Cover Image Property of PUBLISHER
This image property of Publisher,
scanned from my private collection
TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Introduction
  • 13" Rag Doll Pattern
  • LINGERIE:
    • Chemise
    • Pantalets
    • Corset
    • UnderPetticoat
    • Flannel Petticoat
    • Crinoline
    • Petticoat
    • Nightgown
    • Wrapper
    • Nightcap
    • Stockings
    • Boots & Shoes
  • THE DRESSES:
    • House Dress
    • Day Dress
    • Morning Visiting Dress
    • Afternoon Visiting Dress
    • Walking Dress
    • Carriage Dress
    • Ballet Costume
    • Dinner Dress
    • Evening Dress
    • Ball Dress
    • Victoria's Wedding Dress
  • THE BONNETs:
    • Bonnet
    • Flower Circlet
    • Evening Headdress
    • Lace Headdress for Home Wear
    • Wedding Veil
  • WRAPS:
    • Scarves
    • Lace Pelerine
    • Ermine Cardinal
    • Small Lace Wrap
    • Velvet Cloak
  • ACCESSORIES:
    • Cuffs
    • Collar
    • Collarette
    • False Undersleeves
    • Mitts
    • Muff
    • Chemisette
    • Apron
    • Flower Holder
    • Parasol
    • Necklace
    • Bracelet
    • Earrings
    • Pocketbook
  • The Patterns

Title: The Wish Booklet: Fashions 1840-1845, Vol. XVII
Author: Susan Bonsall Sirkis
Publication Date: Booklet:1976
Publisher: The Wish Booklets, Williamsburg, VA
Page Count: 34
Book Dimensions(ht. x w.): 11" x 8 1/2"
ISBN: 0-913786-17-9

PATTERN RATING:Star Rating You get a wide variety of patterns for a specific time period. All the pattern pieces are full-sized, marked with seam allowances and have other markings to aid the seamstress(no grainline markings).

INSTRUCTION RATING:Star Rating These aren't basic books for beginners - she expects you to know the terms she's using and to have experience putting garments together, so instructions are fairly brief. She provides lovely illustrations of finished garments but not a lot of illustration for getting there.

SUMMARY- Patterns are drafted to fit a 13" rag doll(doll pattern included - first introduced in The Wish Booklet, Vol. XV). And of course you get Susan's gorgeous illustrations of period dress! If you haven't run across Susan Sirkis' work before, you've really missed out. They're called "Wish Books" because everyone who reads them wishes they were longer! She does meticulous research, and her patterns are fun to work up.

You can still get Susan's books directly at www.susansirkis.com/wishbooks.htm at $7.95 postage paid - far cheaper than what e-bay sellers are asking for them(usually about double - and you pay for postage on top of that!). They are well worth the investment if you like dressing your dollies in vintage styles!