Check-In: 9:30 am – 9:45 am
Session 1: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Evening Bonnet: Your choice of two different late 19th C time periods
Evening bonnets were the type of hat worn to the Theater or Opera and left on. They would also be worn to a formal dinner or dance with a cape and removed when arriving. They were often black or dark colors. In this class the students will receive a finished frame then cover and decorate their choice of hat. The first choice is a wireframe base in the style popular between 1885-95 and the other is a buckram edged hat for the period 1865-75. Both hats have a transparent center and should be covered with net or lace. Evening hats from this time are often decorated with jet beads or jet bead ornaments.
Class Type: Workshop
Class Level:
Material fees: $20
Instructor will Provide:
- The hat frames (also a box of black net and lace suitable for covering the hats).
- Backup on tools.
- Mull for the ‘65-’75 hat.
- 1” wide black bias tape.
- I will provide a pdf of the pattern for each student per their choice before class. Note: the black hat is the 1865-75 hat and the black, brown, cream is the 1885-95 hat. Please state your preference when selecting this class. As soon as I know your pick for the time period of your hat, I will send the pdf patterns and you can get a much better idea of what materials you need.
Student provides:
- Basic sewing kit for laying out, cutting and hand sewing.
- Optional: sewing machine with matching threads, everything could be done by hand but a sewing machine might speed things up.
- Small bottle of Beacon’s Fabri-tac glue.
- 3 yards of ribbon for ties. Optional. 1 yd. wide ribbon for bows on the hat
- 1/2 yard of lightweight silk like taffeta for the front ruffle on the ‘85-’95 hat.
- If you want to provide your own lace you will need ½ yard of lace fabric with a decorative edge for the ‘65-’75 hat or 12” square of lace for the ‘85-’95 hat.
- Jet beads or beaded trim for decoration (this can be done after class as a finishing touch). Or, I will be posting some instructions and patterns for beaded decorations before class on my website if you want to pre-make some before class.
- Feathers / Flowers for decoration. Do take into consideration the small size of the hat.
Instructor Bio: Lynn learned to sew at the age of eight but did not learn how to make hats until her late 20s. She blames historical reenactment for her passion for millinery. It was then that she saw a real need for hat patterns so that costume makers could make hats as well as clothing. The more research she does on any historical period, the more she wants to make the hats from that period… and so it goes. Her “…Out of a Portrait” hat pattern company now has over 60 patterns covering eight historical eras. But of course the making of hats leads to the decorating of hats and an attempt to master the transformation of the feathers, fabric and ribbon into beautiful millinery decorations. Once the techniques are figured out Lynn loves to pass them on via her website, Facebook page and in workshop classes. To view Lynn’s patterns check out http://outofaportrait.com.
Jewelry containing hairwork reached peak popularity in the 19th Century. They were worn to celebrate an existing relationship or to remember the loved ones who had passed. We will be learning how to make several types of simple hairwork including infinity knot, love knot, and sheaf of wheat. Lockets and synthetic hair will be provided but you can bring your own hair.
Class Type: Workshop
Class Level: All
Material fees: $12
Instructor will provide:
- Two lockets in two styles, synthetic hair in various colors
- Instructions
- Various accessories
Student provides:
- Sharp scissors and ordinary sewing thread.
- Optional: Cork board or thick foam board and sewing pins.
- A necklace or ribbon to wear.
- You can use your own hair in 2-10 inches long.
Instructor Bio: Chang Meng is a part time wig maker and a professional jack of all trades.
Ribbon and fabric trim was used extensively during the Victorian and Edwardian periods. In this class you will practice three patterns that do not involve knife or box pleats: quilling, ruching, and a choice of either smocking or twisting (class vote). Variations will be discussed.
Requirements: Hand sewing skills and previous experience making ribbon trims.
Class Type: Workshop
Class Level: Advanced
Material fees: $12
Instructor will provide:
- Ribbon
- Cardboard guide
- Cardboard ruler
- Silk pins
- Printed instructions/examples of use/sources
Student provides:
- Basic sewing kit, needles (I like millinery #3)
- Thread (I like quilting thread)
- Thread scissors
- Sewing pins
- Craft scissors
- Two colors of writing pens
- Disappearing ink pen
- Pen and paper for notes
- Optional: magnifying device.
Instructor Bio: In High School DL made her first costume for the Northern California Renaissance Faire. Not great, but it was so much fun she made more, even for other participants. She became partner in an accessory booth until moving to FL, where, after becoming a master gardener, she turned her garden into a Certified Wildlife Habitat.
Twelve years later, back in CA, friends introduced her to The Great Dickens Christmas Fair. An old friend asked her to make 1850’s accessories to sell at her shop, and she found her passion.
Retirement in 2024 progressed into a business of historically based accessories.
In this fast paced class, students will learn a variety of ruched and pleated ribbon trims. They will leave with samples of the trims and instructions for additional variations.
Class Type: Workshop
Class Level: All
Material fees: $15 (optional)
Instructor will provide:
- Handouts
- Kits with a variety of ribbon to make samples will be available for $15
Student provides:
- Basic hand sewing kit – needles, thread, pins, ruler or measuring tape
- Scissors that can be used for paper & ribbon
- Fray check or Fray block (optional if you want to treat your ribbon edges)
- Pencil, Pen, and/or Marking tool such as fabric pen or chalk
If not purchasing a class kit:
- 3-5 yards ribbon – rayon, grosgrain, petersham, or cotton preferred. Polyester ribbon can be problematic but may work if not stiff and can be pressed. Wired ribbon is suitable for a few of these types of trims but not all
Instructor Bio: Judith is a long time GBACG member with a passion for ribbon trim of all types. She has studied trim under several teachers and has recently begun teaching herself.
Session 2: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Make a simple drawstring handbag, appropriate for the entire 19th century… or a modern evening bag. Bring your own fabrics and choose from a selection of patterns to make an entirely custom accessory.
Class Type: Workshop
Class Level: All
Material fees: N/A
Instructor will provide: Patterns and handouts
Student provides:
- ½ yard light to medium fabric: taffeta, satin, cotton, etc. Nothing sheer, slinky, or heavy.
- ½ yard lining: muslin, quilter weight cotton, or lightweight linen
- Thread to match all fabrics
- Two yards ½-1” ribbon to match or complement fabric
- Trim as desired
- Sewing machine, with power cord, foot pedal, needles, and bobbins.
- Fabric scissors
- Thread Snips
- Pins
- Clear ruler
- Bodkin or safety pin
- Hand sewing tools if needed for trim: needles, beeswax, thimble.
Instructor Bio: Catherine Scholar read “Little House on the Prairie” at age five and has been obsessed with historic clothing ever since. She learned to sew at her mother’s knee and to embroider at her grandmother’s. In high school she discovered vintage dance, the Northern Renaissance Pleasure Faire, and Dickens Fair, and was amazed to learn that she could combine her passions for dance, costume, history and theater. Catherine served on the board of the Greater Bay Area Costumers Guild for 10 years as Newsletter Editor, Events Coordinator, and President. She has studied fashion design and enjoys working from period dressmaking guides. Catherine has taught many costuming workshops for GBACG, Lacis, Renaissance Fabrics, 1886/Costume On, Costume Skills Institute, and Costume College.
Learn basic crochet techniques, and make your very own snood or hairnet.
Class Type: Workshop
Class Level: All
Material fees: $9
Instructor will provide:
- Crochet thread
- Crochet hooks
- Yarn needle
- Ribbon.
Student provides: n/a
Instructor Bio: Molly Cahill taught herself to crochet 11 years ago, and has been foisting her excess projects off on friends and family ever since.
Students will learn how to make a ruffled ribbon rose, bud, and two types of folded leaves plus multiple variations suitable for use on hats, clothing, accessories, or home decor. Students will leave with several samples and instructions for additional variations.
Class Type: Workshop
Class Level: All
Material fees: $25 (optional)
Instructor will provide:
- Kits with ribbon and crinoline for three 1” wide ribbon roses, 2 buds, and several leaves will be available for purchase in class for $25
Student provides:
- Basic hand sewing kit – needles, thread, pins, ruler or measuring tape
- Scissors that can be used for paper & ribbon
- Fray check or Fray block (optional if you want to treat your ribbon edges)
- Pencil, Pen, and/or Marking tool such as fabric pen or chalk
If not purchasing a class kit:
-
6 yards 1” ribbon for roses – rayon, acetate, or silk preferred. Polyester ribbon can work if not stiff. Wired ribbon is especially suitable these types of ribbon flowers
-
2-3 yards ribbon for leaves and bud calyxes – rayon, acetate, silk, grosgrain, or petersham are all appropriate if not stiff. Wired ribbon can be used.
-
½ – 1 yard lightweight crinoline”
Instructor Bio: Judith is a long time GBACG member with a passion for ribbon trim of all types. She has studied trim under several teachers and has recently begun teaching herself.
Session 3: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Bring a damaged item and we’ll go around the class discussing strategies for fixing it. Creative problem solving is the name of the game! We’ll touch on: reweaving, patching, dyeing, cleaning, storage, mending of shoes and hats and any other topics that come up.
Class Type: Demo/workshop
Class Level: All
Material fees: n/a
Instructor will provide: n/a
Student provides:
- Optional: a vintage piece in need of mending to discuss with the class
Instructor Bio: An obsessive vintage collector, I often buy pieces in less than perfect shape and attempt to fix them up and make them wearable. With mixed results. But the unique challenges of fixing vintage are a big part of the fun!
Pressing is what takes your sewing project to the next level. There’s no way to achieve a quality result without careful pressing. Catherine will demonstrate how to press all the most commonly used seams: straight, curved, darts, collars, gathers, pleats, and much more.
Class Type: Demo
Class Level: All
Material fees: N/A
Instructor will provide: N/A
Student Provide: N/A
Instructor Bio: Catherine Scholar read “Little House on the Prairie” at age five and has been obsessed with historic clothing ever since. She learned to sew at her mother’s knee and to embroider at her grandmother’s. In high school she discovered vintage dance, the Northern Renaissance Pleasure Faire, and Dickens Fair, and was amazed to learn that she could combine her passions for dance, costume, history and theater. Catherine served on the board of the Greater Bay Area Costumers Guild for 10 years as Newsletter Editor, Events Coordinator, and President. She has studied fashion design and enjoys working from period dressmaking guides. Catherine has taught many costuming workshops for GBACG, Lacis, Renaissance Fabrics, 1886/Costume On, Costume Skills Institute, and Costume College.
Learn how to do a pearl knot and make your own custom length regency style coral bead necklace. Perfect for our first event!
Class Type: Workshop
Class Level: All
Material fees: $20
Instructor will provide:
- Coral beads
- Beading silk
- Jewelry findings
Student Provide:
- Needle-nose pliers or good tweezers
Instructor Bio: Molly Cahill learned how to make jewelry when she and a friend ran a business selling jewelry and knit/crochet hats.
Bring a touch of whimsy to your costume with these leafy accessories! Will wil be making various leafy cloak clasps in class that will be perfect for picnicking in Rivendell or adding a touch of forest charm to your outfit. Various leaf shapes will be made available, so students can mix and match.
Class Type: Workshop
Class Level: All
Material fees: $50
Instructor will provide:
- Leather
- All tools needed
Student Provide:
- clasps (Amazon link will be sent out well in advance, clasps are under $10)
Instructor Bio: Sarah Mijts has been working leather for many years, having started with bookbinding and later branching out to handbags and custom armor. She is passionate about the craft and loves to share her knowledge.
