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2008 Fal Workshops

In keeping with our commitment to the education and perpetuation of the interest in Historic Fashion, we have developed a series of Hands-on Workshops.All are conducted in Williamsburg VA, only 2.5 miles from the Historic District. Our facility is a private and self-contained environment where you can "immerse" yourself in the learning process. Some of the Workshops offered in the past have been Gown Draping, Stays, Breeches, Unlined Frock Coats, Lady's Jackets, Wigs and Makeup, Riding Habits, Cloaks and Outerwear, Silk Hats & Caps, and Deportment. As always, your continued patronage and support have allowed us to bring you these workshops.

2013 Workshops

About Our Presenters

 


 

 

“This Delicate and Necessary Appendage: Breeches”

A Hands-on Workshop

Friday Afternoon February 22nd, Saturday February 23rd & Sunday February 24th, 2013

 

The first chapter of the 1796 Taylor’s Complete Guide begins: ” Of the Theory and practice of Breeches. This delicate and necessary appendage to dress requires more comments than the Trade would perhaps really imagine, chiefly owing to the great variety of materials of which they are composed for choice and approbation of the various customers, and as they may suit the purposes of various occasions…” While this introduction makes it clear that breeches are cut upon different patterns according to the fabrics from which they are being made, much of the text that follows discusses the further necessity of cutting for different figures of men. These inconsistencies of body and fabric conspire to make breeches the greatest test of the tailor’s skill.

 

In this workshop, Mark Hutter, Tailor in Colonial Williamsburg’s Department of Historic Trades, will discuss, demonstrate, and teach the delicate art of making a proper fitting pair of breeches. The weekend workshop will begin with a study of original images and garments through which we will examine the expectations in the cut, construction, and finish of men’s breeches during the third-quarter of the 18th century, as well as the remarkable variety of materials from which they were made. Throughout the remainder of the workshop students will work both cooperatively and independently to learn the subtleties of measuring and patterning for breeches in 18th century manner. Each student will partially construct a pair of breeches, which may be later finished and used as a pattern.

 

It is respectfully requested that during this class all breeches be fit to men; female participants may bring a “customer” at an additional charge or work with men participating in the workshop. All materials will be provided; participants will need to bring scissors & sewing notions; customers need to bring a pair of closed-front close-fitting drawers.

This is a Level 3 Class

Cost of this 2 1/2-day workshop is $185.00

There will be a complimentary cold breakfast and lunch buffet Saturday and Sunday and snacks on Friday

 

A confirmation package will be sent to you upon acceptance of your registration, which will include directions, suggested lodging, and details.



Class size is limited to
12 Participants.

Our classes fill up quickly, so please register Early!

Registration Deadline February 1, 2013

 

Cancellation Policy

 

E-Mail or call 757-253-1644 with your questions or to register


 

Clothes for Bed and other “Undress” Occasions

A Hands On Workshop

              Friday afternoon March 22nd , Saturday March 23rd  & Sunday March 24th  2013

How Scandalous!
Actually in the 18th Century “undress” was a term for informal or everyday clothing!

 Join us for a weekend of learning 18th c. hand sewing techniques as you work your way through the making of a Man’s wrapping gown or a Woman’s bedgown.  Friday we will discuss the uses and many varieties of 18th c. wrapping gowns or bedgowns with a short presentation. We will quickly move on to the cutting of your chosen garment and the practice of two different seaming techniques. Friday evening plan on homework as the sewing of your garment commences.

Saturday, we will introduce you to the night shirt or sleeping shift and help you in the measure and cutting of this garment.  We will provide you with the necessary direction to complete this project at home. Sunday we will continue sewing our bedgown or wrapping gown with help and advice from our Presenters.  We will also show you how a Man’s wrapping gown can be transformed into an early 18th c. mantua.  A short presentation will demonstrate the variations of this style up to the 1740’s.  For the Ladies become proficient with your thimble and needle while exploring early styles of gowns as well as producing a bedgown and beginning a shift with Janea Whitacre and Sarah Woodyard.

For the Gentlemen, proficient hand sewing as learned from the Tailor while producing a wrapping gown as well as beginning a sleeping shirt will be the order of the day with Mark Hutter as your instructor.

 This is a Level 1 Class

Cost of this 2 1/2-day workshop is $165.00

There will be a complimentary cold breakfast and lunch buffet Saturday and Sunday and snacks on Friday

A confirmation package will be sent to you upon acceptance of your registration, which will include directions, suggested lodging, and details.

Class size will be limited to
20 Participants
Our classes fill up quickly, so please register Early!
Registration Deadline February 22nd, 2013


Cancellation Policy

E-Mail or call 757-253-1644 with your questions or to register

“A Comfortable Corset”

The New Fashionable Stay of the 19th Century

A Hands On Workshop

              Friday afternoon April 5th ,Saturday April 6th  & Sunday April 7th  2013

Remember when 200 + years ago meant 1770s? Well now 200 years ago is 1810.  Get yourself ready for the bicentennial events of this new century with a new comfortable, easy-to-wear, cord-quilted corset.  Join Janea Whitacre in a two and a half day workshop devoted to creating an early 19th century corset.  The design of your corset will be based on an original in the Colonial Williamsburg collection. We’ll explore hand construction design and techniques. By the end of this workshop participants will have refined the shape of their corset and will be ready to complete the decorative cord quilting. Fabric and busk will be included with the workshop. At registration you will be sent instructions to create an early 19th century chemise necessary for the workshop. As always participants will work in pairs to measure and help fit each other. Hand sewing experience is required for this workshop as the entire corset will be assembled and embellished by hand.

This is a Level 2 Class

Cost of this 2 1/2-day workshop is $185.00 & includes materials

There will be a complimentary cold breakfast and lunch buffet Saturday and Sunday and snacks on Friday

 A confirmation package will be sent to you upon acceptance of your registration, which will include directions, suggested lodging, and details.

Class size will be limited to
12 Participants
Our classes fill up quickly, so please register Early!
Registration Deadline March 7th 2013


Cancellation Policy


E-Mail or call 757-253-1644 with your questions or to register

“A Lesson in Mantua Making”

An 18th Century Fitted Back Gown

 
A Hands-On Workshop

Friday Afternoon, May 31st, Saturday, June 1st & Sunday, June 2nd, 2013

“Mantua Maker....to make a Mistress (of the trade), there is little else wanting than a clever Knack of cutting out and fitting, handsome Carriage, and good set of Acquaintance...”
General Description of All Trades, London, 1747

 

During this exciting 2 1/2 day workshop participants will cut and fit their way thru the basics of 18th century mantua making while construction a fitted back gown.  This experience will be led by Brooke Welborn, Mantua Maker.

 
Over the course of the class participants will become familiar with gown draping and cutting to the person as well as 18th century hand sewing and construction details.  Participants will work in pairs, cutting and fitting in the Mantua-makers way and assembling all the pieces by hand.  By the end of this workshop participants will have their gown well under construction and will have the knowledge to complete it on their own. 

 
Participants are expected to have experience in hand sewing as well as experience constructing a gown or jacket from pattern or draping.  An 18th century shift, under petticoat and a well-fitted 1770-80’s pair of stays are required.  If you think you would like to wear your gown with underpinnings such as a hoop or bum roll, please bring these as well.  In order to complete all necessary cuttings and fittings by the end of the workshop “Homework” will be required on Friday and Saturday night.  Participants will be provided with muslin but will be required to bring pins, needles, scissors, thread, a thimble and fashion fabric for cutting the final garment.  Lining will be provided.  Burnley and Trowbridge as always will have a selection of fashion fabrics, linens and notions available for purchase or you can contact them with your wants and needs.

 
This is a Level 2 Workshop

 
Cost of this 2 1/2 day workshop is $185.00 and includes lining for your gown and muslin for draping.

There will be a complimentary cold breakfast & lunch buffet Saturday & Sunday and snacks on Friday.

A Confirmation packet will be sent to you upon acceptance of your registration which will include information from our presenter as well as directions, details and information on lodging.

 
Class size will be limited to 14 Participants

Our classes fill up quickly so please register Early!

Registration Deadline April 30th, 2013


Cancellation Policy


E-Mail or call 757-253-1644 with your questions or to register

 
 
 
 
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