Dressmaking Coursework

Dressmaking coursework, 1923-1925. Museum no. B.1220 (8)-1993. (click image for larger version)

This dressmaking coursework was compiled by Edith Prescott during her time at Woolwich Polytechnic Institute in London from 1923-1925.

If you look closely you can see how long Edith spent on each part of her coursework. The top piece of work shows different types of fastenings - loops, eyelets, metal bars, eyes and hooks - and was completed in 9 hours and 45 minutes. You can imagine how tiring the exercises were, especially repeating them over and over in one session.

Edith also worked on 'arrowheads' for finishing the tops of pleats, buttonholes, embroidery stitches and whole garments. As well as many more exercises like these she made a sampler and a bookmark. Courses like this usually included maths, sketching and painting too. Edith graduated from the polytechnic in March 1925, aged 16 with a certificate to show that she had passed her dressmaking course. She kept her album of coursework to show prospective employers what she could do, but also used it to preserve a couple of treasured possessions - a wedding buttonhole and a coloured engraving of Jesus the Good Shepherd.

After graduation Edith was offered the position of lady's maid' by Lady Moira Combe. Edith's training gave her the right qualification to become a lady's maid as the position demanded she be an expert needlewoman. A lady's maid looked after her employer's clothes and accessories, styled her hair and assisted her wherever necessary.