This is the FIRST in a series of historical lectures and sewing workshops that detail period clothing during the time of General Lafayette's return visit to North Carolina during the 1820s. These lectures and workshops will serve three purposes:
- to increase awareness of the historical Bicentennial event for our town which is named after the famous General
- to increase awareness of historical clothing of the period in general
- to increase / teach / continue the (quickly disappearing) skills of clothing making and hand sewing
This mini grant will cover the first of my series of lectures/workshops: Preparing for Lafayette - Foundations. During this workshop, participants will learn about the silhouette of the 1820s and how it had changed dramatically from the earlier "Colonial" period we often recognize with 1776 events. Participants will explore a brief overview of the details and differences between clothing of working classes and nobility, including fabric, color and fastening uses to prepare them for the overall understanding of period dress.
The bulk of this workshop will then turn to and focus on the foundation garments for men and women. I will discuss some of the myths and funny stories surrounding period undergarments, how undergarments were worn differently in the past than they are today, and why particular fabrics were important for undergarments. After the lecture, participants will be able to start work on their own foundation undergarments in preparation for future workshops where they will continue to build out their complete 1820s wardrobe.
Participants will have the opportunity to purchase patterns and fabric prior to the event or at the event itself. Tables will be set up for laying out patterns, cutting, and preparing the sewing. If time permits, we will be able to begin sewing at the workshop where I can walk among the participants and answer questions regarding sewing techniques and historical accuracy, etc.
While the workshops are geared toward the upcoming Bicentennial Lafayette events, participants can obviously wear their garments to any number of historical living histories or reenactments throughout North Carolina. As many living histories do not exist in Cumberland County, I do hope to apply for additional mini grants to support this grant and to bring living histories with educational, dancing tutorials, music and other period skills to Cumberland County as well.