Wade Laboissonniere studies and collects vintage patterns and archive materials that document twentieth century fashions. He is also the author of Blueprints of Fashion: Home Sewing Patterns of the 1940s.

During the 1950s, many women used their sewing skills to recreate the incredibly feminine styles that were adapted into commercial sewing patterns. The 1950s saw renowned designers such as Lanvin, Fath, Schiaparelli, and Givenchy licensing their names and designs to pattern companies in record numbers: designers from Paris to New York to Hollywood can be accounted for in the pattern catalogs of the 1950s. Any woman who could sew could have the latest designer styles for a fraction of the cost. Using over 600 color photos, this informative and enjoyable text outlines the beginnings of the huge pattern industry, its evolution, and continuation through the 1950s. Numerous examples of pattern-related ephemera are pictured along with different types of fashions--from dresses to separates to evening gowns to lingerie. Also included are accessories, needlework, gifts, and toys. This is an invaluable guide for all who are interested in sewing or designing.