ONLINE WORKSHOPS

We have designed our core online curriculum to center on a skills progression which allows students to build a foundational understanding of 18th century skills through guided instruction and application. We build this foundation by working on a controlled body first (our mini-mannequin in stays) to develop the basics before moving on to experiment with applying those principles to less controlled forms (real bodies in full size) as we feel that this approach optimizes student success in the long term.

Closed Captioning is available on all our Online Workshops.

CURRENT WORKSHOPS

with Christina Johnson

In this mini-workshop students will build the malleable bust for the B & T approved mini mannequin, a collaboration with Ruth Watkin Costumes.  Pointers and recommendations will also be given for the construction of the mannequin body. You may choose to assemble by hand or by machine but hand finishing will be required.  The B & T approved mannequin will be the base for many of our future online workshops. Using our workshop methods, this mannequin will serve as an excellent base for historical foundation garments of all eras. 
Workshop Available Here.

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UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

with Christina Johnson

Registration opens Wednesday, December 8th at 12:30 PM EDT
Workshop starts Wednesday, January 12th

Believed to be the descendent of Aari work, tambour embroidery (named after the drum-like frame on which it is worked) was made popular in the eighteenth century where it became not only a European industry, but also a genteel hobby practiced by those of a certain social echelon. Students will not only learn the basic tambour stitch, but will apply their learning as they tambour a reproduction of an original early 19th century tamboured cap from a private collection.   

Learn more here.

 

with Christina Johnson

Registration opens Wednesday, February 2nd at 12:30 PM EDT
Workshop starts Wednesday, February 9th

The quality of a pair of stays is determined not only by its cut and fit but by its construction.  This workshop will demonstrate and discuss 18th century approaches to stitching, boning, and finishing stays.  Students will work through each component of assembly starting with fabric choices, continuing through assembly, and ending with finishing techniques. Through making a miniature pair of stays students will gain a working knowledge of the concepts and techniques necessary to construct an Enviable pair of stays.

Learn more here.

 

with Brooke Welborn & Christina Johnson

Registration opens Wednesday, April 20th at 12:30 PM EDT
Workshop starts Wednesday, May 4th

Eighteenth century mantua-maker’s produced most women's fitted gowns and jackets by cutting and fitting to the body. One method used in the period was to cut a lining to the figure which could then be used to inform the shape of the desired gown. In this online workshop participants will learn to think like a mantua-maker as they practice the process of cutting and fitting shapes on their half sized mannequin (in stays) to gain a foundational understanding of the many variables that must be considered in order to cut the perfect shape.

Learn more here.

 

with Brooke Welborn

Registration opens Wednesday, June 29th at 12:30 PM EDT
Workshop starts Wednesday, July 13th

The English gown is a common garment worn by all socio-economic levels in the 18th century. Distinguished by its stitched back pleats, its bodice could be made with a stomacher and robings or could be center front closing. In this workshop students will follow step-by-step instructions to assemble all of the pieces of a half-size English Gown using 18th century tools, techniques, and methods which can be applied to future full-size projects.

Learn more here.