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 may select from over 90 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 19th 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 March 12, 2008

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2008 SEMINARS

The GENTEEL ARTS ACADEMY is pleased to announce its 2008 schedule of seminars on Victorian 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 2008 schedule in PDF format by clicking on the link:  
2008 Seminar Schedule - Adobe PDF format
or
2008 Seminar Flyer - Adobe PDF format

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

 
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2008 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.

Slashing, Spreading, and Swinging Darts: Fitting the Basic Darted Bodice and Altering for Fit and Style – This class begins with an illustrated review of the key elements of a properly drafted and fitted bodice. Participants will learn how to recognize their individual fitting problems, how to take accurate measurements and how to select the correct size pattern. Instructions for common alterations, including adjustments to necklines, shoulders, armscyes, waistlines, wide/narrow backs, full bust and lopsided torsos will be included and discussed. After a custom fitting, students will create a master darted bodice pattern to be used as a foundation for alternate styles.

Students will then learn how to slash, spread, add to and/or subtract from their custom-fitted pattern to create a number of alternate styles, including gathered, pleated, tucked bodices, sheer bodices with half-linings, asymmetrical or back closures, wide, square or V-necklines, pointed waistlines - single, double, front or back, yokes of varying shapes, basques and peplums. You are encouraged to bring illustrations and images of styles for inspiration. You will leave the workshop with a portfolio of patterns that you or your dressmaker can use as a reference for future projects. No sewing skills are required. January 12-13, 2008. $109.00.

Bloomer/Gymnastics/Bathing Costume – In addition to bathing and gymnastics, alternative dress was worn for other activities, including immigration, emigration, camping, hiking and climbing. We will use a variety of primary sources - written and images - as we review the variations in styles and when and where they were worn. Students will then construct a costume of their choice. The class will be conducted in two sessions. Session I will include historical background, constructing the bodice, and beginning construction of the skirt. Session II will include attaching the skirt to the bodice and constructing the trousers. Intermediate sewing skills are required. Session I: March 29-30, 2008. Session II: April 26-27, 2008. $109.00/session.

Gentleman's Summer Vest – The ideal garment for hot summer events, this vest is copied from several original garments in the instructor's collection. It is made from lightweight linen or cotton and has a single layer back. The front of the vest may be lined or unlined; instructions will be included for optional removable padding. Intermediate sewing skills are required. May 3-4, 2008.

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, and will leave the class with a finished garment. Friday afternoon and evening, all day Saturday and Sunday, May 30-June 1, 2008. $159.00 plus materials.

Sewing Camp: Make a Dress – Enjoy a week in Gettysburg while making a day dress from start to finish - with a few days off for fun! Class schedule: July 19-20: Review original photographs and garments illustrating common dress styles of the era; custom fitting of sloper for future use; begin bodice construction. July 22-23: Finish bodice; construct sleeves; overview of pleating and gauging; begin skirt construction. July 26-27: Finish skirt and attach to bodice; apply trimming and final finishing touches. July 21, 24 and 25 are free days - use them for 'homework', sightseeing or relaxing. Intermediate sewing skills are required. July 19-27, 2008. $335.00 (counts as three classes for frequent student discount), plus materials.

Sheer Overbodice or Canezou – Period illustrations show this lovely accessory yet it seldom appears in reproduction wardrobes. An overbodice is designed to be worn over your low-body ball gown or evening dress. It can be worn to change the look of the dress or to make the neckline more discreet. It is cut full and gathered into a waistband, with a high neck and long sleeves. Original examples were made from net or very fine, sheer fabrics, embellished with lace or ruching, and were black, white or ivory in color. August 16-17, 2008. $109.00 plus materials.

Wrapper – A wrapper was one of the most practical garments in a lady's wardrobe. Wrappers were worn for informal "at home" wear, as maternity garments, and as house robes. Fabrics found on original garments vary from simple calicos to fine wools and elaborate silks. The wrapper made in this class is based on an original in the instructor's collection and several other wrappers in private collections. It features a fitted back and an adjustable front; when fastened this wrapper can masquerade as a dress made with a gathered bodice. It may be worn with or without a corset and/or crinoline. Students may select a sleeve style appropriate for their fabric and overall look of the garment. Prerequisites: Students must have a pattern or toile that has already been custom fitted; the class schedule permits fine-tuning of the fit but not a full custom-fitting session. Students should also have attended one of our Fitted Bodice classes or be experienced in period bodice construction techniques, including front closures and making and attaching piping. October 18-19, 2008. $109.00 plus materials.

Collars, Cuffs and Undersleeves – Enhance or completely change the look of your dress with new collars, cuffs and undersleeves. The class begins with a review of the many different styles of collars, cuffs and undersleeves worn 1840-1870. Extensive illustrations and a display of original undersleeves will accompany the lecture. The illustrated workbook includes patterns for several different styles of collars and cuffs taken from original patterns and extant examples; patterns and instructions for several different styles of undersleeves; and patterns and instructions for embroidery and embellishments. Although not collar and cuffs per se, instructions for making tuckers and sleeve frills for low-body evening dresses are also included. Collars will be custom-fitted for each student. You may make as many items as time permits. Basic sewing skills are required. November 8-9, 2008. $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 2008 schedule in PDF format by clicking on the link:  
2008 Seminar Schedule - Adobe PDF format
or
2008 Seminar Flyer - Adobe PDF format

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Take advantage of Genteel Arts Academy classes "On the Road"

TRAVELING SCHEDULE

APRIL 11-13, 2008  Conference of the Civil War Era, Sponsored by the 1^st Oregon Volunteer Infantry/20^th Maine, Oregon City, OR. Additional information and registration forms available at http://www.1stovi-20thmaine.org/CW_Conf.htm . Carolann Schmitt will be a featured speaker at this conference located in the Pacific Northwest. Click HERE to download details for Carolanns presentations at this event.

APRIL 19, 2008 Baltimore, MD. Mid-Atlantic Region of the Costume Society of America, "A Day at Mount Clare Museum House". Carolann Schmitt will be doing a hands-on workshop on cartridge pleating, fringe & bows. Additional seminars by Ann Wass and Colleen Callahan are part of the program. CSA members $30, non-members $35. For more information call 410-837-3262 or email info@mountclare.org