Regency Dressmaking
January 7, 2012 (1-4 pm):
with Katy Bishop & Terry Crumb
       Nahant Community Center
       41 Valley Road, Nahant, MA

An introduction to Regency fashions. Learn how to make it or fake it just in time for the 1812 Ball on February 18. In this workshop we will view some original garments of the period, including a spencer (jacket) from the collections of Katy Bishop and the Nahant Historical Society. We will also have several examples of garments made from replica patterns (including corsets) and made from altered thrift store garments. We will discuss the most prevalent styles of the time and show you how to achieve the proper look, from the underwear out. Fabric, pattern and trim recommendations will also be covered. Participants are encouraged to bring along their own projects for advice and assistance.

Special thanks: to the Nahant Historical Society for generously co-sposoring this class
and allowing us to view original garments in their collection.
We would also like to thank the Nahant Preservation Trust and
the Nahant Council on Aging for donating our class space.

Fashions of the Titanic Era
February 25, 2012 (1-4 pm)
with Katy Bishop & Terry Crumb
       Nahant Community Center
       41 Valley Road, Nahant, MA

pre pregistration is required. $10 $5 for students).

Learn how to buy, make, or even approximate, the distinctive look of Titanic era fashions for both daytime and evening at our informative costume workshop. In this workshop we will view some original garments of the period from Katy Bishop’s and Terry Crumb’s collections. We will also look at examples of garments made from period patterns and altered thrift store garments. We will show you how to put together ensembles for different times of day on a budget with great effect. We will cover both day and evening wear outfits appropriate for any of the events at the Titanic Vintage Dance Weekend. Participants are encouraged to bring along their own projects for advice and assistance.

Special thanks: to the Nahant Historical Society for generously co-sposoring this class.
We would also like to thank the Nahant Preservation Trust and
the Nahant Council on Aging for donating our classroom space.

September 10, 2011 (1-4 pm):
Introduction to Corset Making
led by Nicole Carlson
with Katy Bishop & Barbara Pugliese
Location: Sew-Fisticated Fabrics
       136 Howard Street, Framingham, MA
       (In the former "Fabric Place" building)
Join us for a hands-on corset making workshop. For just $15 ($10 for students), you'll receive your own copy of Past Patterns #213 Late Victorian Corset, enough fabric and supplies to complete a custom fit corset mock-up, expert instruction in completing every step of the corset construction process, plus a complete list of the supplies you'll need (and trusted retailers who sell them) to help you complete your corset project on your own. The corset pattern we will be using is easy to make and ideal for use with costumes from about 1850-1900.

Special thanks: to Saundra Altman of Past Patterns for generously donating the patterns for this class.
to Sew-Fisticated Fabrics for donating their classroom space.

October 1, 2011 (12-4 pm):
Sewing a Civil War Ballgown
led by Katy Bishop with
Nicole Carlson, Terry Crumb & Barbara Pugliese
Location: Sew-Fisticated Fabrics
       136 Howard Street, Framingham, MA
       (In the former "Fabric Place" building)
THIS CLASS HAS BEEN POSTPONED, IT WILL BE RESCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE
This month we will be learning how to fit a ball gown bodice. In this class you will be provided with a Ball Gown Pattern, take measurements and fit a muslin mock-up of the bodice during the class. An overview of some construction techniques and trim possibilities of the bodice and skirt will also be presented.
Note: We request that all participants bring a sewing machine and extension cord, scissors, corset and hoop-skirt if possible--please contact us if you need a loaner items.

This is the pattern we will be using, click on the image for a larger view.

Special thanks: to Saundra Altman of Past Patterns for generously donating the patterns for this class.
to Sew-Fisticated Fabrics for donating their classroom space.