Historical clothing patterns for
the
modern seamstress
The Mantua-Maker is a historical clothing sewing pattern
company, specializing in women's clothing. All patterns are multi-sized, and are based on actual garments, pattern drawings,
or engravings and photographs made during the time the garment was worn.
Each pattern is carefully researched and tested,
so that any garment made from a Mantua-Maker pattern will be historically accurate, but with allowance made for the changes
in women's physical build between the time the garment was originally worn and modern times.
Sewing should be fun! I try to simplify my pattern
pieces to the most basic - but historically accurate - shapes. No fussy details - unless they are unavoidable to create
an authentic costume. No bizarre concoctions - unless a period woman really wore it. Lots of options, variations,
and decoration ideas.
Many of my patterns have been used in Masquerade competitions.
A variation on 1879 - 1884 Shirred Overskirt with Flounces won Best of Master Class at CostumeCon XV.
For those of you doing costume research or
competition, I include a bibliography of all the sources I used in the pattern at hand. Besides using original garments,
some of my sources are vintage magazines, crumbly but fascinating. Many of my sources are reprinted magazines and catalogs,
others are wonderful books by people who have studied individual garments and collections. These sources are easily
available once you know what to look for.
Please feel free to write to me with any questions, suggestions,
or corrections. I want my patterns and instructions to be clear and accurate, even perfect, if I can manage that.
I value your input and opinions.
Happy sewing,
Deb Salisbury
The Mantua-Maker
P.S. -- I do not share your name or number with anyone.
I sincerely respect your privacy.
