Janet Arnold, Patterns of Fashion: 1560-1620

This book is at the top of every professional or experienced Renaissance or Elizabethan costumer's bibliography. Janet Arnold also published the gorgeous and invaluable, "Queen Elizabeth's Closet Unlocked."An experienced costumer can entirely duplicate Elizabethan garb for men and women by using Arnold's "Patterns of Fashion," part the first. It will be a good education for new costumers but overwhelming in detail for those who are accustomed to making garb from 'the big three' pattern companies. This is as different from those as rock candy from diamonds.

Janet Arnold, Patterns of Fashion: 1560-1620 is definitely a necessary book for anyone who pursues the fascinating art of Historical Costuming and Reproduction. However, I suggest that a novice sempstress/seamstress might be out of his/her league. After working extensively with this book I personally recommend at least an intermediate level of expertise necessary for best results. (Graph paper in large amounts very helpful, same for carbon paper, chalk, and pinwheel). I used the book with great success to reproduce several outfits for men and for women, and I have had numerous accolades from my re-enactment group.

Janet Arnold, Patterns of Fashion: 1560-1620 - This is a fantastic book and goes a lot further than many other period costume books. The strength of this book being that the information is gained from actual clothes from this era. The book informs you of the actual stitching and is a great guide if you intend on replicating these clothes. It is really aimed at an experience sewer and I recommend further reading for novices.