I did not need yet another vintage sewing guide, even for 50p... but I can't give up the hunt, which sometimes pays off! The cover of this paperback first published in 1975 was certainly promising (I mean look at that reel of thread!) and a quick flick through the book told me it would be coming home with me for the illustrations alone.
Aimed at beginners and used in schools, this guide was written and illustrated by Loraine Mirelle (what a talent!)
The outfits that she's chosen to illustrate are just dreamy, as is the style of drawing... I'd like to see more of the bike on this one...!
I believe what we have here is a haberdashery hat and necklace?!
There are also some great hairdos. And I really like the way the women in the drawings have various different skin tones, quite unusual to see this back in the 70s I should think.
Nice tunic
Flapper girl in the section about accessories
DIY footwear!
A fabulous maternity smock!
More fun with accessories!
And last but not least, a (mostly) synthetic fibres ironing guide - it doesn't get more 70s than that!
I was so glad I stumbled upon this gem of a book. As well as the fab illustrations, it provides a really good guide to dressmaking basics - and beyond, and costs only a few pounds online, so well worth a purchase if you're looking for either of those things!
Good Housekeeping Needlecraft Is Fun vol 1: Basic Sewing by Loraine Mirelle, 1975
**Be sure to check out my shop for modern-day clothing inspired by some of these 70s styles!**