Originally published in 1948, this book details how to use fabric draping techniques to create 1940s fashions. Divided into 40 lessons, you'll learn draping skills that will enable you to create well designed and custom-fitted garments. Draping gives you the advantage of being able to see exactly what might be done to improve the individual's garment contours -- a little fullness added here or a little length added there may make a vast difference in the appearance of the garment. When you become proficient in draping, you can accomplish and design anything that could be done by pattern drafting. More than 300 diagrams illustrate the draping techniques with line drawings showing over 70 completed garments including: blouse with waistline dart, shoulder dart, combination darts, underarm dart, french dart, neckline dart, center-front dart, armscye dart; blouse back with waist dart, combination darts; facings and neckline finishes; long sleeves; various type of sleeves from a basic pattern including lantern, barrel, bell, bishop, drop shoulder, kimono, and dolman sleeves; blouse with shoulder yoke and cape sleeves; blouse with yoke panel, pointed yoke, low yoke and pleated detail, scalloped yoke, scalloped panel; basic two piece skirt with dart; two piece skirt with three and four-piece variations; two piece skirt with dart front and back; six piece skirt; basic princess pattern; princess pinafore dress; princess house coat (which can also be used as an elegant gown); two piece dress with princess lines; princess line suit. This book is perfect for designers, fashion illustrators, tailors and home sewers with a love of vintage fashion. The diagrams and instructions throughout the book are clear and simple, teaching coordination of construction lines with body lines to achieve that 1940s classic style that emphasized a woman's waist to produce an hourglass silhouette.