This online workshop features an overview of 1880s-90s wire frame cap styles, including an examination on-camera inside and out of three antique 1880s day bonnets and one original 1890s beaded evening cap.
Students will follow step-by-step instruction with a live teacher and learn how to create a wire frame cap both with and without a pattern in varying shapes and sizes. Beginners welcome, this is a terrific project to learn millinery with simple period methods and students may choose to make either a day or evening style in class.
The workshop will focus on the bonnet-style wireframe of the 1880s and early 90s, but will demonstrate how to create and cover a mid to late 1890s round or butterfly cap. Cover, lining and period-specific trim techniques will be demonstrated for various styles & eras, including how to create optional jeweled ornaments for evening caps. This is a great stash-buster for fancy remnants!
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Supply list:
-18 or 19 gauge covered millinery wire
-1 yd stiff tulle netting
-Fabric scraps (taffeta, velvet, etc)
-Trim (flowers, plumes, beads, lace, ribbon, etc)
-Ribbon for the ties (if desired)
-1/4 yard cotton fabric
-Needle nose pliers
-Basic hand-sewing supplies (needle, thread, buttonhole thread, pins, scissors, etc)
-*Optional- jewelry pliers, wire & pearls/beading for ornaments*
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The workshop includes a pdf handout with reference photos, style options & supply list
MARCH 21-22, 2026
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
9:30 AM- 4:30 PM PACIFIC (LOS ANGELES)
11:30 AM - 6:30 PM CENTRAL (CHICAGO)
12:30 - 7:30 PM EASTERN (NYC)
TWO DAY WORKSHOP
LECTURE & SEWING
CLASS COST:
$100
INCLUDES PDF HANDOUT & SUPPLY LIST
Chantal is a chihuahua parent, professional costume designer and the Founder/Dean of Costume On.
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As a professional costume designer/seamstress/milliner she has designed and constructed clothing and costumes for every type of media and project, from space suits for film to 19th century replicas for a museum. She has taught for Costume College, Costume On, Costumers Guild West, Grant Larson Productions, Genesee Country Village & Museum and others.
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Her first garment was a pair of shorts made out of a towel, and they were absolutely terrible.
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Chantal Filson
1886 / Costume On
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These glorious skirts were made by students in previous sessions of The 1890s Skirt Hem master class.
Skirt by K. Stelzer