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$100

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or $300 for 6 classes
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Regency Era Dressmaking - A Three Week Jane Austen Sewing Camp!

Completed by 6 learners
Ages 13-18
Live Group Course
In this 2x per week, 3 week camp students will learn to hand-sew an authentic Regency era everyday gown, with inspiration from period art and the life and literary works of Jane Austen.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(153 reviews)
Star Educator

Live video meetings
2x per week, 3 weeks
3-10 learners per class
105 min

What's included

6 live meetings
10 hrs 30 mins in-class hours
Homework
4+ hours per week. Students will be expected to continue working on their garments at home on their own between classes... How much time this will require depends on the speed of each students sewing, but one should allow for at least an 1-2 hours of sewing per day outside of class time.

Class Experience

Join me as we travel back in time to the early 1800s - the setting for life and works of Jane Austen - and work to create an everday gown commonly worn by women of the time. 

We will take a look at the many variations of dress, and discus cultural, financial, and geographical influences upon the dress of women of the time period. The class will be casual, conversational, and very hands on - with room for lots of discussion and sharing. 

I'll walk students through the process, step by step, and in the end they will have created an amazing outfit AND mastered some important historical garment making 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 all the projects with the rest of the class. 

The project does not need 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 a great deal of history and social studies in our discussion topics!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Week 1:

Day 1 - Introduction to project.  Cut and begin to sew the bodice of the everyday gown. 

Day 2 -  Continue work on everyday gown bodice, add lining.


Week 2:

Day 3 -  Add sleeves to bodice.  Begin sewing everyday gown skirt

Day 4 - Attach skirt to bodice.

Week 3:

Day 5 - Drawstrings, how to hem.

Day 6 - Finishing work.


*** Please note that the weekly class schedule of activity is subject to be shifted slightly if students need more time to complete their sewing. Learning to hand sew entire garments, and making the time to work through all these pieces will be a challenge and I'll do my best to help keep students on track, but I’m happy to schedule additional private sessions with a student who needs extra help to keep up at the rate of $20/session. 


(The content & project in this class is the SAME as that in my 10 week "Regency Era Dressmaking - A Jane Austen Sewing and Fashion History Workshop" just in a condensed three week camp format.)

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 a pattern, fabric, and notions -

PATTERN:
https://blacksnailpatterns.com/listing/684205627/empire-regency-dress-with-front-clousure

I am in no way affiliated with this pattern maker. It has been chosen for its good combination of historical accuracy and ease of construction. This is a PDF pattern, and students should purchase, print, and assemble the pattern for the DRESS (we will not be making the apron or cap in class) before our first class if at all possible! Students will be given the option of creating a long, 3/4, or short sleeve.

FABRIC:
Gown Fabric - 5.5-6 yards 
(mid-weight cotton or linen in for summer gown -or- lightweight wool gabardine in a darker color for winter gown... see "fabric notes" for more details)

Gown Lining Fabric - 1.5-2 yards 
(white, unbleached muslin, or a solid to complement)

Fabric Notes: 
For everyday dress for the majority of the year fabric should be 100% cotton or linen, in a medium weight (not see-through). 
Linen/cotton blends are also acceptable. Lighter weights of fabric and pastels or white was popular for spring and summer, especially amongst those who lead a more leisurely lifestyle. Small, darker repeating prints were popular for working women's dress, as they hid dirt better. 

There is excellent information to help you choose fabric here: https://www.songsmyth.com/fabric.html 
and here: https://ateliernostalgia.wordpress.com/2016/05/23/historical-accuracy-regency/

I'm also always happy to respond to questions to help you choose!

Students may choose to make a more practical working woman's everyday gown in a darker print, or more of a special day gown in white or a lighter print. 

ADDITIONAL NOTIONS: 
White Thread
Thread to match any other fabrics
3/4" Twill Tape - 2 yards PLUS enough additional tape to tie around your ribcage with a loose bow
1/4" Twill Tape - 2 yards PLUS enough additional tape to tie around your ribcage with a loose bow

*** Please note that all yardage is approximate... actual amounts may vary based on individual measurements. Please consult the pattern guide and message me with any questions!


STUDENTS SHOULD ALSO HAVE:
Fabric Scissors
Thread Snips or Embroidery Scissors
Hand Sewing Needles in assorted sizes
Straight Pins (and pincushion/magnet)
Thimble (metal or leather are most authentic, but whatever is most comfortable student)
Flexible Tape Measure
Tape (for assembling pattern)
Pencil 


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. :)
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Joined November, 2020
4.9
153reviews
Star Educator
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Fine/Studio Arts from Prescott College
I've been sewing historic garment reproductions since I was about 8 years old. I've worked professionally 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 Smokey Mountain Heritage Center. 

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