IN PERSON WORKSHOPS
In order to attend these and future in person workshops vaccination for Covid-19 is required.
- All of our in person workshop experiences take place 2.5 miles from downtown Williamsburg, Virginia.
- Workshops begin at 1:30 pm on Friday afternoon and conclude at 3:30 pm on the Sunday.
- Complimentary snacks on Friday and lunch buffet on both Saturday & Sunday.
- A confirmation package with directions, suggested lodging, and details will be sent to you upon acceptance of your registration.
- Class size is limited to 12 Participants
OUR SPRING 2022 SCHEDULE
How to Register:- Set an alarm for 5 minutes before the registration time opens.
- Make sure you are already logged in to your customer account and have your credit card information saved in your computer or easily accessible.
- At 12:30 pm EST exactly, refresh this page and registration link will be active. If link is not active, exit this page and go to previous page and then return back to this page.
- Click the registration link, add workshop to cart, proceed directly to check out, enter payment info and pay now.
- Please understand that our system does not hold an item in your cart through checkout and our workshops have extremely limited spaces. If a workshop sells out before you are able to register please email workshops@burnleyandtrowbridge.com to be added to a waitlist in case of any cancellations.
"Banyans, Night Gowns, Bedgowns, and Sultanas"
with Christina Johnson
Friday Afternoon, April 29th - Sunday, May 1st
Registration Opens Wednesday, January 12th at 12:30 pm
In the eighteenth century all genders wore gowns of various sorts for undress- what we would think of as casual wear. These garments were worn in the context of the home early in the day before dressing, or later in the evening before bed. They were worn by some individuals at work and by others at progressive salons or in various “intellectual” contexts (think in one’s library or study.)
Students in this 2 ½ day workshop led by Christina Johnson will:
- Discuss the chronology, distinguishing features, patterning, and construction of the banyan, night gown (or wrapping gown), bedgown, and sultana.
- Pattern a chosen gown in half size to practice the patterning process before patterning and cutting one of the four gowns for undress in full size.*
- Check fit and make any adjustments before beginning construction of the gown.
By the end of the weekend participants will have nearly finished the gown of their choice. Be prepared for some light “homework” on both Friday and Saturday night.
This course is intended for both new and experienced eighteenth century clothing enthusiasts. Students should bring the eighteenth century garments they intend to wear with their gowns (shift, stays, shirt, breeches, waistcoat, etc.)
*The fitted nature of banyans make them more complex to draft and construct, therefore a pre-drafted pattern will be used by students who choose to make this garment. For these same reasons we do not recommend banyans for those who have not constructed a fitted garment before.
Register HERE
”In Which We Make Breeches”
with Neal Hurst
Friday Afternoon, May 13th - Sunday, May 15th
Registration Opens Wednesday, January 26th at 12:30 pm
A pair of breeches was the most common form of legwear worn by men during the eighteenth century. First coming into fashion during the 1660s, this garment fastened around the waist, fit firmly and smoothly across the thighs, and ended below the knees.
Over the course of two and a half days, join tailor Neal Hurst as we learn 18th century methods of taking the measure, patterning and finally constructing a well fitted pair of breeches. Participants have the option of choosing a flap or button front and will construct their own breeches using period hand sewing techniques.
Participants will work in pairs to measure, pattern, and fit their breeches. If participants prefer not to make the breeches for themselves, they may either bring a model at an additional charge of $40 or work with other participants in the workshop to measure, pattern, and fit.
Participants need to bring fabric, scissors & sewing notions; customers need to bring a pair of closed-front, close-fitting drawers.
This is an Intermediate Level 2 Class.
*Please read Level Requirements before registering.
Cost of this 2 1/2-day workshop is $290
Registration opens HERE Wednesday, January 26th at 12:30 pm
SOLD OUT WORKSHOPS
"Creating a Supportive 16th century Underdress"
with Samantha Bullat
Friday Afternoon March 11th - Sunday, March 13th
Before the advent of separate pairs of stays or corsets women wore supportive underdresses, often called kirtles, to give shape and form to their gowns. The kirtle bodices (upper bodies) were worn by women of all classes and created support through the use of layers of buckram and canvas rather than boning, which did not become common until the end of the 16th c. in elite fashion. Kirtles could lace up the front, sides, or back depending on the garment with which they were worn.
Join Samantha Bullat for this 2 1⁄2 day workshop where we will:
- Discuss and analyze the evolution of kirtles: who wore them, how were they worn, and who made them? This discussion will include factors such as socio-economic status, geography, etc.
- Learn how to draft the basic kirtle shapes and choose different types of inner layers for body type and social demographic.
- Work in pairs to measure, alter and fit a kirtle bodice shape.
Students will leave the workshop with a mostly completed kirtle bodice and the understanding of how to finish the bodice, then assemble and attach skirts.
Your kirtle will be fitted over an undergarment. A 16th c smock is highly preferred but a later shift or chemise is acceptable for the purposes of this course.
*Please read Level Requirements before registering
Cost of this 2 1/2-day workshop is $290
which includes muslin for cutting kirtle bodice shapes.
SOLD OUT
"The Fundamentals of Cutting and Fitting to the Figure"
with Brooke Welborn
Friday Afternoon, March 18th - Sunday March 20th
Eighteenth century women's clothing was made by first cutting and fitting a lining to the figure, to which the fabric of the gown would later be sewn. The “shapes” created by this process made up a perfectly fitted pattern for the customer and could be reused and adapted - to speed the sewing of future gowns of the same - or even other styles.
The purpose of this workshop is to teach the fundamentals of cutting and fitting to the figure. In this 2 ½ day workshop, led by Brooke Welborn, Mantua-maker, you will:
- Learn the shapes needed to cut the sleeves, back, and front of a stomacher-front or close-breasted gown.
- Discuss, analyze, and observe fitting figures of various types and learn how to manipulate fabric over the complex three-dimensional topology of the human torso.
- Work in pairs to practice cutting the shapes and then learn to adapt these basic shapes to different styles and decades.
Students will not leave the workshop with completed gowns, but rather with a set of fitted shapes and an understanding of the basic techniques and mechanics which they can then adapt to their own dressmaking projects.
This class is intended for those new to 18th c. mantua-making or those wanting more practice in cutting to the figure. Must have a shift and well-fitting stays!
SOLD OUT
"A Deep Dive into the Cut, Construction, and Setting of Sleeves
for 18th century Women's Garments"
with Christina Johnson
Friday Afternoon, March 25th - Sunday, March 27th
“It’s a case of the Sleevils!” “I hope it’s a good sleeve day” “My project is almost done, well...except I’m dreading the sleeves” If you’ve found yourself saying any of the above, then join us for a workshop designed to alleviate all of your sleeving woes. While sleeves may seem like an unsolvable mystery of the universe, we promise you they are not! Be it cutting, fitting, constructing, or setting this workshop will cover it all, including how sleeves change over time.
Students in this 2 ½ day workshop led by Christina Johnson will:
- Discuss the timeline and evolution of sleeve styles and shapes with a focus on the three main “types” of sleeves such as when they are used, and how to cut/fit them.
- Discuss the typical construction methods for assembling and setting each type of sleeve.
- Work with a partner to cut six different sleeve shapes- a one piece sleeve in three variations, a two piece sleeve in imitation of a one piece sleeve, a two piece sleeve for tailored garments, and a “butterfly” sleeve.
- Work with a partner to practice setting at least three of these sleeve shapes before the end of the workshop.
- Have the opportunity to attempt to set a sleeve on a current sleeve project during practice (optional)*.
By the end of the weekend, participants will have six refined sleeve shapes and the knowledge of how to cut, construct, and set the three main types of 18th century women’s sleeves. Be prepared for some “homework” on both Friday and Saturday night.
This course is intended for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of 18th century sleeves and the method of cutting and fitting in the 18th century manner to enhance their skills in mantua-making. Students should bring an 18th century shift and well fitting stays.
*If students would like to use a project in progress for their sleeve setting practice (perhaps from a previous B&T workshop) then they should bring the project in a state of completion such that it is ready for sleeves to be set.
This is an Advanced Level 3 Workshop
*Please read Level Requirements before registering
Cost of this 2 1/2-day workshop is $290
which includes muslin