Costume College Classes!

Today is like Christmas or Hanukkah for Costume College teachers. It’s the day we have all been notified which of our class proposals were accepted, and then we all post on Facebook and our blogs and squee together in excitement. 🙂

For those of you unfamiliar with Costume College, here’s everything you need to know. For those of you signed up and rearin’ to go, here’s the classes we will be teaching this year:
Jump Start: Launching Your Costume or Crafting Business
with Cathy Hay and Lauren Stowell
Unlimited Lecture
Thinking of launching a small costume or crafting business? Already going, but need some motivation? Cathy Hay and Lauren Stowell, two successful costume industry entrepreneurs, share their experiences, advice, and business tips for getting started, becoming established, and managing growth and success. Don’t miss this opportunity to ask the hard questions and get direct answers.
This year our 4th annual “biz class” will include a moderator and be in a Q & A guided format. All are welcome!

It’s Not Over Yet: Finishing Your 18th C. Look
with Abby Cox
Unlimited Lecture

Congratulations! You finished your new 18th century gown! …now what? Looking like you’ve stepped out of a portrait is one of the most satisfying feelings a costumer can have, but having a beautiful gown is only the first step. It’s the accessories that take a gown from great to glorious. This lecture will discuss the importance of accessories in completing any and all 18th-century looks.

This lecture ties in with many of the principles and projects in our upcoming The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking. Abby will cover caps, kerchiefs, tuckers, ruffles, and more.


Instagram Magic for Your Costuming Business
with Lauren Stowell
Unlimited Lecture

We all know that social media is a powerful tool for promoting your costuming business, but some platforms are harder to crack than others. Lauren will share her “Rules for Instagramming Like a Boss,” with dos and don’ts to making a strong, focused, successful Instagram account for your brand.





The Draper Caper: Demystifying the 18th C. Draped Bodice
with Abby Cox and Lauren Stowell
Limited – Advanced – 3 hrs.

Did you know that nearly all 18th century gowns can be built on one basic bodice? In this limited class, students will drape their own unique 18th century bodice pattern, complete with sleeves, with demonstration and guidance from Abby Cox and Lauren Stowell. Participants will leave the class with a perfectly-fitted, ready-to-use 18th century bodice block.

Students will need to be in 18th century stays and minimum one petticoat. Students will also need 3 yards of muslin, scissors, pins, and marking tools.

This class ties in with the upcoming The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking and is an excellent way to jump start your own patterns for a sacque, Italian gown, English gown, and more.

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