The Genteel Arts Academy was founded in 1988 to encourage interest in the clothing worn during the Civil War era; concentrating on historically accurate sewing techniques. The Academy offers a continuing series of lectures and hands-on seminars on all aspects of Civil War clothing and needlework. Students select from over 100 topics which are offered on a rotating schedule based on popularity.

While the majority of the classes are held in the Gettysburg area, classes can be scheduled in your area of the country. Please contact the Academy for further details concerning scheduling seminars and classes in your area.

THE GENTEEL ARTS ACADEMY

- OUR 22nd YEAR -

P.O. Box # 3014
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 337-0283, evenings & weekends
FAX (717) 337-0314

For information email:  info<at>genteelarts.com

(IMPORTANT: Please be sure to replace the  <at>  with  @  in email addresses before sending.)

Proprietor: Carolann Schmitt

Business Manager: Don Schmitt

Member of the Costume Society of America

"The Genteel Arts Academy" & "The Ladies & Gentlemen of the 1860's Conference" are subsidiaries of Genteel Arts, LLC

Site revised January 27, 2010

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2009 & 2010 WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS

Along with the running 2009 schedule GENTEEL ARTS ACADEMY is pleased to announce its 2010 schedule of workshops and seminars on Victorian period clothing. Anyone interested in Victorian fashion, history, sewing or needlework will find these seminars very educational.

All hands-on classes include a review of the history of the garment and a study of specific design characteristics used during the period. Students then sew the garment using period fitting and construction techniques. A workbook including historical information, a suggested reading list and sewing instructions is included with the registration fee.

We suggest registering for workshops and seminars well in advance of the activity date as many fill up quickly.

Download the 2010 flyer in PDF format by clicking on this link:  
2010 Genteel Arts Academy Seminar Flyer - Adobe PDF format

(If you do not have an Adobe Acrobat reader, you may download one here free.)

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2010 Workshop & Seminar Schedule - Gettysburg Area

Become a Frequent Student and Earn a Discount on Future Classes.
Take five classes in a 12-month period and earn a $25.00 discount off your next class;
take seven classes and get $50.00 off; nine classes and get $75.00 off.
Discounts, when awarded, must be used within the following twelve months.

Gentleman's Dress Shirt - Period dress shirts are works of art - beautifully constructed with finely sewn seams and finishing details. One of the highest compliments a gentleman could pay his wife was to say "She sews a fine shirt." Every gentleman should have at least one in his reproduction wardrobe!  This shirt, based on original garments and patterns, has several features characteristic of "French cut" shirts from the mid-nineteenth century: a band neckline, detachable collar, bib front (with options for several different shapes and embellishments), front placket opening, optional button tab, a half-lining and shaped armscyes.  Intermediate sewing skills are required. January 9-10, 2010. $109.00 plus materials.

Cage Crinoline – Cage crinolines are lighter and more flexible than a covered crinoline, making them easy and comfortable to wear. Construction is not as complicated as it may appear and only basic sewing skills are necessary. Instructions are provided for several different sizes and shapes. A kit containing fabric, choice of crinoline wire, woven tape and all findings will be provided. You will need a dress form, heavy-duty wire cutters and needle-nose pliers to use during the class. March 27-28, 2010. $109.00 plus materials.

Summer Mantle – Period publications are full of illustrations for summer wraps and mantles. They serve no practical purpose other than to flatter the wearer. This mantle, based on several original garments, is cut with seams over the shoulders and godets over the arms. It is constructed of bands of silk taffeta sewn to a net or sheer fabric foundation. The ‘open’ spaces between the bands of taffeta may be accented with multiple rows of ruching, ribbon, sheer striped fabric or left plain. Ruching finishes the front and neck edges; optional fringe finishes the bottom edge. April 24-25, 2010. $109.00 plus materials.

Asymmetrical Bodice – Asymmetrical bodices were at the height of fashion c.1862-1864. Although they were inspired by military uniforms, the style can be very feminine. Students may choose from several variations of the style as found in period illustrations and photographs. Prerequisite: Students must have a pattern or toile that has already been custom-fitted; the class schedule permits fine-tuning the fit but not a full custom-fitting session. Students should also have attended one of our previous bodice classes or be experienced in period bodice construction techniques, including front closures and making and attaching piping. Intermediate sewing skills are required. June 26-27, 2010. $109.00 plus materials.

Sewing Camp: Make a Dress – Enjoy a week in Gettysburg while making a dress from start to finish –with a few days off for fun! Class schedule: July 24-25: Review original photographs and examine original garments illustrating common dress styles and construction features of the period; custom fitting of a sloper for future use; bodice construction. July 27-28: Construct sleeves; overview of pleating and gauging; begin skirt construction. July 31-August 1: Finish skirt and attach to bodice; apply trimming and final finishing touches. July 26, 29 and 30 are free days. Use them for ‘homework’, optional field trips, sightseeing or relaxing. Intermediate sewing skills are required. July 24-August 1, 2010. $335.00 (counts as three classes for frequent student discount) plus materials.

Essential Stitches and Seams – Plain sewing is an art. There is beauty in a finely-sewn seam or handsewn buttonhole. This class covers plain sewing techniques used during the mid-nineteenth century. The class begins with hand sewing. Students will create a swatchbook of sample stitches, seams and finishing techniques while learning when and where each technique was used. Period sewing tools and accessories and proper cutting and pressing techniques will also be discussed. We then move on to machine work, learning period techniques and how to use many of the sewing machine attachments that were and still are available today. Finally, students will learn how to use some of the features available on modern sewing machines to replicate period embellishments. No prior sewing skills are required. Students must bring their own sewing machine. August 21-22, 2010.  $109.00 plus materials.

Corset – Can’t find a ready-made corset that fits? Have a special fitting problem that a mail order made-to-measure corset hasn’t resolved? A corset that has been custom-fitted to your body  instead of a measurement chart can be comfortably worn all day, will last for many years, and is essential in achieving the period silhouette. After individual fittings, students will use appropriate materials and period sewing techniques to construct their corset. You will leave the class with a finished garment. A kit containing fabric and all necessary notions and findings will be provided. Friday afternoon and evening, all day Saturday and Sunday, September 10-12, 2010. $159.00 plus materials.

Gentleman's Accessories: Detachable Collars and Cravats - Would you like the perfect Christmas gift for your gentleman? Change and improve his overall impression with these accessories. Original garments, patterns, illustrations and photographs will provide inspiration as students create one or more collars and cravats. You may choose from a variety of shapes and styles c.1845-1865.  Full-size patterns for all styles are included in the workbook.  October 9-10, 2010. $109.00 plus materials.

Lady’s Wool Jacket – NEW! Just in time for cool weather events! Lightweight jackets worn over a dress were a very common accessory during the period, yet they seldom appear in our reproduction wardrobes. Jackets add warmth without bulk, making them ideal for events in historic homes with minimal heating. Layer one under your shawl or paletot for outdoor events. Update the look of a dress by adding a jacket. Students may choose from a variety of styles take from original garments, illustrations, patterns and photographs. Appropriate fabrics include light or medium weight wool, medium weight silk and cotton velvet or velveteen. Lining is optional. Intermediate sewing skills are required. November 6-7, 2010.  $109.00 plus materials.

Class and Seminar Location

All classes and seminars are held in the historic Gettysburg area. Class and seminar locations are noted via confirmation letter mailed prior to each activity. We recommend making reservations at any hotel, motel or bed & breakfast in or near Gettysburg in advance of the activity. Feel free to contact us for suggestions.

Registration Information

Please contact the Academy via phone, FAX or email and request a flyer containing complete class and registration information. Gift certificates are available! Payment can be by check, money order, VISA and MasterCard. Genteel Arts Academy reserves the right to cancel any class due to insufficient enrollment. Registration fees for any class cancelled by the Academy will be refunded in full.

Download the 2010 flyer in PDF format by clicking on this link:  
2010 Genteel Arts Academy Seminar Flyer - Adobe PDF format

(If you do not have an Adobe Acrobat reader, you may download one here free.)

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Take advantage of GENTEEL ARTS ACADEMY "ON THE ROAD"

2010 TRAVELING SCHEDULE