18th Century Pockets - A Sewing and Fashion History Workshop
Learn the history of pockets as you embroider and sew your own pocket!
Heather Linke
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(133)
What's included
3 live meetings
2 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
Completion of any extra decorative embroidery by the second class. Hand sewing between classes if not finished with steps in class.Assessment
Assessments offered upon request.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Beginner - Advanced Level
Did you know that pockets haven't always been sewn into clothing? For a very long time, women and girls wore separate pockets that tied around the wast. These pockets were often beautifully decorated with embroidery, and big enough to hold snacks! In this class students will learn a brief history of women's pockets and their construction as they craft their way through creating a their own set of pockets. The class will be casual, conversational, and very hands on - with room for lots of discussion and sharing. Students will have the option to follow historically accurate patterns of embroidery, or modernize their pocket with their own designs. The style of the pockets will be predominately Euro-American, but students will be given encouragement to draw from a variety of sources to create a garment unique to their own regional influences, if so desired. I'll walk students through the process, step by step, and in the end they will have created a pair of pockets AND mastered some important historical garment making skills. We will hand sew all the pieces, starting each step in class and finishing the steps as homework. Students do not *need* to have any prior sewing knowledge or skills (just some fine motor control with a needle & thread and the ability to use scissors) but they should recognize that there is a good deal of effort required to complete hand sewn pieces and this will not be an "easy" project. Their finished projects will reflect the time and energies put into the work. The pockets will NOT require use of a sewing machine, and students are encouraged not to "cheat" and use one to make their projects go faster. This class is listed as an "Arts" course, but it will obviously feature history and social studies in our discussion topics! ------------------------------------- Week 1 - We will draft the pattern, cut out the pieces, and design embroidery. Week 2 - We will sew the pocket pieces together. Week 3 - We will finish sewing the pockets on their waistband, and students will show off their work!
Learning Goals
Students will learn several basic historic hand sewing skills.
Syllabus
3 Lessons
over 3 WeeksLesson 1:
Lesson One
History of Pockets. We will draft the pattern, cut out the pieces, and design embroidery. 50 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
Lesson Two
We will sew the pocket pieces together. 50 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 3:
Lesson Three
We will finish sewing the pockets on their waistband, and students will show off their work! 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
Students will need the following items to make their pocket: 1 yard of 100% Cotton or Linen Fabric in white, ivory, grey, or another lighter color Enough 3/4" twill tape to wrap around students waist and tie in a bow with tails - OR - 1 Package Extra Wide Double Fold Bias Tape (to coordinate with fabric, in the color of your choice) White Thread Sewing Needle Scissors Sewing Pins Thimble (optional) Embroidery Thread (for embroidered decoration, in1+ color(s) of your choice) 4"- 8" Embroidery Hoop (for embroidered decoration) Pencil Tape Measure/Ruler Two sheets of plain paper, taped together along long edge (for pattern) Access to an Iron and Ironing Board PLEASE NOTE: I understand that truly authentic fabric can be VERY cost prohibitive - especially for a first project! It is never my intention to make historic sewing beyond anyone's grasp by demanding exorbitantly expensive supplies. Historically accurate fabric is *wonderful* to work with, and I'm always going to encourage it if possible... but please know that there are truly amazing pieces that have been made from thrifted white cotton bed sheets, old curtains, and discount fabric! Choose what works for YOU and your budget, makes you happy, and feels nice against your skin. Remember that natural fibers are always cooler in hot weather, and often hold up better to washing. I aim to help students create a historically accurate outfit... and quality fabric helps the finished product look and feel the best it can... but what is more important is that they are learning the skills to construct them and they offer their best efforts. :)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined November, 2020
4.9
133reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I've been sewing historic garment reproductions for over 30 years. I've worked in several living history museums, for over more than 18 years, creating my all my own professional costuming for various time periods in history... as well as researching and writing staff costuming standards guides for two museums and drafting patterns from photographs and historic garments in the collection. My extended family lives near Colonial Williamsburg, where I have visited many times, taking part in several workshops related to historic textile arts. I currently consult and demonstrate as a domestic and textile historian for Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center. Reviews
Live Group Course
$22
weekly or $65 for 3 classes1x per week, 3 weeks
50 min
Completed by 17 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-8 learners per class
