Sew Many Sleeves with Carolann Schmitt
Description
Join Us for a Hands-On Class on Variations on Sleeves
Oxford, NC - September 21-22. 2024
108 Gilliam Street Oxford, NC 27565
To determine what style of sleeve is fashionable is really a difficult matter, as there are so many shapes now in vogue. – Peterson’s Magazine, September 1862
One of the easiest ways to vary the look of a garment is to change the style of the sleeves. Virtually all sleeve styles are based on one of the following basic shapes: a full sleeve gathered into a cuff, a shaped coat sleeve, a full open sleeve, a tight sleeve, or a short sleeve. These basic sleeve shapes can be altered to create new looks by slashing and spreading to add gathers, pleats or tucks; adding overlays, jockeys, epaulettes, caps or tabs; including puffs, flounces, functional or false cuffs; and/or embellishing them with ruching, ruffles, edgings, tabs, buttons and/or fringe.
The class begins with an in-depth review at the wide variety of sleeve styles worn from 1845-1865. Using original garments and an extensively illustrated lecture containing 100+ images, we will identify the basic sleeve shapes, learn how to analyze images to determine the cut and construction of the sleeve, learn how to combine elements of various styles to create a new style that is characteristic of the period, discuss appropriate fabrics for certain styles, linings and trims, and discuss period construction techniques used in making sleeves.
Students will also learn how to measure for a comfortable fit, create custom slopers of the basic sleeve shapes for their future use, and learn how to alter the basic sleeve shapes to create an infinite variety of sleeve styles for day or evening dresses.
Students are encouraged to bring illustrations, photographs, original and/or reproduction garments for discussion and “show and share”.
In the second section of the class, you will put your new knowledge to use. This portion of the class is customized to meet your needs: make sleeves for a new dress or a dress that is in progress; make samples of different sleeve styles for your future reference; draft custom-fitted paper patterns of different sleeve styles; or any combination of any of the above! You may make as many items as time permits.
Each student will receive a comprehensive notebook with illustrations, cutting diagrams, glossary, suggested reading list, and instructions for constructing various sleeves. A pattern pack (five 36”x48” sheets) consisting of patterns for 25 sleeves, 7 jockeys, and 5 cuffs, all drafted from original garments will be available for purchase. Each sleeve shape can be used to create other sleeve styles.