Book Giveaway: "THE VICTORIAN TAILOR" by Jason Maclochlainn

You could win THE VICTORIAN TAILOR: An Introduction to Period Tailoring

The book includes information about fabrics and describes their qualities.

The step-by-step instructions will guide you through many techniques.

Patterns are included for many garments.

You could win THE VICTORIAN TAILOR: An Introduction to Period Tailoring

Photo: Courtesy of St. Martin's Griffin

THE VICTORIAN TAILOR
The Victorian Tailor: An Introduction to Period Tailoring (published by St. Martin's Griffin, 2011) by Jason Maclochlainn is an incredible sourcebook containing a comprehensive introduction to the world of the 19th-century tailor. It's filled with essential information about authentic techniques, tools and materials—everything you'll need to know in order to recreate authentic menswear from the Victorian period. It's ideal for tailors, costume designers, dressmakers, and all of those involved in historical reenactments encompassing the Victorian time period—or those who are simply curious about the era. You'll even find a unique glimpse into the 19th century tailor's shop and the people who worked there.

THE INFORMATION IS HISTORICALLY ACCURATE
The techniques, materials and patterns found in the book were adapted from original Victorian pattern-cutters' books, so they're historically accurate. There are patterns for many garments including morning coats, waistcoats, frock coats, trousers, shirts, and hunting garb featuring outstanding designs from every decade of the Victorian era. Full instructions for basic tailoring construction techniques are also included. There are over one hundred illustrations to guide you through the sewing process as well as to describe the evolution of the primary wardrobe worn by a Victorian gentleman. Even if you don't sew Victorian menswear, you'll be enthralled with the information found within the book's 160 pages.

LEARN TO DRAFT WELL-FITTING PATTERNS
The book also includes detailed instructions about how to draft and cut your own well-fitting patterns using any one of the 18 Victorian menswear patterns. Clear, concise, step-by-step directions are included so that you can create a beautifully finished garment.

YOU COULD BE ONE OF 3 WINNERS!
Tell us why you want to learn more about Victorian menswear, and you could become one of our winners. Simply leave your comment on this post before the deadline—11:59 pm, Sunday, April 17—and you could be one of three lucky winners to receive a copy of the book. The winners will be randomly selected on Tuesday, April 19.

Good luck!

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April M. Mohr, contributor
Posted on Apr 5th, 2011 in sewing, design, garment construction, giveaway

Comments (74)

mrthickett writes: As a costume maker I am always looking for new reference material for period garments. The authentic pattern drafts would be so useful. This book looks great, with costume reference, patterns and making techniques all in one volume,I'm sure it would be a wonderful addition to my library.
Posted: 9:32 am on April 17th

melhope868 writes: As a professional costumer in Equity theaters, I'm often called upon to tailor suits in this period. Learning to draft patterns as they were done in that period would go a long way to make my suits look as authentic as possible on stage.
Posted: 12:04 pm on April 16th

mrschicken writes: Nothing says happiness like tailoring.
Posted: 11:39 am on April 16th

GraceED writes: Men's tailoring is an art that is practically dead. Young people such as myself need to learn these techniques and make sure that the sill doesn't disappear completely. I'm also in a business that enables me to pass knowledge easily to others and I think this would be a valuable tool to teach myself about period techniques as well as others.
Posted: 11:13 am on April 16th

Designlady53 writes: I have been trying to make hand worked buttonholes. When I saw the illustration I wanted to have this book right away.
Posted: 8:36 pm on April 15th

moorerhys writes: I am a drag king and as I tailor my own costumes and have a special penchant for Victorian and Belle Epoch men's fashion, this would be an excellent addition to my historic tailoring library.
Posted: 12:03 pm on April 15th

Runa writes: I would LOVE to use this book as a reference for creating steampunk costumes for my husband. Since it contains patterns, it would simplify research into drafting patterns for Victorian style men's garments.
Posted: 10:14 am on April 15th

zybet writes: This book can be great helper for every one who likes to make costums but not only.
Posted: 9:29 am on April 15th

Nat1964 writes: With my great great uncle a tailor of the time I would love to see the types of clothing he worked on and the techniques he may have used.
Posted: 4:02 am on April 15th

daria53 writes: Who doesn't want to learn more about Victorian menswear?! I would love to have this book. It looks like a wealth of amazing information.
Posted: 11:35 pm on April 14th

beckandcall writes: I am currently working in costume shop theaters and we are getting ready for our Shakespeare Festival. there are many techniques that would be helpful to me. I also have friends that attend "Ren Faires" and it would be so great to be able to share this book with them.
Posted: 9:49 pm on April 13th

broselee writes: Oh my! I'm a victorian studies major hopefully going into costume design. this is like a dream book.
Posted: 9:26 pm on April 13th

JJSobey writes: I want to learn more about Victorian tailoring because I adore the garments of that era, and the skill set would translate well to today's menswear. Plus - My husband would look outstanding in a frock coat. :)
Posted: 8:06 pm on April 13th

marcela05 writes: I am fascinated by period fashion and clothing and am determined to devote my career to this passion!!! I am a beginning tailor and I believe that if one can master this art, they can take on anything!!!!
Posted: 11:25 am on April 13th

fiberfunfan writes: I'm working on 19th century dress for my senior honors project in college and would love to have this book! It seems to be a valuable resource!
Posted: 11:30 pm on April 12th

puffykaat writes: Lord Maclochlainn rocks! That is my reason for desiring his book.
Posted: 4:48 pm on April 12th

AuntieQuiltie writes: I really do need extending. It would be so good to sit in my studio now that the weather is turning chilly and stoke the pot belly stove and do nothing else BUT SEW new clothes!!!!!!
Posted: 12:14 am on April 12th

djackman writes: This book looks great. I make and sell costumes. Both Renaissance and Gothic Victorian. Several books are available on Renaissance clothing and sewing. this is the first I have seen on Victorian tailoring. It would be great to have to expand my Gothic Victorian costume line with true techniques.
Posted: 8:47 pm on April 11th

Gizzette writes: I love to sew in traditional ways. I adore hand sewn interfacings. I make doll clothes and I would like to read this book to assist me in the hand finishes done in the victorian times. I would rather not use a serged hem, or seam covering,, but a nice hand sewn tailored finish.
Posted: 7:09 pm on April 11th

Bobbie1 writes: I have this book and can assure you it is fantastic! Not only is this information hard to find in print, but much of tailoring has been passed down orally, so has never been written down. Until now. Don't let Jason's warning discourage you - tailoring takes practice, but is also great fun! Just remember that a frockcoat is a difficult tailored garment. Just start with simpler tailored garments, and work up to more difficult garments.
Posted: 7:03 pm on April 10th

beth5646 writes: I love to sew tailored clothes. A period tailoring book would find a welcome home here.
Thanks
Beth in OKC
Posted: 12:21 pm on April 10th

Megrims writes: This would be a fantastic source for steampunk costuming, as well as a great reference on tailoring in general.
Posted: 12:21 pm on April 10th

Stitchintheditch writes: Hi! I would love to have this book. I am writing open source software for "scientific" methods of sewing such as this book represents. This software will be presented at Libre Graphics in Montreal in May, 2011, and has been covered in an article in Linux Pro magazine. I will not be remunerated for this software as it is open source and will be available for download for free from the SourceForce website sometime later this year.

With this software each designer or sewist will be able to create their own patterns and run it through this software and the output is a full-sized .pdf file.

Many Victorian patterns and sewing books have great information, but none of them have *all* the information needed to create the garment (lining, padding, pockets, etc.) Each book has something more to contribute. Each bit of reference material is useful!

In any case, I love Threads. It's been very helpful to me over the years. I've been reading my mother-in-law's subscription, or buying at the grocery store, but this year I finally subscribed. Don't know why it took me so long. The Threads CD's are awesome, I have those and they're very useful.

Regards,
Susan Spencer Conklin
Madison, Alabama
Posted: 12:01 pm on April 10th

Patience71 writes: I would love to have this book. My son and I reenact the Civil War era but are branching out. Would be a great help to dressing him in a period correct fashion for places where he wants to be a civilians instead of a soldier.
Posted: 12:52 am on April 10th

ajohn075 writes: I would love to add this book to my sewing library.
Posted: 8:01 pm on April 9th

Rabia writes: I have the book The art of Millinery" from the fin de siecle period, and that was fascinating; I expect THIS would be just as fascinating! I am sure there is useful information to be had from it, and so I would like to win a copy of this book!
Posted: 3:37 pm on April 9th

EvaDress writes: Learning more about tailoring Victorian menswear will help me when drafting patterns of just about any kind. Also, having the knowledge will assist me when bulding any kind of garment, be it contemporary or from any passed era for men or women!
Posted: 10:51 am on April 9th

Annemari writes: The human knowledge - and sewing knowledge among all other fields of it - has been building up in layers, and its both very intriguing and useful to dig something up from previous eras. Just to look at it, or use a bit of it, or save it somewhere in your mind. Or to find out what has outlived until our days and what's forgotten and why.
Posted: 1:15 pm on April 8th

Cheriezel writes: The 'big 3' pattern companies costumes for menswear is very limited and usually lacking in historical details. I would love to add this book to my costuming book collection and try and make something for my hubby!
Posted: 12:35 pm on April 8th

SewistStLouis writes: I think this is a wonderfully historic topic. We should always be willing to learn from the past even as we rush forward into the future with technology.
Posted: 9:05 am on April 8th

earthmag writes: I alter womens and mens wear for a high end Department store and I also enjoy making costumes for my family and friends. It would be a great resousce book to have plus it would also be interesting to see how construction of menswear has changed since the victorian era
Posted: 7:33 am on April 8th

WaiKit writes: I am enamored in the wide tapestry of how menswear is made. I would love to see the techniques used by generic tailors in the 19th century. I would like to be privy to the secrets of tailoring and I might even be able to tailor one next time!

I'd love to have this book.
Posted: 4:22 am on April 8th

J_Maclochlainn writes: If someone told me about this, I would have autographed them.

Hopefully people will read this since I see a lot of people talking about jumping right into making a frock. The secret to successful tailoring and well executed garments is in a solid foundation. Take your time, sit down and do one stitch over and over again until it is perfected and then move on to the next stitch, rinse, repeat. Even then, you want to start with a pair of trousers, make a pair, run your shears though them and toss in a bin and do it again :) This is how you learn to tailor.

Jason
Posted: 3:14 am on April 8th

bryanroach writes: As a young undergraduate at the University of Southern California studying music, I have not had very much exposure to things sartorial, but I do have a great appreciation for them. This book would do me well so that I can pick my formalwear with discrimination and have them cut just as they would have been made at the turn of the last century.
Posted: 1:23 am on April 8th

CZemke writes: I have always enjoyed the Victorian period, in fact I have always believed that if I have lived another life it would be during the fabulous Victorian years. For years I read everything I could get my hands on: decorating books, fashion, victorian living, etc. It was through this that I began a collection of victorian valentines from the years 1890-1910. Currently I am a designer/seamstress as a profession and find it still to be a big source of inspiration. Their details in garments, the use of lace, and tailoring in not only menswear but womenswear was fascinating. I love to make suits and jackets. This book would allow me to incorporate the trend of menswear and tailoring in my designs.
Posted: 6:31 pm on April 7th

queenellabella writes: I'm intrigued by the structure of clothing and the details of dressmaking and tailoring in this time period. This book sounds quite interesting!
Posted: 4:45 pm on April 7th

Nimue325 writes: I must be ready for the Newport Vintage Dance Week!
Posted: 4:16 pm on April 7th

ariesluv4u writes: This book would be a great addition to any seamstress' libray. It would be enlighten to be able to exam how the drafting techniques for menswear has evolved from the Victorian era.
Posted: 10:54 am on April 7th

marymary writes: This book sounds like such an interesting read. I have been looking for a tailoring book that has the information about the way tailoring was done in the past. It would be a welcome addition to my library.
Posted: 9:50 am on April 7th

GreigeGirl writes: I would love this book. I worked at both a historic clothing collection, and a fine men's tailor, and I would love to combine my two passions, old practices with new styles. Thanks for the opportunity!
Posted: 9:44 am on April 7th

Glitterati writes: I love to incorporate old techiniques into modern clothing. My husband is very difficult to fit, because he is so tall. I make most of his clothes as he really can't shop retail. This book would enhance my tailoring skills.
Posted: 8:45 am on April 7th

squirrel_ee writes: This would be such a fabulous book to have because learning the right way to tailor really makes a difference with the lay of the fabric. I would love to learn more of this as it is a great skill to have.
There is an elegance to a finely crafted piece of clothing that one doesn't always learn when home sewing.

thank-you
Posted: 1:13 am on April 7th

snipsnipsew writes: Tailoring to me is the ultimate art of garment construction and what better way to learn a craft then with fundamentals from the artist of the past. This book sounds like a real treasure.
Posted: 12:49 am on April 7th

NiniS writes: I love to sew and would love this book. I collect Victorian picture buttons and have a salesperson's sample fabric book that I just love.
Posted: 11:39 pm on April 6th

JoSquared writes: I would love a book like this. I have been trying to find this exact information for quite some time as I am trying to make a frock coat for my barrel-chested husband. He also loves the look of this period, as it was his suggestion to wear tails for our wedding.
Posted: 10:24 pm on April 6th

TessaBear writes: I am so in love with the Victorian period of time and fashion. The book would be useful to upgrade my sewing skills in that era.
Posted: 5:01 pm on April 6th

BarbaraSki writes: I'm a cowboy shooter and for special events, I make Victorian costumes (1870-1900) for my husband and me. This would be a good book to have to help me with my Victorian accuracy!
Posted: 4:23 pm on April 6th

Garden99DIva writes: This book would definitely be a plus! I created my daughter's costume for Dickens on the Strand held in Galveston, Texas every year at the beginning of December. I have had several requests to create additional garments. This book would give me more insight.
Posted: 3:08 pm on April 6th

LanternandShadows writes: This book sounds great. What fun to make a period piece and learn techniques too.
Posted: 2:22 pm on April 6th

rakijaa writes: Tailoring (or sewing for men) is not something I have studied yet, beyond making a vest! Time to learn...if I can build a steel boned corset, shouldn't I be able to make my husband a frockcoat? I would love to have this book....thanks!
Posted: 1:43 pm on April 6th

Fey writes: I want to learn to draft patterns, I am a costumer and love the Victorian era, period pattern drafting books are so hard to find.
Posted: 1:06 pm on April 6th

Lise_the_hobbit writes: My husband is now after me to make him a proper frock coat to go with his favorite coachman's hat that he bought in Old Salem, NC - and of course, finding a pattern is only the beginning of getting it right - this is a fun period to create garments/costumes for, but finding the right menswear is harder than finding women's patterns
Posted: 11:24 am on April 6th

puntopunti writes: The man and women in that era were so elegant. I really will like to have that book that will be a treasure for me.
Posted: 10:23 am on April 6th

crafting_in_my_cave writes: I'd be interested to see what techniques we don't do today.
Posted: 9:54 am on April 6th

sewinggirl writes: Tailoring has always been a fascinating subject for me. It would be exciting to learn more about techniques from the past.
Posted: 9:33 am on April 6th

Roberta_Pitts writes: I would love to have this book to read and look at! Clothing from this period was cherished, expensive, and took a lot of time to make. This book looks like a rare jewel!
Please pick me! pick me!
Posted: 9:28 am on April 6th

Fripperie writes: This is perfect - i'll be needing to do some mid-19th century menswear soon, for a group that will be performing minstrel music. A book on Victorian tailoring would be very handy!
Posted: 9:25 am on April 6th

WhidbeySewing writes: From the time I first read Country Bunny and saw the bunny in a Victorian bustle dress I have wanted to wear Victorian Clothes. I started sewing at 12 and in my 20's I made my first Victorian dress. It was terrible. I've made leaps and bounds since then and now have a sewing business, but first love is Victorian attire. I have recently begun sewing for a gentleman who does Civil War events, and he has many friends who also need clothing for re-enacting. I have a reference library for my work, but it is sadly lacking in information about men's wear and tailoring. This book would be a great benefit to my business.
Posted: 9:20 am on April 6th

Badnana writes: As a relatively new sewer I am always looking to lear, and this book has a lot of great ideas. I have always loved the Victorian period dressing and this would be a perfect learning tool
Posted: 9:06 am on April 6th

HauteGoatCashmere writes: I apprenticed as a master tailor during high school; my Sr. prom dress was a replica of a Victorian ball gown. In Apparel Design School Victorian fashions were my inspiration. I eventually focused on Charles Worth as inspiration for my undergrad thesis / final line. I always studied Victorian fashion from the outside - and haven't taken much time studying the techniques they used (I just adapted contemproary techniques to try to achieve the same affects). Now I have the time to study about the inner workings, and would love to win one of the books!
Posted: 8:55 am on April 6th

LivingHistoryFamily writes: As a family hobby we volunteer to do living histories at local museums and also participate in reenacting the Civil War era and WWII. Because I have a house full of growing boys (young men now) the only way we can afford to participate is to make all of our own clothing. The field of men’s tailoring is often difficult to research and there have been times where I cannot find a solution that would be correct to the period, having this fantastic resource on hand would be a true blessing. I would love to win The Victorian Tailor.
Posted: 8:51 am on April 6th

MariaKie writes: I have gotten more and more into men suits altering, and understanding how they are put together would be wonderful. This book would be most welcome on my shelf, and collection of books.
Posted: 8:47 am on April 6th

marinowel writes: I would love to win The Victorain Tailor becquse I think that 19th century tailoring techniques are the bes of today"s tailoring and stil alive in saville row workroom for instance.
I love the uniqueness of a hand made tailored garment and though aimed at men it is fully adaptable to ladie's garment construction. And with all the men inspired fashion seen on the catwalk lately, this book is perfectly timed.

Posted: 4:09 am on April 6th

elizabeth001au writes: This sort of information is not readily available and there arent that many books on it. Id love to expand my horisions and learn new techniques.
Posted: 1:14 am on April 6th

bekabug8 writes: Tailoring is something my school does not go into, so I would love to learn it from this book. It would be cool to draft and tailor a coat for my boyfriend.
Posted: 9:57 pm on April 5th

mishapley writes: I'm really interested in drafting as well as the history. I'd love to see this book.
Posted: 9:05 pm on April 5th

SarahsMom writes: I have always been interested in "slow sewing" and menswear is especially fascinating to me. Already owning several books on the subject of the history of male attire, I was surprised to find that until fairly recently (probably late 19th or early 20th century) the man's dress shirt - which was always white - until even MY childhood) was considered part of the man's UNDERCLOTHING! No wonder I have always thought an immaculate white dress shirt on a man makes him look so sexy ! If it also smells like starch, I am ready to swoon !!! I have enjoyed sewing custom vests, for symphony musicians to wear with "tails" and enjoy sewing all manner of "classy" mens wear. My son will marry in May of this year and I would love to think I could talk him into wearing something I learned how to make from this book. He and his beautiful bride-to-be have their own ideas though; who knows? I would love to have the book and at least try.
Posted: 7:40 pm on April 5th

eeamende writes: That is quite a sharp-dressed gentleman on the cover! I would love to learn more about Victorian menswear tailoring because of my interest in costume design. Also my knowledge of menswear patterning/tailoring techniques is lacking in general, so a book like this would be very useful!
Posted: 6:17 pm on April 5th

Rawksis writes: I would love to learn how to tailor especially the Victorian styles because I am a fashion designer who thirsts for absolutely any and all knowledge of construction, fit, and techniques! This book sound so full of amazing techniques and will definitely help me grow as a designer and that's all I ever can want.
Posted: 3:48 pm on April 5th

echevalierdesigns writes: victorin mens wear book,could help with my costume design work that i have with off broadway shows here in nyc.i also have a dressmaking business that is based on the methods used during the late 19th and early 20th century tailoring and dressmaking .
Posted: 1:52 pm on April 5th

LoracC writes: I think it's just interesting to see how things were done back then compared to how they're done now. How much has changed and how much as stayed the same.
Posted: 1:33 pm on April 5th

tomsmama2 writes: How fascinating! I've often wondered when looking at period garments how they were constructed but as most displays are "no touchy, no feely" it's kind of difficult to discern.
Posted: 1:17 pm on April 5th

shaniqua writes: So many of the odd details I've been trying to figure out/add on my own are details found in Victorian menswear - and I never even realized. I can only imagine how much this book could help me.
Posted: 10:29 am on April 5th

jennieMB writes: i`m obsessed with the victorian period of dress... everything from Queen Victoria to Gone with the Wind. I`d love to see the techniques used and modify them to projects i have.
Posted: 10:05 am on April 5th

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