Title: Famous Frocks: Patterns and Instructions for Recreating Fabulous Iconic Dresses
Authors: Sara Alm & Hannah McDevitt, Illustrations by Kerrie Hess
Publisher: Chronicle Books
ISBN: 9780811877916
Chapter List
Introduction
General Instructions
The Frocks
Terms, Techniques and Tools
Resources
Index
Acknowledgements
The book includes 10 patterns, one for each frock.
Paperback or Hardbound? Hardbound
Retail Price: $29.95
Does the book have clear illustrations or photographs? Yes indeed. More on that later.
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate this book in the “must have” category? I’d give it a good solid 8, maybe even a 9.
What do you like about this book? Several things. This book encompasses designs from the 1930s to the 1980s. The iconic dresses represent: Bette Davis, Rita Hayworth, Marilyn Monroe, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, Twiggy, Diana Ross, Farrah Fawcett, Stevie Nicks and Madonna, so there is something here for most people. I’ll forgo the Marilyn, Twiggy, Stevie and Madonna, but I will definitely give Rita, Jackie, Farrah and Diana a go. It comes with 10 patterns for the dresses. The patterns come in sizes XS (bust 31″) to L (bust 37″). They are printed on paper that is akin to BurdaStyle magazine paper. Heavier than tissue, but lighter than, say, StyleArc paper. The patterns range from beginner level to one advanced level pattern. Most are in the beginner-to-intermediate range.
I like the layout of the book. Beginning stitchers can easily access the basic instructions before delving into the details of each dress. Those of us who have been sewing a while can jump right in with whichever dress style we choose. Each dress style has a brief introduction to the iconic look made famous by the wearer. There are two interpretations of the dress: the “icon” and the more modern “variation”. The pages following the introduction to the dress show technical drawings and a fashion illustration of each version, followed by cutting layouts and sewing instructions. The instructions and illustrations are quite clear and well-thought-out. The next chapter is a glossary/useful tool list. Finally comes a list of sewing resources. It’s easy to read and a very useful resource.
Anything you don’t like? Well I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the resource list is incomplete. 
For instance, where were Gorgeous Fabrics and Fashion Sewing Supply?
Another minor point is that the patterns don’t aim to recreate the iconic dresses line for line. They are more like interpretations of the dresses. Close, modernized interpretations.
So, is this book worth the money? Yes! I bought this as an advance order. I got it pretty early, perhaps even before it was officially released. I think it’s a great addition to just about any sewing library. I will make some of the patterns at some point, and I’ll review them then. In the meantime, if you are looking for a book to add to your library, or to your Christmas list, I’d definitely recommend this one.
Happy sewing!
wow–funny timing. just last night i was re-watching one of my favorite project runway challenges–reinterpreting a style icon for a modern look (season 3, if you are curious). now i’m really feeling like this book could be a must-have!
I had a copy of this on the way when you mentioned it the other day, so I was anxious to see what you thought. I think it’s pretty great, also! I would like it if the dresses were a line by line recreation also, though. But I am guessing that is an editorial decision; more sewists would make a modern interpretation than an exact vintage replica. That said, I will probably make most of them, some in the modern interpretation (Farrah’s) but most more true to the original.
Thanks for sharing! I can’t wait to see what you make.
xo, Anita
Oh I’ve had this on my WishList for ages, so it’s so good to see a review! But I’m totally alarmed that the largest bust size is only 37″ – what the crap? That’s like a Burda 40! Could you please please please post the full size chart for the patterns in this book so those of us on the borderline can see if it’d be worth our while? Please? I can’t find this info online anywhere else, and It’s not in Amazon’s “Look Inside” as far as I can find…
Here’s the size chart from page 10 of the book:
XS 31 24.5 34.5
S 33 26.5 36.5
M 35 28.5 38.5
L 37 30.5 40.5
Thanks very much! Unfortunately it looks like I’d have to size up from a Large. Which means I doubt I will ever realistically make any of these! So this is helpful in deciding to remove it from my WishList…
This looks like a book that I’d check out from the library, due to –
1. The sizes. Unless there’s enough detail that it would be useful to create your own versions in larger sizes.
2. I don’t wear dresses. I do buy dress patterns if they can be used as a top though.
I forgot to add “thank you” for putting up the size chart.
Thanks for posting the size range. Even though it’s an interesting concept for a book, I’m just not that interested in plunking down money for a book without patterns in a plus size range. I’m fickle like that! *smile*
Thanks for the review, Ann!
I complete forgot I wanted this book, LOL! Thank you for the review and for posting the sizes. Off to plot who to…convince to gift it to me *wink*