The ABCs of Early Regency Gowns: Apron, Bib, & Chemise Gowns from 1795-1810

Friday afternoon, August 15th - Sunday, August 17th
Registration opens on Wednesday, May 14th at 12:30 pm

In the last decade of the 18th century and into the first decade of the 19th century, the Rococo fashion influence gave way to that of the Neoclassical.  Waists rose, fabrics became lighter in color and weight and gown construction began to change.  While a variety of new fashions emerged during this time, in this workshop we will focus on three of the popular ways that the fronts of these gowns were finished: apron fronts, bib fronts, and chemise drawstring fronts. 

This  2 ½ day  workshop, led by Brooke Welborn will include:

  • Examination of images of extant gowns from 1795-1810.

  • Demonstration of how basic lining shapes are modified to the cut and fit of these styles of gown.

  • Demonstration of all stitching & construction techniques needed to hand stitch and finish the garment.

  • Participants working with a partner to fit their garment, using the methods of the late 18th/ early 19th c. Mantua-Maker. 

Due to time restraints, participants are required to bring with them previously cut and fit basic 1795-1810 bodice lining mockup in muslin.  These “shapes” can be from a previous Burnley & Trowbridge workshop on cutting shapes or copied from a patterned garment that fits well. These “shapes” will then be adapted for the fit of a 1795-1810 gown. 

A late 18th c/early 19th c  shift, under-petticoat, and a well-fitted 1790s-1810 pair of stays are required for this class,  in order to properly  fit your gown.  By the end of the workshop, participants will have their gown well under construction, and will have the knowledge to complete it on their own. Please be prepared for “homework” on both Friday and Saturday nights!

This workshop is an Intermediate Level 2. Participants are expected to have good hand sewing skills, as well as, experience producing an article of 18th or early 19th century clothing using a pattern (or cutting to the figure) and have fitted that piece of clothing.   Please read more about our current Workshop Levels here.

Workshop cost of $325 includes: 2 1/2 day workshop and muslin for fittings.

Class size will be limited to 12 Participants

Registration opens HERE on Wednesday, May 14th at 12:30 pm

*CANCELLATION POLICY

Because of the nature and enrollment limitation of our workshops, we regret that we are unable to give a full refund for a cancellation.  If you cancel 30 or more days prior to the workshop, we will refund your fee less a $50 cancellation fee. If you cancel less than 30 days prior to the workshop, we will have to charge the full amount of the workshop unless we are able to fill your slot, in that event you will be charged only the $50 cancellation fee.  In the event of the workshop being cancelled we are not responsible for any costs by the attendee for cancelled reservations.