The workshop runs 9am - 6pm on both Saturday and Sunday including breaks.
'To Cut the Perfect Shape' The fundamentals of cutting and fitting to the figure - An In-person Workshop Experience
Saturday, 15th February- Sunday 16th February 2025

Eighteenth century mantua-makers produced most women's fitted gowns and jackets  by cutting and fitting to the body. One method used in the period was to cut a lining to the figure, which could then be used to inform the shape of the desired gown. The “shapes” created by this process made up a perfectly fitted pattern for the customer and could be reused and adapted - to speed the sewing of future gowns of the same - or even other styles.
The purpose of this workshop is to teach the fundamentals of cutting and fitting to the figure.

This 2 day workshop, led by Brooke Welborn, Mantua-maker, you will:
● Learn the shapes needed to cut the sleeves, back, and front of a stomacher-front or close-breasted gown.
● Discuss, analyze, and observe fitting figures of various types and learn how to
manipulate fabric over the complex three-dimensional topology of the human torso.
● Work in pairs to practice cutting the shapes and then learn to adapt these basic shapes to different styles and decades.

Students will not leave the workshop with completed gowns, but rather with a set of fitted shapes and an understanding of the basic techniques and mechanics which they can then adapt to their own dressmaking projects.

This class is intended for those new to 18th c. mantua-making or those wanting more practice in cutting to the figure.  You must have your own shift and well-fitting stays!

This is an Intermediate Level 2 Workshop *Please read Level Requirements before registering*

Cancellation Policy

Due to the nature of this workshop, cancellations may be made up to 60 days before the start of the workshop for a full refund.  Cancellations made 60 days or less before the workshop begins will not be refunded unless the space can be filled. Please contact [email protected] with any questions. In the event of the workshop being cancelled we are not responsible for any costs by the attendee for cancelled reservations. 

Museum of Gloucester events:
Behind the Scenes Tour of the Costume Collection of the Museum of Gloucester with Burnley & Trowbridge
Monday 17th February 17.30-19.00 at the Museum of Gloucester
Why not extend your stay in the beautiful City of Gloucester and join Angela Burnley & Brooke Welborn of Burnley & Trowbridge for a special Behind the Scenes Tour of the Costume collection held at the Museum of Gloucester. The collection was famously used by Janet Arnold for her book series 'Patterns of Fashion'
Tickets for this tour are £17 and include hot drinks and biscuits. Select your ticket under 'Extras'

Behind the Scenes Tour of the Museum of Gloucester
Tuesday 18th February 14.00-15.00 at the Museum of Gloucester
Ever pondered what goes on behind the scenes of a museum? Satiate your curiosity with our exclusive Behind the Scenes tour! Dive deep into the inner workings of our vibrant institution for an hour-long journey filled with intrigue and discovery. : Join us for a special tour of the Museum of Gloucester, where the Collections Team will guide you through both the gallery spaces and exclusive storage areas . Your friendly and knowledgeable guide will show you many highlights in the collections including dinosaur fossils, a sword belonging to King Richard III and forgotten Roman remains…
Tickets are £14. Over 18s only due to sensitive nature of the collection. Select your ticket under 'Extras'

Burnley and Trowbridge
Burnley and Trowbridge has served the historical community for 30 years offering modern textiles best simulated to their historic counterparts, as well as producing reproduction textiles & accessories for museums and institutions. The in-person Hands-On Workshop Series, which started in 2002 as an educational outreach, has grown to be known internationally. In addition, they provide a multitude of tutorials and lessons geared towards teaching historically accurate sewing methods online. Burnley and Trowbridge Co. - YouTube

Through workshops, their YouTube channel, social media, and scholarly talks given by Angela, Burnley & Trowbridge has come to be recognized as an ally to those within the historical community at large.