February 18, 2010

Repurpose garments, fabric at Victorian

Costume Workshops in Ritzville

The Columbia River Plateau Chapter of the Victorian Society in America (CRPC-VSA) and Seams Like Magik will present a series of Victorian Costume Workshops.

The workshops are open to the public, and membership in the CRPC-VSA is not required to participate.

These workshops will help individuals learn how to make Victorian era or prairie/western-style outfits, including assistance with design, construction and completion of an outfit from readymade garments.

The workshops will also provide information about Victorian clothing during the years 1830-1910.

There is no charge for the first workshop, set for Saturday, Feb. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. downstairs at the Ritzville Public Library.

Class participants need to take their measurements and garment/fabric to the first workshop. By the end of the workshop, participants know their sizes and style in preparation for the next workshop.

Participants will begin cutting out pieces after the Feb. 27 workshop in preparation for the next workshop.

During the first workshop this month, organizers will display their outfits made by repurposing readymade garments, constructing new garments, adding trims and adjusting where needed to create a complete outfit.

In addition, the Feb. 27 workshop will include:

• Historical patterns and photographs of clothing of that era

• Clothing for men and women

• A list of items needed for the next workshop

• Learning the names and functions of the different articles of clothing, from undergarments to the coats

• Sign up for the next three to four sessions, which are non-transferable and non-refundable

All workshops are a total of $50. Members receive a $5 discount while anyone new joining the group will receive $25 discount. Participants will receive a $5 discount if they preregister on Feb. 27.

The next three workshops are set for March 13, March 27 and April 24 (if needed) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The newly formed organization is presenting the workshops in an effort to provide education about the era as well as offer an opportunity for individuals to create appropriate Victorian outfits for a spring tea on April 10, 2010, and a ball on Oct. 9, 2010.

For further information, contact Laura Evans at 659-0594 or via e-mail at ladyvictoria77@hotmail.com.

In addition, the CRPC-VSA is accepting donations of dresses, fabric, lace, ribbon, etc. for use in this and future workshops. Someone from the organization will pick up donations.

Contact Evans to arrange for pickup of the items.