— — TBA— — Hand Sewing 18th Century Stays 4 days with LeeAra Anglin

Related Courses/Events: Textile Courses

Dates: Join the waitlist to be informed about dates for this class, 4 days

Description: Slow down and go back in time while learning to sew 18th century stays.

Boning, lambskin, lacing, and layers of linen…18th century stays, unlike corsetry that followed in the centuries after, were not designed to shape the body per se, but to shape the clothing worn on top whilst offering incredible back support.

You will be sewing a historically accurate pair of fully boned stays entirely custom to your body, accurate for Revolutionary War Era and earlier. Hand and some machine sewing will be used to complete the stays in 4 days. Depending on your speed, you may still need to complete the project on your own at home.

This class requires a good amount hand and finger strength (at times you will be hand-sewing through three layers of linen and lambskin combined).

We will practice fundamental hand sewing techniques, basic stitches, turned hems, and inserted gores. Prior hand sewing experience helpful.

Pattern drafting online service: You will need to have a pattern drafted for your body 4 weeks prior to class. Cost is $60 for the service. Measurements will be taken via video chat then sent to you as a pdf. You will need to bring a print out of the pattern to class, printed at full size.

Yardage needed will be determined with LeeAra, who will contact you after registration to sort it out.

Required & Optional Materials to Bring:

• Fabric  

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• Sewing Kit

  • Hand sewing “sharps“ needles 

  • Pin cushion

  • Pins

  • Sewing Tape Ruler

  • Fabric scissors

  • Pencil

  • Thread to match fabric choice if matching is desired. LeeAra suggests using natural 50/3 linen thread from Burnley and Trowbridge.

• Sewing Machine in good working order (we may be able to help you borrow/rent one if you are coming from far away)

• Reading glasses/headlamp/task light if you need them

• Seat cushion optional

Course Fee: $425

Material Fee: None required. Students provide their own materials.

LeeAra Anglin has been hand sewing for the better part of the last 6 years. Her projects range from 18th century gowns, petticoats, and shifts to replicas of 11th century extants found in southern Greenland and much in between that catches her fancy. She was taught by a young lass named Anna Eklund, who has handsewn gowns and outfits for renowned reenactors and weddings at Colonial Williamsburg. LeeAra absolutely adores the work of the hand in the construction of garments and is excited to share this love with you. She lives in a handmade house on a homestead in Mason with children, farm animals, and gardens. @heritage.hill.homestead