So now that we've all put away our Dickens and the Christmas stuff - are you ready to start thinking about DCF 2008?
Here's the tentative line up for classes;

Chemise and Drawers
Hoop skirt/petticoat
Corset
Garibaldi blouse
Skirt
Swiss belt
Dress
Classes in men's items will be coming as well as a class on distressing clothing and over hauling thrift store finds.
I have talked with Lynn Combs and it looks like Wed nights will be the best. She has graciously offered us space at Vallejo Musical Theater. We'd start at 6:30 or 7 and going till 10 each night. If we can pull it all together starting in mid Feb would be marvelous. I would like to do a large buy for the muslin upfront - that way we can get a really good deal on good quality muslin.
I am not sure how long each section will run as it will depend on class size and also the skill level. There will be a nominal charge to cover the space and also the instructor's time. You will be able to pay on a weekly basis or for the entire section for a slightly reduced rate. Fabric will need to be purchased and prepped ahead of time.

Now give me you feedback. What do you think? What is a class like this worth to you? You will receive personalized classes in learning to sew, professional help with fitting and an environment that will be fun and relaxed. And when it's all said and done your new Dickens clothing will be completed and already approved.
Plus - they don't call it a stitch and bitch for nothing! "Therapy" and opinions will be offered up for free! <grin>

IMPORTANT: this is not just for season sewers. I believe that everyone can learn to sew. You will need a sewing machine - we will have extras at the class but having one at home will be great to keep the classes moving. I am researching the ability for people to rent or borrow machines as well.

Please reply to the Dickens costume construction tribe for this post!
tribes.tribe.net/yesimadeitmyself
thanks
Liz
posted by:
Liz
online Liz
SF Bay Area
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  • manda
    manda
    online 37

    Re: Costume constrcution classes to start soon

    Mon, January 21, 2008 - 8:28 PM
    Are these classes during the week or on weekends?
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    • Liz
      Liz
      online 169

      Re: Costume constrcution classes to start soon

      Tue, January 22, 2008 - 12:35 AM
      during the week - Wed - the reason being is that they will run for more weeks than i want to commit to losing weekends. Did that make sense? Plus I work on Sat so that means Sundays only. We may run a class once a month or every 6 weeks on the weekend but it would be more along the lines of making a swiss belt, converting a thrift store jacket to a Zouave, the distressing workshop - that sort of thing.
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  • Ann
    Ann
    offline 1

    Re: Costume constrcution classes to start soon

    Tue, January 22, 2008 - 11:19 AM
    I might be interested, depending upon the sophistication of the classes. (Not beginning sewing). I would to look at an extant Garibaldi pattern and a swiss belt.
    Men's clothes, especially with patterning from extant garments, is a particular interest.
    Millinery and parasols as accessories are of interest as well.
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    • ♫ Ni...
      ♫ Nicole ♫
      online 176

      Re: Costume constrcution classes to start soon

      Tue, January 22, 2008 - 2:03 PM
      Same here-- I'm a professional costume designer, and certainly don't have any need for beginning classes, but would love to get together with similar-minded folks and share patterns/drafting techniques/research materials/vintage garments for copying/etc.

      Every time I get together with people to sew, it turns into me getting stuck teaching people how to make things, which means I get absolutely no work done on my own projects. If there are likely to be advanced classes with a designated teacher (who isn't me! Hooray!), I'd be very interested in attending. A regular class sounds like a much more productive format than a "stitch-n-bitch", and the day and location might actually work out with my schedule.

      Thanks for putting this together, Liz.
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      • Liz
        Liz
        online 169

        Re: Costume constrcution classes to start soon

        Fri, January 25, 2008 - 9:34 AM
        I understand your concerns. I plan on keeping all the classes in a workshop format - however in my experience, with a class running over multiple weeks, there will be certain amount of S-n-b as people get comfortable and get to know others.

        And please don't think that the drawers and other classes will be for beginners only. Yes, I am inviting novice sewers but at the same time it's a great way to get some of your own stuff done - or do something for your stock. I will do my best to answer al questions myself and not depend on the seasoned craftspeople to help out.

        The later classes, Garibaldi and the mens will not be for novices. Unless it's someone who has learns very quickly.
        Having said that - I will admit that I won't turn down any offers of help and assistance in the classes! : )
        Hope this helps a bit.
        Liz
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