1 Session : February 8, 2020 : 10am-1pm

Objectives

By the end of the class, students should leave with a completed flat pattern of 1770s stays, drafted to their own body measurements.

Students will be able to independently apply the arc drafting method they learn in class to make a variety of other stay patterns from historical eras between 1600 and 1800.

Course Summary

Learn to draft late 18th century stays to fit your body. Well-fitted foundation garments like stays are the backbone of the historical costumer’s wardrobe, but many costumers struggle to find patterns that fit them perfectly. Look no further. In this class you will learn how to use a period-correct drafting method to create a custom 1770s stays pattern with a beautiful shape and superior fit. Relevant drafting and fitting skills as well as materials used in stay-making will be covered. No prior knowledge of garment drafting is required, but basic sewing knowledge is necessary.

About the Instructor : Alexander Chesebro

Alexander Chesebro is a historical costumer and living history interpreter with a specialization in foundation garments. Alexander has created corsets and stays for living history events and private clients across the U.S., including for performers at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco. His design process relies on extensive research examining extant garments in both his personal collection and museum archives in order to produce comfortable foundation garments with period correct silhouettes. Alexander also collects and documents historical textiles, specializing in silk brocades and woolens from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. He is thrilled to offer new classes on making foundation garments here in the Boston area. 

@chesebrounderpinnings