The Folkwear Book of Ethnic Clothing: Easy Ways to Sew Embellish Fabulous Garments from Around the World

Bring the world to your sewing machine! A sumptuously illustrated survey of traditional clothing from across the globe—plus timesaving, innovative techniques for making and decorating garments—will absolutely enchant stitchers. Throughout, images, from richly colored photographs to vintage postcards, capture people in their authentic dress (many of which have now disappeared). Before beginning an actual project, examine the basics of construction that appear again and again in ethnic attire: unconstructed rectangles, pullover cloaks or tunics, sleeved shifts, pull-on pants, full skirts with aprons, yoked shirts, short vests, and a front-opening coat. Embellish them, using some of the exquisite techniques that make these garments so breathtaking, from weaving and braiding to beading, painting, and embroidering. The highlight: six popular folkwear outfits with instructions on pattern making, marking, cutting out pieces, and putting it all together—a Seminole skirt, Moroccan burnoose, Syrian dress, Polish vest, Tibetan coat and Japanese Kimono.