Designed with a confident sewist in mind, this workshop will guide you through the intricacies of the construction of this garment silhouette characterized by the one-piece nature of the bodice-overskirt combination. We will use Victorian patterns as our starting point, and the patterns will be available for tracing. We will focus on the construction, fitting, and correct wearing of each item. Our classes will not be long enough to add trimmings to your gown, but you will feel confident in adding them on your own.
These gowns are meant to be worn over support garments constructed to support the skirts and bodice. If you have a corset you plan to wear under this dress, it is recommended to bring it to class for measurements and fittings.
Students who might not be confident sewers: If you can sew a straight seam and sew a curved seam keeping the seam allowance even, and are familiar with troubleshooting your sewing machine, you will do wonderfully.
This Workshop is two weekends, 5/31-6/1 and 6/7-8. The cost for the workshop is $350. If you are a DVSS member, message us for a coupon code for a discount on your registration. We cannot refund workshop registrations, but you are welcome to transfer your registration if you cannot attend. A light tea is always provided for luncheon.
Materials and Items you will need to bring with you:
Your sewing Machine
Measuring tape
Thread, needles (for your machine and hand sewing)
Scissors for fabric and scissors for paper
Fabric marker or pencil for marking on fabric
Pencil for pattern tracing
Ruler
Pins or clips to hold parts together
Pattern tracing paper (I recommend Swedish tracing paper or Pellon 830 easy pattern tracing paper)
Fabric* for dress and mock-ups (and trim if you plan on trimming with fabric)
Notions such as buttons, boning, and dress hook and eyes
Corset for fittings if you wear one
*yardage can vary significantly by body size and width of fabric. A good starting point for how many yards to get is 5 yards. If you are using 45" or less fabric (in width) consider adding a yard for "Just in Case." There is nothing worse than barely not having enough.
Lara Beckwith has been a professional seamstress and tailor for the better part of 20 years. She comes from a long line of professional seamstresses and quilters and has been sewing her entire life. She started making historical clothing at the age of 3 by sewing her own moccasins. She frequently presents on historical textiles and patterning at Whimsy Con and has been honored with many first prize places for her gowns and tailoring creations.
She is a librarian in her day to day life and enjoys finding resources and teaching people how to research.