18th century stays making workshop with Michelle Barker of Handbound Costumes

Join us for an 18th century stays making workshop with Michelle Barker of Handbound Costumes at Wasps Perth Creative Exchange!

Learn the art of creating historically accurate stays from the 18th century in this hands-on workshop. Michelle will guide you through the process, sharing her expertise and tips along the way. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned costumer, this workshop is a fantastic opportunity to expand your skills and knowledge. Don't miss out on this unique chance to delve into the world of historical costume making!

Michelle Barker, owner of Handbound Costumes and the Georgian Costume Study Centre, is a world-leading expert on 18th century dress and its construction. She has studied over twenty sets of stays in museum collections all over the world, has made many more, and is currently working on a stays project where she has even two sets of stays x-rayed so she can learn more about how they were constructed.

What you will learn

Over the four days, we will guide you through the process of making stays which fit you. The pattern we will be using, for semi-boned stays, is based on one published by Garsault in L’art du Tailleur from 1769. You will learn how to alter the pattern to fit your own measurements and then will be guided through the construction process. Depending on your prior sewing experience, you should finish the four days with at least half the set of stays finished and the confidence to finish the second half. Support will continue after the course has finished through a private Facebook group.

Materials

All materials needed will be provided during the course, but students may wish to bring their own ‘fashion’ fabric for the outer layer of stays. This is something we can discuss with you in the private Facebook group or via e-mail (we will need to make sure that we have the correct colour threads in stock for you).

Sewing level

Students should have basic sewing skills (stays mainly use running stitch, back stitch and whip stitch) and know how to use a sewing machine to do a basic running stitch. It is helpful if you've done some historical dressmaking, but not absolutely necessary.

Affordable accommodation nearby in Perth and public transport

Affordable self-catering accommodation is available to book at UHI Perth (student halls) on booking.com (£104 for 3 nights). Public transport links to Perth are excellent from all over Scotland and our studio is about a five minute walk from the city centre. There is car parking available outside the studio building, however it is much cheaper at the nearby sports centre (about a five minute walk away).

Timings

The class will run between 10.00am and 4.00pm on each day, with an hour’s break for lunch. The studio will be open until 6.30pm each day for anyone wanting to stay on a bit later to do independent sewing work (Michelle has offered to stay at the studio in case anyone has any questions).

Things included in the price

- Cotton canvas, synthetic whalebone and threads, as well as tools

- Pattern

- Tea and coffee are available throughout the day in our kitchen

- Use of a sewing machine if not bringing own

- Extended access to studio sewing space

Lunch and snacks are not provided, but there are plenty of cafes and shops in Perth city centre which is a five minute walk away from the studio.

Cost

The total course fee is £375 (£50 of which is non-refundable.). We will accept cancellations up until the 14th June, and thereafter 50% of the course fees will only be refundable

Concessionary rates

There is a concessionary rate, available upon application, for those under 25 and with chronic long term health conditions. Please just send us a message if this applies to you So we can see what we can do.