Regency Gown Draping Workshop with Janea Whitacre, formerly Mistress Milliner at Colonial Williamsburg

Regency Gown Draping Workshop
with Janea Whitacre, formerly Mistress Milliner at Colonial Williamsburg

Fort Meigs Historic Site

June 19th – 21st, 2026

Cost of workshop: $250

In the early Nineteenth-Century world of Fashion you had generally three choices: fully lined bodice, partial lining or no lining. However, since it's fashion there are always exceptions.

A gown with a bib or apron front- lined. A gown that has a drawstring back fastening- no lining or partial lining.
Then a gown with a V neck front fastening- no lining or partial lining. 

Now add sheer gossamer fine muslin or sheer sarsnet to the mix and the mantua-maker had to adapt techniques to overcome the stress on these fine materials.

Whatever materials or style you choose, we will work through period methods of cutting out, fitting, and making-up. Bring your fashion plate and join us for a fun weekend. 

Supplies provided: 

• Muslin (for draping), cotton tape (for drawstrings), and pattern making supplies.

Students will bring:

• Gown fabric 
• Sewing kit: Needles, paper and pencil (for note taking), pins, ruler, scissors, tape measure, thimble, thread, and hooks & eyes (if that is your desired form of fastening). 
• Hand sewing is encouraged but sewing machines will not be turned away. This is a judgement free zone.
• Period undergarments: shift, corset, underpetticoats as we will be working with your early 19th century silhouette. As always, we pair up to cut out and fit on each other.

Class sessions:

•  Friday: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
•  Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
•  Sunday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

A continental breakfast and a light lunch (salad & sandwiches) will be provided both Saturday and Sunday.

Students may bring their own beverages and snacks, if desired.

Due to the limited enrollment of this workshop and need to purchase supplies, we are unable to give a full refund for a cancellation. If cancelled before May 21st, the fee will be refunded, less a $50 cancellation fee. After that, the full class fee will be charged, unless the spot can be filled. In that case, only the $50 cancellation fee will apply.

Know before you go:

How much fabric do I need?

How to figure your fabric requirements:

For 45-54 inch fabric:

    - Measure from underbust to floor then multiple by 2. (That's basic front & back of the skirt)

    - Now add a yard for bodice and sleeves

    - If you want long sleeves add at least 27 inches

   - If you want a train of a yard long add 1yard and 12 inches

   - If you want pleats at the bottom of the hem add 2 inches for each pleat, times 2

If your fabric is about 42 wide or less:

Add another underbust to floor measure 
(add the 2 inches here for each pleat to this measure as well)

And 12 inches here for the extra fabric for the gores for the train

Now add up all the inches for your total gown fabric amount. 

If you want to line your bodice:

   - add one yard of plain cotton or linen. (the muslin used for draping can be used as the lining, or kept to be used as a pattern)