Corsets and Cravats in Person Summer Conference
August 5-7, 2022
August 5-7, 2022
Lectures
Giants In the Earth: Paleontology in America
Presented by Elizabeth Stewart Clark
Terrible Lizard, Thunder Bison, Giants… the early and mid-19th century saw the dawn of paleontology and the exploration of the deep past in America, from coast to coast. Naturalists, botanists, geologists, and engineers turned their skills to documenting creatures long-extinct, and public interest in the unknown curiosities of a vanished world exploded! These mysteries of science unfolded in the public eye as exhibitions, publications, and popular curiosity engaged the senses and imagination of everyday folk. We’ll take a tour of the discoveries, and the men and women who preserved them, and get a feel for what you might have experienced in the era.
Presented by Elizabeth Stewart Clark
Terrible Lizard, Thunder Bison, Giants… the early and mid-19th century saw the dawn of paleontology and the exploration of the deep past in America, from coast to coast. Naturalists, botanists, geologists, and engineers turned their skills to documenting creatures long-extinct, and public interest in the unknown curiosities of a vanished world exploded! These mysteries of science unfolded in the public eye as exhibitions, publications, and popular curiosity engaged the senses and imagination of everyday folk. We’ll take a tour of the discoveries, and the men and women who preserved them, and get a feel for what you might have experienced in the era.
American Architecture during the Victorian Period
Presented by Mindy Crawford
The Victorian period of architecture in America encompasses many distinct and popular styles. Calling a house a “Victorian” is not very descriptive, in architectural terms. Victorian is period, not a style. When Queen Victorian began her reign, US architecture was heavily influenced by the ancient Greek and Roman orders. At the beginning of our time period (1837), Classical Revival and Greek Revival were predominant but the rapid advancement of science and technology during this period influenced architecture greatly causing a movement away from the classics to more fanciful styles such as Gothic Revival, Italianate, and Second Empire. The elaborate decorations on the exteriors of these buildings were made possible by the development of the bandsaw and the scroll saw. The Stick style marked the end of our period, but Victorian era styles continued to develop through the end of the 19th century the very popular Queen Anne style that most people think of as “Victorian” architecture.
Presented by Mindy Crawford
The Victorian period of architecture in America encompasses many distinct and popular styles. Calling a house a “Victorian” is not very descriptive, in architectural terms. Victorian is period, not a style. When Queen Victorian began her reign, US architecture was heavily influenced by the ancient Greek and Roman orders. At the beginning of our time period (1837), Classical Revival and Greek Revival were predominant but the rapid advancement of science and technology during this period influenced architecture greatly causing a movement away from the classics to more fanciful styles such as Gothic Revival, Italianate, and Second Empire. The elaborate decorations on the exteriors of these buildings were made possible by the development of the bandsaw and the scroll saw. The Stick style marked the end of our period, but Victorian era styles continued to develop through the end of the 19th century the very popular Queen Anne style that most people think of as “Victorian” architecture.
Humors of the Day: What Our Ancestors Found Amusing
Presented by Nicky Hughes
Contrary to their appearance in many period photographs, our 19th century ancestors did not spend all their time scowling grimly. They did smile and laugh – a lot. This presentation takes a whimsical look at the humor that tickled the funny bones of everyday Americans in the 1850s and 1860s. Newspaper humor columns, minstrel show scripts, published cartoons, letters, and early joke books have preserved commonplace examples of period humor, and all of these are sampled in this presentation. Particular attention is paid to the comical reaction of the day to women’s fashions – especially the crinoline supported skirt. The wit of a few humorists of renown, notably President Abraham Lincoln, will be presented.
Presented by Nicky Hughes
Contrary to their appearance in many period photographs, our 19th century ancestors did not spend all their time scowling grimly. They did smile and laugh – a lot. This presentation takes a whimsical look at the humor that tickled the funny bones of everyday Americans in the 1850s and 1860s. Newspaper humor columns, minstrel show scripts, published cartoons, letters, and early joke books have preserved commonplace examples of period humor, and all of these are sampled in this presentation. Particular attention is paid to the comical reaction of the day to women’s fashions – especially the crinoline supported skirt. The wit of a few humorists of renown, notably President Abraham Lincoln, will be presented.
Training the Eye: Printed Fabrics for Reproducing Mid-Victorian Era Garments
presented by K Krewer
“’Must’ is not a word used for princes.” --- Queen Elizabeth I
“Or print-ses.” --- K Krewer
Posts on social media inquiring about the propriety of prints shows that there is a lot of confusion about what is common, or even possible, for the era. Responses to these inquiries display further confusion, and resort to so-called "rules" about colors, spacing, and scale. What are the “rules”? Must we submit to the Tyranny of Princes, or Print-ses?
This presentation will review images of various print fabrics, drawn primarily from the presenter’s personal collection, to demonstrate the wide variety of designs available, and the differences in prints appropriate for cottons, wools, and silk fabrics. A “digital swatchbook”, organized by fabric type and motif, will be made available to participants.
presented by K Krewer
“’Must’ is not a word used for princes.” --- Queen Elizabeth I
“Or print-ses.” --- K Krewer
Posts on social media inquiring about the propriety of prints shows that there is a lot of confusion about what is common, or even possible, for the era. Responses to these inquiries display further confusion, and resort to so-called "rules" about colors, spacing, and scale. What are the “rules”? Must we submit to the Tyranny of Princes, or Print-ses?
This presentation will review images of various print fabrics, drawn primarily from the presenter’s personal collection, to demonstrate the wide variety of designs available, and the differences in prints appropriate for cottons, wools, and silk fabrics. A “digital swatchbook”, organized by fabric type and motif, will be made available to participants.
Long Break out Sessions
Newly Patterned: Sheer Bodice from the collection of Jeannie Rucker
presented by Mackenzie Anderson Sholtz
pattern fee $15
Get first access to a Figleaf pattern version of an 1850's sheer bodice from the collection of Jeannie Rucker. View the original garment along with reproductions and start your own muslin.
The Forgotten Art of Netting
presented by Jessamyn Reeves-Brown
$30 kit fee.
Netting is a nearly forgotten craft now, but it was very popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and netting projects were still turning up regularly in ladies' books and magazines in the 1850s and '60s. Easier than knitting, more straightforward than crochet, and working up faster than either, netting is portable, practical, and opens up a host of period projects. Using the same base technique as fishing and tennis nets but on a finer scale and with better materials, there were instructions for all kinds of things, including shawls, evening hoods, mitts, bags, cravats, cushion-covers, and even hoop skirts! In this workshop we will be making a netted hair net, and come away with the resources to tackle other period projects.
Frock Coats: A Study in Black
presented by Kara Bocek
A study of original frock coats 1830-1870, looking at style and construction changes based on originals from private collections.
Essential Stitches and Seams
presented by Carolan Schmitt
$10 kit fee
Participants in this hands-on workshop will learn some of the techniques essential for re-creating clothing c.1830-1870. We will view the techniques on original garments and discuss when, where, and why they were used. The discussion will also include comments on appropriate fabrics and notions, the importance of good pressing, and period dressmaking techniques.
Participants will receive an extensive workbook with information from primary sources, illustrated instructions, and a kit containing fabrics, threads, needles and other notions. Participants should bring sharp scissors, a thimble if you use one, and any other favorite sewing tool or notions. A small task light, preferably battery operated, may be helpful. No experience necessary! 3-hour hands-on workshop.
Practical Historical Hair Dressing
presented by Courtney Read
$10 Kit fee
This class with cover the techniques for dressing the hair. This will not focus on one particular style, but the individual steps used to create multiple historical looks. Students will be given the opportunity to try their hand (on sample hair wefts, NOT their own) at using antique curling irons, papillote irons and papers, as well as the proper uses of oils, pomades, and powders for setting these styles. We will also discuss different hair types, and how to achieve the best style and hold for their individual hair types. This will allow them to tailor their styles to their particular impression and period. From simple, provincial styles, to pearl draped evening hair, students will be able to apply the discussed methods to all types of historical styles!
Collars
presented by Elizabeth Stewart Clark
$25 kit fee
Starting with templates taken from period publications, we’ll choose size and shape to suit your dress, then hand-sew a plain or lace-edge collar from fine batiste, finished with a bias binding. You’ll learn to work two styles of fine hem, attach lace edging or edgings plus insertions that are shaped to suit your collar curve and lay flat during wear, and learn some tricks to get your collar on straight, every time, without Unladylike Vocabulary! Workshop includes an illustrated workbook with full-sized templates; optional materials kit available that includes fabric, lace, needles, thread, pins, and tissue.
Handwriting in the Mid-19th Century
presented by Matt DiPalma
English Roundhand dates back to the eighteenth century and was taught into the 1840s. Because all documents were handwritten, clerks used somewhat consistent letterforms, but they were not standardized. Often, clerks were left to use their own form of handwriting and personalized expressive letterforms. This did not lead to illegibility, but at times typographical errors arose when one clerk transcribed another clerk’s handwriting incorrectly due to variations in letterforms.
Beginning in 1840s, Mr. Platt Rogers Spencer began teaching a formal, standardized penmanship with letterforms based on nature and natural surroundings. His method provided for a standardized appearance; as more people learned to write using his typographical form, more people could read the standardized form. (Spencerian was taught in the United States until it was replaced by the Palmer Method in 1925.)
As a result, both forms of handwriting were prominent during the Civil War; older persons had learned English Roundhand, and can often be identified by their handwriting when compared to younger individuals, who wrote increasingly in the new Spencerian forms.
Weighing the Baby
presented by Steph Brennan
This workshop will take a look at the quickly changing infant’s life from birth to two years. Motherhood is a subject touched on by many, but rarely does it touch the period aspects into the changing needs of the infant and how the mother dealt with those needs. This lecture and hands on workshop will provide those little known details of infant care while keeping the basic needs of an infant foremost. Time will be provided for dressing an infant size doll using reproduction clothing. The lecture will also cover feeding, toys, sickness, furniture, father’s role, and death. A display of original items will be available for close examination. Included is a bonus shopping list of infant items to purchase that are acceptable for living history and meet modern infant safety measures.
presented by Mackenzie Anderson Sholtz
pattern fee $15
Get first access to a Figleaf pattern version of an 1850's sheer bodice from the collection of Jeannie Rucker. View the original garment along with reproductions and start your own muslin.
The Forgotten Art of Netting
presented by Jessamyn Reeves-Brown
$30 kit fee.
Netting is a nearly forgotten craft now, but it was very popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and netting projects were still turning up regularly in ladies' books and magazines in the 1850s and '60s. Easier than knitting, more straightforward than crochet, and working up faster than either, netting is portable, practical, and opens up a host of period projects. Using the same base technique as fishing and tennis nets but on a finer scale and with better materials, there were instructions for all kinds of things, including shawls, evening hoods, mitts, bags, cravats, cushion-covers, and even hoop skirts! In this workshop we will be making a netted hair net, and come away with the resources to tackle other period projects.
Frock Coats: A Study in Black
presented by Kara Bocek
A study of original frock coats 1830-1870, looking at style and construction changes based on originals from private collections.
Essential Stitches and Seams
presented by Carolan Schmitt
$10 kit fee
Participants in this hands-on workshop will learn some of the techniques essential for re-creating clothing c.1830-1870. We will view the techniques on original garments and discuss when, where, and why they were used. The discussion will also include comments on appropriate fabrics and notions, the importance of good pressing, and period dressmaking techniques.
Participants will receive an extensive workbook with information from primary sources, illustrated instructions, and a kit containing fabrics, threads, needles and other notions. Participants should bring sharp scissors, a thimble if you use one, and any other favorite sewing tool or notions. A small task light, preferably battery operated, may be helpful. No experience necessary! 3-hour hands-on workshop.
Practical Historical Hair Dressing
presented by Courtney Read
$10 Kit fee
This class with cover the techniques for dressing the hair. This will not focus on one particular style, but the individual steps used to create multiple historical looks. Students will be given the opportunity to try their hand (on sample hair wefts, NOT their own) at using antique curling irons, papillote irons and papers, as well as the proper uses of oils, pomades, and powders for setting these styles. We will also discuss different hair types, and how to achieve the best style and hold for their individual hair types. This will allow them to tailor their styles to their particular impression and period. From simple, provincial styles, to pearl draped evening hair, students will be able to apply the discussed methods to all types of historical styles!
Collars
presented by Elizabeth Stewart Clark
$25 kit fee
Starting with templates taken from period publications, we’ll choose size and shape to suit your dress, then hand-sew a plain or lace-edge collar from fine batiste, finished with a bias binding. You’ll learn to work two styles of fine hem, attach lace edging or edgings plus insertions that are shaped to suit your collar curve and lay flat during wear, and learn some tricks to get your collar on straight, every time, without Unladylike Vocabulary! Workshop includes an illustrated workbook with full-sized templates; optional materials kit available that includes fabric, lace, needles, thread, pins, and tissue.
Handwriting in the Mid-19th Century
presented by Matt DiPalma
English Roundhand dates back to the eighteenth century and was taught into the 1840s. Because all documents were handwritten, clerks used somewhat consistent letterforms, but they were not standardized. Often, clerks were left to use their own form of handwriting and personalized expressive letterforms. This did not lead to illegibility, but at times typographical errors arose when one clerk transcribed another clerk’s handwriting incorrectly due to variations in letterforms.
Beginning in 1840s, Mr. Platt Rogers Spencer began teaching a formal, standardized penmanship with letterforms based on nature and natural surroundings. His method provided for a standardized appearance; as more people learned to write using his typographical form, more people could read the standardized form. (Spencerian was taught in the United States until it was replaced by the Palmer Method in 1925.)
As a result, both forms of handwriting were prominent during the Civil War; older persons had learned English Roundhand, and can often be identified by their handwriting when compared to younger individuals, who wrote increasingly in the new Spencerian forms.
Weighing the Baby
presented by Steph Brennan
This workshop will take a look at the quickly changing infant’s life from birth to two years. Motherhood is a subject touched on by many, but rarely does it touch the period aspects into the changing needs of the infant and how the mother dealt with those needs. This lecture and hands on workshop will provide those little known details of infant care while keeping the basic needs of an infant foremost. Time will be provided for dressing an infant size doll using reproduction clothing. The lecture will also cover feeding, toys, sickness, furniture, father’s role, and death. A display of original items will be available for close examination. Included is a bonus shopping list of infant items to purchase that are acceptable for living history and meet modern infant safety measures.
Short Breakout Sessions
Mrs. Bloomer and her Scandalous Outfit: A Study in Utility and Symbolism
presented by K Krewer
Amelia Bloomer did not invent the outfit that is now associated with her name, but in the early 1850's, publicized it through her periodical, The Lily, and wore the costume herself. Early adopters praised the outfit for its comfort and utility, and "dress reform" movements sprang up. However, like masks and red hats in the 21st century, the garment became associated with a political cause -- in this case, women's rights. The negative reaction became overwhelming; women in Bloomer outfits were lambasted as "impersonating a man," and the term “Bloomer girl” became a synonym for a radical or extremist. Bloomer herself professed to be “amazed at the furor I had unwittingly caused.” Despite the controversy, the Bloomer outfit survived for recreation, exercise, and as swimwear, with a resurgent interest in women’s health and fitness. Along with its cousins in the reform dress movement, it remained a symbol of women’s political rights that finally “bloomed” in the next century. This presentation will examine the history of the outfit, where it survived, construction notes, and tips for those who want to wear the outfit for living history.
Putting Your Best Face Forward
presented by Courtney Read
This course will cover historical skincare and cosmetics. We will discuss how cosmetics evolved from the bold looks of the 1830s, to the very natural look of the Victorian era. We will also cover skincare, treatments, and their evolution with beauty standards. Students will learn the “when and where” of cosmetics, as well as how to properly apply period correct makeup (No Maybelline!).
Ballads, Banjos, and Brass
presented by Nicky Hughes
This presentation takes two approaches to help participants better understand and enjoy early American music. First, the genres of music routinely experienced by our ancestors will be surveyed – church music, sentimental ballads, ethnic tunes, minstrelsy, patriotic anthems, music from the operatic stage, military marches and signals, “hit songs” popularized by “big stars,” and others will be touched upon. The second approach will examine the technology of music production, which was undergoing constant change in the antebellum decades. Color lithography helped sell sheet music; the piano became a commonplace form of entertainment and a status symbol; brass instruments outfitted with valves and marketed in easily tuned ensembles brought new brilliance to music; the banjo emerged from its obscure origins to provide a soundtrack for period American life.
Hold on to your Hood
presented by Dannielle Perry
Today we go from the heated car to the heated office to the heated house. Explore how women in the mid-19th century kept their ears warm and looked good doing it. Class will explore original garments and construction techniques used in the mid 19th century and for winter historical impressions.
“…my best petticoat…” A Plethora of Petticoats 1830-1870
presented by Carolann Schmitt
Petticoats are frequently mentioned in written primary sources, in contexts both expected and unexpected, and a woman’s best petticoat was often a highly-prized possession. Original examples readily found in public and private collections provide tactile examples to help us understand this essential undergarment that was highly functional, was not intended to be seen, but was often embellished in case it happened to be visible.
We will focus on petticoats worn 1830-1870: cotton, wool, quilted, corded, colored underskirts. We’ll compare their overall shape, how they were constructed, fabrics and embellishments, and when, where, and how they were worn. General construction techniques and sources for fabrics and trimming for reproduction garments will be provided. Comments from the nineteenth century women who made and/or wore them will help us understand the importance of “my best petticoat” in women’s wardrobes.
Perforated paper needlework
presented by Colleen Formby
Whether called by the later name of punched paper, or the earlier terms of perforated card and perforated paper, this craft was popular for decades during the 19th century, and into the early 20th. It was within the reach of all levels of society, and affordable for everyone. Magazines and books for both children and adults published patterns for its use in creating bookmarks, boxes, needlebooks, novelties, and by the latter part of the century most homes would have a framed motto on their walls. In this workshop, we will look at the history and variety of perforated card patterns, modern equivalent materials and where to find them, and work on a couple of small projects. Kits will be available, and will include all needed materials, including the new smaller count perforated paper that has recently become available.
Sensory bits
presented by Elizabeth Stewart Clark
$5 kit fee
We can enhance our living history interpretation by adding sensory input for our visitors and fellow living history enthusiasts. Sight, touch, smell, hearing, flavors, movement, and the natural material-culture detritus that accumulates to a real individual: we’ll look at strategies to develop a greater range of sensory details in your personal and group impressions, as well as try our hand at various types of tools for sensory integration.
From Wet Plates to Megapixels: Using Digital Technology to Study 19th Century Photographs
presented by Don Schmitt
Nineteenth century photographic techniques produced images with incredibly high resolution, making them ideal for close study of small details today – if you know how to effectively enhance and manipulate them. Advances in digital technology today allow researchers the ability to photograph and enhance for study details that are difficult or impossible to distinguish with the naked eye on the originals. Online databases have made access to tens of thousands of original images easy and affordable to anyone with an Internet connection.
Participants in this workshop will learn the basics using digital cameras and photographic accessories to make clear, sharp photos of original images, clothing and artifacts. They will learn some basics on how to use the inexpensive Adobe Photoshop Elements software and similar software programs to enhance and manipulate digital images for research and study. Several actual demonstrations will illustrate techniques and results. You may be astounded at what you see.
Other topics to be discussed include photographing versus scanning images; suggested minimum standards for digital cameras, computers and software; sources for purchasing these items; and how to save and properly store images for future use.
Ticking Work
presented by Colleen Formby
Ticking Embroidery, or Ticking Work, begins to appear in magazines in the 1840s and continues through the latter part of the century, as well as into the early 20th century. Patterns and comments note that it may be used for small domestic items, including a variety of cases and bags, and by the 1870s and 1880s, it was also used as coverings for chair seats and piano stools; there are extant slippers as well in at least two museums. It is meant to mimic Persian, or Indian embroidery, and therefore is worked in bright colors, with varied stitches. This workshop will look at the history and variety of ticking work, as well as where modern equivalent materials may be found, and a small project will be started. There will be a kit available with threads, fabric, and patterns. A knowledge of hand embroidery stitches is helpful, but not required, and there will be resources available to help in that.
The Greatest Wedding Show on Earth
presented by Jeannie Rucker
Take a behind the scenes look at The Greatest Wedding Show on Earth at the Newberry Museum with Collector Jeannie Rucker. Find out how she managed to get a piece of Charles and Diana's cake, a flower from Queen Victoria, and much much more!
presented by K Krewer
Amelia Bloomer did not invent the outfit that is now associated with her name, but in the early 1850's, publicized it through her periodical, The Lily, and wore the costume herself. Early adopters praised the outfit for its comfort and utility, and "dress reform" movements sprang up. However, like masks and red hats in the 21st century, the garment became associated with a political cause -- in this case, women's rights. The negative reaction became overwhelming; women in Bloomer outfits were lambasted as "impersonating a man," and the term “Bloomer girl” became a synonym for a radical or extremist. Bloomer herself professed to be “amazed at the furor I had unwittingly caused.” Despite the controversy, the Bloomer outfit survived for recreation, exercise, and as swimwear, with a resurgent interest in women’s health and fitness. Along with its cousins in the reform dress movement, it remained a symbol of women’s political rights that finally “bloomed” in the next century. This presentation will examine the history of the outfit, where it survived, construction notes, and tips for those who want to wear the outfit for living history.
Putting Your Best Face Forward
presented by Courtney Read
This course will cover historical skincare and cosmetics. We will discuss how cosmetics evolved from the bold looks of the 1830s, to the very natural look of the Victorian era. We will also cover skincare, treatments, and their evolution with beauty standards. Students will learn the “when and where” of cosmetics, as well as how to properly apply period correct makeup (No Maybelline!).
Ballads, Banjos, and Brass
presented by Nicky Hughes
This presentation takes two approaches to help participants better understand and enjoy early American music. First, the genres of music routinely experienced by our ancestors will be surveyed – church music, sentimental ballads, ethnic tunes, minstrelsy, patriotic anthems, music from the operatic stage, military marches and signals, “hit songs” popularized by “big stars,” and others will be touched upon. The second approach will examine the technology of music production, which was undergoing constant change in the antebellum decades. Color lithography helped sell sheet music; the piano became a commonplace form of entertainment and a status symbol; brass instruments outfitted with valves and marketed in easily tuned ensembles brought new brilliance to music; the banjo emerged from its obscure origins to provide a soundtrack for period American life.
Hold on to your Hood
presented by Dannielle Perry
Today we go from the heated car to the heated office to the heated house. Explore how women in the mid-19th century kept their ears warm and looked good doing it. Class will explore original garments and construction techniques used in the mid 19th century and for winter historical impressions.
“…my best petticoat…” A Plethora of Petticoats 1830-1870
presented by Carolann Schmitt
Petticoats are frequently mentioned in written primary sources, in contexts both expected and unexpected, and a woman’s best petticoat was often a highly-prized possession. Original examples readily found in public and private collections provide tactile examples to help us understand this essential undergarment that was highly functional, was not intended to be seen, but was often embellished in case it happened to be visible.
We will focus on petticoats worn 1830-1870: cotton, wool, quilted, corded, colored underskirts. We’ll compare their overall shape, how they were constructed, fabrics and embellishments, and when, where, and how they were worn. General construction techniques and sources for fabrics and trimming for reproduction garments will be provided. Comments from the nineteenth century women who made and/or wore them will help us understand the importance of “my best petticoat” in women’s wardrobes.
Perforated paper needlework
presented by Colleen Formby
Whether called by the later name of punched paper, or the earlier terms of perforated card and perforated paper, this craft was popular for decades during the 19th century, and into the early 20th. It was within the reach of all levels of society, and affordable for everyone. Magazines and books for both children and adults published patterns for its use in creating bookmarks, boxes, needlebooks, novelties, and by the latter part of the century most homes would have a framed motto on their walls. In this workshop, we will look at the history and variety of perforated card patterns, modern equivalent materials and where to find them, and work on a couple of small projects. Kits will be available, and will include all needed materials, including the new smaller count perforated paper that has recently become available.
Sensory bits
presented by Elizabeth Stewart Clark
$5 kit fee
We can enhance our living history interpretation by adding sensory input for our visitors and fellow living history enthusiasts. Sight, touch, smell, hearing, flavors, movement, and the natural material-culture detritus that accumulates to a real individual: we’ll look at strategies to develop a greater range of sensory details in your personal and group impressions, as well as try our hand at various types of tools for sensory integration.
From Wet Plates to Megapixels: Using Digital Technology to Study 19th Century Photographs
presented by Don Schmitt
Nineteenth century photographic techniques produced images with incredibly high resolution, making them ideal for close study of small details today – if you know how to effectively enhance and manipulate them. Advances in digital technology today allow researchers the ability to photograph and enhance for study details that are difficult or impossible to distinguish with the naked eye on the originals. Online databases have made access to tens of thousands of original images easy and affordable to anyone with an Internet connection.
Participants in this workshop will learn the basics using digital cameras and photographic accessories to make clear, sharp photos of original images, clothing and artifacts. They will learn some basics on how to use the inexpensive Adobe Photoshop Elements software and similar software programs to enhance and manipulate digital images for research and study. Several actual demonstrations will illustrate techniques and results. You may be astounded at what you see.
Other topics to be discussed include photographing versus scanning images; suggested minimum standards for digital cameras, computers and software; sources for purchasing these items; and how to save and properly store images for future use.
Ticking Work
presented by Colleen Formby
Ticking Embroidery, or Ticking Work, begins to appear in magazines in the 1840s and continues through the latter part of the century, as well as into the early 20th century. Patterns and comments note that it may be used for small domestic items, including a variety of cases and bags, and by the 1870s and 1880s, it was also used as coverings for chair seats and piano stools; there are extant slippers as well in at least two museums. It is meant to mimic Persian, or Indian embroidery, and therefore is worked in bright colors, with varied stitches. This workshop will look at the history and variety of ticking work, as well as where modern equivalent materials may be found, and a small project will be started. There will be a kit available with threads, fabric, and patterns. A knowledge of hand embroidery stitches is helpful, but not required, and there will be resources available to help in that.
The Greatest Wedding Show on Earth
presented by Jeannie Rucker
Take a behind the scenes look at The Greatest Wedding Show on Earth at the Newberry Museum with Collector Jeannie Rucker. Find out how she managed to get a piece of Charles and Diana's cake, a flower from Queen Victoria, and much much more!
