Classes
Online Historical Costuming and Sewing Classes
to Help You Create
the 19th Century Garments of Your Dreams
(Scroll to bottom of page for current list of classes)
How many times have you looked at a costume project and wished there was a class you could take that would show you, step-by-step how to accomplish it? Now there is!
Historical Costuming Classes with Jennifer Rosbrugh
Want to make a corset but afraid to go it alone?
Ready to tackle a new time period but need guidance to do it correctly?
Excited to finally attempt that project you’ve been putting off?
Ruth B - “I truly did enjoy your class. I found exactly what I was seeking and oh so much more.”
Join other historical costumers in an online setting with an experienced instructor as you progress through detailed lessons. Learn from others and share your knowledge through a private discussion group for your specific class. Pick up handy tips & techniques. Be inspired to get sewing!
Bustle Video Tutorial
Jocelynne Woolf - “Jennifer, my sewing had already improved so much by just following your blog. Taking your classes has been an absolute game changer. Sometimes I can’t believe the level of improvement. I know this won’t be a perfect corset, but I fully believe it will be my best yet!”
Class FAQs (aka How they work and what you get with each class)
- Classes are presented online through a variety of media including videos, photos & discussion groups
- There is no specific “live” time for class as we have students from around the world and would be impractical to have live class times
- Classes run generally in 3 to 6-week time frames depending on the complexity of the project
- New lessons are emailed to students each week of the class
- Videos accompany each lesson covering specific topics for that week’s tasks
- Each week’s lesson includes an extensive PDF handout with detailed instructions and homework assignment
- Discussions during the class will take place on Facebook in a private group setting which offers valuable benefits such as:
- Personal access to the instructor’s extensive sewing & costuming knowledge
- Q&A regarding the lesson in progress
- Additional videos on specific techniques
- Encouragement both to & from fellow students to keep you motivated
- Classes have limited number of students for more personal attention
- Life happens when there are sewing projects to be finished. If you cannot finish the project lessons by the last official week of class, fear not. Sewing lessons and the Facebook group will remain live for up to 4 weeks after the last week of class so you can “catch up.”
All international students welcome! Instructions and measurements presented with American English standards.
Registering For a Class: Click on the class link below to learn more about the project and techniques covered throughout the class. Check out using PayPal with a debit or credit card. Students do not need a PayPal account to sign up for the class. Your payment method is secure and the instructor, Jennifer Rosbrugh, and HistoricalSewing.com do not have access to your payment account information.
A welcome message will be sent (to the PayPal email) confirming your enrollment in the class with information on the start date, supplies needed, and how to join the private Facebook group.
Skills Required: Each class description will note the difficulty level. Most classes will fall in the intermediate range with advanced techniques presented from time to time. Classes assume students have basic sewing knowledge, including how to operate a sewing machine and general sewing tools. A familiarity of 19th Century history and dressmaking is helpful but not required.
Computer Requirements: Standard definition videos for each class will be available for streaming view only on this site. (Videos are embedded links from a third party hosting server.) A high-speed internet connection will make the viewing more enjoyable with less buffering time.
Lesson outlines will be available in basic PDF format and are readable through Adobe Reader (which your computer or mobile reader probably already has installed). Please visit the Adobe site to download the latest version. This software app is free.
Evette Nixon – “Your videos are a big help. 
I look at each video about three times, watch it first then stop it and replay and pause. The last time I viewed the video, I run it through all of the way as a checkpoint. You are a very good teacher.”
Refund Policy: There is no pressure to complete a class. However, if you decide you cannot continue, refunds will only be given within the first 10 days of lessons. For more information, please read our Terms of Service.
If you need to repeat a class within a 12 month period (say, you didn’t finish the first time and need the instructions again), a substantial discount off the current class fee will be given. Video subscriptions may be available to current students for longer access to the videos. Please inquire during the class.
What people are saying about Jennifer’s online classes:
Verónica Del Río - “Thank you all for these wonderful weeks. It was a pleasure to share with you. I learned a lot with you. Especially thanks to you, Jennifer. For your kindness, love and support. And because you’re a great teacher! Your courses are fantastic!”
Laurie Eisenbraun - “The wealth of knowledge and sewing supply sources I’ve gotten from this group is unbelievable!”
Lyze Lynch – “This was an absolute life saver!”
Val LaBore – “I enjoyed [the class] too. Kept me on track to finish mine.”
Christina Papp – “I’ve been very happy to be a part of this group and have learned SO MUCH by reading everyone’s posts, watching Jennifer’s videos, and seeing all photos posted.”
Tonya Clevenger – “Well, Here it is [photo], nothing fancy but I am proud of it…never thought I could make a corset!! Thank you Jennifer…”
Connie Whittlesey – “All done. Thank you Jennifer so much for this. I would never have tried this alone. It may not be perfect but I now have the confidence to step out of my tiny little box I have been sewing in. Seeeewwww much fun!”
Historical Costuming Classes with Jennifer Rosbrugh
Sign up now and improve your skills!
Classes fill quickly so don’t delay!
Victorian Bustle Day Dress - Next session in Fall 2013.
Victorian Corset Class – Next session in late summer or early fall 2013.
Lobster Tail Bustle – Subscription starts today!
1880s Bustle Era Hat - Class for May 2013 is full! Registration is closed.
More classes coming soon!
Here are a few potential, upcoming classes:
- Edwardian Corset
- Regency Corset
- Set of Undergarments (Victorian and Edwardian)
- Bustle (petticoat style)
- Bodice Fitting
- Sleeve Fitting
- Regency Dress
- Millinery including bonnet making
- Pleating Techniques
- Fabric Selections
- Hook & Eye Tape Application
- Hand Stitches
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I’d like to take each one of your classes. Keep me posted what classes you are offering.
I’m excited about these classes and I look forward to them.
Thank you so much.
Janet Westrup
I am interested in bodice and sleeve fitting, millinery, pleating, fabrics, hook & eye tape and hand stitches…
Their are 7 classes that I would love to take. I love you webb site. Please keep me posted on the classes.
love to make really nice bustles i am a reinactor of the american civil war
Have a house remodel going on at the moment, but can hardly wait for things to settle down so I can try making my own bustle dress. I’m a bit of a coward, but I must say that the price is right, the refund conditions more than fair, not to mention that the pace and availability of instructors is more viable than at our local college – so I’m excited. Please include me on your email list.
am interested in bodice/sleeve fitti;ng, millinery/bonnets, pleating , fabric selection,hook/eye tape and hand stitches. keep us posted.
I ditto what the ladies have stated above. I wish I could take all of them, alas, we are po folk. So, realistically perhaps I may take at least one before 2013 ends. Keep them coming, you are a godsend. Thank you.
I am a civil war reenactor in Florida, and have been sewing for many years BUT still have issues with fitting and I dont really know how to finish off things I sew professionally. I need all the classes!!!LOL I so want to present myself wearing wellfitting clothing! Your help would be soooooo appreciated!
Thanks for the input Sue Ellen! We have received many requests for more Civil War-geared classes, so watch out for a bonnet class and fitted bodice class coming later.
I have only just recently discovered your website. I am impressed and I am keen too give your classes ago. I have been eying off your Victorian day dress class but need to pace myself as I have been slowly collecting the materials to build a corset. I also would like to start with making the undergarments first. So I’ll keep my eye open with the hope that there will be similar classes in the future.
Hi Kimberley! Yes, the plan is to have a variety of classes so those like you can start from the very basic undergarments and work out to the dress and accessories. Keep around as classes are still in development.
Cheers! Jennifer
More Regency, please! I know not as many people are doing it, but I think it’s a period with fewer patterns. I need help! (And inspiration!)
Yes! We’re looking into doing a stays class first then move onto a basic dress. More classes are coming!