Publisher's Synopsis
Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. We know that the styles change frequently from season to season, but we must bear in mind that the underlying principle is the Fundamental Patternn the so-called Basque, and after we have this, we are able to execute any desired style according varia tions in vogue. Many of our Cutting Academies, however, which still cling to Old Worn Out System make a number of body measurements the basis of their instructions and graduate their pupils with a stock of stereotyped patterns in hand, and numerous sets of figures in mind, of which memory soon makes a jumble. Some of our tailors and dressmakers in consequence make the sad mistake of attempting to use one pattern for all figures, without discrimination. They reason that all that is needed is a little taking in, or a little letting out of the original pattern in order to make it conform to the slim or stout figures of their patrons. As actual trial soon convinces them of the incorrectness of their work, and of the impossibility of fitting individual figures in this fashion, they are compelled to waste not only their time and labor in making neces sary alterations, but also wear out the patience of their patrons, and in the end they turn out garments which are seldom perfect fitting, comfortable and chic.
