A home-fashioned notebook in staplebound wraps, 8.25 x 10.5 inches. 24 quad-ruled pages, some altered with tape to create foldout panels, replicate fabric seams, etc. Featuring 12 fabric samples: 6 panels illustrating structural and decorative handstitches, plus 6 miniature garments illustrating competency sewing rounded collars, necklines, assorted seams, and impressive smocking. A student book for the 1946-47 school year, written in French and graded strictly in red ink. The handwriting appears more polished than the drawing and stitching; we estimate the budding seamstress to be around 13 or so. Good condition, a touch brittle with some pages beginning to split at the spine, light overall tanning and soil. Sections include "rules of couture," an illustration of bias sewing, examples of stitches and guidance on materials, needle sizing, and other technical aspects of sewing and dressmaking. Very charming, down to the title lettering that appears somehow reminiscent of both the 18- and 1980s (evidence, perhaps, that fashion really is cyclical).