BOOK GIVEAWAY: "Famous Frocks" by Sara Alm and Hanna McDevitt

The patterns and instructions in Famous Frocks will allow you to recreate the iconic garments worm by ten famous celebrities.

The book includes a vintage photo of each celebrity (Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis shown)

The book contains beautiful illustrations of each garment--this one worn by Marilyn Monroe.

Step-by-step instructions accompany each pattern. The layout for Farrah Fawcetts garment is shown.

The patterns and instructions in Famous Frocks will allow you to recreate the iconic garments worm by ten famous celebrities.

Photo: Courtesy of Chronicle Books LLC

YOU CAN RECREATE TIMELESS FASHION ICONS
Threads #160 featured the book Famous Frocks by Sara Alm and Hannah McDevitt (Chronicle Books, 2011) in the "Notions" department on page 17. This is a sewing book that's probably different from any you've seen before. The authors have selected ten famous women and provided patterns and instructions to duplicate one of each woman's most iconic garments. Among the celebrity fashions included are Audrey Hepburn's little black dress; Marilyn Monroe's poster-classic white halter; Madonna's sexy "Like a Virgin" outfit, and more. Each section begins with a vintage photo of the celebrity in her iconic outfit followed by how-to illustrations that break down each step so sewers of all skill levels can follow along. The patterns for each are included in a pouch found on the inside front cover. The patterns are sized from XS to L (bust 31 to 37 inches, hip 34-1/2 to 40-1/2 inches). To obtain other sizes, alterations are required.

TEN FAMOUS WOMEN ARE INCLUDED
One iconic garment worn by each of the following celebrities is included:
Bette Davis
Farrah Fawcett
Rita Hayworth
Audrey Hepburn
Madonna
Marilyn Monroe
Stevie Nicks
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Diana Ross
Twiggy

LEAVE A COMMENT AND YOU COULD WIN THIS AMAZING BOOK
Each of these women is known for her distinctive style. Leave a comment and tell us which person's style you would most like to recreate for yourself, and you will be entered into our giveaway contest. Leave your comment on this post before the deadline--11:59 pm EST, Wednesday, April 4--and you could win a copy of the book. The winner will be randomly selected and announced during the week of April 9.

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April M. Mohr, contributor
Posted on Mar 19th, 2012 in sewing, garment construction, patterns, giveaway, book, celebrity

Comments (118)

bluewillow writes: I am crazy about this book. I would love to sew my own version of each celebrity dress.
Posted: 7:25 am on March 20th

jamaco writes: Classic styles, classic looks. Wow!
Posted: 12:24 pm on March 19th

Mengar writes: Ooops! Forgot to say whose style, which would be Marilyn Monroe.

Posted: 7:46 pm on February 20th

Mengar writes: Dresses and looks that I would love to explore!
Posted: 7:44 pm on February 20th

rijacks63 writes: I would love to imitate Rita Hayworth's sytle. She was a woman with curves and so am I! :)
Posted: 3:45 pm on August 14th

AnnSewItGoes writes: I am really enjoying Threads Magazine, on-line projects, and I am learning so much. Thank you!
Posted: 10:28 am on May 21st

user-1020935 writes: As far as I'm concerned, Jackie O could wear anything and look sensational. This is an original and fun book and while I like them all (except Madonna) if I had to pick a favorite, it's Jackie first and Twiggy second. Truly less is more.
Posted: 4:12 pm on May 2nd

Noelle_J writes: Audrey please. Her look is so timeless. Wear this with my grandmother's pearls for a feminine to-die-for look!
Posted: 3:42 pm on May 2nd

Deej007 writes: Ack! It's 'sew' difficult to choose! Each of these women has a different style, and a different body type. Each can be identified by her style. Do I hafta choose a favorite??
Posted: 1:24 pm on April 30th

CarrGrand writes: I'm a Jackie O fan! I would love to have this book!
Posted: 10:18 pm on April 28th

NikkiK writes: This would be a perfect Mother's Day gift. She did the most fantastic things with an old Singer zig zag machine (one of the first slant foot kind). She would love taking a trip through fashion history with a cup of tea. How great.
Posted: 10:50 am on April 28th

LittleLaura writes: Can't wait to read this book front to back.
Posted: 1:27 pm on April 24th

7360tonilee writes: I love all the "Icon" but my favorite has to be Stevie Nicks, she is what I call Elligant Bohemien.
I will definately get a copy of this book one way or another!
Posted: 12:30 pm on April 23rd

user-1078645 writes: Twiggy is my current style icon. Sadly I'm no longer Audrey Hepburn shaped!
Posted: 7:12 pm on April 21st

user-118104 writes: For me it would be Jacqui O, Audrey and Twiggy. All three mastered Chanel’s ‘less is more’ rule so eloquently. I have reached an age where too much fuss doesn’t work so I am trying to move into the stylish, elegant, classic styles these women are famous for.
Posted: 7:08 pm on April 18th

gpfrench writes: I STILL love making my own clothing--- I have over 50 years of experience and study behind me,
Posted: 12:18 pm on April 18th

user-1121234 writes: I have 3 daughters - 25, 23, 20 - all who have discovered the beauty of vintage clothing. This book would be a godsend to us.
Posted: 7:21 pm on April 17th

memarston writes: This is really exciting! How I would love to own this book!

The more I learn the more I want to learn! Sewing is one of my passions!

memarston
Posted: 7:17 am on April 17th

pookies writes: I had purchased this book because of the review I had seen in Threads magazine. This is a great "inspiration" book, and the patterns contained are well presented and explained. However; the patterns included are NOT duplicates or copies of the iconic dresses these celebrities are shown wearing. They are very similar, but not duplicates. My comments are provided for transparency of what this book is providing.
Posted: 2:58 pm on April 11th

shelly123 writes: Love the front cover probably frame it if i had it.
Posted: 4:00 pm on April 10th

Francedorais writes: I would love to own the Audrey Hepburn book. I love her style and the way she lived her life. She was also a dancer like me and I have her long neck!
Posted: 2:40 pm on April 4th

user-1117949 writes: It will be fun to study these dresses.
Posted: 12:13 pm on April 4th

user-1110045 writes: Oh! Love this book, I adored Audrey Hepburn's dress in Breakfast at Tiffanys. Can I please win this book and it will go in my 20th century section of my home sewing library. I can a sure you that it will get used especially for Audrey's dress.
Posted: 4:17 am on April 4th

user-489313 writes: Wow, this book would be a fabulous addition to my library!
Posted: 6:51 pm on April 3rd

sugarskull writes: i've always thought twiggy had a way about her :-D
Posted: 2:47 pm on April 3rd

mpgizmo2 writes: Jackie O wins hands down with me.
Posted: 1:23 pm on April 3rd

djlv2sw writes: I love Jackie O's style! This would be a great addition to my library!
Posted: 5:56 pm on April 2nd

CathiMc writes: I would love to make Marilyn's iconic 7 year Itch dress!
Posted: 2:33 pm on April 2nd

Slater7 writes: I love making and wearing styles from before my time which is anything before the ninties. I also love Audrey Hepburn and would love to wear clothes similar to hers.
Posted: 6:34 pm on April 1st

user-160756 writes: I love the elegance of design that these women were known for. My all-time favourite would be Audrey Hepburn with Jacqui O a close second.
Posted: 3:17 am on April 1st

user-982688 writes: Oh my gosh I would love that book as I love to copy elegant expensive clothes. I copied a Jim Hjelm dress for my daughter when she married in the late 80's that would have cost $5,000 then with the length of train she wanted and we copied it for $1,100. I used to make myself lots of Princess Diana clothes, just so much fun to walk around in those clothes for a fraction of the cost.
Posted: 1:12 pm on March 31st

MoniqueNL writes: Such a difficult question! I'm rather torn between Audrey Hepburn and Rita Hayworth, but Betty, Marilyn, Jackie... lovely!
Posted: 4:42 am on March 31st

maudberg writes: What a great book! Audrey Hepburn style would be me. Love to win this book and explore the different styles.
Posted: 5:29 pm on March 30th

BarbaraBoop writes: I work in the film industry. Sewing vintage is my thing.
Posted: 6:08 am on March 29th

K_Mowers writes: Just getting back in to serious sewing. Would love this.
Posted: 2:35 am on March 29th

fibermom writes: Oh a steamy Betty Davis for me.
Posted: 10:48 pm on March 28th

Jelyna writes: Madonna and Audrey Hepburn!
Posted: 10:10 pm on March 28th

mrs_l writes: Definitely Audrey Hepburn - I try to keep things classic, simple & sophisticated.
Posted: 6:08 pm on March 28th

Thewallinna writes: Hesitating between Madonna and Audrey Hapburn. I love Madonna for her daring style and Audrey for her sophistication. My current wardrobe is something in the middle and I would love to experiment!
Posted: 2:44 am on March 28th

user-1112656 writes: I would love to get a little bit of Audrey Hepburn's style!
Posted: 7:08 pm on March 27th

LorraineD1963 writes: I love classic movies and the history of fashion portrayed through old movies. What a wonderful idea for a book.
Posted: 10:00 pm on March 26th

jan in west mi writes: A book that includes Jackie Kennedy is on my wish list.
Posted: 2:32 pm on March 26th

njohnson writes: I would love to recreate the dress, design by Edith Head, that Betty Davis wears in the movie "All about Eve". The movie is in black & white but I believe I heard or read that the dress that she wears off the shoulders, although it was not supposed to be worn like that, and she utters the line "...it's going to be a bumpy night" is emerald green silk or taffeta. Emerald green is a color that goes well with my complexion and that design, o'yeah .....it's goimg to be a bumpy night.
Posted: 1:20 pm on March 26th

wicked_stitcher writes: wowza! this is some lookin' good serious stuff!
Posted: 10:44 am on March 26th

smfsprout writes: I love the styles of Audrey, Jackie and Farrah and think they are both beautiful and classy. Unfortunately, I'm built more like Danny DeVito so I'm not sure any of these styles would work for me.
Posted: 9:54 am on March 26th

Kate_13 writes: I've been longing to capture the simple style of Audrey Hepburn. Such a classic and classy look. The book looks wonderful!
Posted: 12:02 am on March 26th

dpettersen writes: I've checked this out before ~ would be great to make some of those dresses!
Posted: 7:50 pm on March 25th

user-1114021 writes: beautiful Love it!!!
Posted: 7:31 pm on March 25th

gwtw1936 writes: What a neat idea! Would have been better if all the outfits/celebs were listed. I've thought this an idea worth doing for ages-
WIll have to check out getting it.
Posted: 4:32 am on March 25th

WillaMcNeill writes: Would thoroughly enjoy this book! Not sure whose style I would choose as I am shaped differently from all of them. Maybe Jackie O or Audrey Hepburn?
Posted: 10:17 pm on March 24th

customfrocks writes: I would go with Jackie Kennedy. She was a fashion icon in the early '60's and influenced mainstream fashion at that time.
Posted: 9:20 pm on March 24th

customfrocks writes: I would love to win this book !! I grew up in the '50's and 60's when these fashions were current! My sewing business is named " Custom Frocks"!
Posted: 9:15 pm on March 24th

NMT writes: I would have to go with Jackie O, for sure. What a great book!
Posted: 8:55 pm on March 24th

EmSewCrazy writes: I really like Audrey Hepburn although I have a figure more like Twiggy! This sounds like a fun book!
Posted: 5:13 pm on March 24th

Sewfinedesign writes: Classic design never goes out of style. What a great book about all the iconic women and their personal style. Updated versions of these classic styles would be great to sew!
Posted: 6:18 am on March 24th

BobbiA writes: I have always admired Audrey Hepburn -- ultimate elegance, class and femininity!
Posted: 8:49 pm on March 23rd

SewReel writes: Oh, Audrey Hepburn for sure...but perhaps a little Farah Fawcett thrown in! Would absolutely treasure this addition to my library!

Posted: 3:05 pm on March 23rd

Jee writes: I really would love Rita Hayworth, but then there is Audrey and Betty Davis. Classic classy styles are the ticket.
Posted: 2:31 pm on March 23rd

elowenn writes: What a fantastic idea! I hope they do more like this, perhaps they could create a Downton Abbey version...
Posted: 1:57 am on March 23rd

SewCindy writes: Audrey Hepburn would be the style icon I would recreate.
Posted: 11:06 pm on March 22nd

RDRD writes: Love this book and would LOVE a copy.
Posted: 10:00 pm on March 22nd

alaskapsych writes: While I would love to be a Jackie O girl, I'm probably more of a Marilyn! Either way, I'd love love love to have this book!
Posted: 5:23 pm on March 22nd

fyrftr writes: My Mom was a big Rita Hayworth fan, so I was influenced by her as a young woman... love the styles of that era... very feminine yet still strong.
Posted: 1:40 pm on March 22nd

rebekahricker writes: Either Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis or Twiggy.
Posted: 1:32 pm on March 22nd

purple1flower writes: I've always like Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis style because they are timeless/clasic. And their style works for different body types (like mine - curvier ... = fat)
Posted: 1:07 pm on March 22nd

tinker4u writes: What a treat!

Posted: 11:37 am on March 22nd

ellievyle writes: What a great giveaway! :D
Posted: 11:14 am on March 22nd

katesdesigns writes: Rita Hayworth, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O...those women had style. Those decades has style. I long for the days where we took pride in our clothing and didn't just throw on sweats and t-shirts. Guilty as charged but wanting to change!
Posted: 11:07 am on March 22nd

SewMomma writes: I would love to see this book to get ideas on elegant dresses for myself and 3 daughters. We have proms and future weddings in our plans. The ideas from this book could be a real asset for all of us. I also love the history of fashion.
Posted: 10:35 am on March 22nd

kslaughter writes: I would love to do the Audrey Hepburn dress--what an iconic style! Thanks so much for the wonderful giveaway~~
Posted: 10:08 am on March 22nd

user-1112581 writes: Very elegant, I just hope that I could actually sew them.
Posted: 9:58 am on March 22nd

Brabant writes: Now that's a good idea. Saves all the guess work of trying to dream up a copy myself. I once spent hours staring at a Christian Lacroix dress in an exhibition in Alencon; making the odd sketch and desperately trying to get the proportions without touching the garment. I did it but the dress is just not as good as it might be. This book could well be the solution. Awesome if it were to wing its way to France for me.
Posted: 8:10 am on March 22nd

Carly_Sue writes: I love haute couture sewing. I would have to choose Aubrey Hepburn even though I think any of the choices would be great. Classics are elegant.
Posted: 1:15 am on March 22nd

PMP writes: Wow! These dresses would be great for a woman that wears classic styles.
Posted: 10:44 pm on March 21st

kaponton writes: Great variety of both women & styles,
Posted: 9:04 pm on March 21st

Klaudia writes: Would love to win
Posted: 5:10 pm on March 21st

lmndesigns writes: How fascinating. I would love to recreate these dresses.
Posted: 3:11 pm on March 21st

user-1112232 writes: Perfect selection of women to model after. Classic and classy outfits with patterns! What more could a seamstress ask for!!

Posted: 2:49 pm on March 21st

CarolannB writes: I should love to be able to emulate Jackie Onassis but fear my apple-shaped figure wouldn't do her justice. Maybe if I won the book it would really inspire me to lose weight and then I could really enjoy dressmaking.
Posted: 2:15 pm on March 21st

PABarnes writes: I think the choice of women to showcase are perfect for this type of book. Each one had so much class and were so elegant.
Posted: 1:27 pm on March 21st

Barbyj writes: I would love love love to receive this book! These styles are the reason I first started sewing...couture and retro vintage iconic dresses...thanks for the opportunity!
Posted: 1:18 pm on March 21st

moviedoll writes: I'd LOVE to get this book. I'm intrigued with these styles!
Posted: 10:37 am on March 21st

thill60 writes: Oh Dear!! I could never choose just one! I love each and every one of these fashion icons for there own distinctive style and fashion sense. I would love to create one of each style garment so I would have a stylish outfit to wear no matter what my mood!!
Posted: 10:17 am on March 21st

Sharondipity2 writes: What a great book. Some fashion is timeless...
Posted: 9:51 am on March 21st

user-1108894 writes: Jacqueline Kennedy was a fashion icon who wore simple and elegant clothing while conveying a very calculated message that would impact her image and that of the president. Love her.
Posted: 9:34 am on March 21st

Violet_from_Miami writes: This book is fascinating for those of us who sew garments. Thanks for offering it to a lucky winner!
Posted: 9:18 am on March 21st

misssarcastica writes: Bette Davis' style is probably my favorite, though Audrey Hepburn's comes in at a close 2nd. I like 30/40's fashion a bit more than 50/60's fashion.
Posted: 9:14 am on March 21st

Harikleia writes: I love dressmaking and books or magazines like Famous Frocks that include patterns.
Posted: 8:54 am on March 21st

genevieve writes: Timeless style of Audrey Hepburn is the one to which I aspire
Posted: 8:40 am on March 21st

johnsonb writes: Classics! And I'll bet some of the designs were originated by Edith Head, one of my designer icons!
Posted: 8:38 am on March 21st

sjmoore writes: Dressmaking is my passion. I love the retro looks in this book. Would love to read about these famous designs.
Posted: 8:33 am on March 21st

Sewista_Vicki writes: Marilyn Monroe's fabulously feminine style!
Posted: 7:58 am on March 21st

user-1109779 writes: I would love to duplicate the look of Audrey Hepburn!!!
Posted: 6:55 am on March 21st

GinnyLynn writes: I would love to get a head start on duplicating these glorious fashions from the past.
Posted: 6:13 am on March 21st

user-1023732 writes: This book looks frocktabulous!!
Posted: 6:00 am on March 21st

user-1111948 writes: Classic ladies and classic styles are always in fashion and fun to emulate. What a great resource.
Posted: 6:00 am on March 21st

DebraBC writes: This would be so fun to have. I think I would like to create the Stevie Nicks looks for myself. I love the bohemian sheek look. My daughter would go for the Audrey Hepburn patterns.
Posted: 5:34 am on March 21st

Jenerator writes: This sounds like such a great book. Must see if I can get a copy!
Posted: 5:20 am on March 21st

rebpalma writes: I would love to try to channel Audrey Hepburn. Give me luck! Thank you very much.
Posted: 5:16 am on March 21st

kessaquilter writes: I was just looking at this book on amazon.com. Wouldn't it be grand to win it instead. I also saw photos of Twiggy's color block dress made up and it looked great!
Posted: 2:25 am on March 21st

TalyQu writes: That looks like an amazing book. Would love to have it.
Posted: 2:10 am on March 21st

Happy2BSewn writes: I believe Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis were both delightful dressers. A little black dress is always a great addition to any wardrobe and I just love Jackie's simple white and yellow dresses that she wore. Famous Frocks would be a wonderful book to use for my Couture class. It looks like a great book! Thanks for the chance!!!
Posted: 2:09 am on March 21st

KathfromOz writes: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Style without pretentiousness.
Posted: 1:15 am on March 21st

ShiningStar writes: I love classic style!
Posted: 1:05 am on March 21st

riversilt writes: I love retro and am excited at the chance to make something worn by these famous ladies.
Posted: 11:57 pm on March 20th

IamLilyMunster writes: Oh my gosh, how I would love to have this book! Crossing my fingers! I would choose Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn.
Posted: 11:41 pm on March 20th

oceanofsmiles writes: This looks like an amazing book! I am always looking for authentic vintage patterns and am thrilled that this book features dresses from the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Jackie!
Posted: 8:48 pm on March 20th

bekabug8 writes: I love Audrey Hepburn's style.
Posted: 8:46 pm on March 20th

user-881913 writes: Audrey Hepburn, because she is pure class and I would be happy with just a thimble full of her class.
Posted: 8:23 pm on March 20th

katrina077 writes: Rita Hayworth's style definitely!
Posted: 7:23 pm on March 20th

maryann6755 writes: I love a style that sets you apart and lets the true you come through...I think I would have to pick the classic style of Audrey Hepburn.
Posted: 6:54 pm on March 20th

laurahoj writes: I love Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' style and would definitely go for her style.
Posted: 6:49 pm on March 20th

AdelaideB writes: Bette Davis!
Posted: 6:20 pm on March 20th

pnut52 writes: I love these styles of Hepburn and Jackie! Classy and oh so very elegant!
Posted: 5:53 pm on March 20th

user-1109829 writes: Great book! I've just turned 40 and have decided to embrace my curves and femininity so I would definitely start with Marilyn Monroe closely followed by Jacqui O and then the other screen sirens of the golden age.
Posted: 5:50 pm on March 20th

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