SITU will have a Design Studio of an introduction to how corsets shaped a woman’s silhouette.  Corsets (also known as “stays” or “a pair of bodies”) have been routinely worn from roughly 1500 to roughly 1925.

This Design Studio will be on Sunday, October 4 from 1 pm to 5 pm.  It will be at my house in the Seward Park neighborhood of Seattle.  My address is in the directory, or email me if you need my address.

“One of the most interesting aspects of the history of the costume of Western Europe is the continuous evolution of the silhouette.”  So begins Norah Waugh in her 1954 book Corsets and Crinolines.  In this Design Studio we will review how the different silhouettes were achieved based on different corsets.  I will have my 4 different corsets on hand to look at, handle and perhaps try on.  We will dispel some of the myths about corsets – contrary to popular belief, corsets can be very comfortable.  Answers to the following and many other questions will be provided: 

• Do I need to wear a corset to dress in historic costume?
• Are patterns for corsets available and, if so, where can I get one?
• Are there any modern alternatives to corsets?
• I have a Victorian corset, can’t I use that for all eras that SITU participates in?

We are so lucky in Seattle to have Marie Cooley, SITU member and fabulous corsetière.  She does wonderful work, as several SITU members can attest.  Check out her website and blog at www.fittingroomcorsets.com  

I know many of you have corsets and books related to corsetry.  You are invited to bring them so we all can learn from them.

Because of the nature of this Design Studio, we request that it be ladies only.  If you plan to attend, please RSVP, so we can have sufficient tea and goodies on hand.

SITU will be hosting a Design Studio, “An Introduction to Regency Attire” for both men and women.  The Regency period can be broadly defined as c. 1795 to c. 1820.

It’s a mid-day gathering with special guest presenters/teachers.  This is in preparation for the SITU Winter Event:
 “Bal Masque dans le Vieux Carre”
(Masquerade Ball in New Orleans), planned for February 6, 2010 with a fun New Orleans masquerade theme! 

This presentation will be on Saturday, October 10, 11am – 3 pm.  It will be in the meeting room at:

University Branch of the Seattle Public Library
5009 Roosevelt Way N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105
206-684-4063

We will be discussing the principal items (the “look”) that define Regency Attire, for both men and women.  Our guest presenters will show costumes for men and women, so you’ll be able to handle and see up close what can be sewn or found and creatively put together from thrift stores!

As a benefit of being part of SITU, there is no charge for this Design Studio!  However, please RSVP to me so we will have enough food snacks on hand.  We encourage you to bring your own (non-alcoholic) beverage, such as coffee, tea, soft drink, etc.
 

"Regency Dress Workshop"
(Click HERE to go to the Classes page.)

On behalf of SITU, Lady Victoria (aka Rita Harris) and Miss Bobbie are planning the latest in our series of workshops in sewing a useful outfit for SITU events and dress-up opportunities.  We are planning a workshop for a Regency Era Dress, c1795-c1820.  This era corresponds with our upcoming Winter Event, Bal au Masquerade dans La Vieux Carre, 1803, which will be on Saturday, February 6, 2010.

The Regency Dress Workshop is planned for Sunday, November 15, 2009, with optional fitting sessions on November 7 and 8, 2009.  The workshop will build upon the information presented at the Corset Design Studio on October 3 and 4, 2009 and the Introduction to Regency Attire Design Studio on October 10, 2009.

All of these sessions are free of charge. 

**NEWS ITEM - Pacific Fabrics 4th Avenue has just received a shipment of 11 of the Folkwear "Empire" patterns for women. 
The pattern is also generally available thru Nancy's Sewing Basket
on upper Queen Anne Hill.

 

SITU is additionally planning various  “Design Studio” and "Workshop" gatherings to discuss:

a)  Creating a leather mask in time for Winter Event
b)  Creating a hat from muslin, and
c)   Decorating an Edwardian hat.

We will be featuring guest instructors for these gatherings.  Cost is based upon the materials you'll use.  Other times, the gathering is entirely free.

Come, find out how to put together an appropriate outfit by either sewing, thrift shopping or searching through your closet and attic.
 
Date:   TBD

Location:  Private residence.  Please call Lady Victoria with questions or for driving directions - 206.720.7606
 
Casual driving directions:  We will email you driving directions if you don't know how to get there.

In addition to discussing Edwardian fashions, Miss Bobbie will bring both One Hour Dress booklets to the Design Circle for you to peruse.