I recently completed my fourth sewing class with the Costume Design Center.
Fly Fringe history, examples, supplies
This time I learned how to make fly fringe which was used to decorate ladies’ 18th century gowns.
Our class began with the history of this passementerie, followed by gorgeous examples of fifteen intricate variations.
Analyzing the use of fly fringe on a reproduced stomacher from the Colonial Williamsburg collection, we gleaned ideas for authentically using our newly produced fly fringe.
After learning about the 18th century loom used to make this intricate trim, we learned how to recreate the same product by hand.
As always, we were provided supplies, instructions, and a resource list.
Tediously spacing neat knots
The work is quite tedious because it requires perfectly spacing neat knots along a string.
During break when I perused the beautiful samples on the sample board, I could now see how several of these were made.
When I commented on a certain flower, which equally intrigued everyone else, one of the CDC staff quickly showed us how to make that flower.
Realizing she had enough material, she let each of us make one too.
That one took a whopping 5 minutes!
Learning lots in these classes
Now that I have three 18th century sewing classes down, I have greatly expanded my ability to create a historical wardrobe.
Class 1 – I learned the key to historically accurate fabric and hand stitching. (Wow! I can do that!)
Class 2 – I learned how to wrap Dorset buttons and Death Head buttons. (Wow! I can even do those now!)
Class 3 – I learned how to create various types of bags to create accessories for the historical clothing I’m sewing.
Class 4 – Now I’ve learned how to create historically accurate adornment for ladies’ gowns.
Five more classes to go while I improve my historical sewing.
Stay tuned!
