Village Green A&S tent

This series of five classes will take you through all of the skills you need to hand sew a sixteenth century men’s shirt. Each class is a hands-on look at part of the process; come to the whole series, and walk away ready to sew a shirt, or dip into a class or two to pick up or brush up on some hand-sewing skills and techniques.

All classes include hands-on practice of the techniques being taught, and you’ll leave with samplers you’ve made illustrating the technique(s) being covered.

The individual classes are:

Class 1: Introduction

Practical demonstration and hands-on practice for tablet weaving on inkle loom or with backstrap loom. Prepared tablet weaving kits will be available for purchase, limit of 8. Attendees with their own looms/weaving projects are welcome.

Equipment people need to bring: N/A if purchasing a kit. Otherwise bring a warped loom, ready to start weaving.

Costs involved -  $10 for prepared kit including warp and materials, for students to keep. Limit of 8.

Contact Vrangi (Blue Feather) to reserve one or if you want help preparing one for class. 

Learn blackwork embroidery from Mistress Glynyhvar. Fabric, needles, and thread will be supplied.  Hoops for loan. 

Explore the art of hand-finishing late medieval garments, inspired by finds from London and Greenland. This class delves into late medieval construction techniques—how seams, necklines, and hems were assembled and finished using period methods,  Gain insight into the craftsmanship behind medieval clothing and learn additional techniques to bring historical garments to life.

Note: This class assumes a basic understanding of basic handsewing stitches which are not taught in this class.

No class limit, no cost

Learn about the structure of compound weaves, with a focus on weft faced compound tabbies (taquete) and twills (samitum). Some knowledge of weaving terms helpful, but not essential.

Let's discuss training your eye: visual tell-tales that can help you decide what is useful for a variety of eras! We'll also cover fibre burn tests, and what to feel for if you're in a situation where taking a swatch isn't possible. I'll also offer common meterage charts for things like household linens (and their likely subsequent uses!). I'll also have examples of kit made using only repurposed items!

An overview class on dress in ancient Greece. If you are interested in learning how to decorate yourself and your clothes in the styles of the Hellenes, much of how to do so will be covered in this class.

No class limit, no cost

An introduction to the basic concepts of tablet weaving, a band weaving technique used to achieve woven trim, straps or ribbon. This will be an overview of basic materials, warping the loom, reading 'easy' patterns and fixing common mistakes.

No class limit, no cost