginners from buying the book, but in my opinion the re-sizing of patterns is more an intermediate skill (especially when it doesn't tell you the 'base size' of the patterns)
Deletexx Charlotte
OOoooh! I've spotted this book before and wasn't quite sure if I should buy it or not, but definitely encouraged ready your blog. Do you think I'd be able to handle it though? I did a vintage pattern cutting course in Feb and been experimenting a bit at home since, but not yet mastered the art of pattern cutting just yet. Any tips? because your red dress looks amazing, and I really want to try to get a bit more motivated in the sewing department this year.
ReplyDeletexxx
I was just lovingly fingering this book the other day!SUCH a fantastic idea,why no one had done it before,I don't know!But yay,someone has at last!
ReplyDeleteSizing patterns IS a nightmare,though,for sure!I've have been trianed how to do it,but I'm really bad at it!For a very experienced sewer though,it's a lovely book!