1928 McCalls Dressmaking Book

I recently ordered a vintage book from Etsy seller Anna3. I can't talk about that book, because it is a surprise for someone, but she also sent me a surprise! I don't think she had a clue what joy she was spreading with this little gem! It is 'Dressmaking Made Easy', published in 1928 and authored by Laura I. Baldt, A.M. and assistant professor of Household Arts Teachers College, Columbia University

A vintage book is a joy in its own right; that wonder of where it has been and who has held it before you have. The cover with cloth-bound texture and pages with just the right amount of mustiness to them. Then add to that my years and interest in graphic design; the type styles and the illustrations that immediately evoke a past era. And then for the subject matter to be dressmaking... well, enough said!

However the highlight for me was right here on page one. I am so grateful for my studio, and reading this made me realize what solice and import the "sewing room" brought to generations of women for whom their creativeness was merely regarded as "women's work".

I can not wait to sit and read through this book. I am sure it will have some great practical advice for me, but more importantly, it will be a reminder to me of the long line of creative and productive women who threaded many needles before me.

It will also remind me that an unexpected gift can bring much pleasure to its recipient!And we should all 'gift' each other with good thoughts, kind words and, occasionally, a book!

Here are a couple of the illustrations from the book!