Online Historical Costuming and Sewing Workshops to Help You Create 19th Century Garments
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!
Where do you want to time travel in your sewing today?
Start bringing the past to life through a variety of online classes to help you prepare your historical wardrobe. Be it the all-important undergarments that create the silhouette or the fashion and accessories to complete the outfit. What do you need to make next?
All online classes have 24/7 unlimited access. Each class is broken down into easy-to-follow lessons complete with handouts and homework assignments to keep you on track.
Enroll in the Historical Sewing School and start building your sewing skills today!
New online classes are produced every year
For detailed assistance with the our sewing classes, we will be hosting online workshops through a private Facebook group. Those who have purchased these classes will have a chance to ask the instructor for personal help on their projects while interacting with other costumers from around the world.
All classes are available for year-round enrollment. Join us today!
Historical Costuming Online Workshops
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.”
Current Online Classes – all are available for year-round enrollment:
Hand Stitches for 18th Century Sewing
19th Century Cartridge Pleated Skirt
Lobster Tail Bustle (included with Victorian Undergarments Class)
All classes are available with unlimited access that never expires.
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!
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 & Workshop FAQs (aka How they work and what you get with each class)
- Online classes are set up with unlimited access
- Classes are based on specific sewing project(s)
- All classes are available for year-round enrollment
- The online class lessons are presented through a variety of media including videos, photos & PDF handhouts
- There is no specific “live” time for workshops as we have students from around the world and would be impractical to have live class times
- Videos accompany each class lesson covering specific topics for those tasks. Videos are NOT downloadable and can only be viewed when logged into the class site through an internet connection.
- Most classes and lessons include an extensive PDF handout with detailed instructions, photographs, and in some intensive classes, homework assignments.
- Discussions during the workshops 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 class in progress
- Additional videos on specific techniques
- Encouragement both to & from fellow students to keep you motivated
- Life happens when there are sewing projects to be finished. If you cannot finish the project lessons – no worries! Our online classes come with unlimited, 24/7 access!
All international students welcome! Instructions and measurements presented with American English standards.
Attention EU students: our classes fall under the 1/1/2015 digital VAT regulations. All online classes and workshops will have your EU country’s VAT tax rate added at checkout. Class fees shown do not include VAT.
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Registering For an Online Class: (August 2017) We have a NEW online class platform!!
Click on the class link (listed on this page) to learn more about the project and techniques covered throughout the class. Enroll using PayPal or a debit or credit card. Your payment method is secure and the instructor, Jennifer Rosbrugh, and Old Petticoat Shop LLC do not have access to your payment account information.
When you register for a workshop class, within 24 hours you should receive an invitation email to join the private Facebook group. Let us know if you need us to send a new invite. We require your Facebook account email address to successfully send the invite and for it to be valid (Facebook rules).
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 (some with an HD option) videos for each class will be available for streaming view only on this site. (Videos are embedded links from a third party hosting server – Vimeo.) 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 as you have unlimited access to it. No refunds will be issued for online classes due to the intellectual property and materials shared during class. For more information, please read our Terms of Service.
What people are saying about Jennifer’s online classes:
Becca Hill – The Victorian corset class I took from them was AWESOME!… The class is amazing!”
Verónica Del RÃo – “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!”
Trudi Schooley – “This has been a great class, Jennifer. I can’t wait to make some more [hats]. And got so many great ideas from the rest of the group.”
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!”
Dawn Burke – “This is an awesome class! I’m not longer afraid of corset-making. :-)”
Historical Costuming Classes & Workshops with Jennifer Rosbrugh
Enroll now and improve your skills!
Current Online Classes – all are available for year-round enrollment:
Hand Stitches for 18th Century Sewing
19th Century Cartridge Pleated Skirt
Lobster Tail Bustle (included with Victorian Undergarments Class)
More classes coming soon! We are currently working on new Victorian and 18th Century classes for various projects and sewing topics. Stay tuned for more!
Here are a few potential classes & workshops:
- Regency Costuming Over 40
- Early Edwardian Corset
- Set of Undergarments (Edwardian)
- Bustle (petticoat style)
- Victorian Bodice Fitting and Construction
- Sleeve Fitting
- Pleating Techniques
- Victorian Trims (of all sorts)
- Fabric Selections
- 18th Century Pocket Hoops
- Hand Stitches
Are there patterns included with your classes or do we go out and find our own?
Patterns are not included, but each class has very defined/recommended patterns that are covered in the video tutorials. Other suggested patterns are discussed for the class project if a student wishes to divert from the specific class patterns.
Hi Jennifer~
I’d love to take some Edwardian garment/undergarment classes.
Civil War era skirt & bodice would be fun
Men’s outfits: frock coat, sack coat, shirt, vesg & pants. Victorian & Edwardian
Maybe a whole video showing the process of dressing from the inside out, but not necessarily a class.
Cheers!
A
This is great! And I think you’re on the same page as us as these classes you mention are already in the early planning stages.:-)
I would definitely like some Regency classes. We reenact 1812… so anything that time would be great 🙂
I’d be interested in the Regency classes. 🙂
Could you do some kids clothes sometime? I like making things for my sister.
Thank you for the suggestion! Although we don’t focus much on children’s wear we will keep the idea in mind for future classes.
Hi again!
Since I last was here, I have made four dresses for myself! I have also made a nightgown, skirts, sashes, petticoats, and I made a pinafore for my sister. I love your website when I’m looking for inspiration on new projects! Thanks you!
Wow Hannah! Congrats on all your hard work and accomplishments!
Hey Jennifer! I really enjoy your classes. Are you going to add any men’s attire to your class rosters? I would like my husband to attend the events with me in my Historical clothes. So I need to make him a Jacket/Coat. And I need lessons!
Regards,
Tereasa
Regency or Victorian? And yes, menswear is in the pot of future classes.
Hi! I really like this website! It’s so hard to find ones like this. I love history, and this is one of my favorite parts! I have been dying to make a dress, but I don’t have the fabric and I’m only a beginner. I have started sewing very recently, and have only made: three Barbie aprons, two Barbie sock dresses*, one Barbie skirt, one Barbie underskirt, an underskirt for me, and I think that’s all. I can’t wait to make more things!
Keep posting new things!
– Hannah
I am a beginner so your classes are over my head, but I’d like to sign up for your newsletter. I’ve tried to find a link on your site but I only see class links. Also, are there any websites like yours that teach beginners to sew that you can point me to? It would be so much more convenient then having to go to a set class somewhere.
Thank you.
Try Threads Magazine and Burda for tutorials on beginning sewing. Not sure of others teaching online. Craftsy.com has online classed but don’t know specifics of beginning sewing ones.
For our newsletter, you can sign up here. Welcome Leslie!
Looking forward to an underpinnings class. Would love one for the polonaise. When you start on the Civil War I’ll be there. Maybe something for formal wear?
Thanks for the ideas Diane! The first class for Civil War will be a fitted bodice and skirt (separate garments). A sheer dress is on the docket but will be a while yet. Any favorite period you were thinking about for formal/evening wear?
How about Civil War or Early Bustle?
We are in the early planning stages of a basic Civil War dress made with separate skirt and darted bodice complete with fitting tutorials. Stay tuned!
I love getting this newsletter! I am unable to sign up for the current class but would be very interested in future classes, so please don’t take me off your list.
Do you offer past class videos, etc. for those of us that missed classes or couldn’t afford them at the time they were offered? I’m afraid that I won’t be able to take the classes when you get Civil War stuff going.
We are still looking at class subscriptions and testing, getting feedback, etc in our current “live” classes. For Civil War we plan to start with a basic day bodice and skirt class.
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!
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
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.
Good because I’ve been holding on to my Civil War ballgown to finish. I always start and then get stuck and have to stop and it just sits there because I have nobody to direct my questions to. I want to work on the bodice (ballgown and day dress), pleats for the skirt, a bonnet or two, etc. Now all I need is money. Maybe I can sneak away some money so that I can afford the classes when they come out! 😀
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.
am interested in bodice/sleeve fitti;ng, millinery/bonnets, pleating , fabric selection,hook/eye tape and hand stitches. keep us posted.
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.
love to make really nice bustles i am a reinactor of the american civil war
Their are 7 classes that I would love to take. I love you webb site. Please keep me posted on the classes.
I am interested in bodice and sleeve fitting, millinery, pleating, fabrics, hook & eye tape and hand stitches…
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