— — February 2026— — Hand Sewing Winter Series with LeeAra Anglin

Related Courses/Events: Textile Courses

Dates:

Session 1: 9:45am-12:30pm, Saturday, January 10, 2026

Session 2: 9:45am-12:30pm, Saturday, January 17, 2026

Session 3: 9:45am-12:30pm, Saturday, January 24, 2026

Session 4: 9:45am-12:30pm, Saturday, February 7, 2026

Session 5: 9:45am-12:30pm, Saturday, February 14, 2026

Session 6: 9:45am-12:30pm, Saturday, February 21, 2026

Description: Slow down and go back in time with this Winter Series of Hand Sewing lessons in a cozy classroom environment. LeeAra will teach you fundamental hand sewing techniques while you sew an historically accurate 18th century apron (or other project, see below). She will cover basic stitches like back stitch, running stitch, and whip stitch as well as how to gather fabric and attach it to an apron band. You can sign up for any one class and complete your project on your own at home, or sign up for several sessions and progress to more advanced techniques and additional projects as time and skill allow. No prior hand sewing experience needed! Snacks and hot cider will be provided.

Multiple Sessions, Various Projects: LeeAra will guide you through a variety of handsewing projects as time and skill level allow. For those that have completed their apron or anyone who would like to sew a different project, you can choose a simple tunic/shirt or a petticoat/skirt (see the last 7 photos). Bring machine washed and dried linen fabric or unwashed wool fabric. Yardage to bring is listed below based on size.

Other projects are also possible in consultation with LeeAra. Send us an email to inquire. Additional projects may require additional yardage and material fees.

Please Bring:

Sewing Kit

• Pin cushion

• Pins

• Fabric scissors or otherwise sharp scissors

• Thread to match fabric choice if matching is desired, plus white or cream thread to match tape. LeeAra prefers going a more traditional route and using natural 50/3 linen thread from Burnley and Trowbridge

• Sewing needles and tape binding will be provided by LeeAra.

For the Apron: 1 yard pre-washed Linen Fabric (cotton OK, but linen preferred) (36 inches x 45-60 inches) Machine wash and machine dry the fabric prior to class. This assures that the bulk of any shrinking has already occurred and softens the linen for sewing. If one wishes to be historically accurate blue checks and stripes were very common in the 18th century, but any color/pattern will do. Here is a source for very high quality Irish linen‍ ‍and another decent source for linen fabric. This is a good source for wool fabric.

If you would like to sew something other than an Apron:

Tunic/shirt: Bring prewashed/dried linen fabric or unwashed wool fabric. 2.5 yards fabric (possibly 3 yards if large or tall)

Petticoat/skirt: Bring prewashed/dried linen fabric or unwashed wool fabric. 

For a waist of 38 inches or less, 2 yards of fabric. If you have 45 inch width fabric, the pleats will not be quite as full. Choose 55-60 inches width for full pleats.

For a waist 60 inches or less, 2 yards of fabric, 55-60 inches width. 

For a waist 60 inches or more, 4 yards of fabric.

For any other sewing project, please email us to find out how much yardage you will need.

Reading glasses/headlamp if you need them

Session Fee: $35 per session, $100 for all three in February

Material Fee: $10 (cash preferred) to be paid to the instructor directly during class.

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