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MF 18c Stays

Machine-Sew 18th Century Stays!

A two-day intensive in corsetry

with Michelle of Clockwork Faerie

an in-person workshop
at Richard the Thread
1960 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Saturday & Sunday, January 31 & February 1
10 - 4 PM PT

Make a mockup, fit, AND sew a set of 1780's stays at L.A.'s premier costume and corset supply retailer, Richard the Thread. This beautiful set can be paired with a wide range of costuming choices, from Robe à la Française to Chemise à la Reine. This is also a great pattern for Renaissance Faire and pirate adventures! 

Students may choose between a closed-front style with lacing at the top of the bust or an open-front style that laces across a stomacher. Learn many techniques: pattern and fitting alterations, including a mock-up, fashion fabric construction, boning and busk placement, hand-applied grommets, and more. Taught by beloved Costume College teacher Michelle Fitzgerald, owner of Clockwork Faerie custom corsetry couturier (https://www.etsy.com/shop/clockworkfaerie).

For those of you wanting to get a running start on the first day of the workshop, an option to upgrade to a pre-customized pattern will be available from the teacher and must be ordered directly from her by January 15th. You will need to send your measurements in ahead of time.

MF staysMF Stays

Mandatory Kit Fee paid at sign-up. Kit is priced for a beige corset. Students will have the option to upgrade to white, black, or floral brocade from Richard the Thread on the day. Students should bring 1 yard of lining fabric of their choice.

List of student-supplied required tools and supplies will be sent upon purchase.

This is an intermediate-level intensive. Students should be familiar with basic sewing techniques and the operation of their machines.

 

 

 Tickets on sale through 1/23/26.

Click Here to Register
*$180 CGW Members + $65 or $75 for mandatory kit
*$200 Non-Members + $65 or $75 for mandatory kit
*Refunds (minus $4 processing fee) for cancellations of this event are available until 72 hours before the event. 
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Meet the Instructor

Michelle fell in love with historical costume after seeing it on film and stage. She learned pattern cutting and fitting during her time working for Denver Bespoke, making suits and gowns for all body types. Corsetry, in particular, being such a fun engineering project and a required garment in the costume community that Michelle opened Clockwork Faerie Corsetry in the middle of 2010. Michelle resides in Denver, CO, with her partner and two children. She enjoys singing, playing piano, and hiking (in costumes, of course!) in her spare time.