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CANCELLED - Flexible and Functional: the 1920s One-Hour Dress

  • Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles 2982 Adeline Street Berkeley, CA, 94703 United States (map)

This class has been unfortunately cancelled due to lack of meeting the minimum threshold of participants.


This is a two-day class which will be held at Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles in Berkeley, CA. The dates are Saturday July 8 and Saturday July 22.

This workshop is limited to 10 participants.

This workshop is for Art Deco Society of California members only and tickets are sold through the ADSC. This workshop is supported but not sponsored by Lacis.

Want to prep for the Gatsby Picnic? Adorn your inner flapper? Get your Downton on? Or just experience the chic and simplicity of Art Deco clothing? Look no further than the One-Hour Dress, developed in 1923 by Mary Brooks Picken. This is simple and versatile style that can be made into a tailored wool day dress, a breezy cotton summer frock, or a dramatic silk evening gown.

Why does a one hour dress require two days of work? Well, it might take an hour if you're experienced AND you already have a working pattern. Since we're starting from scratch, it takes a bit longer. On day one, we will review the style and look at extant and reproduction gowns in the same style. We will then draft our patterns ourselves, make mockups, and adjust them carefully to perfect the fit. On day two we will make our dresses!

Prerequisites

Have basic sewing knowledge, including how to use a sewing machine. This is a simple style that is good for beginners, but can be elaborated upon to satisfy the most ambitious expert.

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 taught many costuming workshops for Lacis, Renaissance Fabrics, GBACG, Costume On, Costume Skills Institute, and Costume College.

Extra Info

Before the first class: pre-wash cotton or linen dress fabrics, iron dress fabrics. Do not wash wool, silk, or the mockup fabric.

Supplies to Bring

  • Sewing machine, with bobbins, attachments, needles, etc.

  • 3-4 yards of muslin 36" wide or wider for mockup, or old sheet etc.

  • 3-4 yards of dress fabric. Most dress weight fabrics work well, unless they are very heavy. Optional: contrast fabric for cuffs, collar, etc.

  • Any desired trimmings

  • Thread to match all fabrics

  • Pencil or pen

  • Clear scotch tape

  • Yardstick

Optional

  • French curve and other drafting tools

  • Measuring tape

  • Machine and hand-sewing tools (including pins, needles, seam ripper, scissors for fabric and paper)

  • Slip or leggings and camisole to wear during fittings