1793-1830 Corset Workshop

February 24-25, 2007

Stephenson County Historical Society, Freeport, Ill.

Past Patterns’ #038 Transition Stay pattern is copied with permission from the original worn by Abigail Arthur (1759-1820) in the collections at the Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford, Connecticut.

It is lightly-boned and front opening and is worn under working clothing. The original stay measures 44” under the bust. Not only was Abigail Arthur large boned, she was also tall, at least 5”10” or more.

The original is made of Nankeen, a yellow cotton, first exported from Nankeen, China and gown in the Southern states of America from, possibly, the early nineteenth century. The original was displayed at Kent State Museum in the exhibit titled “The Age of Nudity” (March 6, 2006 to January 7, 2007). See the exhibit Online at  http://dept.kent.edu/museum/exhibit/nudity/main.htm

Workshop cost is $28.00 and includes a meal and snacks. The #038 kit is  $25.00. The kit includes everything needed to make the stay and participants should be able to finish it at the workshop. The kit and registration fee are written separately and sent to Chris Gordy whose information is below.

Class is limited to14 students. Registration deadline is February 16, 2007. For registration information contact Chris Gordy (815-232-8419 or director@stephcohs.org).

After registration deadline, contact Past Patterns (937-223-3722 or merchant@pastpatterns.com) to order a kit at the last minute.