Elven Cloaks for Young Hobbits - A Lord of the Rings Costume Sewing Workshop
Students will learn to hand sew an Elven cloak suitable for a young Hobbit (or other members of the Fellowship of the Ring) inspired by the classic fantasy epics by J.R.R. Tolkien!
Heather Linke
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(130)
What's included
3 live meetings
4 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. 1 - 2 hours of sewing per week outside of class.Class Experience
Join me as we travel to Middle Earth - the setting for the wonderful works of J.R.R. Tolkien - and work to create your own Elven Cloak (as were gifted by Galadriel to the Hobbits and the rest of the The Fellowship to help them hide them from unfriendly eyes.) We will take a look at the literary descriptions of clothing in The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings, the historical influences on Hobbit dress, and discuss the variations depicted in art and film. The class will be casual, conversational, and very hands on - with room for lots of discussion and sharing. I'll walk students through the cloak creation process, step by step, and in the end they will have created a lovely garment AND mastered some important sewing skills. Students will learn to take their own measurements, choose appropriate fabrics, cut out their patterns, and sew them together using an assortment of fine hand-sewing techniques. We will hand sew all the pieces, starting each step in class and finishing the steps as homework each week. 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 this will be a class with LOTS of hand sewing, and students should be prepared to stick with it and work hard on each week's homework if they want to complete the project with the rest of the class. This project will NOT require the use of a sewing machine, and students are encouraged not to "cheat" and use one to make their projects go faster - part of the learning is in mastering hand-sewing skills and seeing them improve! This class is listed as an "Arts" course, but it will also feature elements of history, social studies, and literature in our discussion topics! Students may alternatively choose to make their cloak to suit non-Hobbit characters (Dwarves, humans, and elves, etc.) as well! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Week 1- Introduction to project, pattern drafting, share fabric choices. Cut and begin sewing! Week 2 - Hood assembly and sewing Week 3 - Finishing & Hobbit-style tea & snack in celebration!
Syllabus
3 Lessons
over 3 WeeksLesson 1:
Lesson 1
Pattern Making & Cutting Out The Cloak 90 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
Lesson 2
Adding The Hood 90 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 3:
Lesson 3
Finishing Your Cloak 90 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Students will be using sharp scissors, needles, and pins.
They should have the impulse control and patience to work carefully with these items.
Supply List
Students will need to purchase fabric, thread, and notions: Approximately 2-4 yards of Cloak Fabric - Preferably woven fabric such as mid-to-heavy weight linen or lightweight wool/wool blends. (More or less may be needed, depending upon the students height and the width of the fabric. For reference: at a height of 5'5" I will purchase 3 yards of this 57" wide linen: https://fabrics-store.com/fabrics/linen-fabric-4C22-moss-softened-heavy) 1 spool of Thread to match fabric 1 Extra Large Hook & Eye (For closure at neck. Dritz 767-11 Extra-Large Covered Hook & Eye Closures tend to be easy to find... but there are lots of different ones available, some more decorative than others, and any you choose is fine!) STUDENTS SHOULD ALSO HAVE: Fabric Scissors Thread Snips or Embroidery Scissors Hand Sewing Needles in assorted sizes Straight Pins (and pincushion/magnet) Thimble Flexible Tape Measure Pencil PLEASE NOTE: I understand that some fabric can be VERY cost prohibitive! It is never my intention to make costuming or historic sewing beyond anyone's grasp by demanding exorbitantly expensive supplies. Historic and movie accurate fabrics can be *wonderful* to work with... but please know that there are truly amazing pieces that have been made from thrifted 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 useful and attractive garment... 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. :)
Language of Instruction
English
Joined November, 2020
4.9
130reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I've been sewing costuming and historic garment reproductions since I was about 8 years old.
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. I currently consult as a domestic and textile historian for Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center.
My professional costuming spans from creating historic and movie reproductions to unique custom wardrobes for Wizards & Witches, Hobbits, Dwarves, Elves, Fairies, Jedis, Siths, and more... Reviews
Live Group Course
$27
weekly or $80 for 3 classes1x per week, 3 weeks
90 min
Completed by 14 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-10 learners per class
