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)
Introducing the Originals-
These are the two dresses I have chosen from my collection to use as this pattern that will be release FIRST to the attendants of this special class for the Texas Living History Association.
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.
These are the two dresses I have chosen from my collection to use as this pattern that will be release FIRST to the attendants of this special class for the Texas Living History Association.
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.
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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.
What will the class entail?
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 after 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
and comparasion to some others in my collection (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 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.
As always my patterns come complete with historical notes and images from my photograph collection to show how the gowns were "really worn".
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 after 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
and comparasion to some others in my collection (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 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.
As always my patterns come complete with historical notes and images from my photograph collection to show how the gowns were "really worn".
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, 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, sewing machine (although this can be sewn by hand, the originals make use of machine sewing).