Medici Collar

The Medici collar is a large, high standing, fan shaped collar generally composed of lace, net, embroidered satin or any light material which is wired to stand up in the back and sloping to join a decolletage (usually a low square neckline) in the front. The Medici collar provided a large frame at the back and around the sides of women's head. It was worn by Marie De Medici, second wife of Henry IV of France and was much popular among the wealthy in the 16th century. The collar was revived and given this name in the 19th century.

Mandarin Collar

Mandarin collar is a small, stand-up collar that extends up on neck (about 3-4 cm) and not quite meeting at the center front. It is also called Chinese Collar or Nehru Collar. The collar can be done close-fitting or away from the neck. It can be blunted, curved, pointed or extended that can be turned down to form lapels.

Empire Line Silhouette

Any modern dress consisting of high waistline located just under the bosom. The waistline is characterized by an inserted piece of fabric or a seam. This style is derived from First Empire period in France (1804-1815) under the rule of Napolean Bonaparte. Other Characteristics of the silhouette includes low-cut neckline at the front and back, long and straight skirt.

Stem Stitch

Stem stitch is one of the easiest stitches used for outlines.

Start at 'a' then insert the needle at 'b' and bring the needle up in the centre at 'c'.

Insert the needle at 'd' and bring it up at the end of the previous stitch thst is 'b'.

Continue the pattern to make a row of overlapping stitches.

(Variation - the stitches are worked at an angle to produce more rope like effect).

                                                    

                                          

                                                                                                                 

                 
                                                  

Whipped Running Stitch

First work a base of closely spaced running stitch.

Next bring the second thread up at 'a' and slide the needle under the next stitch from right to left and pull through carefully.

 Continue whipping till the end.

                                                          

                                                                      

   

                                                           

Bow Tie Collar

A bow tie collar consists of flat, stand-up band with elongated ends that is sewn to the neckline. The ends tie in a bow (a knot, that usually consists of two loops and two ends) in front. This collar became popular in the 1920s and continued as fashion ever since.

H-line Silhouette

The H-line is a straight silhouette or dress resembling the alphabet 'H' as the garment goes straight from shoulder to hip marked by a low horizontal belt, cuff or seam at the waist. It was called H by designer Christian Dior in 1954.