Looking to create those magnificent swoops and puffs you only see in 19th century fashion plates? Not sure how to turn the puzzle pieces into sewing patterns? Would you like to use the same patterns Victorian dressmakers did?

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Join us for a two-day online workshop with a live teacher that covers the spectrum from basic to tailored for the gorgeously arranged styles of the Late Bustle era. Class begins with an overview of 1880s skirt draperies in period fashion, dressmaking and pattern diagrams. Students will learn several methods to enlarge pattern diagrams into usable paper patterns, and how to translate the markings into sewing instructions.

 

We will sew 1880s half-scale skirt draperies in class using a small dress form, and review pleats, puffs, grainlines, various adornments and everything in between. The workshop includes fitting adjustments, discussing fabric choices/underpinnings/structure and period dressmaking techniques. **It is strongly recommended that students take the pattern diagrams workshop From Page to Pattern as an introduction to using diagrams**

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The half-scale dress form and underskirt must be completed by students prior to class to use as a mannequin. We will use the Victorian half-scale dress form epattern from Ninonella**, students will purchase and download it here ($8 US):

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Victorian Half-Scale EPattern

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The workshop will cover:

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-A review of 1880s Late Bustle skirt draperies (eras, trends, fabrics, fashion plates, examples)

-Original 1880s pattern diagrams for skirt draperies (where to find, determining dates & styles, identifying & translating markings/symbols, sewing instructions)

-Enlargement methods for pattern diagrams (turning a picture into a pattern)

-Creating half-scale skirt drapery samples from provided 1880s pattern diagrams (working the process from diagram to pattern to drapery in half-scale)

-Diagrams & techniques taught may be used by students to create full-size skirt draperies for future projects

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Class includes:

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-Supply list

-Original pattern diagrams

-Two paper patterns for half-scale underskirts (street length & trained)

-Pdf handout

-Additional half-scale form accessory patterns (bustle pad & arm)

-Bonus material

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Students are expected to provide:

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• Pen & paper for notes

• A roll of white art paper, paper scissors & scotch tape

• Pencil & eraser for patterning

• Ruler & yardstick

• Sewing machine & needles (70/80)

• Iron & ironing board

• Basic sewing tools & supplies (thread, scissors, needles, pins, measuring tape, fabric marking pen, etc)

• Several yards of fabric to make half-scale skirt draperies

• Scrap fabric for adjusting the draperies

• Twill tape

• 1/2 yard of fabric to make dress form (heavier, nonstretch such as twill)

• Stuffing & cardboard for dress form

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**I have no affiliation with Ninonella, her pattern is exactly what I was going to draft for class. The epattern has clear instructions and a how-to Youtube video**