Larkin & Smith English Gown Workshop - April 4th - 6th, 2025
Space is limited. Please email us to be added to the waiting list. atthesignofthegoldenscissors@gmail.com
April 4th - 6th, 2025 - Workshop Location - Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum. 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.
Friday - 1pm to 4pm
Saturday and Sunday - 9:30am to 3:30pm
This workshop is sponsored by Saratoga 250 and the Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum.
In this 2 1/2 day workshop you will learn to construct an English stomacher front gown in a period manner using our Larkin and Smith English Gown Pattern. (You will need to purchase the pattern if you do not already own a copy. It will be mailed to you prior to the workshop.) The en fourreau back was one of the most popular styles of gown during the 18th century and can easily suit a variety of impressions depending on choice of fabric and trim. The focus for this workshop will be on making gowns suitable to the early 1770s, with information on how to make an earlier style if desired. At the end of the workshop each individual will have a personalized pattern for re use and their gown well under construction. During the workshop, attendees will also have the chance to examine some of the original 18th century items in our collection.
- Students must come prepared with a cut and sewn mockup of the gown bodice. The first part of the workshop will cover how to adjust your mockup.
- Home work is required.
- Pre approval of fabric is necessary.
- Stays are required to fit your gown. Students should plan to bring and wear their shift, stays, under petticoat, and shoes.
- Students should be familiar with basic hand sewing skills and have some knowledge of 18th century clothing and experience in creating a basic article of 18th century clothing. Knowledge of using a commercial pattern and/or making a fitted garment will be handy.
- Students will provide their own fabrics, notions and sewing tools.
An email with pre workshop homework, information on selecting fabrics along with a supplies list will be sent out prior to the workshop. Students should plan to bring a bag lunch both days.
A minimum of 4 is required for the gown workshop (6 people max for this particular workshop location.) This is a two and a half day workshop. (To be added to the waitlist, please email us at atthesignofthegoldenscissors@gmail.com)
Cancellation Policy
Due to the nature and limited enrollment of our workshops, we regret that we are unable to offer a full refund for a cancellation. If you cancel 15 or more days prior to the workshop, we will refund your fee less a $35 cancellation fee. If you cancel less than 15 days prior to the workshop, we will have to charge the full amount of the workshop unless we are able to fill your slot, (based on a waiting list) in that event you will be charged only the $35 cancellation fee. In the event of inclement weather, based on our local weather reports, we reserve the right to reschedule the workshop to a later date. Students will be notified via email of any changes ASAP.
In the event of cancellations we are not responsible for any costs by the attendee for cancelled reservations or other travel costs.