ANNOUNCING THE NINETEENTH ANNUAL

LADIES & GENTLEMEN OF THE 1860s CONFERENCE

February 28 - March 3, 2013 in Harrisburg, Pa.

Watch this website in late August 2012 for details and registration

Click here to view archived information for the March 2012 18th annual conference

Click here to view archived information for the March 2011 17th annual conference

 

Genteel Arts Website Menu

- Recent Updates -

* 2013 Ladies & Gentlemen of the 1860's Conference Announcement *

* 2012 Workshop & Seminar Schedule *

  • Contact Information

  • Gettysburg Area Schedule for Genteel Arts Academy

  • Class & Seminar Location

  • Class & Registration Information

  • Traveling Schedule for Genteel Arts Academy

  • Partial Listing of Lectures & Seminars

  • Information about the Senior Staff

  • Related Civil War Sites

  • Website revised April 20, 2012


    THE GENTEEL ARTS ACADEMY

    - OUR 24th YEAR -

    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.

    PO 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

    Please note that Genteel Arts, LLC does NOT manufacture Civil War period clothing for resale. The company focus is instruction on the history of period clothing and teaching students how to accurately reproduce it via hands-on workshops, seminars and lectures.

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    2012 WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS

    GENTEEL ARTS ACADEMY is pleased to announce its 2012 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 workshop and seminar flyers in PDF format by clicking on these links:  

    2012 Genteel Arts Academy Seminar Flyer - Adobe PDF format

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


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    2012 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.

    BE SURE TO REGISTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, MANY CLASSES FILL QUICKLY!

    Warm Petticoats – Keep warm at cold weather events with these practical and pretty undergarments.  A quilted petticoat is lightweight and incredibly warm. Select plain or patterned silk, cotton, or lightweight wool for your petticoat, wad it with wool batting, and choose a contrasting plain or patterned cotton lining. Quilting in simple linear patterns may be done by hand or machine. A warm wool petticoat is ideal for those cool days when a quilted petticoat is too warm. Red wool flannel was considered to be particularly healthful, but other colors were also popular. After constructing your petticoat using period techniques including featherstitched seam finishes, you may embellish it with tucks, embroidery, contrasting bands of fabric or braid. Finish the lower edge with a hem, pinked scallops or a knitted or crocheted lace edging. Instructions for both petticoats will be provided; students will have time to complete one petticoat in class. January 7-8, 2012. $109.00 plus materials.

    Sheer Drawn Slat Sun Bonnet – This bonnet, copied from an original in the instructor’s collection, is pretty and practical. It is made of sheer cotton drawn over spaced strips of cardboard, creating a light and airy look. The stiffening runs from ear to ear, so you don’t feel like you’re wearing a mailbox on your head. The long curtain protects your neck from sun but allows air to circulate.  Self-fabric ruching and ties complete the bonnet.  March 24-25, 2012. $109 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 a period silhouette. After individual fittings, students will use appropriate materials and period construction techniques to construct their corset. You will leave the class with a finished garment. A kit containing pattern, fabric and all necessary notions and findings will be provided. Friday late afternoon and evening, all day Saturday and Sunday, June 22-23-24. $159.00 plus materials. 

    Sewing Camp: Sheer Dresses – Enjoy a week in Gettysburg while making a dress from start to finish – with a few days off for fun! Dresses made from sheer silk, wool or cotton fabrics are fashionable and comfortable in warm weather. Students may choose from several style options: high, low or unlined bodices, round, open, square or V-necklines, a variety of open or closed sleeves, and gauged or pleated skirts. Class schedule: July 21-22: Review original photographs and engravings and examine original garments illustrating common styles and construction features used during the mid-nineteenth century; custom fitting of a sloper for future use; bodice construction. July 24-25: Construct sleeves; overview of pleating and gauging; begin skirt construction. July 28-29: Finish skirt and attach to bodice; apply trimming and final finishing touches. July 23, 26 and 27 are free days; use them for ‘homework’, optional field trips, sightseeing or relaxing. Intermediate sewing skills are required. July 21-29, 2012. $335.00 plus materials; counts as three classes for frequent student discount.  Gettysburg, PA

    Fancy Caps for Receptions, Dinner or Evening Events – Accent your dress with a pretty cap for semi-formal and formal occasions.  Select one of several styles based on original caps and fashion engravings. The caps are constructed from net, ribbons and lace and mounted on a wire foundation. They can be embellished with flowers, ruching, puffings, cord and tassels – a perfect project for bits and pieces of fine fabric and trimmings. August 18-19, 2012. $109.00 plus materials.

    Paletot - Make a new paletot just in time for fall and winter events. A paletot is easy to construct and fit; it can be relatively plain or elaborately trimmed. Vary the style with different collars, sleeves, decorative or functional pockets and a variety of closures. A paletot can be lined or unlined; make yours from light-medium weight wool or medium-heavy weight silk. September 22-23, 2012. $109 plus materials. 

    Slashing, Spreading and Swinging Darts: Fitting the Basic Darted Bodice, Altering for Fit and Style, and Creating a Paper Pattern from your Muslin  – This class begins with an illustrated review of the characteristics of a fitted bodice c.1855-1865. Participants will learn how to recognize their individual fitting problems, how to take accurate measurements, and how to select the correct size commercial pattern. Instructions for common adjustments to necklines, shoulders, armscyes, waistline, wide or narrow backs, bodice length, generous or slight proportions and lopsided bodies will be included and discussed.

            After individual fittings, students will learn how to create a paper pattern of a basic darted bodice from their custom-fitted muslin. Students will use patternmaking tools as they learn the techniques of “walking” and “truing” patterns. Students will then learn how slash, spread, add to or subtract from their basic darted bodice pattern to create a variety of styles including gathered, pleated or tucked bodices, sheer bodices with half-high linings, asymmetrical or back closures, wide, square or V-necklines, pointed waistlines, yokes of varying shapes, basques and peplums. Participants are encouraged to bring original garments, fashion engravings and photographs of period styles for inspiration. You will leave the workshop with a portfolio of patterns that can be used for future projects by the student or their dressmaker. October 27-28, 2012. $109.00 plus materials.

    Marie Stuart Hood and Mittens – Copied from an original pattern in an 1864 edition of Peterson’s Magazine, the Marie Stuart Hood is versatile, flattering and practical. Delightfully warm, it can be worn with any of your outer garments: mantle, jacket, paletot, coat or cape. Its draped style has enough room to wear it over your bonnet in the event of sudden rain or snow. Worn down, it makes an attractive double collar that frames your face. Are your hands cold even when you’re wearing gloves? Don’t know how to knit or crochet?  These cut-and-sewn mittens will help keep your hands warm when temperatures drop. Made from soft densely woven wool, they are sized to be worn over bare hands or over gloves. The long cuff covers the gap at the bottom of your sleeves. Embellish them with braid, fringe or embroidery. November 3-4, 2012. $109 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 workshop and seminar flyers in PDF format by clicking on these links:

    2012 Genteel Arts Academy Seminar Flyer - Adobe PDF format

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

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    Take advantage of GENTEEL ARTS ACADEMY "ON THE ROAD"

    Check this space often for additions, updates and details... We could have a workshop or class near you!

    2012 TRAVELING SCHEDULE

    MARCH 1-4, 2012 - Pennsylvania, Harrisburg – THE GENTEEL ARTS ACADEMY IS PLEASED TO PRESENT  THE EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE 1860's CONFERENCE at the RADISSON PENN HARRIS, CAMP HILL (HARRISBURG), PA.

    MAY 26-28, 2012 - Michigan, Greenfield Village & The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. Displays and seminars.  Genteel Arts will be participating with displays of original garments and presenting seminars for the annual Civil War Remembrance event. Closer to the date please check the following Henry Ford Museum/Greenfield Village link for complete details and schedules: http://www.hfmgv.org/events/CivilWarRemembrance.aspx.

    JUNE 9-10, 2012 - South Carolina, Spartanburg. A Hands-on workshop - Summer Mantle. Period publications are full of illustrations for summer wraps and mantles. Graceful and elegant, they serve no practical purpose other than to flatter the wearer. This mantle is cut with two seams over the shoulders and uses godets for shaping at the arms; students may select from different variations of the basic style. 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 untrimmed. Ruching finishes the front edges and neckline, optional fringe finishes the bottom edge. Please contact us for additional information and to register for this workshop. Limited space available.

    SEPTEMBER 1-2, 2012 - Tennessee, Nashville. A Hands-on Workshop - Topic to be determined - Please contact us for additional information. Limited space available.

    NOVEMBER 10-11, 2012 - Massachusetts, Springfield. A Hands-on Workshop - Topic to be determined - Please contact us for additional information and to register for this workshop. Limited space available.

    FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 3, 2013 - Pennsylvania, Harrisburg – THE GENTEEL ARTS ACADEMY WISHES TO ANNOUNCE  THE NINETEENTH ANNUAL LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE 1860's CONFERENCE AT THE RADISSON PENN HARRIS, CAMP HILL (HARRISBURG), PA. MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND WATCH THIS WEBSITE IN LATE AUGUST 2012 FOR DETAILS.

    Can’t come to Gettysburg for a class or one on our traveling schedule? We can come to you!

    Your group or historical site can sponsor a Genteel Arts Academy class, or series of classes, in YOUR area. Contact us at  info<at>genteelarts.com or call 717-337-0283 for details and available dates. (IMPORTANT: Please be sure to replace the  <at>  with  @  in email addresses before sending.)

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     PARTIAL LISTING OF LECTURES AND SEMINARS PRODUCED BY THE ACADEMY
    ON A ROTATING BASIS AND/OR BY POPULAR DEMAND

    If you see a topic you would like to see scheduled or have a topic you would like to have added please contact us.

    Lectures & Presentations

    • Introduction to Textiles

    • Textiles for Men’s Clothing

    • Fundamentals of Clothing for Women

    • Fundamentals of Clothing for Children

    • Fundamentals of Clothing for Men

    • Underpinnings

    • Outerwear

    • Accessories

    • More Than a Fashion Magazine

    • Altering a Pattern for Fit

    • Altering a Pattern for Style

    • Skirt Supports

    • Fur Garments and Accessories

    • The Artifice of Dressing Well

    • Sheer Accessories

    • Men’s Dressing Gowns, Caps and Slippers

    • Men’s Vests

    • Dressing for Inclement Weather

    • Sleuthing at the Seams

    • The Difference is in the Details

    Hands-on Seminars

    Period Construction Techniques

    • Essential Stitches and Seams I

    • Essential Stitches and Seams II

    • Essential Stitches and Seams III

    • Nitty-Gritty Details of Dress Construction

    • Gauging and Pleating

    • Trimmings and Embellishments

    • Introduction to Sewing for Children

    Hands-on Workshops

    Undergarments

    • Chemise-Yoke

    • Chemise-Band

    • Corset

    • Drawers

    • Petticoats

    • Quilted Petticoat

    • Corded Petticoat

    • Wool Petticoat

    • Cage Crinoline

    • Covered Crinoline

    • Nightgown

    • Stockings

    • Garters

    Garments

    • Altering a Bodice for Fit

    • Altering a Bodice for Style

    • Darted Bodice

    • Gathered/Tucked Bodice

    • Sheer Bodice

    • Yoked Bodice

    • Semi-Formal Bodice

    • Ball Gown Bodice

    • Basque Bodice - Two Versions

    • Fan-Front Bodice

    • Sleeves

    • Skirts

    • Make-a-Dress Series

    • Wrapper

    • Garibaldi Shirt

    • Sheer Overbodice

    • Bloomer/Gymnastics/Bathing  Costume

    Accessories

    • Fichus and Pelerines

    • Collar and Cuffs

    • Undersleeves

    • Chemisettes

    • Belts and Sashes

    • Medici and Other Shaped Waists

    • Pinner/Work Aprons

    • Fancy Aprons

    • Muffs

    • Mittens

    • Purses and Reticules

    • Covering a Fan

    • Quilted Sontag

    • Slippers

    • Lady’s Neckties and Cravats

     

    Outerwear

    • Summer Mantles

    • Silk and Net Mantle

    • Winter Mantles

    • Paletot

    • Lady’s Sack Jacket

    • Spanish/Zouave Jacket

    • Fold-over Shawl

    Millinery

    • Drawn Bonnet

    • Quilted Bonnet

    • Marie Stuart Hood

    • Quilted Hood

    • Glengarry Cap

    • Day Caps

    • Dinner/Tea Caps

    • Headdresses

    • Decorative Nets

    Needlework

    • Broderie Anglaise

    • Berlin Work

    Novelties

    • Housewife

    • Sewing Basket

    • Needle Case

    • Scissors Sheath

    • Sewing Chatelaine

    • Thread Trolley

     

    Digital Media Series

    • From Wetplates to Megapixels: Digital Photography for the Historian

    • Microsoft Powerpoint for Historians

     

    Men's Clothing

    • Square-Cut Shirt

    • French-Cut Shirt with Bib

    • Vest

    • Unlined Summer Vest

    • Trousers

    • Sack Coat

    • Unlined Linen Sack Coat

    • Summer Paletot

    • Drawers

    • Dressing Gown

    • Smoking Cap

    • Cravats

     

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    Information about the Senior Staff

    Clothing historian Carolann Schmitt has been studying the clothing and needlework of Civil War era since 1968. She is a featured lecturer at conferences, living history events and historic sites throughout the country. Carolann is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Shippensburg University Fashion Archives and Museum (SUFAM) and has been a continuing education instructor for Harrisburg Area Community College. She is an active participant in many living history activities and is the past Chairperson of the Costume Committee of the North-South Skirmish Association. An accomplished seamstress and needlewoman, she and her students have won numerous awards for their authentic reproduction clothing in national and regional period costume competitions. Genteel Arts, LLC is a member of the Costume Society of America.  Carolann is the President of Genteel Arts, LLC. Her email address is: cschmitt<at>genteelarts.com (IMPORTANT: Please be sure to replace the  <at>  with  @  in email addresses before sending.)

    Don Schmitt has been actively involved in 19th century living history since 1968. Don provides marketing, business management and technical solutions for Genteel Arts, LLC. His email address is: dschmitt<at>genteelarts.com  (IMPORTANT: Please be sure to replace the  <at>  with  @  in email addresses before sending.)

    Carolann and Don are both active members of the North-South Skirmish Association (N-SSA). Their member organization, Knap's Independent Battery E, Pa. Light Artillery, participates in live fire small arms, artillery and period costume competitions. They are also members of the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) which portrays living history of the period 1860-1898.

    Carolann and Don are both fifth generation natives of Gettysburg and reside adjacent to the Gettysburg National Military Park.

    Carolann & Don Schmitt - Genteel Arts, LLC

    Photo by Sue Dayfield at Greenfield Village, Dearborn, MI

    RELATED CIVIL WAR LINKS

    Gettysburg National Military Park Home Page

    North-South Skirmish Association Home Page
     

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