Chicago fabric merchants
Where to find deadstock wools, antique buttons, and specialty linen suppliers across Chicagoland.
Recommended costume literature
Foundational texts on 18th-century tailoring, Victorian undergarments, and mid-century construction methods.
Pattern drafting manuals
Step-by-step guides for grading historical blocks and scaling extant museum garments for modern fits.
Accessing regional textile archives
Several Chicagoland institutions maintain remarkable extant garment collections available for scheduled researcher viewings. We maintain visiting guides, appointment tips, and reading room protocols for members.
Whether you are examining 19th-century construction details or mid-century couture stitching, our reference network connects you directly with curators and study rooms.
Have a resource to suggest?
Share your archival findings, library recommendations, or local fabric sources with our research committee.