September 16-18 at the Queen's Rustic Retreat in McQueeny, Texas
This workshop is EXCLUSIVELY for TLHA members (it's only $15 to join TLHA)
What Will I Learn?
Texas Living History Association workshop attendees will receive an Early Release pattern featuring these two notable pieces from my private collection.
This class includes one of my historical patterns with multiple options based on my ever growing dress collection of the everyday lady. As always, my patterns come complete with historical notes and images from my photograph collection to show how the gowns were "really worn". I am also there to answer questions on "why did they do it this way?" and other queries you may have on dresses from this timeframe.
Texas Living History Association workshop attendees will receive an Early Release pattern featuring these two notable pieces from my private collection.
This class includes one of my historical patterns with multiple options based on my ever growing dress collection of the everyday lady. As always, my patterns come complete with historical notes and images from my photograph collection to show how the gowns were "really worn". I am also there to answer questions on "why did they do it this way?" and other queries you may have on dresses from this timeframe.
Cutting out and fitting your pattern/muslin for a perfect neat historical appearance.
If you have fitting issues I will work with you to make sure you are taking home a flattering dress. You will walk away with an adjusted pattern for your figure and the knowledge of how to "fix" future patterns. Do you have problems with a large upper arm fit? I have a historically correct solution. Do you fight with wrinkles and binding at the armscye? We can fix that. Do you have a hard time getting a pattern in your size? My patterns range from 32 to 53 bust measurement BUT for this class if you need something outside that range you may email me and we will make sure you have the pattern you need.
19th century speed sewing techniques with the sewing machine.
While hand sewing may have been the most common way before the civil war, in the industrial period afterwards sewing machines became extremely common. A large portion of early bustle dresses I have examined make use of this handy new helper to the woman's everyday life.
Hands on examination of these extant dresses
No museum appointment necessary! I will also bring a few others from my collection to compare with the ones the patterns are based on as well (yes you can take photos to help you remember how things are done!)
Understanding common dress style for everyday wear.
This is a basic style, but we will talk about some other common pattern shapes worn during this timeframe. I will also. for this class only, show you how to use your skirt pattern to create a overskirt to make your dress a bit more "dressy" for special occasions.
And most importantly- You will have a new dress(or at least a really good start on it) by the time the weekend is finished.
If you have fitting issues I will work with you to make sure you are taking home a flattering dress. You will walk away with an adjusted pattern for your figure and the knowledge of how to "fix" future patterns. Do you have problems with a large upper arm fit? I have a historically correct solution. Do you fight with wrinkles and binding at the armscye? We can fix that. Do you have a hard time getting a pattern in your size? My patterns range from 32 to 53 bust measurement BUT for this class if you need something outside that range you may email me and we will make sure you have the pattern you need.
19th century speed sewing techniques with the sewing machine.
While hand sewing may have been the most common way before the civil war, in the industrial period afterwards sewing machines became extremely common. A large portion of early bustle dresses I have examined make use of this handy new helper to the woman's everyday life.
Hands on examination of these extant dresses
No museum appointment necessary! I will also bring a few others from my collection to compare with the ones the patterns are based on as well (yes you can take photos to help you remember how things are done!)
Understanding common dress style for everyday wear.
This is a basic style, but we will talk about some other common pattern shapes worn during this timeframe. I will also. for this class only, show you how to use your skirt pattern to create a overskirt to make your dress a bit more "dressy" for special occasions.
And most importantly- You will have a new dress(or at least a really good start on it) by the time the weekend is finished.
Introducing the Originals-
The first is a cotton dress featuring an annexation style flounce. It was purchased from the same source and found in the same trunk as a later 1870s wrapper in my collection. This style is a fairly easy to make, and makes use of several speed sewing techniques that became common as the sewing machine became more common.
The brown corded wool dress is made along similar pattern lines, with small details changing the look of the dress.
This pattern will be based foremost on the cotton dress, using the wool dress to show alternate dress front openings, sleeve style, neckline style and skirt style.
The first is a cotton dress featuring an annexation style flounce. It was purchased from the same source and found in the same trunk as a later 1870s wrapper in my collection. This style is a fairly easy to make, and makes use of several speed sewing techniques that became common as the sewing machine became more common.
The brown corded wool dress is made along similar pattern lines, with small details changing the look of the dress.
This pattern will be based foremost on the cotton dress, using the wool dress to show alternate dress front openings, sleeve style, neckline style and skirt style.
|
|
Cost is $350 and incudes two nights' lodging and food (Friday through Sunday), your pattern, and the instruction fee.
Participants may reserve their spot with a 100-dollar deposit.
The balance must be paid by August 18th at 5:00 PM or the deposit is forfeited.
A deposit may be transferred to another participant with prior approval by TLHA.
Participants may reserve their spot with a 100-dollar deposit.
The balance must be paid by August 18th at 5:00 PM or the deposit is forfeited.
A deposit may be transferred to another participant with prior approval by TLHA.
Supplies needed:
(currently I am working on my personal reproduction and will be able to give a bit closer estimate on fabrics about mid June)
Lining (estimate 2-3 yards): Originals show linings made from leftover fabric from other cotton dresses, feed or flour sacking, plain weave fabric in a tan or brown, polished cotton, fine light twill weave shirting in a tan or light brown, and my personal favorite for hot climates- a lightweight linen.
Main Fabric (estimate 8 yds 45"): a historical cotton print, or a suiting or tropical weight 100% wool.
Muslin or other scrap fabric to make a fitting muslin This fabric should be firm plain weave, it can be a poly blend as we are just going to use it to make sure your pattern fits ideally. Old sheets work great for this. You just need enough for the bodice and possibly a single sleeve.
Tracing paper if you want to save your pattern intact.
Notions: Hooks and Eyes (buttons optional), Thread to match main fabric, your favorite sewing needles and pins, scissors, sewing machine (although this can be sewn by hand, the originals make use of machine sewing).
(currently I am working on my personal reproduction and will be able to give a bit closer estimate on fabrics about mid June)
Lining (estimate 2-3 yards): Originals show linings made from leftover fabric from other cotton dresses, feed or flour sacking, plain weave fabric in a tan or brown, polished cotton, fine light twill weave shirting in a tan or light brown, and my personal favorite for hot climates- a lightweight linen.
Main Fabric (estimate 8 yds 45"): a historical cotton print, or a suiting or tropical weight 100% wool.
Muslin or other scrap fabric to make a fitting muslin This fabric should be firm plain weave, it can be a poly blend as we are just going to use it to make sure your pattern fits ideally. Old sheets work great for this. You just need enough for the bodice and possibly a single sleeve.
Tracing paper if you want to save your pattern intact.
Notions: Hooks and Eyes (buttons optional), Thread to match main fabric, your favorite sewing needles and pins, scissors, sewing machine (although this can be sewn by hand, the originals make use of machine sewing).