Sew Into Fashion

In this year’s All Henrico Reads title, The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl, the impulsive purchase of a vintage Dior dress sparks a journey of self-discovery and adventure in Paris. For practical and predictable main character Stella, the dress encourages her to see herself in a new light and envision a life beyond anything she’d previously imagined. And while Dior may not be in the budget for most, fashion is much more than runway looks and expensive designer labels. It is how we present ourselves to the world; it is a vehicle for personal expression. Clothing has the power to boost our confidence and give us the courage to live deliciously.

Hear more about Stella’s story and living deliciously from author Ruth Reichl, who will join us for an in-person conversation and book signing on Thursday, March 27 at 7PM at the Henrico Sports & Events Center!

Dive into themes from The Paris Novel by exploring titles from our collection. Below are just a small selection that examine fashion’s history, impact, and influential figures:

• Couture Confessions: Fashion Legends in Their Own Words by Pamela Golbin
  • From Madeleine Vionnet and Madame Grès to Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent, author Pamela Golbin brings late legendary fashion designers to life in this compilation of the designers’ own words on life, art, and design.

• Fashion Forward: 300 Years of Fashion: Collections of the Musee des Arts Decoratifs
  • Flip through the pages of Fashion Forward and follow three hundred years of fashion history and evolution as told by the iconic pieces featured in a 2016 monumental exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.

• Liberty Equality Fashion: The Women Who Styled the French Revolution by Anne Higonnet
  • The French Revolution saw not only a revolt against the monarchy, but a revolt against oppressive women’s fashion. Thanks to three influential women with nothing left to lose, rigid clothing and underwear cages were shed for light dresses and short, easy-to-manage hair. While their courageous style was soon stifled by misogynist attitudes, author Anne Higonnet uncovers their story over two centuries later.

• Mademoiselle: Coco Chanel and the Pulse of History by Rhonda K. Garelick
  • Author Rhona K. Garelick chronicles the extraordinary life of legendary fashion designer Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, whose brand and influence on women’s fashion is just as visible today, over 100 years after the opening of her first boutique.

• Make, Sew and Mend: Traditional Techniques to Sustainably Maintain and Refashion Your Clothes by Bernadette Banner
  • Support sustainable fashion (and your wallet!) by learning to make, sew, and mend your clothes. Popular historic fashion YouTuber Bernadette Banner walks readers through the basics of traditional stitching techniques to extend the life of your garments and create pieces of your own.

• Thriftstyle: The Ultimate Bargain Shopper’s Guide to Smart Fashion by Allison Engel
  • High fashion doesn’t have to come at a high price. Discover fashionable finds on a budget with this handy guide on thrifting. Learn to navigate the racks and spot quality items for your wardrobe.

Additional highlights from our collection include:

• DapperQ Style: Ungendering Fashion by Anita Dolce Vita
• Dress Codes: How the Laws of Fashion Made History by Richard T. Ford
• Dressing Up: The Women Who Influenced French Fashion by Elizabeth L. Block
• Empresses of Seventh Avenue: World War II, New York City, and the Birth of American Fashion by Nancy MacDonell
• Fashion: The Definitive Visual Guide by Kathryn Hennessy
• The Fine Art of Fashion Illustration by Julian Robinson
• Love Style Life by Garance Doré
• Miss Dior: A Story of Courage and Couture by Justine Picardie
• The Re:fashion Wardrobe: Sew Your Own Stylish, Sustainable Clothes by Portia Lawrie
• Wear it Well: Reclaim Your Closet and Rediscover the Joy of Getting Dressed

PROGRAMS:

Ready to take your style into your own hands? Attend one of our upcoming workshops or regular stitching programs to learn some basics!

• Tuckahoe Stitching Group
  • Upcoming Dates:
    • Thursday, March 20, 1 – 2:30PM at Tuckahoe

• Sit and Stitch
  • Tuesday, March 25, 6:30 – 8PM at Fairfield

• Varina Stitchers
  • Upcoming Dates:
    • Thursday, April 3, 10AM – 12PM at Varina

• Rainbow Stitching Group
  • Thursday, April 3, 6:30 – 8PM at Tuckahoe

• Sewing 101
  • Saturday, April 5, 10AM – 12PM at Fairfield

• Hand Crafted Series
  • Scheduled for multiple locations and times beginning in April. Topics include:
    • Indigo and Natural Dyeing
    • Cross Stitching
    • Whole Cloth Quilting
    • Basic Patch Quilting
    • The Art of Weaving