Classes at Costume College 2010
The following is an alphabetical list of classes which will be presented at Costume College 2010. Every year we try and come up with some new offerings for our attendees. Should you have any questions regarding our teachers, please contact our Programming team.
Click on one of the alphabetic links below to quickly access a class by its title.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K, L, M, N, O, P, R, S, T, U, V, W, Y
16th Century Irish Headdresses
Regina Lawson
This class will present the period art and observations of Irish headdresses, and related accouter from other parts of Europe. Irish women wore a variety of head coverings, many of which have been incorrectly interpreted for modern usage. We will examine the evidence, and provide the roots of the separate pieces and the assembly of appropriate combinations of pieces.
1890’s Leg'o'Mutton Sleeve
Liz Gerds
How to get that huge sleeve to stand up, and fit into that armhole. Techniques demonstrated include both historical and modern materials.
18th Century Shoes From Your Closet
Loren Dearborn / Mercurio “Bunny” Ekaterin
A lecture and slideshow with an overview of the shape of shoes of the period and step-by-step instructions for making 18th century style shoes by recovering and altering modern shoes.
A Pressing Matter(limited)
Rory Cunningham
After sewing a beautiful seam, it will never look perfect unless it is pressed correctly. Learn tricks of the trade to take you from "loving hands at home" to "lovely garments to own." In this class, students will not only learn more than one way to finish seams of all sorts, but receive other insights to create your costume visions.
Advanced Techniques in Buckram Hat Making for Three-Part Hats(limited)
LynnMcMasters / Gail Nichols
This class will cover 5 or 6 advanced techniques that can be used to elevate a buckram hat from entry level costume to professional looking. These are sewing machine techniques so the students should have already made 4 to 5 hats of this style. They need to have a sewing machine that they know will handle working with buckram and wire.
After Burn – Other Ways to Identify Fabrics(limited)
Joyce Brendlinger
After you've done a burn test, you know some things about your fabric - it's a natural fabric, it's a synthetic, an animal fiber or cellulose. But if you need more information than that, it's time to do further testing. What else is in your wool blend? Are there ways to tell cotton from linen without a microscope? Is there rayon in your silk velvet? Join me as we start with a burn test, then go through other ways to test fabrics. Caution, we'll be using bleach in this class. Don't wear anything nice. Bring an apron.
An 1890’s Evening Cape Workshop(limited)
Gail Nichols / Lynn McMasters
We will discuss two versions of this simple (three pattern piece) elegant puffed sleeved, long front, short back cape; including a modern short cut version.
The class will cut out and begin construction on either version. All the embellishments are added after the basic construction, so students will be able to finish the cape on their own.
Pictures of the cape are on the web in a folder at http://www.lynnmcmasters.com/cape
Appropriate Lace for the Time Period
Natalie Meyer
An over-all history of lace making, with descriptions of construction techniques, types of lace and what is appropriate for historical accuracy.
Artistic Reform and the Aesthetic Movement
Lana Bailey
The Artists, the Rebels, and the Reformers! All of these and more shunned high fashion for a “better” way of dressing, and embraced the Artistic Reform and Aesthetic Dress movements. This lecture will show an overview of the silhouettes, the fabrics, the influences and influencers of these styles. Attending the CGW’s Aesthetics Tea and don’t know what to wear? We will help you answer that question, too.
Basic Card Weaving(limited)
Jess Miller
This is a workshop that covers basic techniques of card weaving, a very old method of off-loom weaving. This class will discuss the materials and techniques of creating your own patterns for garters, belts and trims.
Basic Hand Embroidery(limited)
Kristin Stonham
Learn how to thread a needle and do basic embroidery stitches! With these basic stitches in your repertoire, decorating your clothes, costumes, and furnishings becomes a snap. Easy and addictive, embroidery is a fun and cheap way to jazz up the plain and make the ordinary extraordinary.
Basic Hand Sewing(limited)
Jess Miller
This is a workshop that covers basic techniques of hand-sewing, which are the building blocks for fancier heirloom sewing. Topics covered will include basic stitches for plain sewing, thread and fabric choices and an overview of a basic sewing kit and notions.
CLASS CANCELLED
Beginning Chain-Maille (limited)
Carl Nelson
The basics of chain-maille construction for costumers.
Beginning Viking Knit(limited)
Elizabeth K. Miller
Weave fine-gauge silver wire with your fingers around a wooden dowel, and create a beautiful tubular bracelet which can be worn unadorned or embellished with pretty crystal beads. The technique is called "Viking knit" because archeologists found pieces of chain maille shirts in Norway that were apparently created using this technique; the end product resembles the stockinette stitch in knitting. (N.B. Anyone can do this. You can work on Viking knit projects anywhere – long airplane trips, doctors’ waiting rooms, etc. Warning: this is way too much fun and can be addicting.)
Blackwork Embroidery(limited)
Kimiko Small
In the Tudor period, Catherine of Aragon made popular in England a style of embroidery known as blackwork, using various simple designs. This technique was used all over Europe during the century. Early blackwork is a simple yet beautiful technique that can easily enliven the linen clothing of historical 16th century re-enactors. This class will teach the basic stitch used, and offer information on how to follow and create the patterns of the period.
Building Hat Goggles(limited)
Kate Morgenstern
Inexpensive prop goggles to wear on your bowler or pith helmet. Use paper tubes, hot glue and puff paint to make the iconic Steampunk accessory for your hat.
Buttons Three Ways: Cloth-Stuffed Buttons, Silk-Wrapped Buttons, and Flat Buttons(limited)
Francis Classe
Buttons were used not only for garment closures, but for decoration as well (and in some cases, decoration exclusively). In this class, students will learn three types of buttons – the simple cloth-stuffed button, the basic thread-wrapped "splined" button, and the flat button.
Classic Visual Steampunk
Shannon McSmith / Thomas Moore
This class will tour classic Steampunk movies and art with the intent of exploring the pop culture roots of this art form. We will view images from many of the classic (and not so classic) films that gave rise to this modern favorite.
Clip, Dip and Tip
Kristin Stonham
Tired of waiting for your boning order to come in the mail? Learn where to order bulk rolls of steel boning, how to cut your own lengths of boning as needed, and how to treat their ends to prevent tears and rust marks in your costumes.
ClockWork Angel Wings(limited)
Arabella Benson
Wings for the Steampunk mindset. Using Craft foam, wire feathers and gears, students will build a pair of wings.
Coats, Wraps and Stoles in the 1950's
Amy Calcote
An overview of outerwear of the 1950s, including the debut of a new Decades of Style pattern.
Costume Basics During the American Revolution
Shelly Foote
In case you missed last year! This presentation will include a discussion of economic differences in men's and women's clothing, underpinnings, deportment and remaking clothing at the time of the American Revolution.
Costume Research in the Digital Age
Lana Bailey
Step beyond Wikis and costume overview websites! Come see how to research using primary sources without leaving your computer. Learn how to search for information and create your own digital costume collection using sites as diverse as national museums and eBay. An extensive list of recommended sites for research will be given.
Costuming for Community Theater
Jean Mosteller
This class explains the fundamentals of costuming for local community theater. It includes all aspects of the task such as: 1) How to get the job; 2) What is expected of the costumer; 3) Making costumes, renting costumes or pulling from a theater stock; 4) Planning, organizing and fitting costumes; 5) Dealing with actors & the director; 6) Closing the show.
Costuming on a Croquis
Shawna Trpcic
As a student of art, Shawna has spent years creating her fantastic costumes on paper before making them into reality. This class will share some basic tips and tricks to drawing the costume in your head onto a croquis figure. Students will want to bring sketch paper and drawing pencils to follow along. Shawna will also show some of her portfolio.
Costuming the Cook
Lynne Ashby / Barbara Gerleman
Tips, hints and suggestions for developing an appropriate outfit for your working, active impression.
Creating Ribbon Flowers(limited)
Katie Vardijan
Ribbon flowers can be used to decorate many, many costume pieces from hats to shoes to purses. Learn how to make basic three dimensional ribbon flowers and add a little floral punch to your costume collection. We will start with a demo and a discussion of materials. The rest of class will be spent creating 2 different types of ribbon flowers and one set of leaves.
Digital Cameras – Looking Under the Hood
Eric Gerds
Ever wonder how digital cameras work? Why some are better than others? Eric will give you a look under the hood on how things work. He will also talk about the different formats, such as JPG, gif, and why some are better than others.
Elementary Mold Making for Jewelry and Accessories(limited)
Elizabeth K. Miller
Your great-grandfather’s military coat is missing a button, and how are you going to find a matching replacement? You make one by taking an existing button and making a mold for use with Sculpey or metal clay, for example, to create a new button. Or perhaps you’ve sculpted a piece for jewelry and want a way to replicate it. The teacher will demonstrate some ways to make simple one-part molds and how to cast them. A technique sheet with resources will be distributed to attendees.
Elizabethan Corsetry(limited)
Carol Wood
Achieve the perfect middle- and upper-class Elizabethan silhouette with a custom corset. We’ll review the options for late 16th century corsets, discuss modern “cheats,” then customize Margo Anderson’s corset pattern for a comfortable fit. We’ll utilize techniques and materials as close to period-accurate as possible, such as stiffening with cane boning, buttonhole eyelets, and ladder lacing. The final garment will be a two-layer unbleached twill corset which you may choose to cover with fashion fabric and/or line as you construct. Never again will your corset cause you bodily harm, and Faire friends will marvel at your figure!
Embellishing With Bead Embroidery(limited)
Katie Vardijan
Embellishing garments and accessories with beads has been done for centuries. The tools are basic but the effects can be spectacular! Learn basic application stitches, couching, and an edge stitch. Kit includes practice fabric, beads, needles, thread, and a handout. Bring an embroidery hoop (at least 5" wide) if you have one, a few will be available in class to borrow.
CLASS CANCELLED
Embroidery in Fashion
Lisa VandenBerghe
An overview of how embroidery has been used to embellish fashions throughout history.
Evening Wear for Your Hair(limited)
Donna Scarfe
Get out that handy glue gun and create a magnificent accessory for your evening festivities. Using hair bands, combs and barrettes, incorporating ostrich plumes, silk flowers, satin ribbons and extras, you will make a period-perfect headpiece for your Gala gown. Various period styles for evening wear will be discussed.
Fans: Their Discovery and Uses Around the World
Karey Leichel
A short, broad survey of the history, descriptions, and uses of fans. It will mainly cover American, European, and Oriental fans with examples and books from my collection.
Fantastical Wigs
Judith Grivich
Want to make that four-foot-wide wig a reality? Come learn to defy gravity with a class on extreme wig work! This class will cover both the basics of wig manipulation and a few techniques for creating physically impossible hair designs. We will cover a few anime style hairstyles, as well as some tips for the 18th century.
Feet Off the Ground(limited)
Fran Wasielewski
Using kits, we will build a pair of simple shoes, Eastern Woodland moccasins, which can be the basis for many period shoe styles. Here’s a chance to practice the leather skills learned at Scout Camp.
Felted Wool Flowers and Accessories
Sarah Northrip
Demo of needle-felting and flat felt manipulation techniques.
Fiber to Fabric: Textiles 101
Fran Wasielewski
Need to know the history of the fiber you are wearing for authenticity re-enacting, or because you want to be as accurate with your work as possible? Join the adventure into the past as the histories of silk, cotton, linen and wool are examined. We’ll also look at the development of weaving and spinning equipment.
Five Foot “Pinner” Apron Workshop(limited)
Shelley Peters
Student will learn how to use five of their sewing machine feet while constructing a Civil War era “pinner ” apron.
Freezer Paper Stencils(limited)
Lindsay Tallman
Do you have a design that you'd like to apply to your latest project, but don't want to deal with fiddly applique or difficult stencil designs? Freezer paper might be the answer. This forgotten kitchen material can be cut into any shape, ironed on to fabric to create a stencil or resist, and peeled off without leaving a residue. In this workshop, you'll get tips on creating successful stencils, plus get a chance to play with the possibilities. You'll also get a sheet of this useful material to take home for further experimentation without committing to a full roll.
French Drape Pattern Making
Kathy Lear
This class will present pattern-making to fit. The instructor will show students how to get a bodice, waistcoat, jerkin, etc., to look as if it was actually made for you – because it was! No duct tape or plaster-of-Paris required.
From Illustration to Reality
Jonnalyhn “Wolfcat” Hall
From the Fashion Folio at Costume Cons, historical recreations of paintings, to the modern designs of comics like "Girl Genius," "Elfquest" or "X-Men," and movies like Sherlock Holmes, Stardust, Star Wars and more; how to take inspiration from an illustration and transform it into wearable art to wear.
Fun Foam Factory
Shawn Crosby and Malaki Keller
Make complex costume enhancements or entire costumes with fun foam.
Funky Fabrics
Bridget Landry
Techniques for wrangling lamé, stretch fabrics of various persuasions, fake fur, metallics, and plastics. (This will not address latex.) If you’ve got a particularly troublesome fabric, bring it in and we’ll attack it together.
Futuristic Guns and Weapons
Shawn Crosby
Turn anything into a convincing "Weapon of the Future," covering genres from Steampunk to Star Wars to Barbarella! Bring your projects for critique and brainstorming.
Gaelic Clothing in 16th Century Reenactment and its Origins in History
Steven Gillan
An overview of primary source illustrations and text descriptions of Irish and Highland clothing and equipment, as well as how these items have been interpreted .
Grading Basics(limited)
Liz Gerds
The modern method of changing sizes on a flat pattern, using a standardized mathematical formula, or how to change a pattern’s size without changing the shape. The class will work to grade the front and back of a modern sloper bodice.
Hairpiece Basics: Bustle Era Hair
Bridget Bradley-Scaife / Lana Bailey
Learn the basics of hairpieces. Learn how to match your hair color, where to buy, and even how to make your own. In this class, we will demo how to create Bustle Era hairstyles using various hairpieces.
Hairstyles of the 1940's
Vanessa Wood
Class will include an in-depth overview of hairstyles from the 1940’s, a discussion on tools needed to achieve them in the modern era and tips and tricks for creating great vintage styles on your own. Instructor will demonstrate an everyday look, faking a style from a picture, and an evening up-do, on several models in class, as time allows. Instructor will also have a collection of vintage styling tools for exhibition.
Hana Kanzashi 花簪 - Hair Ornaments for All Seasons
Mercurio “Bunny” Ekaterin / Vanessa Wood
Explore the elegance and versatility of Japanese hair ornaments in this lecture and demonstration of tsumami kanzashi. A variety of hair ornaments will be on display and the basic techniques of this traditional art-form will be discussed.
Hat Pins: Steampunk or Historical(limited)
NicholsGail / Lynn McMasters
Learn how to make your own hat pin blanks. Learn how to cut, sharpen and add beads or other ends to make that 12-inch Edwardian hat pin or that short crazy Steampunk hatpin to finish off a great Steampunk outfit.
Head Dress for the Ball(limited)
Shelley Peters
How am I going to “do ” my hair for the Ball? Students will construct a headdress using a wire frame with or without a hairpiece.
Heirloom Sewing Techniques(limited)
Natalie Meyer
Instruction in hand and machine sewing techniques for reproducing heirloom-quality garments, including insertion lace, entredeux, hand-bound buttonholes, French seams and more.
Highland Scottish Variants in the Gaelic costume of the 16th Century
Steven Gillan
More Gaelic clothing class-where they appear and how they differ from their Irish forms, with specifics of the Highlands and Western Islands, plus a section on the appropriate sharp toys for boys both Highland and Irish.
Historical and Fantastical Hats
Judith Anne Grivich
This class will demonstrate the art of making hats. We will provide a step-by-step demonstration of how to make your own buckram fabric-covered hat, as well as how to make your pattern. Break free of the “hot gluing feathers onto a JC Penney straw hat” rut and join the fun of a unique topper for your frock!
How to Acid Dye Feathers with Kool-Aid(limited)
Lynn McMasters / Gail Nichols
Learn how to use the microwave to dye feathers. Learn both the process and the equipment needed. Learn basic dying and some advanced techniques like tip-dying ostrich plumes and tri-color dying of feathers.
How to Make Continuous Bias
Amy Calcote
Demo of a simple bias tape technique. Students may optionally bring materials to follow along and make their own bias: 1/4 yd. fashion fabric, fabric scissors, needle and thread.
How to Make Spats
Making spats isn’t hard! Pattern to be provided to students.
How to Wear a Sari
Sandra Manning
How to wrap and wear a sari. Instructor will have some saris.
I meant it to be that way!
Sandra Manning
What to do if you find moth holes in your material, rips in your outfits, etc. Audience participation encouraged.
Identifying Women’s Military Uniforms of WWII
Rebecca Metzger
Ever wonder what the differences were between a WAC uniform and an Army Nurse uniform? This class will cover the various styles of uniforms worn by the WACs, WAVES, ANC and Lady Marines during WWII. Learn how to identify these uniforms based on color, fabric, buttons and labels. Students will also have a chance to see original uniforms.
Inside Charles James
Joycelyn Falsken
Charles James designed elaborate sculptural ball gowns in the 1950s. This lecture will take you on a tour inside several James masterpieces, including his clover leaf ball gown, and discuss the unusual materials, patterning and techniques used in their construction. These techniques can be used to produce avant-guarde as well as sci-fi designs.
Inspirations for SciFi/Fantasy Costuming
Shawna Trpcic
Lecture on personal experiences of creating costuming for various TV and Web shows such as Firefly, Angel, and Dr. Horrible. Shawna will share her inspirations and creative process for the costumes as well has her experience of working in the industry. Sketches and actual garments will be shown.
Intermediate Beading(limited)
Tracey Gorin
Feel like you’ve got the basics of beading down, and want to learn what comes next? In this class, you’ll learn beading beyond the basics, beaded fringe, and additional stitching techniques for fabulous results!
Intro to Historic Costuming for Dolls
Loren Dearborn / Mercurio “Bunny” Ekaterin
Costuming on a small scale can be really rewarding, but also poses some special problems. This class will be a lecture and discussion about costuming for Asian ball-jointed dolls and other large dolls.
CLASS CANCELLED
Introduction to Silk Ribbon Embroidery (limited)
Lisa VandenBerghe
Learn, hands-on, the basics of silk ribbon embroidery in a class modeled on one taught at Lesage embroidery school in Paris, France. We will also cover a brief overview of its history and uses. Basic hand-sewing skills required.
It's a Wrap! How to Create a Turban that Won't Unravel
Corinne Pleger
Demonstration and practice wrapping turbans, and demonstration of other methods of creating the turban look.
Kids at Faire: Costuming Hints & Lifestyle Tips
Lynn Downward
Raising children at a recreation event for 5-6 weekends at a time is a challenge I’ve mastered. My experiences being pregnant twice and raising two girls from infancy into adolescence at Ren Faire North could keep both of you costumed, healthy, safe and happy. I’ll offer suggestions for stretching costumes for your growing children and safety, health, happiness, and sanity tips. Most of my experience was at Ren Faire, but these tips will help you in CW, Victorian, even SCA events – any costume events to which you bring children. Bring your tips and experiences.
Ladies’ Riding Clothes Through the Ages
Kathy Lear
What did women do in past eras when they wanted to ride horses? Did they really ride in corsets and all those skirts? This class will provide answers to those questions and many more by offering an illustrated discussion of the clothing worn in Europe and America for horseback riding in previous centuries. The examples will show you how form followed fashion, and fashion accommodated practical use.
Late 16th Century Smock & Partlet Workshop(limited)
Simone Bryan
What did a late 16th century lady wear? Journey to France, England & Spain in our discussion & then hands-on workshop to create what was worn under gowns. This workshop will have hands-on making of the square or low necked smock, & the High necked smock, we shall discuss how to create a partlet to go with your low necked smock. Discussion on some period stitching techniques as well as how to embellish your smocks & make them look smashing.
Looking Irish (or Highland), for 16th Century Reenactors
Regina Lawson
This class will present an introduction to constructing 16th century Irish and Highland clothing as derived from the original sources and based on the historical and theatrical considerations of modern re-enactment. Men's and women's dress will be discussed, using artwork from the era and garments in current usage. In addition, headgear and accessories will be addressed. Presented in conjunction with the "Overview of 16th C. Gaelic Clothing" class.
Make a Fan (limited)
Karey Leichel
We will deconstruct a commercial brisé-type folding fan and use it to construct a brisé -type folding fan using custom material and attaching a ring through which a tassel can be looped. (A brisé -type folding fan is one comprised of sticks and guards, but no leaf.) The sticks are joined by a cord or ribbon at the upper edge and held in place by a pin at the base.
Make a Mask(limited)
Karey Leichel
We will construct a mask using material mounted on wire mesh and attached to metal wire. This makes a lightweight, strong, supple mask which can be worn close to the face or altered to fit over glasses.
Make Friends With Your Thimble(limited)
Janea Whitacre
We all know that the thimble is more than a monopoly game piece, but how many truly call their thimble a friend and sewing companion? When all sewing was done by hand, speed and accuracy was essential, yet the graceful movements of the hands while in motion was highly prized. The thimble is pivotal to both pursuits. Using cotton, linen and silk, participants will practice seams and stitching important to the 18th century milliner and the mantua-maker. Materials for making an 18th century workbag will also be provided.
Make the Camera Love You and Your Costume
Amy Calcote
Learn to pose in costume for great pictures. Photos will be taken during this class.
Making a Custom Hat Box(limited)
Dave Wilson
Students will make a hat box for a hat of their choice.
Making a Victorian 'Ancient Revival' Style Bracelet and Earring Set(limited)
Kathryn Wolters
Victorians were fascinated with the discoveries from ancient civilizations and were fond of revivals of antiquarian-inspired jewelry. In this class students will learn to do basic wire wrap, hook closures and eye-pin-making techniques while creating a bracelet and earring set in either sterling or gold-filled metal, with pearls and semi precious stones in the "antiquarian" style.
Making Your Own Applique(limited)
Sandra Manning
Learn to make your own appliqué for any costume you need.
Meet the Pleat, Plait or Gauge(limited)
Corinne Pleger
Meet all the basic forms of pleating including: cartridge, box, knife, reverse, fan, multiple, stacked, organ to use in making garments. How to get 5-6 yards of fabric into less than 3 feet of space (your waist) without looking fat!
Metal Thread Embroidery - Embroidered Gauntlets(limited)
Kathryn Wolters
Students will use metal thread embroidery techniques to produce a pair of elegantly embroidered gauntlets (with secret pockets!) with pearls and garnets on cotton velveteen - for attaching to gloves (which students will provide).
Mid 19th Century: More Change Than You Think
Shelly Foote
The mid-19th century saw a dramatic change in men's clothing from the nipped waist of the 1840s to the boxy look of the 1860s. For women, the change was more subtle – the overall silhouette changed slowly while the underpinnings were changing dramatically! This lecture with discussion examines these changes and how elements from the 1840s carried over into work dresses and evening wear in the 1860s.
Modern Day Method for Corset Construction
Shelley Peters
A lecture on corset fitting and construction using a modern day sandwich method.
Moving in Rhythm, Moving in Costume
Cynthia Barnes
Nice Gun You Have There, Little Lady(limited)
Arabella Benson
Students will be given a pre-primed water pistol that they will learn to paint and modify and create a “Steampunk” weapon.
Ostrich Egg Reticules(limited)
Feather Tippets-Rosica
Create your own unique Regency or Steampunk reticule. The bottom half of the reticule is an ostrich egg shell, decorated with delicate metal stampings. The outer top half is fabric and the entire reticule is fabric lined. It opens and closes via a pair of drawstrings. A tassel is suspended from the bottom. Sewing machines are recommended for this class, although the minimal sewing involved can be done by hand. Students will be sent information about required fabric, tools, and notions via email A kit with the prepared ostrich egg half and findings to complete the project will be provided at the class meeting.
Overview of 18th Century Hairstyles
Valerie Miller
An overview of hairstyles throughout the course of the 18th century, from towering Queen Anne to demure Louis XV to iconic Marie Antoinette. A visual overview of men's and women's styling of both natural hair and wigs will be followed by a practical demo. The demo will show how to achieve a ladies' party hairstyle circa 1770 from one's own natural hair.
Overview of Men's Victorian Clothing
JoAnn Peterson
An overview of menswear in the Victorian era. There will be handouts, depictions of various clothing viewed by overhead projector, and examples of extant men’s garments.
Photoshop – Fixing Your Pictures
Eric Gerds
Eric will go over the basic tools to fix your images, either old or new, in Photoshop, the most popular image manipulation software. This will be a practical demonstration on the wide range of tools to rescue your pictures.
Plain Techniques & Fancy Finishes for Novice Sewists(limited)
Diane Yoshitomi
Intimidated by the sophisticated level of expertise displayed by many at Costume College? Don't be! We all started from zero, then grew along the way. All it takes is helpful instruction, endless repetition, infinite patience, and the will to achieve your desired result. We'll cover some essential hand stitches & seaming techniques, learn how to insert a placket, then progress to making bias binding & piping, a ruffled flounce, and a double-row shirred border -- all on a 1/2 scale Victorian-style skirt which you will make in class. For true Novices only, please.
Plaster Bandage to Masks: Get Plastered with Jess(limited)
Jess Miller
This is a lecture-demonstration that will cover how to make a personalized mask using plaster bandages, the material that casts are made from. This messy but fun technique also provides the basis for casting a life mask, usable for creating makeup prosthetics. The basic technique will be demonstrated on two students.
PMC Basics (limited)
Olivia Competente
Missing metal antique buttons? Yearning for jewels that you need to accent your period costume? Or just love jewelry? PMC (precious metal clay) is a wondrous medium that starts out as soft pliable clay and, when fired, will transform into a piece of fine silver. This class will cover the basics of PMC techniques from start to polished.
Proper Care & Storage of Sewing Patterns
Vanessa Wood
You’ve paid good money for your patterns – make sure they last as long as you do. This class will demonstrate various ways to store, catalog and maintain your vintage, modern or costume patterns – be they paper, tissue, muslin or manila. From economical to extravagant, we'll cover it all. Save your patterns from a life of disorganized and missing-piece chaos at the bottom of a bin.
Recreating the Tudors: The Henry VIII Project
Laura Ulak
In 2008, "Project Tudor" was born. Laura and her costuming group decided to take on an ambitious project: to recreate the outfits of Henry VIII and his wives from their most famous portraits. Working on a strict budget they created all seven costumes and more, right down to the hats and jewelry. In this class she will show you how she managed the project, discuss sourcing of fabrics, notions, and jewelry pieces, historical documentation used, the use of thrifted items, how to stay on budget, and the ups and downs she experienced in putting together a once-in-a-lifetime historical display.
Regency / Grecian Tiaras(limited)
Olivia Competente
Need to make a head piece for the ball? Have the outfit, but need the perfect topper for a formal? In this hands-on class, students will make a Grecian/Regency style tiara (half crown) made from beads and wire. Class will include all materials and tools to complete one crown.
Renaissance Fabrics
Simone Bryan
Discussion on what fabrics were used in the Renaissance and how to obtain them in the modern day. How to choose, find and embellish fabrics to look like Renaissance fabrics.
Ribbons vs Rubber Bands: Solutions to a Historic Hair Problem
Corinne Pleger
Demonstration and practice: Why did our historic ladies buy so many ribbons? How do you keep your hair up without modern tools such as bobby pins and rubber bands? How do you keep the French or English hood on your head? Have you ever stuffed your hair up into a hat or coif and had tendrils escape all day? What do you do with short hair in historic period reenacting?
Scaling Up From Hunnisett and Arnold
Liz Gerds
How to expand scaled patterns from books. This class will cover three different methods and discuss the benefits and pitfalls of using patterns from different sources.
Scallops and Bows and Piping, Oh My!
Bridget Bradley-Scaife / Maegen Hensley
Come learn three amazing techniques that will forever change your historical costuming! Learn how to make scalloped edges that can be used to make 18th century trim to 19th century flounced skirts, without the use of expensive punches. Beautiful bows are created, NOT tied. This class will demonstrate how to make those picture-perfect bows that will add the final touches to your outfits. And last, learn a quick and easy way to make piping that will make you want to put piping on everything you sew. This is a demo class you won’t want to miss!
Secrets for Sewing Beautiful Bias Gowns
Joycelyn Falsken
Garments cut on the bias are acknowledged to be one of the most challenging kinds of garments to construct. This class will share the techniques developed by renowned high-end ready-to-wear and couture designer Charles Kleibacker, Master of the Bias Cut, who specialized in elegant bias-cut dresses produced in his workshop in New York City from 1960 to 1986. Joycelyn extensively interviewed Charles and worked directly with him in making several reproductions. These will be available to handle and look at closely.
Sewing From a Pattern
Tracey Gorin / Lisa Coffey
New to sewing and can’t quite get the hang of the pattern? Been sewing for a while, but some of the techniques or descriptions are just too weird? We’ll help you decipher the strange language, markings and directions of patterns, from the common to the abstruse. Please feel free to bring questions.
Shiny! Making Wings that Gleam(limited)
Jonnalyhn “Wolfcat”Hall
Making clothing-supported wings out of cellophane or angellina fiber. Students will make a hall-costume appropriate-sized pair of wings from either material type.
Silhouette Review: 1700s to 1920s
Becky Thelin / Becca Metzger
Are you easily confused by the variety of fashion eras and their corresponding dates? Can you tell the difference between Rococo & Georgian or Victorian & Edwardian? If not, come join us we explore the fashion silhouettes of the early 1700s to 1920s.
Silhouette Review: 19th Century
Becky Thelin / Becca Metzger
Are you easily confused by the variety of fashion eras and their corresponding dates? Can you tell the difference between Federal, Romantic, & Regency, or Civil War & Victorian? If not, come join us we explore the fashion silhouettes of the 1800s.
Silk Painting for Beginners (limited)
Arabella Benson
Students will learn some basics of silk painting and then paint a silk handkerchief. The handkerchief will be framed with a design already in place to save on drying time.
Skirting the Belle
Shelley Peters
Students will learn the basics for building a Civil War era skirt to be worn over a hoopskirt. Discussion will include how much yardage, widths, hem treatments, waist options, linings and period techniques.
Speedy Costumes…When It’s Needed NOW!
Jonnalyhn “Wolfcat” Hall
How to finesse a costume needed quickly, what shortcuts can be timesavers, which are costly time- and money-wasters. For those who’ve had costume emergencies from full-out replacements, last-minute kid's, or a fill-in for a masquerade: ways to make your stress level drop.
Sportswear of the Edwardian Era
Katie Vardijan
The Edwardian period was filled with outdoor activity for the modern woman and she needed practical, yet fashionable, clothing that reflected these new interests. Explore what types of activities came into vogue and what was worn. Some of the topics covered will be outdoor sportswear and the invention of the automobile.
Steampunk 101
Shawn Crosby / Elizabeth Reed
Thrilled by the concept of Steampunk but unsure where to start? Come find the historical and fictional platform from which to take the leap. Explore your role in the Steampunk culture, and how to turn your special interests into the costume and character of your dreams using your closet or custom items.
Steampunk 102
Valarie LaBore
A follow up lecture to Steampunk 101 taking you a little more into the Steampunk world.
Steampunk Beading (limited)
Tracey Gorin
Want to Steampunk your Victorian outfit? What better way than to add beads? Beading is a fun and simple way to add sparkle to any outfit. This class will teach you some simple methods to add beads and sequins to fabric. Take some fabric, add some beads, and be inspired!
Steampunk Fascinators (limited)
Arabella Benson
Students will make a lightweight yet metal-looking Steampunk-style fascinator (teeny, tiny cocktail hat) or a hair comb.
Steampunk for the Mechanically Challenged
Shannon McSmith / Thomas Moore
This class will consider low-cost, readily available and easily adaptable materials that can be used to make Steampunk props. Bring your imagination to this interactive class.
Steampunk Jewelry – Make it For Less, Make it Your Own!
Cindy Price
Students will see examples of finished Steampunk jewelry, as well as common components to make your pieces more “Steampunk-ish.” Students new to jewelry making will learn about techniques for putting jewelry pieces together and get ideas for inexpensive places to find materials for their creations.
Steampunk Jewelry – Make it for Less, Make it Your Own! (Workshop) (limited)
Cindy Price
A "make and take version.” of the demo. Students will see examples of finished Steampunk jewelry, as well as common components to make your pieces more “Steampunk-ish.” Students new to jewelry-making will learn about techniques for putting jewelry pieces together and get ideas for inexpensive places to find materials for their creations.
Steampunk Necklace (limited)
Elizabeth Reed
Students will use wire-wrapping techniques to create a necklace of beads, bobs, gears, watch parts and other miscellaneous items around a skeleton key focal point.
Steampunk Silhouettes
Shannon McSmith / Thomas Moore
This class will discuss the standard clothing silhouettes found in Steampunk costuming. We will give an overview of Victorian, early 20th century, traditional science fiction and ethnic clothing, and accessories that are most often used to create Steampunk costumes.
Steampunk Your Hat (limited)
Donna Scarfe
Using your own felt or straw hat, transform it with a Steampunk look! Gears, wheels, metal and machinery will adorn your chapeau. Add a veil, or not! Unleash your imagination and make an accessory that enhances your Steampunk characterization.
Take a Ribbon and Fold (limited)
Corinne Pleger
The art of quilling, or soft pleating of ribbon. Use intricate box, knife and accordion pleats to form shapes for trimming your garments.
Techniques for Successful Bias Cut Construction (limited)
Joycelyn Falsken
Garments cut on the bias are a challenge for even highly-skilled dressmakers. This class will demonstrate construction techniques developed by designer Charles Kleibacker, Master of the Bias Cut. Trained in Paris and working in New York in the 1960s and 70s, Kleibacker specialized in soft, elegant bias-cut dresses. Kleibacker patterns and garments will be displayed and discussed. Students will have an opportunity to learn and apply his couture techniques in class by producing a bias sleeve from a pattern Charles developed and perfected. Students will also learn to do perfect bias strings, and take home an original Kleibacker bias skirt pattern. Strong hand-sewing skills needed.
The Cure for "Gaposis" - How to Apply Hook & Eye Tape (limited)
Shelley Peters
Frustrated with trying to figure out how to use hook & eye tape in a period bodice? Students will learn a method for installing and will hand sew an example to take home with them.
The French Farthingale
Kimiko Small
The 1590s to early 1600s Elizabethan fashion style required the use of a drum or French farthingale to create the distinctive shape of the era. This class will discuss the fashions, the shape, and show you how to create your own French farthingale & bum roll, and how they are worn.
The Fringe We Call “Fly” (limited)
Janea Whitacre
Tired of using modern edging on your fabulous 18th century gown? Then learn how to make several forms of 18th century fringe, using only silk floss, a tapestry needle and a rock. This trim was used in the mid to late 18th century as a fast way to finish raw edges and define the elements of the gown and petticoat. It’s one of the mantua-maker’s best friends. This class will also include discussion of other forms of trims and edging, and their applications.
The Harvey Girls: Women Who Tamed the Old West
Jody Regan
Harvey Girls were young women who, beginning around 1885, had a significant influence on civilizing the American West. The presenter was introduced to the history and costumes of the Harvey Girls when she participated in a Harvey Girl Symposium. We will trace Harvey's background, vision, work, and the success he and his employees made of restaurants, hotels, and lunch counters along the Santa Fe Railroad line. Photos and illustrations of the distinctive Harvey Girl uniforms will be shown. Newspaper articles, photos of Harvey establishments, and anecdotes from Harvey Girls themselves will help bring this era in American history to life.
The Panama Pacific International Exposition, 1915 (PPIE)
Dave Wilson
A lecture about the last and best exposition before World War I.
The Past through Tomorrow- Using Technology forResearch, Design and Display
Shawn Crosby
Old books and fading photos are indispensable references, but we have a tremendous amount of technology at our disposal for research and design of both factual clothing and fictional costumes. Learn some tips and tricks on researching using the net, DVD, HDTV, Digicams and more; and share your inspirations.
The Silk Road: Highway of Dreams & Nightmares
Fran Wasielewski
From China to Aleppo, Lyon, and beyond, this legendary trade route crossed some of the most inhospitable geography on this planet, carrying ideas and luxury goods across Asia to the West. The West returned the favor, providing the fruitful exchange of goods and ideas. Mount your camel and come along for the ride, gathering dream costumes ideas as we trek across the mountains and deserts of Central Asia.
The Wild Bill Cody Show
Kaelyn Johnson
At the turn of the century, the "Wild Bill Cody" show created an image of the American West that lives on today. This class will review this amazing show and the costuming of the show.
Tips and Tricks
Feather Tippets-Rosica
Join Feather as she imparts some nifty tips and tricks that she has discovered during her 30+ years of sewing. These techniques and gadgets will save you time, make certain tasks easier, and some will change the way you sew forever. Machine sewing, hand-sewing, pattern layout, cutting and pressing are some of the techniques discussed and demonstrated. Not only for beginners, veteran costumers are sure to learn something new too!
Turn Me On
Tracylynn Gomez
Lighting options for costumes. Teacher will discuss lighting costumes, as in putting lights INTO your costume. Tips tricks and show samples of lighted costumes and materials. Included: a discussion on ways to use lights to accent designs!
Twisted Historicals: You’re Wearing What?
Laura Ulak
If you are a stickler for historical accuracy, this is not the class for you. If you love creating an amazing costume from found objects, taking a period silhouette and putting a crazy twist on it, or find yourself trying to figure out how to fit that rhinestone trim on your Robe á la Française, this IS the class for you! We will discuss “themed” costuming, how to kick your costumes up a notch, and most of all how to have fun with what you are wearing. Anyone with the desire to have fun and a good sense of humor are welcomed!
Unnatural Dyeing
Jess Miller
This class will cover techniques for dyeing using (un)common household items such as Kool-Aid and Sharpies. These techniques will enable you to color fiber (from protein to synthetic) with some rather startling results.
Unusual Materials and Effects
Jonnalyhn “Wolfcat” Hall
How to use items not usually considered in costuming, with spectacular results, including cellophane wrap, angellina fiber, hot glue and foam for fabrics, faux raised work and digigrade body shaping.
Victorian Bathing Suits: A Pictorial History
Bridget Landry
Illustrated presentation showing the evolution of both male and female bathing attire during the Victorian era.
Victorian Corset Workshop (limited)
Joann Peterson / Barbara Muran
One-day workshop where the participants will build and fit a plain white coutil corset. The class will be co-taught by JoAnn Peterson and Barbara Muran whose company is named “Of Corset.”
Victorian Gothic Revival Fashions
Liz Gerds
An overview of the Gothic Revival craze of the Victorian Era, where it came from and what it led to.
Victorian Jewelry Goes Steampunk
Diane Yoshitomi
Put away those cameos, sparkling stones, and sentimental pieces. Lovely as they may be, they simply aren't "punk." But a surprising variety of Victorian & Edwardian jewelry materials are entirely compatible with the Steampunk sensibility. Even better, they are readily available AND affordable! Come learn what they are made of, where to find them, and how much you should expect to pay. Teacher will share images of and pass around samples from her personal jewelry collection for your inspection. Students are encouraged to bring their own old, or new/repro, pieces for evaluation.
Victorian-Edwardian Hair/ Wig Design (limited)
Tracylynn Gomez
Join your instructor, a licensed hair dresser, as we will focus on several Victorian and Edwardian hair styles, including day (What's good to wear with a hat?); evening (decorative styles!) and special looks (Civil War to 1904, and Steampunk modifications!). We'll also discuss turning the wig into a hairpiece; adding hair to wigs and hairpieces; special attachment methods and inner structures to support styles.
Walk the Walk
Kathy Lear
Are you a Flapper? a Medieval nobleman? a Southern Belle? Do you move like one? or are you 21st-century through and through? Come and practice walking in a train, using a cloak as a statement, keeping your hoop under control, climbing stairs in a long skirt, keeping your spurs out of your long tunic and your sword out of the way of others. Note that this is a workshop, so those wishing to bring a particular costume (or pieces), or shoes in which to practice, are encouraged to do so.
What is 19th Century Reform Costume?
Shelly Foote
This class will explore the various reform movements in 19th century America and their relationship to dress reform. The Bloomer Costume will be looked at in-depth but other types of reform clothing, including Aesthetic Dress and reform underwear will be covered.
What the Tudors Really Wore
Kimiko Small
While The Tudors have become a popular topic for, books, TV and movies, what the Tudor courtiers wore during the time of Henry VIII is different than what's seen on screen, and has subtle changes over the decades. Come see a visual timeline of contemporary images from the beginning to the end of Henry's reign, showing the progression of what the men and women of the period wore. Discussion on the various clothing layers, and possible ways of recreating the garments will occur as time permits.
What’s on Your Vanity in the 1930s?
Rebecca Metzger
From cosmetics to hair brushes and combs to photographs of dreamy film stars; come learn about the items that were a ladies vanity in the 1930s. Students will have a chance to see vintage items.
Wire Frame Early Victorian Bonnets (limited)
Mela Hoyt-Heydon
Using the bonnets from the film, Young Victoria as a starting point, we will create a wire frame structure and then learn how to cover it with shirred and unshirred sheer fabric.
Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences: A Dressmaker’s Correspondence Course between the World Wars
Carol Wood
The Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences was just one attempt at getting women trained at dressmaking, millinery, and eventually also cookery between 1916 until the late 1930’s. This is a fascinating story about the journey an organization took to train American women at skills that brought them money and confidence, but also allowed them to explore their identities.
Work Around It!
Jonnalyhn “Wolfcat” Hall
Ideas on how to indulge a love of costuming despite modern glasses, scooters, wheelchairs and other accoutrements.
Working with a Film or Television Crew
Shawna Trpcic
This class will review the personal experiences of Shawna Trpcic in working with a film or television crew and how to balance direction from the Director and Actors while keeping within your own creative design.
Your Perfectly Fitted Victorian Corset Pattern (limited)
Jennifer Rosbrugh
Have you ever struggled to achieve a well-fitted corset? Do you feel lost when it comes to transferring fitting marks from your mock-up to the paper pattern? Attend this class to get a personal corset fitting, and then make those changes to your pattern. You’ll leave with a complete pattern ready for sewing your custom-fitted Victorian corset! (Students will sew a mock-up prior to class. Must be at ease with altering patterns.)