Snapshots from the Short Stays Workshop
Getting together with enthusiastic women who love the Regency era and excellent sewing was such a treat. In late July, my friend Audrey Russell and I put on a two-day sewing workshop to walk participants through my Regency Short Stays pattern from start to finish. Audrey had conducted a chemise workshop the week before, so our students were ready to go to create the perfect silhouette for their gowns. We were amazed at their skill and speed, particularly as we fitted to each person to make sure she achieved a perfect end result, which meant alterations and adjustments. These ladies are champs!
We kicked off our fun Thursday night with a fashion show where I dressed Audrey in all her layers (she started in chemise, drawers, stockings, and shoes). Through this process, we were able to demonstrate what an amazing difference correct underpinnings make for this time period. Our capable assistant, Leah, herself a gifted seamstress and Regency aficionado, also came dressed for our demonstration and showcased her own work, which was splendid.
The next day started at 10am, as we measured students to determine which size would suit them best, watched them cut their fitting toiles, baste those together, then try them on for a fitting critique. This took the most time but was also the most important step, as we were able to make pattern alterations on the fly to fit every body type from a size 2A to a 28G. There is NO body type that “won’t work” for this time period—it’s all a matter of fitting the wearer’s unique shape. Usually, all it takes to fit cup sizes over DD is adding length to the pattern pieces and lengthening the gussets, which is very easy to do, as you can see in the image below at right.
After test-fitting and making any needed tweaks, the ladies cut into their fashion fabrics and began to sew like busy bees. It was wonderful to see their progress over the two days we were together! I also loved all the fun fabrics they chose to use for their stays.
I always love getting together with fellow sewing enthusiasts, because I learn new things from them. Audrey taught us a couple of tricks I’d never seen in 40 years of sewing, and it was a blast to try them out. By the end of day two, most of our students had finished or nearly finished their stays, and everyone finished up within the next week at home. I had emails from a couple of students who wanted second opinions on fitting tweaks, and we were able to work through those remotely with beautiful results. I am so proud of these ladies!
Audrey and I will be back at The Sewing Studio next January to co-teach the drawstring gown (“round gown” in the terms of the time) from my Elegant Lady’s Closet pattern. If you plan to attend the Mount Dora Jane Austen Festival next year and don’t have an outfit yet, this is a great way to get ready for the fun! Below are some inspirational gowns from the 1790s-1810s to get your ideas flowing (tap for full image):
I’ll post registration information once it is available. We’d love to have you join us! I’ll also share two other workshops Audrey will be doing on chemisettes and reticules to round out your ensemble. Stay tuned, and keep stitching!
