📚 Book of the Month: The Victorian Dressmaker (Volume 1) by Izabela Pitcher

If you love historical sewing, period costume, or simply enjoy learning traditional dressmaking techniques, this month’s pick is an absolute treasure. The Victorian Dressmaker by Izabela Pitcher is a beautifully presented, practical guide to creating authentic Victorian womenswear using historically informed methods.

Whether you're a costumer, reenactor, dressmaker, or curious sewist, this book is packed with inspiration, knowledge, and hands-on techniques you can start using right away.

And the best part?

Why We Love It ❤️

This book is a joy to read and even more of a joy to sew from. Izabela Pitcher (of Prior Attire) brings years of historical costuming experience into a guide that feels both accessible and deeply knowledgeable. It’s beautifully photographed, clearly written, and full of practical steps that demystify Victorian garment construction.

If you’ve ever wanted to understand how Victorian clothing was really made — from foundations to finishing — this book is a must-have.

What You’ll Learn ✨

The Victorian Dressmaker covers a wide range of techniques and garments, all rooted in authentic 19th‑century practice. Inside, you’ll discover:

• How Victorian garments were constructed layer by layer

• The role of foundations such as chemises, corsets, and petticoats

• Techniques for pleating, gathering, shaping, and structuring fabric

• How to draft and adapt simple Victorian patterns

• Step‑by‑step guidance for making key garments

• Finishing methods used in the period

• Tips for achieving historical silhouettes with modern tools

It’s a wonderful blend of history, technique, and practical dressmaking.

Who This Book Is Perfect For 👗

This book is ideal for:

• Historical costumers

• Dressmakers interested in traditional techniques

• Cosplayers and reenactors

• Sewists who love structured garments

• Anyone curious about Victorian fashion

• Beginners wanting a gentle introduction to historical sewing

Whether you’re making a full Victorian outfit or simply want to borrow techniques for modern garments, there’s something here for everyone.

Golden Rose Tip 🌹

Don’t be intimidated by the historical aspect — many of the techniques in this book translate beautifully into modern sewing. Try using Victorian pleating, hand‑finishing, or shaping methods in your contemporary dressmaking for a truly couture feel.

Where to Buy 🛍️

You can purchase The Victorian Dressmaker (Volume 1) directly from Prior Attire:https://www.priorattire.co.uk/ourshop/prod_6307421-The-Victorian-Dressmaker-book.html

Join the Conversation

We invite all our readers to step into the rich world of historical dressmaking with The Victorian Dressmaker. Let this book guide you, teach you, and immerse you in the techniques, silhouettes, and craftsmanship that defined 19th‑century womenswear.

Whether you're fascinated by Victorian fashion, love traditional sewing methods, or simply enjoy learning how garments were made before modern machinery, this book offers endless inspiration.

📦 Sewcial Club Member Perk

🌹 Borrow This Book from the Golden Rose Library

Explore The Victorian Dressmaker without purchasing your own copy — simply borrow it from the Golden Rose Sewing School Library as part of your Sewcial Club membership.

It’s a wonderful way to study authentic Victorian construction, deepen your understanding of historical techniques, and connect with fellow members who share your passion for heritage sewing.