2012–2013 Hive Workshops

Saturday, November 10 and Sunday, November 11, 2012, both days 9:30—4pm

Location: Fort 4 in Charlestown, NH

Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18, 2012, both days 9:30—4pm

Location: Natick, MA

We will be making stays in the 18th century manner. We strongly encourage participants to sew the entire pair of stays by hand in order to produce stays that fit well, are easy to remodel in case of weight loss or gain, and can easily be repaired in the case of any broken boning. However, if you are unable to do so, you can sew the channels by machine, with the rest done by hand. As people have discovered in our other workshops, when constructing items in the 18th century way, hand sewing is easier and produces better results than machine sewing. Besides, you can do it anywhere and it's very relaxing!

All materials for your stays will be supplied for the workshop, including linen canvas, thread (please advise if you are planning on sewing your channels by hand or machine), boning, leather binding and stay cord.

All skill levels are welcome; stay making is not difficult, but it is time consuming. Some knowledge of hand sewing is helpful but not necessary.

Fee: $175

Instructors: Hallie Larkin & Steph Smith

Sunday, December 2, 2012

You will be constructing a lined bed gown patterned from an original in the collection of the Manchester City Galleries in England. The cost of the workshop includes a kit that contains pre-cut fashion fabric, lining, and thread. You will have a choice of fabrics.

Fee: $125 - $150 Depending on fabric selection (includes all materials)

Instructors: Hallie Larkin & Steph Smith

January 5, 2013

Period account books, diaries, and advertisements include many references to cloaks, plus there are numerous examples surviving in New England collections. You will be making either a man's or woman's cloak, each is based on an original. Not hard to make, if you have the space and a little sewing talent, this is a terrific project for the novice sewer!

Fee: $50 (materials not included)

Instructor: Henry Cooke

Saturday, January 5 & Saturday, January 12, 2013

You will be constructing a hand sewn stomacher front / en fourreau back gown based on a period example and constructed in a period manner. This gown is correct style for women reenacting a period of 1760-1780. By the end of the weekend, your gown should be substantially completed.

Fee: $150 (includes bodice and sleeve lining)

Instructors: Hallie Larkin & Steph Smith

Saturday, January 19, 2013

We'll take you through the steps of making a quilted petticoat as we build one together. You'll also practice all the elements on a miniature quilt of your own that you will have for future reference. We will also look at an original and discuss materials options and sources.

Fee: $60

Instructors: Hallie Larkin & Steph Smith

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Make a pair of drawers—a garment worn under breeches. Mentioned in tailors' account books, advertisements and runaway ads, drawers were frequently worn by New England men and were made in linen, dimity, cotton, wool, and leather. Reproduce a linen pair—you'll thank yourself at the next cold and damp reenactment!

Fee: $50 (materials not included)

Instructor: Henry Cooke

Saturday, January 19, 2012

You will learn how to make a period bandbox. The one you will be making is perfect for use as a sewing kit. You'll learn about period pieces and their use, while making your own during this one-day workshop.

Fee: $40 (includes all materials)

Instructor: Emily Murphy

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Women's Clothing 10am–12:00 pm
Men's Clothing 1:00pm–3:00 pm

Take an up close and personal look at a collection of original garments and accessories. We'll show you construction details, let you take a closer look at materials used to construct these garments, and learn some dress maker/tailor's tricks. See some amazing artifacts from coats, breeches, embroidered waistcoats, to a variety of gowns and accessories, including some brand new acquisitions!

Fee: $40/person for men's clothing; $40/person for women's clothing

Saturday & Sunday, February 23 & 24, 2013

Leather breeches were perhaps the most universal garment in the 18th century male wardrobe; from Royal Governors to slaves in the fields, these durable and comfortable breeches were the blue jeans of their time. Join Jay Howlett and Jan Tilley from Williamsburg, VA for an intensive and very hands-on exploration of the arts and mysteries of the breeches maker. Participants will receive all materials and notions to cut and fit a pair of buckskin breeches.

This is an advanced level workshop requiring good hand sewing skills. Participation is limited to 8 to allow the individual attention requisite for proper cutting and fitting. Those sewing for someone other than themselves will need to have the wearer attend for parts of the workshop.

Deadline for registration: January 15th

Maximum Attendees: 8

Fee: $400 (includes materials)

Instructors: Jay Howlett & Jan Tilley