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.
I personally draft and describe my patterns: corset patterns, general underclothing and underpinning patterns, skirt
patterns and bodice patterns. I work hard on creating instructions that are interesting, as well as useful.
The instructions are geared toward someone who knows a little about sewing, but not necessarily a lot. Corsets need
a little advanced sewing knowledge, but even there, with persistence and patience even a beginner can make a corset.
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 period photographs and original garments, some of my
sources are vintage magazines and patterns, 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
usually 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.
I enjoy getting
email, and I'll reply to you as soon as I can.
P.S.
-- I do not share your name or number with anyone. I sincerely respect your privacy.
P.S.S. -- Remember that
Google links and off site ads links go -- elsewhere. They probably collect cookies (or whatever else websites collect
these days). Click with care!
I am an affiliate of Holly Lisle's Book Shop, Google,
any book store linked to this site, Hancock Fabrics and Five Rivers Chapmanry. That means I might earn a couple of cents
if you click on a link, and should earn something if you buy anything after clicking that link. I'm not terribly
clear on how all that works, but the FTC wants you to know about it. Thank you for your patience.
