title: Sewing Magic -- 225 Patterns for Sewing Vintage Fashions, Accessories, Household Decor and Gifts
author:  Mary Brooks Picken 
description: Originally published in the 1950s, this fantastic vintage fashion and accessory sewing book includes more than 200 cutting chart patterns (also known as "drawn to measure" patterns) including skirts, blouses, dresses, boleros, jackets, coats, stoles, capes, scarves, lingerie, aprons, accessories, childrens clothing, home furnishings and gifts. 
  
  All of the garments in this book are custom made from *your* measurements. Because cutting chart patterns use your own body measurements, they allow for individual irregularities to be accounted for so you can be sure the proportions are correct for your size and the garment will fit well. Using a cutting diagram also provides time- and fabric-saving shortcuts, perfect for beginning pattern makers and sewers. Sample cutting chart patterns can be seen in the last picture above.  
  
  The author, Mary Brooks Picken, is well known for her role as founder of the Women's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences and was the author of more than 90 books on needlework, sewing, textile arts and fashion. She taught Economics of Fashion at Columbia University and was one of the five founding directors of the Costume Institute. She was also the first woman to be named a trustee of the Fashion Institute of Technology. Mrs. Picken was an authority on dress, fabric, design, and sewing, so you know this book was well written by a master in the industry.
  
  Sewing Magic is perfect for beginning sewers because you can start with an easy pattern -- such as the eye glass case or shoe cover bag -- and work your way up to aprons, blouses and skirts. Each garment has clearly written instructions, measurements needed, detailed cutting charts, sewing instructions and a line drawing of the finished garment. 
  
  Sample fashions and patterns are shown at the top of this page.
zlib_text: THE MAGIC PATTERN BOOK
  Sew 6 Patterns into 36 Different Styles!
  Amy Barickman
  WORKMAN PUBLISHING • NEW YORK
  
  The Magic Pattern Book is dedicated to Mary Brooks Picken
  (1886–1981), whose life’s work was devoted to teaching fashion
  and dressmaking to millions of women all across the world. The
  exceptional content she published during her long life has provided
  the inspiration for this book.
  
  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
  I first want to recognize my mother and her fabulous style and love for
  sewing. Her enthusiasm and energy to create have always been key to the
  success of my entrepreneurial endeavors. Thanks, Mom!
  A commitment to continuing interest and advancement in the art of
  sewing is always at the forefront of my work. This is especially true as I
  look at my daughter, Emma, and consider all the creative and artistic work
  she will do in the future. I hope that what I accomplish today will inspire
  her and her generation, as she inspires me.
  There are many current designers and sewing teachers who 