Tunic:
This garment construction is taken from several extant pieces in an
excellent state of preservation. The cut is appropriate for
both male and female garb. It is comfortable, straightforward,
extremely complementary and well within the reach of the beginning
sewer. We will examine period examples and reproductions, examine
appropriate fabric choices and fabric preparation, discuss how to
measure yourself, discuss how to determine the size and shape of the
pattern pieces, how to lay the pieces out on your fabric to
make a cutting pattern, step-by-step instructions on how to construct
the garment, and how to finish it. Also some discussion of
accessorizing, from grave finds.
Hood:
This garment is appropriate for both men and women. We will look at
extant pieces, discuss how to measure yourself and create and
cut the pattern, and color and construction variations, of which there
are many!
Intended audience:
The class is great for those of you who want to make
their first/second piece of garb as well as people who have
made garb, but would like to try their hand at reproduction
construction. This is probably NOT a great class for the more
experienced crowd, as I am going to assume little or no foreknowledge
of sewing techniques.
RSVPs are of great assistance, to be sure that you receive a handout
(they are free).
Examination of styles via the artwork of Durer and Cranach and their
contemporaries. Construction of ladies undergarments and over
garments. Hands-on how-to of smocking, a common form of embellishment
on both undergarments and outer garments for both man AND
women during this period. How to measure yourself and create patterns.
How to perform fabric calculations to incorporate smocking
into garment construction. A brief examination of accessorizing and
headgear. This style of dress is more complex than the
simpler, flowing garments of previous times, but not as complex as some
Tudor and Elizabethan. It does not necessarily require a
corset, for example.
Intended audience: People who are comfortable using a sewing machine
and have sewn a couple pieces of garb.
RSVPs are very
helpful, to be sure you get a handout.
It's all well and good to say "Here's the garb, and
here are the fabrics you wanna use" but, what do you
do when you get stew on your sleeve?!? This class
will not only cover selecting fabrics for early garb,
but also identifying fabrics, including various silks
and linens, pre-washing, spot cleaning on finished
pieces, and recommendations on various commercially
available products one can use to clean one's garb.
It will cover cotton and felt, as both were available
for eastern european and middle eastern cultures.
RSVPs are very
helpful, to be sure you get a handout.
The first portion of this class will cover the changing styles of
women’s clothing from 1558 to 1600. We will look at portraits from each
decade throughout the 45 years of Elizabeth I's reign and identify the
hallmarks of that time. We will also discuss the components of the
Elizabethan outfit, from the skin out. This portion will be illustrated
by items from the instructor's wardrobe. Materials, construction
methods and how to sit in a Spanish farthengale will also be discussed as well
as the little touches that will help you look like you stepped out of a
painting.
Intended audience: People who have some sewing skills.
RSVPs are very helpful, to be sure you get a handout. As one of the
handouts will have color pictures, there will be a fee for that one.
This section will cover how to make accessories for your tunics or dresses. The accessories covered will be predominantly early to middle period, and will not get into Tudor or Elizabethan accessories. We will cover how to wear a brat (a unisex Scottish/Manx throw), make a full semi-circle cloak, how to make realistic-looking ermine fur, some period embroidery patterns and stitches, and a bit about basic veils to top things off. (Hats and hoods are being covered in other classes.)
Materials:
My hope is for everyone to leave the class with at least something. I've listed the materials needed for each item. If you wish to construct the item in the workshop, please bring the appropriate materials from the list below. I also strongly encourage washing the fabrics prior to bringing them, so nothing shrinks the wash once it's been cut.
Cloaks:
3 or 4 yards of coat-weight wool
3 or 4 yards of faux fur (if you want a fur-lined cloak)
about 12" of gold or silver finish chain
one clasp pair in the same color metal as the chain above
Brat:
2 or 3 yards (I recommend 3) of a lightweight wool, plaid or solid color
Veil:
2 yards of a lightweight silk, any color
Intended audience:
This class will be a fairly broad survey of garb accessories, so it may have appeal to a wide range of audiences. I will be focusing on women's garb, though I do know some of the items (cloaks, ermine collars, etc) are unisex. I will be teaching at a more basic level, and sewing skills aren't a *must*. Some of these items can be made with minimal sewing required.
RSVPs are of great assistance, to be sure that you receive handouts.
