1. travel
2. tourist facilities
3. hotel

Table of Contents
Dean’s Message.................................................................................. 2
Hotel Information............................................................................... 3
Reminders................................................................................. 3
Disability Accommodations...................................................... 3
Parking....................................................................................... 4
Food........................................................................................... 5
Check-In............................................................................................... 6
Getting Dressed?................................................................................. 7
Information Desk................................................................................ 7
Volunteer............................................................................................. 8
Hospitality Suite.................................................................................. 8
Panic Room......................................................................................... 9
Portrait Studio................................................................................... 10
Cavalcade of Costume Exhibit.......................................................... 10
Caught on Camera............................................................................. 11
Marketplace....................................................................................... 11
Events........................................................................................... 12-16
Pool Party................................................................................ 12
Ice Cream Social...................................................................... 12
Gala Red Carpet...................................................................... 13
Time Traveler’s Gala................................................................ 13
Saturday Night Raffle.............................................................. 14
Sunday Breakfast.................................................................... 14
Bargain Bazaar........................................................................ 15
Fantasy Tea.............................................................................. 16
Board Mixer............................................................................. 16
Tours............................................................................................. 17-18
Class Information......................................................................... 19-22
Freshman Orientation....................................................................... 22
Class Descriptions........................................................................ 23-54
Teacher Biographies.................................................................... 55-65
About Costumer’s Guild West, Inc. and Costume College®............ 66
Legal Disclosures & Policies.........................................................67-69
Costume College Committee Members........................................... 70
Costume College Quick Schedules......................................Back cover
—1—
Dean’s Message
Now that you’ve read through the classes and completed your Limited Attendance class form (because I know you
have!) I would like to welcome you to Costume College 2015!
In your hands you hold the guide to get the most out of your Costume College experience. The information here has
been assembled by the Costume College Committee to help answer the questions you have, and many that you have
not thought of yet. Please read ALL of it…cover to cover…even if you’ve been attending College for years. You don’t
want to miss any new or changing information for this year’s College.
The goal of this year’s theme, “Plucked From The Pages: Costuming Your Favorite Literary Characters” is to offer
something for everyone with not special skills required and for all to display their interpretation of the theme.
Personally, I am truly looking forward to seeing the fruits of your creativity.
The format for Costume College has changed. Going forward, the Dean chooses the theme and the Assistant Dean
chooses the Bonus Track, which is translated into the theme the following year. This will allow you a year to utilize all
the techniques learned and display them in full splendor at events next year.
I am very excited to have Dani Crum as my Assistant Dean, who has chosen a wonderful bonus track for us this year:
Fabric Manipulation! Fabric manipulation is everything from pleating to pinking, smocking to quilting, and includes
alternative materials like foam and worbla. The Bonus Track is a focused curriculum designed to give the student an
opportunity to delve into something new. In addition to the Bonus Track, the Programming Department has arranged
a variety of exciting classes for every level of costumer and every interest. There are lots of never before offered
classes, plus a host of new instructors along with many of your old favorites.
You’ll also notice that we have new tours this year. We have brought back Thursday “early bird” tours with a visit to
United American Costume Company and Nethercutt Collection and Museum Tour with Photo-Shoot. Additionally, we
will reprise the FIDM Tour on Friday and the Fashion District Safari on Monday.
Costume College isn’t just about the classes; it is also about being able to show off your fabulous creations. Our social
events are the perfect place to do just that! Beginning Thursday evening, meet up poolside for a ‘Journey to Atlantis’.
After a long day of classes, enjoy the Friday Night Social ‘Around the World in 80 Days’. On Saturday, dance the night
away at the Gala entitled ‘You’re A Real Character!’. Be sure you get enough sleep to join us Sunday morning for
‘Breakfast with the Bennet’s’. We’ll also be making a big change this year as we move the Tea into the fabulous Hidden
Hills ballroom, the perfect setting for a ‘Nancy Drew Mystery’.
I would like to extend a hearty “Congratulations!” to all of
our scholarship winners. Everyone is ambitious, talented, and
extremely deserving. A few are first time attendees and I know we
will make them feel welcome and included, like they have “found
their people”.
The entire Costume College committee works hard all year to make
sure College runs smoothly, but there are still ample volunteer
opportunities. We are happy to have your help whenever you can
offer it and this year we are pleased to offer some special ”Thank
Yous” to our volunteers. Please see the Volunteers article for
information on how to participate.
Here’s to an exciting and fulfilling Costume College.
Let the games begin!
Rebecca Howard
Dean, Costume College 2015
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
—2—
Introducing the Marriott Warner Center in Woodland Hills
We’ve had an overwhelming response to hotel reservations this year. By the time this is printed, I will most likely be
working on a third block of rooms for our students. So if you haven’t made your reservations, or tried and found our
block full, please email me immediately at [email protected].
As most veterans to Costume College will tell you, it is absolutely worth it to stay at the hotel for the weekend. Much
of your College Experience comes from the impromptu discussions that occur in the hallways, over breakfast and
during late night visits. Staying at the hotel lets you relax and enjoy the weekend without driving home LATE or getting
up extra early to make it to a class on time. This is the sixth year the Warner Center Marriott has had the pleasure of
hosting Costume College, their entire staff is prepared and excited to make it an extra special weekend (remember
the costumed lunch sales associates or the Thriller-esq banquet staff?). Just a reminder that all rooms include irons,
ironing boards, hairdryer, and coffeemakers – with mini-refrigerators upon request (first come – first serve). The
rooms are large enough to accommodate up to four people. Our special room rate varies depending on availability,
and are single/quadruple occupancy. Rollaways are available for $10 each and are available for king bedded rooms only
(not double bedded rooms). Parking is $12.00 per night.
Here are a few more reasons to stay at the hotel, if extra sleep is not enough incentive:
• Have a convenient place to change before the Gala and/or Tea
• Have a convenient place to store the stuff you bring to College and the purchases you make at the Marketplace
• In walking distance of an abundance of restaurants (see Getting Food article for details)
• Enjoy the hotel’s pool, Jacuzzis, work-out room, cocktail lounge and restaurant
• Costume College events are happening all weekend. It would be a bummer for you to miss something because
you were stuck in traffic!
•
Reservations can be made by calling (818) 887-4800. You must mention Costume College to get our discounted rate,
and is available until the room block is full. We truly encourage all members of Costume College to stay at the hotel
with us. Visit the hotel’s website at www.warnercentermarriott.com to see for yourself how lovely the Marriott
Warner Center really is. Note, when booking your reservations it is encouraged to use a credit card, not a debit card. If
you use your debit card, the authorization amount will act as a deposit and be taken directly out of your bank account.
Also be sure to list all the names of the people that will be staying in your room.
If you have any questions regarding the hotel, please feel free to contact Maegen Hensley, Hotel Liaison, at
[email protected]. Rooms go quickly, so we recommend you make your reservations as soon as possible.
Come join all the fun! Speaking of fun, for those of you planning on hosting guests in your rooms during the evening
and into the late night, please try and book a room on the higher floors or the same floor as hospitality suite (17th
Floor). This is to ensure that we are not disturbing any other guests in the hotel, as we will not have an “Entertainment
Floor” officially designated. Disability Accommodation
It is the policy of the Costumer’s Guild West to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). We will
not discriminate against any attendee of Costume College. We will also reasonably accommodate all attendees with
disabilities unless the accommodations would cause an undue hardship to the Costumer’s Guild West or the Marriott
Warner Center in Woodland Hills.
If you require an accommodation for special needs covered under the ADA, you must notify the Costumer’s Guild West
and/or the Marriott Warner Center within a reasonable time before the beginning of Costume College. The person you
need to notify of your special needs is the Hotel Liaison of Costume College,
Maegen Hensley by e-mail at [email protected].
Additionally, we will keep the information regarding your condition and special needs confidential. Only those
members of the Costumer’s Guild West and the Marriott Warner Center who are in a “need to know” position will be
informed of your situation.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
—3—
General Directions to the Hotel
The Warner Center Marriott is located at 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, California, 91367.
Take your favorite freeway to US 101 and exit at Topanga Canyon Blvd. north.
Proceed 0.6 miles to Oxnard Street and turn right. Proceed 0.1 mile. The hotel will be on your right.
Transportation options from Airports
If you are flying into any of the Los Angeles Area airports, following are your options for transportation to the
Marriott Woodland Hills.
Flying into Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR): 20 miles from the Marriott Warner Center
Shuttles – around $35-$55 one way. Taxi – around $60 one way.
Flying into Los Angeles Airport (LAX): 28 miles from the Marriott Warner Center
Shuttles – around $45 one way. Taxi – around $100 one way.
Flying into Long Beach Airport (LGB): 46 miles from the Marriott Warner Center
Shuttles – around $85 one way. Taxi – around $120 one way.
Shuttle Options
Be sure to state that the Marriott Warner Center in Woodland Hills is your final destination.
Super Shuttle – Phone: (800) BLUEVAN or visit www.supershuttle.com
Prime Time Shuttle – Phone: (800) 733-8267 or visit www.primetimeshuttle.com Roadrunner Shuttle – Phone: (800) 247-7919 or visit www.rrshuttle.com
Taxi Options
Yellow Cab – Phone: (818) 242-3131 or visit www.layellowcab.com Metro Cab Company – Phone: (310) 434 1999
Rental Car Options
Alamo
(800) 327-9633www.alamo.com
Avis(800) 331-1212www.avis.com
Hertz
(800) 654-3131 www.hertz.com
Budget(800) 527-0700www.budget.com
Enterprise
(818) 558-7336 www.enterprise.com
For more information see:
www.carrentalexpress.com
Parking at the Hotel
Costume College Members Staying at the Marriott Warner Center:
If you are staying at the hotel and parking on-site, you will need to let the Registration desk know that you have a
vehicle upon check in and you will receive a parking pass. The hotel will charge your room bill $12.00 per day for every
night you are registered as a guest. The parking pass will allow you in and
out privileges.
Costume College Members Not Staying at the hotel:
Daily visitors may purchase a $7 daily fee for the duration of their day-stay, which can be purchased at the Valet desk
in front of the hotel. There are no in and out privileges for the day pass. However, as an alternative, there is some
parking behind the hotel next to the park and across the street in the mall parking lot. Please note the parking hour
signage for each location. Costume College or the Marriott Warner Center is not responsible for any parking tickets
you may receive for disregarding outside parking signage.
If you have any questions about the parking charges, please do not hesitate to contact the Hotel Liaison, Maegen
Hensley at [email protected].
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
—4—
Getting Food
In order to offer as may classes as possible we are unable to leave time for breaks in our class schedule, but we do
encourage you to take time throughout the day to eat.
Hotel Options
Breeze Restaurant – Open for Breakfast from 6:30am-10:30am M-Th and 7am-10:30am Fri-Sun; Lunch from 11:00am2:00pm, and Din ner from 5:00pm-10:00pm. American Grill.
Starbucks Coffee – Open from 5:30am-9:00pm (except Sundays when they open at 6:30am). For the coffee and chai
lovers. The usual drinks and small foods at a Starbucks are available.
Q Martini Bar – Open from 1:00pm-12:00am; Happy Hours 5pm-7pm M-F. Specialty drinks and
appetizers.
Room Service – Open Thursday and Sunday from 6:00am-11:00pm, and Friday-Saturday from 6:00am-12midnight.
On Friday and Saturday around noon, there will be a food station available in the CoCo Registration area in front of the
grand ballroom. They will be providing pre-packaged sandwiches for members at a discounted price. Take advantage!
Walking Options – Within The Promenade at Woodland Hills Shopping Center. Hours are Mon-Sat 10:00am-9:00pm
and Sundays 11:00am-7:00pm.
Within the Mall on both levels there are restaurants including Baja Bud’s, California Roll & Sushi, Teriyaki Grill, and
Hummus Republic
On the outskirts of the mall (outside access) and in the parking lot are the following:
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro - Open for lunch and dinner; Chinese
The Rack – Open for lunch and dinner; American
Ruby’s – Open for lunch and dinner; American
Maggiano’s Little Italy – Open for lunch and dinner; Italian
Corner Bakery – Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Pastries, salads, sandwiches
Ruth Chris Steakhouse – Open for lunch and dinner; upscale American
McDonalds – Open breakfast, lunch and dinner; American fast food
Subway – Open for Lunch and Dinner; American Deli
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
—5—
Roommates
Heading to Costume College®? Would you like to meet new people? How about save some money? We have an answer
to these questions: roommates! Whether you want just one or more, we can help provide you with roommates to
have a blast and share expenses! Even if the rooms are sold out, there is still a way for you to stay at the hotel and
enjoy that experience. You can still find a roommate and have fun at Costume College®!
Costume College® offers a roommate finding service. We work to match you to others who are also
attending the event. This is a free service designed for you to get the best experience while at
Costume College®.
Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] Place CC2015 in the subject line. In the body of the text include the following information:
• Your Name
• Have You Booked Your Room?
• Phone Number
• Smoking or Non Smoking?
• Email Address
• Do you prefer a Warm or Cold Room?
• How Many Roommates
• Are you a Morning or Evening Person?
• Gender Preference
• Are you New to Costume College®?
• How Many and Which Nights?
This service will provide you with email contact information and names. Everything else will be up to you. We will
match you with roommates based on the information you provide. All monies for reservations will be at your expense,
such as car spaces and food costs.
Our last opportunity to provide a potential roommate will be June 30th. So please get your responses in soon!
Check In
Anticipation is a wonderful thing. We are pleased to bring you Check-In, your gateway to a wonderful weekend of
costuming and friendship. Check-In for Students and Teachers will open at 7 p.m. on Thursday July 30th and continue
through Saturday, August 1st (shifting to the Information desk after Saturday). It is a grand time with Alumni and
newcomers gathering together to share excitement, connect with friends and wonder how to do and see it all.
To all our past Volunteers, Thank you for all your support. To potential Volunteers, please consider giving Check-In an
hour or two of your time. It’s a great way to support Costume College and meet fellow
attendees.
The Students Package contains:
• The Program Book: that includes maps, schedules, course descriptions and general information.
• Your Costume College 2015 Badge, and Note-taking materials: a note pad and pen.
• Time Travelers Gala and/or Fantasy Tea Tickets you have paid for in advance.
• Time Travelers Gala and/or Fantasy Tea Special Meal Requested cards.
• A list of Tour and/or Limited Attendance Classes you have paid for in advance.
• Optional Red Carpet presentation card
• Notices, surveys and other useful information.
The Teachers Package contains:
All the “student” items along with a list of your classes, the locations and times, student names and your class fees.
Thursday night Check-In is the inaugural event of Costume College. With
materials in hand, both Alumni and newcomers are prepared for the upcoming sessions. Teachers, even if you are not
teaching right away, please pick up your packages as soon as possible to ensure all is in
order—and then let your fun begin!
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
—6—
Getting Dressed?
As most of our returning students and faculty know, Costume College is THE place to show off your
fabulous costume creations. It is a unique place where people not only appreciate your artwork, but “Ooh”
and “ahhh” in wonderment. Many Costume College attendees work all year just to prepare what they are
going to wear on which day of Costume College. If you are not careful, you may find yourself asked to be
a teacher for a special technique you’ve displayed over the weekend – beware of the Programming Chairs!
We recommend students wear street clothes during classes for comfort. Be sure to layer your clothing,
costume or not, as the classrooms vary in temperature. Please also be cognizant that you will be in classes
most of the time. Hoops, bustles and other large costume items my be too distracting to other attendees
during class timer and may take up additional, much needed, floor space. Feel free to save those lovely,
large items for the Ice Cream Social, Time Travelers Gala or Fantasy Tea.
Many students bring costumes for the special events. If you are not staying in the hotel, the public
restrooms are large enough for changing, and you can easily find a volunteer who will be happy to help
hook, lace or zip you up.
While Costume College will be occupying the bulk of the hotel’s function space, there will be non-College
guests present. The hotel knows to expect costumes from us, but we do ask that while you are in the public
spaces and hallways, you dress no less than PG-13. When the non-costumers inquire, just tell them you’re at
a costume conference and invite them to visit the Exhibit and the Market Place.
Information Desk
Welcome to College. Your first stop, of course will be to check-in. If you look
behind the Check-In tables, you will see a counter with efficient friendly faces.
This is the Information Desk. Whether you are a new attendee or a veteran, the
Information Desk Staff is here to help you with any questions or concerns that
may arise for you. The desk is staffed by Costume College Committee Members
and CGW Board Members so that there should always be a very knowledgeable
person available.
Services that we provide include: Local Neighborhood Guides, Message Board for
Attendees, Lost & Found, Directions or Maps to classes and other areas, Flyers
and Handouts. Additionally, we serve as a clearing house for those who want to
buy and sell Gala and Tea tickets. One of our most important services however, is
that we have the capability to contact the Dean and Hotel Liaison and other key
Costume College people.
So stop by to say hello, ask a question, look for help for a problem, get a piece of
candy or possibly play a game to get a ribbon. We will be open on Thursday night
and then starting at 8 am and running during class time all three days of college.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
—7—
Volunteers
Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
Calling all Costume College Volunteers!
Costume College wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t for you volunteers!
So, what we do we need?
We need YOU!
If you’re new to Costume College this is the perfect opportunity to meet new people and see exactly what college is all
about. If you’re a seasoned Costume College attendee this is a perfect opportunity to mentor a newbie and give back!
But I’m sure you have a couple questions. For example...
How do I know when to volunteer? (I don’t want to miss any amazing classes!!)
Once you get the class schedule and decide what classes you want to take, those free times can be used to give back and meet new people. You can sign-up before Costume College begins (special gifts for those that preregister to volunteer). Or, when you get to Costume College you can sign up at our sign-up station.
Well, do I have to volunteer for a whole day?
No!! Find a time when you are not in class and volunteer for that time block!
What do I get in return?
• First, life long friends and creative support!
• Second, tons of fun!
• Last, but not least... We have amazing gift bags and prizes this year! Incredible sewing supplies, books, and
accessories! There will also be Daily Prizes and a Grand Prize Drawing for a Guaranteed Entry to a Limited
Attendance Class for the following Costume College 2016 (winner is responsible for class supplies fees)! Can’t wait to see you all!
To sign-up please contact Kristen Foggie at [email protected] [email protected]
Hospitality Suite
‘Shakespeare’s Reading Room’
The Hospitality Suite is a place to meet new friends, and reconnect with old ones. Chat about our new
costume creations, and perhaps enjoy a game or two of ‘Literary Quotes’ by some of your favorite authors. So come
and join us where creativity and whimsy exist for fun and collaboration, or those last minute finishing touches to your
current sewing projects in the adjacent Finishing Room. Come by during the day or evening after class, visiting the
Marketplace, and Exhibits and join us for a bit of tea, a light snack, relaxation and camaraderie. And yes, there will be
CHOCOLATE.
Our theme this year is ‘Shakespeare’s Reading Room’ and shall be open at these times:
Friday 2pm -5:30pm, 8pm-11:00pm
Saturday & Sunday 2pm-5:30pm, 7:30-11:00pm
The Hospitality Suite will be closed during the Friday Night Social.
Are you part of a costuming group that would like to host a day of the Hospitality suite? Contact Sequita Imai at
[email protected] for more information.
*Please Note* The CGW Board of Directors and the Costume College Committee encourages everyone to remember
that you are responsible or your own lunch and dinner. Please do not rely on the Hospitality Suite in lieu of an actual
meal. It is designed to be a place of pleasant conversation and light snacks. We request that you do not abuse the
privilege. Thank you.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
—8—
S.E.A.M.s
Social Education and Meet-ups
Are you looking for kindred spirits to share your enthusiasm on a particular subject? Want to share
personal experiences and adventures in costuming with like-minded folks?
Organize a Meetup today!
Dying to discuss the recent season of Downton Abbey? How about the variety of adaptations of Jane Austen’s
books? Are you a Baker Street Irregular? Favorite Doctor/Companion(s) in Doctor Who? Agent Peggy Carter?
Game of Thrones? Any interest related to costuming can be a meetup. Past topics have included: Knitting, Harry
Potter, Firefly, Star Trek, Star Wars, crocheting, leatherwork, and more. Need more meet up ideas? Ask us!
Perhaps you are you already planning a meetup with your Facebook group or blog followers? Send us some info
about your planned meetup(s) or a meetup topic you’d like to host (like the topic, your name, and the day/time
you’d like to meetup) and then we can help you advertise your meetup leading up to and at Costume College.
Please send your meetup information and or questions to Becky Thelin at costumecollegesocialmedia@gmail.
com .
Panic Room
Friday, July 31
Come visit the Panic Room for a chance to put finishing
touches, ask questions or simply get a second opinion on your
Gala or Tea costume! We provide a work space, iron and ironing
board as well as an experienced seamstress to assist in any
ways you require. Please bring your own sewing machine and
notions; there are none provided. Water bottles are permitted,
but please leave all other food and beverages outside.
Check your Program Book at Costume College for
hours and location; we look forward to seeing you!
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
—9—
Portrait Studio
Salon D
William Shakespeare said “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits
and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages” So are you following in
the steps of Rosie the Riveter, Marie Antoinette, a character out of the movie Going Postal based on one of Terry
Pratchett’s books? If you spent time creating the right look then preserve your extraordinary work by having a
professional portrait taken.
This year we are pleased to again offer the services of Shotwell Collection professional photographer Andy Schmidt. Andy will be available throughout the Costume College weekend, particularly for the hours leading up to and
including the Ice Cream Social, Time Traveler’s Gala, Sunday Breakfast, and Fantasy Tea.
Stop by the Information desk and purchase your “Photographer Studio” ribbon for $1.00. This ribbon will entitle
you to pose for photos as many times as you like. Prints and digital downloads may be purchased at very affordable
prices from the Shotwell Collection web site at http://photos.theshotwellcollection.com
In addition to the professional portrait studio, there will be an area set aside in the lobby near Salon D where anyone
who wants to take their own pictures can. There will be lights and a backdrop available for anyone to use. This area
is not associated with the professional photographer. (Watch out for electrical cords and hot lights.) Enjoy taking
pictures of you and your friends and preserve your outfits for posterity.
Photography Studio hours: (subject to change)
Friday
1:00 to 4:30 PM
and 6:00 to 10:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 to 11:30 AM, 1:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 11:00 PM
Sunday 7:00 to 10:30 AM and 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM
Cavalcade of Costume Exhibit
Friday, July 31 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, August 1 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, August 2 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Pearls
Every good writer knows that a well-penned story is all about the characters. As costumers we understand this concept.
When a costume comes together it takes on its own character and the more developed that character the better the
costume. Cavalcade of Costumes is currently seeking characters to grace our new display venue in the “Pearls” room
at Costume College 2015.
This year we ask the question “Do you have a Character in your closet?” We are looking for full costumes with headgear
and accessories to display. Creating an Exhibit of Characters to rival a “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” and
bring joy to “Little Women” attendees. We welcome costumes of all era and genre and invite creators to tell CoCo
attendees the story behind the Character. We will display between 35-40 costumes so open that closet door and share
your costume talent with us!
For more information please see our page on the Costume College website. We are located under the Department tab
and the listed as Exhibits. There you will find the submission form which can be emailed to us at costumecollegeexhibit@
gmail.com
Please consider donating a costume to display at the Cavalcade of Costumes during Costume College 2015 and show
the world the Character in your closet!
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 10 —
Caught on Camera
If this is your first time attending Costume College, or you’ve been coming for years, you certainly don’t want to miss
checking out the Caught on Camera display showing photos taken of ALL costume creations, activities, and events
that people have been doing the past year and sent in to share with you. You may have missed seeing everything that
attendees wore at last year’s College, but here is your chance to see them. If you missed going to any of the wonderful
events put on by the various guilds and groups, again, here is your chance. These may be costumes that will never be
worn to Costume College but you will still get to see them.
There is still time for you to send in your own. I will be accepting photos up until the last two weeks of July. Good
photos in focus are needed, of you or a group. I’ll have special sections just for events or group
gatherings. If it’s an accessory you want to share, send in that photo too.
Send photos to Val LaBore by [email protected], via Facebook, or just send me a note if we’re friends on
Facebook that I can borrow yours.
Marketplace
‘The Curiosity Shoppe’
Following along with our theme, the Costume College Marketplace has been renamed ‘The Curiosity Shoppe’ for 2015.
We are very excited about the wonderful shopping experience awaiting you this year. Many old favorites will be
returning along with a few new surprises. This year’s Curiosity Shoppe will again host the popular Early Bird Shopping
Event on Friday afternoon. For a $7.00 donation benefiting the
Costume College Scholarship Fund – eager shopper can get a head start in The Curiosity Shoppe from 3:30 p.m. to
6:00 p.m. on Friday. Beginning at 3:00 p.m., you can purchase your Early Bird tickets at the Information desk for your
entrance at 3:30 p.m. The Grand Opening of The Curiosity Shoppe to all members runs from 7:45 p.m., (following the
Friday Night Social announcements) until 10:00 p.m. As always, The Curiosity Shoppe will be open to Costume College
members along with the general public on all three days of Costume College.
The 2015 Curiosity Shoppe hours are:
Friday, July 31, 2015: Friday, July 31, 2015: Saturday, August 1, 2015: Sunday, August 2, 2015: 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Early Bird Charity Event)
7:45 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Grand Opening)
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
If you have friends who are unable to attend, please remind them that the marketplace is open to everyone. No
College membership is required to come and explore The Curiosity Shoppe!
We hope that there are wonderful items to inspire you, complete
your outfit or just make you smile! Our goal for The Curiosity
Shoppe 2015 is to bring together a wonderful mix of supplies,
accessories, and information for all your costume dreams!
Mela Hoyt-Heydon & Cat Slater
Marketplace Co-Chairs
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 11 —
Pool Party
‘Journey to Atlantis’
Thursday, July 30
8:00 pm, Outdoor Pool
Swelling seas are no match for our intrepid travelers who long to
see the mysterious beauty of the Lost City of Atlantis. Its denizens
are expecting you for cocktail hour, so wear your best sea-themed
attire to travel to this celebrated mythical underwater city.
Whether it’s blending in with the mermaids, sporting shining
frocks like the shimmering sea, portraying one of the many
pantheon of gods such as Neptune/Poseidon, Anuket-Goddess of
the Nile, Hebe-Goddess of water, Namaka-Hawaiian Goddess of
the Sea, sirens, nymphs, or perhaps creating your own member
of Atlantian society, come and join your fellow travelers as they
wait to embark on a Journey to Atlantis.
Join us poolside on Thursday night starting at 8:00pm to
mingle with your fellow Costume College attendees and for
special Atlantian cocktails to start your journey.
Friday Night Social
(formerly the Ice Cream Social)
“Around the World in 80 Days”
Friday, July 31
6:00 – 8:00 pm, Salon F
You are cordially invited to join us on Friday evening for the Costume
College event that welcomes you and sets the stage for an amazing
conference weekend.
This event is an opportunity to hear our Dean impart important
information, and introduce people who will be resources for you
throughout the weekend. You can connect or reconnect with other
students and teachers, admire the costumes, and be admired in return.
If you are so inclined, join us in a costume inspired by the Jules Verne
novel, Around the World in 80 Days and the movies that were adapted
from Verne’s novel. There are so many
possibilities! Desserts with an international flair will be served
(including an option for those with food allergies). There is no charge
for this event.
We look forward to seeing you on Friday evening.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
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Red Carpet
Saturday, August 1
5:45 pm, Salon Lobby
You’ve worked your fingers to the bone, stitching and steaming, to put together something fabulous
for the Time Traveler’s Gala, and now it’s time to show it off! Join us on the Red Carpet located in the
lobby in front of Salon F Saturday evening as you make your way to the Gala. For those of you who
do not plan to attend the Gala, but would like to see the wonderful Costumes, we encourage you
to bring your cameras and other “paparazzi” gear and join in the excitement of the evening. You
will very likely see something to inspire your imagination and get you started creating something
amazing for next year’s Gala.
Time Traveler’s Gala
“You’re a Real Character!”
Saturday, August 1
6:30 – 11:00 pm, Salon F
The pages of literature will come alive at this year’s Time Traveler’s Gala, courtesy of YOU! We all have a favorite
character from a favorite book (you know, the book you would most to want to have if you were stranded on a desert
island) and a favorite character from that book. This is your chance to live out your literary fantasy! So whether you
see yourself as Claire Randall from the popular “Outlander” series (which would actually give you a plethora of time
periods to choose from) or a member of King Arthur’s court from any of the many incarnations of that story, this is
your chance to be that character.
Your evening begins at 5:45 with a walk down the famous Costume
College Red Carpet. This has become a very popular event not just for
Costume College® attendees, but for other guests staying at the hotel
and on-lookers who come just to see the parade. You’ll get to know what
it feels like to be a paparazzi darling!
Our professional photographer will be available in one of the suites at the
end of the Red Carpet to take your portrait in all your finery.
The Ballroom doors will open at 6:30 with a no-host bar, and
dinner will be served at 7:30. The doors will open at 8:45 to non-ticket
holders for dancing the night away. Music will once again be provided by
our favorite DJ, Shawn Crosby.
Please bring your Gala ticket with you as well as your specialty meal card
(if you requested a vegetarian or low allergy meal). Both of these tickets
can be found in the envelope in your check-in packet. You will need to
place the special meal card at your place setting where your server can
see it. No substitutes or changes can be made to any of the menus.
Ticket sales to the Gala have closed, but you may be able to acquire one
from other members who find themselves unable to attend. Please
inquire at the information desk for the availability of tickets.
Tables for at least 8 can be reserved before 3:00 pm Saturday by
signing up on the Gala Reservation Board at the Information Desk.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 13 —
Saturday Night Raffle
COME ONE, COME ALL!!! Buy tickets to the Saturday Night Raffle to support our scholarship fund! Enjoy the thrill, the
terror, the tension.... will your number be called? Terrific prizes! This year tickets will be available ALL DAY SATURDAY
as well as at the Gala from 6:30 p.m. Check with Information to buy tickets during the day on Saturday. Be sure to
check out the prizes at the Prize Table at the Gala!
The Drawing will be held at the Gala AFTER dinner and AFTER the Gala is open to the general membership for dancing,
at approximately 8:45 p.m. YOU AND THE WINNING TICKET MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN.
Tickets are $1.00 each, or 6 for $5.00.
Cash or checks payable to CGW are accepted.
All proceeds go to the CGW Scholarship Fund. Scholarships are awarded to encourage costuming
knowledge and talent. Check the rules online to apply for a scholarship for Costume College 2015.
Everyone is a winner because the money supports our scholarships.
THE MORE TICKETS YOU BUY, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING!!!
Sunday Breakfast
‘Breakfast with the Bennet’s’
A Costume College tradition continues! The Bennets request the pleasure of your company at an intimate breakfast
with the Costume College family on Sunday morning following the Saturday night festivities. Join us in the main dining
room of the hotel restaurant from 7:00 to 8:45 am.
After a late night of dancing and revelry, there will be no need to stand on ceremony, of course. Informal is the look of
the hour! Wear your frilliest, silliest Regency morning gown and cap, your most dashing dressing gown, or stick with
the traditional “Sunday Undies” of other historical nature. All will be admired! We do ask you to consider that while
they may cover you from collarbone to ankle, historical undies are still undies and may be viewed as pretty racy to
those guests who aren’t part of our costuming family. We’d like to ask that we all stick with daytime necklines rather
than evening décolletage.
This year breakfast will include a chance to earn an additional ribbon. Maegen Hensley, our fabulous Hotel Liaison and
lover of all things Austen will host an “I <3 Mr. Darcy” quiz during breakfast. Come test your knowledge against your
fellow Darcy fans in a little friendly competition.
Everyone is welcome to Breakfast with the Bennets--no additional tickets are needed. Those who attend breakfast
in theme will receive a ribbon to commemorate the occasion. The hotel is offering their breakfast buffet to Costume
College attendees at a discounted price, so we hope you’ll take advantage of the opportunity and join in the fun! See
you at breakfast!
Kris Jachens
Hostess, Breakfast with the Bennets
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 14 —
Bargain Bazaar
‘The Exotic Emporium of Fascinating Finds’
Got costume and sewing area clutter? Get rid of it! Those patterns you don’t use anymore? That fabric you’ll never use?
The unwanted bucket of buttons? Donate them to the Bargain Basement!
All proceeds from the Bargain Bazaar fund scholarships for next year’s Costume College. These scholarships help
students attend Costume College who otherwise would not be able to come. And because it’s all going to a good
cause, you can get receipts for tax purposes.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept anything prior to the start of College. If you wish to donate but cannot attend, you
can send items with an attending friend. You can also mail smaller packages to Teresa Will, c/o of the Warner Center
Marriott, timed to arrive a day or two before College.
The Bargain Bazaar will be proudly hosting its Fourth Silent Auction and will also begin at 8:00 am on
Sunday morning! If something you’re donating special, please bring it to our attention. We may choose to put it in
our Silent Auction. Only the most wonderful of donations will be offered for auction. If you wish to bid on an item,
there will be a bid sheet with each auction item. At 10:00 am (sharp!), the highest bid will be the winner. If the winner
doesn’t pay for the item by 10:30 am, the second highest bid will be the winner and that person needs to pay for the
auction item by 11am. After that, if the item is still unclaimed, it will go up for sale with everything else.
Also, at 11am, we will start selling large trash-style bags for $5. You may then fill up that bag with ANYTHING that’s left
and take it away.
If you want suggestions, ideas, or even moral support for donating something, then email Tao Will at
[email protected]
Tao Will & Assistant Karen Willson
Bargain Basement 2015 hours (subject to change)
Located in Salon A & B, around the corner from the Marketplace and down the hall.
Thursday, July 30
Friday, July 31 Saturday, August 1
Sunday, August 2
Sunday, August 2
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Donation Drop-off & Perusal
9:00 am – 6:00 pm – Donation Drop-off & Perusal
9:00 am – 6:00 pm – Donation Drop-off & Perusal
8:00 am – 12:00 pm – Open for bargain hunters!
8:00 am – 10:00 am – Silent Auction
Buttons & Patterns
& Fabrics....
Oh My!
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
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Fantasy Tea
‘Nancy Drew Mystery’
Sunday, August 2, 2:00-4:00pm
Welcome to Costume College’s Fantasy Tea. The theme for this year’s tea is ‘Nancy DrewMystery’, to go along with
our theme of “Plucked From the Pages”. In keeping with years past, we will enjoy a lovely menu of tea time offerings,
lovely conversation, and another opportunity to get to know your peers in the costuming world a bit better than
before.
Have your wits about you, and hone your sleuthing skills, as you will be challenged to solve a pleasant puzzle or two,
or even to match wits with a hidden master villain and uncover the truth!
What does one wear to solve a mystery? Well, the character of Nancy Drew is beloved and long lived. The first Nancy
Drew mystery was published in 1930 and the series continues to publish new stories to this day. The stories are filled
with people of all sorts, and ghosts too. So, should you feel so inclined, pick your favorite era and you can’t go wrong.
The tea has already sold out. However, sometimes tea goers’ plans change and there may be tickets available on site.
Check with the Information Desk to see if any tickets become available. One other item of note is that the tea will be
held in a new room, Hidden Hills.
We are looking forward to the pleasure of your company.
Sincerely yours,
Elizabeth Reed and Chantal Filson
CGW Board Mixer
Sunday, August 2
5:30-7:00 pm, Hospitality Suite
We would like to invite all CGW members, as well as people who might wish to be members, to enjoy some tea and
cookies and chat about the inner workings of CGW. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions of the board
members, as well as meet any members who are interested in sitting on the board for the 2015/2016 term.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Eileen Smolenski
President, Costumer’s Guild West, Inc.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 16 —
Tours
This year we are excited to offer four tours! Our well-loved Fashion District Safari returns, and we will be revisiting
the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). We’ve also added two Early Bird tours on Thursday before
College officially begins. We will be guided through the United American
Costume Company and the second tour is the Nethercutt Collection and Museum including a photo opportunity for
students in costume.
Tours are treated just like Limited Attendance classes, so you will need to sign up if you are interested in attending.
Please see the articles on how to sign up for Limited Attendance classes.
Early Bird Tours
Nethercutt Collection and Museum Tour and Photo-Shoot
Thursday, July 30, 2015
For those students early to the College, Skip Marketti, the curator of the Nethercutt, has agreed to treat us to a guided
tour of parts of the Collection. The Nethercutt Collection features rare collectibles ranging from mechanical musical
instruments and antique furniture to the true heart of the collection: over 250 American and European automobiles
dating from 1898 to 1997. After that he has kindly offered us the opportunity for a photo shoot in the museum (dozens
more fabulous period cars!) and grounds, with the 1937 Canadian Pacific locomotive and the 1912 Pullman car as
backdrops for us in our favorite costumes. The official College photographer, Andy Schmidt of Shotwell Photography,
will be on hand to take photographs and the Nethercutt will allow use of the restrooms to change if you don’t want
to wear your costumes on the tour.
You will be comfortably bussed to the Nethercutt in the morning and return in the afternoon before traffic, and in time
for hotel check-in. We suggest wearing walking shoes for the tour itself and then donning costume shoes after. One of
our tour committee members will be available to assist in making your presentation perfect for the photo-shoot. Note:
There are no food facilities at this venue so while you will be provided with water and snacks on the bus, we suggest
bringing something for lunch to eat on the bus. This tour is limited to 15 people.
United American Costume Company
Thursday, July 30, 2015
United American Costume Company has graciously agreed to give a tour of their facilities. United
American has provided costumes to the film and television industry since 1977. The company has provided costumes
for such projects as Back to the Future, The Thorn Birds, The Natural, and Hoffa. Marvel at their historical costumes
which range in period from the 1750’s through the 1970’s. Get behind the scenes looks at professional costume
creation and fabrication for films and television. Note that this tour is limited to 15 people and is concurrent with the
Nethercutt Tour. Wear walking shoes and bring note taking materials. You will be treated to water and snacks on
the bus and we will return directly to the hotel in the early
afternoon after the tour.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 17 —
Fashion Institute of Design and
Merchandising (FIDM) Tour
Friday, July 31, 2015
The costume curators at FIDM have very kindly agreed to give us a private, behind-the-scenes tour of their study
collection. See authentic clothing as well at their current exhibit. Sigh with admiration at
beautiful workmanship, marvel at ingenious repairs that tell hidden tales of garments and their wearers, and be
inspired by exquisite designs! You will also have the opportunity to visit the Scholarship Store where great fabric and
trimmings, and fashions are available at discount prices.
Your Guide will pamper you with snacks and water aboard the tour bus. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a notepad
to record your inspirations. Note that attendance is limited to 30 people and that photography will be restricted on
this tour. This tour will leave mid-morning Friday, July 31, 2015, returning in the early afternoon to avoid the notorious
Los Angeles commuter traffic. The visit to FIDM itself will be approximately 2 hours long, not including travel time.
Please review the tour section of the Limited Attendance form before scheduling your Friday classes, so you don’t
inadvertently double-book yourself. If you request both a tour and a limited attendance class that are concurrent, and
both are available, precedence will be given to the tour.
Native Guide’s Shopping Safari to the
Los Angeles Fashion District
Monday - August 3, 2015
As the Monday after Costume College dawns, it’s time once again to board the safari bus to the wilds of downtown
Los Angeles in search of the fabled Fashion District (the new and slightly classier name of the Garment District). Prepare to be amazed by the bolts upon bolts of fabrics – some rare and dazzling, others basic and utilitarian. Behold
shops with shiny beads and crystals, buttons, ribbons, laces, trims, flowers, fun fur – all in a rainbow of colors and
styles. Ready-made garments, shoes, hosiery, hats, hoop skirts, specialty underclothing, feathered wings and much
more await the curious shopper.
You’ll travel in a large, comfortable, air-conditioned tour coach with huge luggage compartments below for all your
purchases. As on all our tours, your Guide will pamper you with snacks and water on board. Wear comfortable shoes
and a sun hat, and be prepared to “shop ’til you drop!” (Note: This tour involves lots of walking, and not all locations
are handicapped-accessible.) You’ll get a custom map showing all our favorite stores, local eateries, restrooms, and
those all-important ATMs. Follow your trusty Native Guide, or head off to explore on your own – just remember to
come back to the bus on time!
Start saving up now to take advantage of all the wonderful bargains you’ll find! Seasoned shoppers and novices are all welcome. This tour will leave the hotel Monday morning, August
3, 2015, and return in the early evening, leaving downtown Los
Angeles at approximately 4:00pm.
If you will need to book airport transportation directly from
downtown LA in order to catch a return flight, the Tours Coordinator, Sammie McGlasson, will be happy to facilitate your
shuttle or taxi pickup. Contact her at [email protected].
Tours - The Fine Print:
If unforeseen circumstances result in the cancellation of a
venue, we reserve the right to substitute a location of equal
interest to Costume College students. We will provide as
much advance notification as possible. Tours not receiving a
minimum number of students may be cancelled. If you have
any questions, please contact the Tours Coordinator.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 18 —
All About Classes At Costume College
Costume College is the perfect place to learn something new. This section tells you everything you need to know to
prepare for class.
Class Formats
Lecture: The teacher “talks” to the students and may illustrate with power point presentation, slides, props, charts or actual items.
Demo: The teacher “shows” the students step-by-step about how a technique is done. A demo may or may not have a class size limit.
Workshop: The students experience “hands-on” learning by performing the techniques being instructed. Workshops generally have a class size limit.
Class Skill Level
Due to the nature of some of the classes offered, a certain skill level is required in order for students to get the most
out of the experience. Therefore, we include the skill level needed in each class description. Use the following list
of skill levels to help you determine which classes are best suited for you. Remember, even an advanced student can
learn new tips and techniques from classes of all skill levels.
Skill Level Description
All:
Enjoyable and accessible to all attendees.
Beginners: Designed for those with little or no previous sewing or costuming experience.
Intermediate: Requires basic knowledge in the topic, such as the ability to construct a garment from a commercial pattern.
Advanced: Requires specialized knowledge. Please see the class description for specific requirements.
Class Genre & Media
In order to help you better chose classes based on your interests, we have added genre and media to class
descriptions.
Genre describes the type of costuming the class focuses on.
• All
• Science Fiction
• Historical
• Cosplay
• Fantasy
• Core Skills
Media describes the materials or methods used in the class.
• Textiles
• Embellishments
• Leather
• Metal
• Technology
• Creative Re-use
• Informational
• Finishing Touches
• Synthetic/Exotic Materials
Unlimited Classes
Any registered member of Costume College can attend as many of these classes as they can fit into the weekend!
• No sign up needed!
• Be on time! Classes fill fast!
• Typically a lecture or demo of a topic or skill.
• Class capacity determined by room size.
• Generally no special materials required.
• Bring a couple bucks for optional handout fees.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 19 —
Limited Attendance Classes
YOU MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED FOR LIMITED ATTENDANCE CLASSES.
SEE THE ENCLOSED LIMITED ATTENDANCE FORM FOR SPECIFIC INSUTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO SIGNUP
FOR THESE CLASSES.
•
•
•
•
Strict registration deadline!
Limited class size for optimal learning.
Usually workshops or demos.
Have pre-paid materials fees.
• Completed, or nearly completed, projects.
• Advanced or unique skills and techniques.
• Non-transferable.
A few classes may be available for Late Registration on a first come, first served basis in the Salon Lobby on Thursday
night from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm and Friday morning from 7:30 am to 8:45 am, or until all available classes are full.
Each student will be allowed one (1) selection each time they go through the line to ensure fairness. You should have
checks or exact change on hand as you will need to pay for your classes on the spot in order to reserve your seat.
Remember, while the Limited Attendance classes are always fun and exciting, if you aren’t taking any this year, the
scope of other opportunities for things to do is almost endless!
Information about the sign-up process for Limited Attendance Classes and Tours
Whether you are completely new to Costume College, or you have done this a thousand times,
YOU STILL NEED TO READ THIS!
Inside your Registration Packet, you will find a Limited Attendance Form. On that sheet is a list of the
Limited Attendance Classes and Tours being offered at Costume College 2015. We know you want to take them all,
but we’re going to have to ask you to prioritize your choices for Classes and Tours.
Get your form in by the due date, and then:
You are assigned a priority number based on response date – earlier is better!
This, and other factors (i.e.; max class size & the order you signed up for college), are used to sort requests via
computer.
Keep in mind:
• Your Limited Class fees are paid directly to the teacher so that they may buy supplies for the class ahead of time.
• It is at the teachers’ discretion whether to provide you with a refund should you change your mind/ be unable to
attend their class. Fees for the classes are not refundable by the CGW, Inc.
• The teachers are graciously volunteering their time to be a part of the conference.
Limited Attendance Sign-Up Do’s and Don’ts
DO send in only the original form. We will NOT accept photocopied versions of your Sign-Up Form, nor will we
accept your requests via e-mail. If for some reason you have lost the original or you did not receive an original form,
contact Programming by e-mail at [email protected] immediately to make other arrangements.
DO NOT send any money for class or tour fees with your Sign-Up Form! Instructions for payment will be sent with
your confirmation at a later date.
DO sign up for the classes YOU want. Classes and tours are NOT transferable to ANYONE at any time.
We DO NOT allow monitoring of Limited Attendance Classes. To allow this would be unfair to students on the class
waiting lists. Do not approach a teacher at College and ask if you can “sit quietly in the back and watch” their Limited Class, even if you were on the waiting list.
DO send the completed form ONLY to the listed address. If you send it to another address, we do not guarantee that
your form will reach Programming by the May 15, 2015 cut-off date.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 20 —
Sign-Up Form Instructions
LOCATE AND READ THE LIMITED ATTENDANCE FORM
You may complete the form online for fastest return time. If you choose to return the paper form
you must fill out your form legibly and completely in blue or black ink ONLY. Make sure that you read
all instructions on the form, as we will reject any incomplete or illegible forms.
Review the class descriptions in this Registration Book. Prioritize your choices. On the Limited
Attendance Form, select or mark the number of choices indicated on the form.
Review the tour descriptions in this Registration Book. You may choose tours in addition to your
classes. On the Limited Attendance Form, select or mark your tour choices. On the paper form,
leaving it blank will be considered declining the tour. You may choose more than one tour but they
are assigned using the same priority system as classes. NOTE: If you request both a tour and a Limited
Attendance class at the same time, and both are available, you will be signed up for the tour.
Return your completed form to Programming before the MAY 15, 2015 “IN-HAND” deadline.
Deadline for Returning
Sign-Up Forms
Your completed form must be received no later than May 15, 2015. Please note that this is the “IN-HAND” date,
NOT the postmark date. If you are using the postal service this form must be mailed to:
Costume College Programming
c/o Michelle McAvoy
P.O Box 3205, Oakland, CA 94609
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 21 —
Before You Get to Class
• We have provided a pen and pad for note taking in your check-in packet. Notes will help reinforce your learning
experience, and provide a handy reference long after the class is over. You may take photographs with the
permission of the teacher. Audio or video taping of any class is prohibited.
• As a student, please keep comments, personal stories and/or experiences to a minimum, unless requested by
the teacher. Please remember that we are all here because we love costuming and all things costuming related.
While sometimes as a student we might feel we have information or knowledge we feel is pertinent to a class, it
is most respectful to both the teachers and your fellow students to wait until the class is over and speak one-onone with the teacher.
• Our teachers are all volunteers and selflessly give of their knowledge and time to share a passion with the
students of Costume College. Please let them know you appreciate them.
• Find yourself wanting to attend two classes scheduled at the same time? Use the buddy system! Go to one class
and trade notes with someone who went to the other.
• Most of all, we hope you enjoy the classes we have arranged and that you find your time at Costume College
very rewarding!
Freshman Orientation: We’re Glad You Are Coming!
Friday, July 31
8:00 am, Salon F
hosted by Jennifer Mulvey and Maegen Hensley
Costume College is going to be so exciting! The Preparations for your first Costume College is about to begin! But how
to get the most of your experience beyond what you can read in this book?
If this is your first time attending Costume College, it can be overwhelming. (So many things to do, people to meet,
classes to take!!!) Before you start the weekend, let us give you some pointers about what to expect. As two long
attending pros we can help answer basic questions and help you to understand how to get the most out of the
weekend. But first, let us introduce ourselves: Jennifer Mulvey (Teacher, Past CGW Board Member, Past Committee
Member, Reenactor, Costumer…etc.) and Maegen Hensley (Teacher, Past CGW President & Board Member, Past
Dean and Committee Member, Reenactor, Costumer..etc)…SO MUCH to list…lol…all of that means we have the
insider tips! Come learn from our experience so we can help you get the most out of your weekend!
This event has SO much to offer. There are memories and life-long friends to make, techniques to master, costumes
to drool over! Whether you’re young or old, male or female, a life-long reenactor or completely new to the world of
costuming, we invite you to join our little chat and send you off into the weekend before the classes start.
We aren’t here to read the Registration Book to you, or lull you to sleep with all the boring details of the in’s and
out’s…we just want to have a fun, humorous, insightful moment with you to set you on the path to have one of the
best weekends you will have this year!
Bring your questions and your smiling faces to Freshman Orientation, Friday morning at 8:00 am in
Salon F (first floor, near check-In.)
Keep Calm
and
Enjoy Your
Freshman Year!
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 22 —
Basic Cording Techniques
Friday Classes
Freshman OrientationUnlimited
8:00a - 9:00a
Maegen Hensley, Jennifer Mulvey
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All Levels
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Informational
If this is your first time attending Costume College, it can be
overwhelming. (Actually, that can happen in your second year,
too!) Want the “inside scoop” on how to get the most out
of your weekend? Come and learn, grasshopper. This event
has SO much to offer. There are memories to make, life-long
friends to meet, techniques to master, costumes to drool
over! Whether you’re young or old, male or female, a life-long
re-enactor or completely new to the world of costuming, we
invite you to join our little chat to send you off into the
weekend. If nothing else, you will at least be entertained...
(Oh, and we have ribbons! Trust me, you want a ribbon. All the
cool kids have them.)
1920s Robe de Style Pannier Slip
Limited
9:00a - 11:30a
Elizabeth Pedersen, JoAnn Peterson
Format: Workshop
Class length: 2.5 hrs
Fee: $35
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles
In this hands-on class, students will learn to construct a 1920s
Robe de Style pannier slip. Patterns for the slip will be
provided. The size range is size 6-34 (bust measurement 30”56”).
Teacher Provides: Fabric, pattern, hoop steel, bias tape, bone
casing, ribbon, hooks and eyes, and snaps.
Student Provides: Basic sewing kit (scissors, white thread,
tailor’s chalk, pins, needle, clear plastic ruler, measuring tape),
a sewing machine and power cord.
Adding Color: Dyeing Cotton Fabrics ?
Limited
9:00a - 11:00a
Hallie Smith
Format: Workshop
Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $10
Skill Level: All Levels
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Textiles
Groovy, baby! Let’s take that fabric, fold and flip it, and add
some color! We’ll go over some different tie-dye techniques,
graduated dyeing, tub dye, lots of options. Bring a garment or
some yardage that could use some color, or tell me what you
need and I’ll order it ahead (additional cost applies). I’ll have
all the supplies, dyes, and instructions!
Teacher Provides: Procion (fiber reactive) dyes, protective
gear, thread/needles/rubber bands, handouts. If requested
ahead of time garments for dyeing can also be provided.
Student Provides: Garment or fabric for dyeing.
Limited
9:00a - 11:30a
Natalie Meyer
Format: Workshop
Class length: 2.5 hrs
Fee: $10
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Textiles
Learn several different techniques to use cording to stiffen
fabrics, or as an embellishment.
Teacher Provides: Needles, cording, fabric, thread
Student Provides: A Thimble if you use one.
Budget Cutting? Buy Smart, Cut Smart!
Unlimited
9:00a - 10:00a
Virginia Lane
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: $1
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Textiles
Fabric is getting more expensive every year, and bargains
are fewer. You really can’t afford to buy more fabric than you
need; but how do you know for sure? Pattern envelopes are
vague, fabric widths vary, and even your height might change
it up. Let’s remove some of that uncertainty! Learn some basic
strategies for accurate fabric estimation, as well as pattern
layout, that will help you save money and make your fabric
stretch even farther.
Teacher Provides: Handout
Career Under Construction—A Roundtable Discussion
Unlimited
9:00a - 10:30a
Abigail Cox, Lauren Stowell, Mela Hoyt-Heydon, Cathy Hay
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Career
Media: Informational
Are you looking into making your hobby a career? Are you
curious to know what it takes to work in the industries that
involve costuming? Don’t know where to begin? Please join us
for a roundtable discussion about how to make your hobby
into a profession. Here’s your chance to meet four
professionals each working in different areas of the costume
industry. Come pick their brains about their careers, and how
you can start yours too!
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 23 —
FRIDAY
Costuming for Film and Television
Limited
9:00a - 11:00a
Chantal Filson
Format: Lecture
Class length: 2 hrs Fee: $2.50
Skill Level: Beginner
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Informational
Watch films just for the costumes? Daydream of seeing
your name in the credits? A brief overview of what designing and costuming for film and television entails, with tips,
tricks, and techniques not otherwise taught in school.
Presentation includes behind the scenes photos from the
teacher’s
sixteen-plus years in film, industry websites, and
demonstrations of equipment and techniques. Handout
with lists and links will be provided in class; bring a
notebook and pen. No photography permitted.
Teacher Provides: Handout with lists of supplies, industry
Fabrics From a Galaxy Far, Far Away 2
Unlimited
9:00a - 11:00a
Lisa Klassen
Format: Lecture
Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Cosplay
Media: Textiles, Technology and Technique, Creative Reuse,
Embellishments, Synthetic or Exotic Materials
This class will revisit the topic of creating unique and beautiful
fabrics through various fabric manipulation techniques, both
old and new, from the well-known Star Wars series. Through
short demonstrations, I’ll show you unique techniques that
you can use to make your own sci-fi fabrics including dying,
heat techniques, applique, embroidery and pleating. I’ll also
focus on the scruffier members of the galaxy and demonstrate how to create realistic wear and tear that will give your
costumes a realistic look. This class will stir your creative juices
and get you thinking outside the box so you can create fabric
that is truly out of this world!
Teacher Provides: Powerpoint presentation, samples and
fabric, Star Wars costumes, tools, etc.
Student Provides: Camera for taking more detailed photos of
samples.
Introduction to Sewing
Limited
9:00a - 12:00a
Morrison Jackson Format: Workshop Class length: 3 hrs
Fee: $15
Skill Level: Beginner
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Textiles
Loving all the costumes you see at Costume College? Desire
to make your own but don’t know how? You need to start
somewhere and you can begin here. Bring your machine and
learn all about it. Try your hand at creating a lined Victorian
reticule that can become your first accessory for the costume
you will make in the future. We will also discuss embellishing
that you could do on your next one.
Teacher Provides: Handout, pattern, kit with outer fabric,
cotton fabric for lining with interior pocket, and narrow ribbon
for the ties, and some trim
Student Provides: Sewing machine in good working order,
extension cord, white and neutral colored thread, pins, pin
cushion, small ruler, seam ripper, fabric scissors, hand sewing
needle, 1/2 yard of plain fabric (like muslin), washable marker.
Optional supplies: beaded fringe, tassels or other easy to apply
Make a Reproduction Victorian Purse
Limited
9:00a - 12:30p
Susan T. McDonald
Format: Workshop Class length: 3.5 hrs
Fee: $25
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles
In this class, students will learn how to make a pattern for
any purse frame. They will make a pattern of their own using
one of the frames provided in the class, then will learn how to
make the purse body and lining, and attach them to the frame.
We will discuss how to add fringe or other surface
embellishment. The student should leave the class with a
finished purse.
Teacher Provides: Paper to make a pattern, Metal Purse
Frame, 15-inch chain to match the frame, Handout, Finished
purses as samples.
Student Provides: 1/4 yard fashion fabric, 1/4 yard lining fabric,
(Optional) 12 “ of Fringe or beaded fringe, Lace appliqué or
simple embellishment like ribbon flowers, Sewing Machine,
Thread, Scissors, Pins, needles
Making a Pattern from an Extant Garment
Limited
9:00a - 1:00p
Scott Pennington
Format: DemoClass length: 4 hrs
Fee: $5
Skill Level: Advanced
Genre: Historical
Media: Technology and Technique
Working with an extant garment from the turn of the 20th
century, learn techniques to create a working pattern without
destroying the garment.
Teacher Provides: Handouts
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 24 —
Unlimited
9:00a - 10:30a
Lindsay Tallman
Format: Lecture/Demo
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Fantasy
Media: Fabric, Embellishments
Let’s be honest: everyone has a little bit of Disney princess
inside of them. Let’s learn to let it out! Anyone can look and
feel like a Disney princess, no matter their age, size, or height.
We’ll go over tips including hair and makeup, costuming, and
body language to turn anyone into a walking face character.
Ribbon Flowers - Roses and Leaves
Unlimited
9:00a - 10:30a
Rebecca Thelin
Format: Panel
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Technology
LiveJournal vs. Blogpost and now WordPress; Facebook;
Twitter; Tumblr; Instagram; YouTube videos; Vine; the list of
social media platforms available these days goes on. Social
media has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, and
with so many platforms to choose from, it can be daunting
to someone new to the social media world. We present a
panel discussion with costumers on some of the social media
platforms they prefer to use to feature their own adventures.
Victorian Corset Workshop
Limited
9:00a - 11:00a
Jeanette Murray, Kay Adams
Format: Workshop
Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $3
Skill Level: All
Genre: All
Media: Textiles
The Victorians loved flowers on their hats, gowns, in their hair,
and even on their shoes. That love still exists today! Creating the perfect flowers for your costume can be easy AND
inexpensive when you know how to make them yourself from
ribbon. This beginner class will share where to find ribbon
flower instruction, what ribbon to use, how to create your
perfect and unique color, and how to make a Gathered Rose,
a Vintage Rose, a Cabochon Rose, and a leaf. You will leave
wearing your personal ribbon flower!
Teacher Provides: Ribbon, thread, needle, safety pin, handout.
Student Provides: Scissors
Sleeve Fitting in Victorian Bodices
Social Media and the Costumer
Unlimited
9:00a - 11:00a
Jennifer Rosbrugh
Format: Lecture
Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Core Skills, Historical
Media: Textiles
The most vocal fitting frustrations expressed by costumers
is in dealing with sleeves—getting them fitted to where they
look good, don’t bind, hang correctly, and are generally
comfortable. This class will discuss bodice fitting in its
relationship to sleeves as well as techniques to fit the sleeves
themselves. We’ll also look at the various armhole placements
of the Victorian era and how that relates to making well-fitting
sleeves.
Teacher Provides: Sleeve & bodice patterns and garments for
discussion
Limited
9:00a - 5:00p
Barbara Muran, Neal Way
Format: Workshop
Class length: 8 hrs
Fee: $110
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Fabric
Contemplating buying an off-the-rack corset? $100 worth of
ill-fitting, poor construction... Buy a custom corset for $500 or
more? But why, when for a fraction of the cost, and using the
skills you learn in class, you can make as many as you want! A
truly custom-fitted Victorian corset will look and feel amazing
beneath your period gown, Steampunk or fantasy outfit. Don’t
miss this opportunity to create this key component to so many
costumes! The techniques used in this class are the foundation
for fitting, adjusting, and constructing other boned garments
as well. The class fee includes the Laughing Moon Victorian
#100 corset kit, which contains all of the supplies you need to
make a classic white Victorian corset. The instructor also offers
options to upgrade and personalize your corset at an
additional cost.
Teacher Provides: Basic kit that includes domestic white coutil,
pattern, and hardware necessary to complete a Victorian corset. Customized kits with colored coutil and student’s choice
of embroidery design are also available.
Student Provides: Sewing machine in good working order and
basic sewing tools. Students should have solid intermediate
sewing skills, be comfortable working with commercial patterns, and sewing in a class environment. A detailed supply list
will be sent to students prior to class.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 25 —
FRIDAY
Releasing Your Inner Disney Princess
FRIDAY
Work Bag or Reticule: Shaped Bags of the 18th and
19th CenturiesLimited
9:00a - 1:00p
Catherine Scholar, Mercurio “Bunny” Ekaterin
Format: Workshop Class length: 4 hrs
Fee: $6
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills, Historical
Media: Textiles
Looking for a work bag to carry your knotting? Need to
discreetly stow those non-period essentials? In this handson class, you will construct a shaped reticule with a solid
bottom that will be suitable for 18th century through
Regency times. Some historical examples: https://www.pinterest.com/cjscholar/hard-bottomed-reticules/. Basic hand
sewing skills required.
Instructors will have hard-bottom reticule examples for
students to examine.
Teacher Provides: Handout. Pre-treated hard-shaped bottoms. Optional embellishments for purchase.
Student Provides: ½ yd fashion fabric (taffeta or similar
weight), ½ yd lining fabric (matching/contrasting silk or
muslin), 2 yds matching ribbon or cord for carrying, matching thread, small awl, sewing kit: hand sewing needles,
thimble, pins, fabric scissors, ruler, measuring tape, chalk/
fabric markers, (Optional) For interlining: 1 fat quarter or ¼
yd of very thin batting e.g. “Quilter’s Dream”. (Optional)
For embellishment: 6 – 8 metal filigree stampings between
1” – 2” in length or diameter and 1 pair of long nose pliers;
matching tassel, fringe or braided trim. (Optional) For
contrast bottom: ½ yd contrast fashion fabric (taffeta or
similar weight) Sewing machines optional.
History of Parasols: A Timeline
Unlimited
9:00a - 11:00a
Lynne Taylor, Maegen Hensley
Format: Lecture
Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Historical
Media: Informational
This class a historical overview of parasol history from the
18th Century until the 1950’s we’ll be viewing fashion plates,
photos from period sources and photos of extant parasols.
In addition, during this presentation Lynne and Maegen will
share their parasol collections with you so you can see real
examples of period parasols. You are invited bring a parasol
of your own, Lynne and Maegen can help you date them if
you are unsure. Due to time constraints please limit it to two
items. If time allows, Lynne will share some simple fixes for
broken parasols too.
Teacher Provides: Handout
The New Materials: Thermoplastics in Costuming
10:00a - 12:00pUnlimited
Amanda Irwin – guest teacher Format: Lecture
Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Media: Technology, Synthetic Material
This lecture provides an introduction to thermoplastic
materials in costuming including worbla, Fossshape,
Wonderflex and Kobra cast. Each item will be discussed, with
photos and samples of examples of their various uses, and
demonstration of their various effects. Comparison of items
in costuming applications will also be covered, and samples of
each material will be provided to attendees.
Teacher Provides: Presentation
Student Provides: Curiosity
How to Make a Worth GownUnlimited
10:30a - 12:00p
Cathy Hay
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Informational
Making a masterpiece may not be as difficult as you think. By
1900, Worth was so popular that the only way to keep up with
demand was to simplify and systematize the construction
process. That’s right, the master of couture was working to a
simple formula common to all their evening dresses, making
it easy to churn out thousands of gowns quickly for clients
who were all going to the same ball. We’ll look at a number of
extant gowns to figure out that formula, and look at period
patterning methods that make the difference between blah
and fabulous.
How to Measure Yourself FlatUnlimited
10:30a - 12:00p
Audrey I. Russell
Format: Demo
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: $1
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Fabric
Why do we take measurements “in the round” when our patterns are printed flat? How do we use our measurements to alter a flat pattern? The answer is simple: we measure ourselves
flat! In this class, you will learn a method for taking precise
body measurements that can be directly compared to your flat
pattern and used to alter it. You will also see how to take two
critical measurements that will change the way you fit!
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 26 —
Unlimited
10:30a - 11:30a
Rebecca Thelin
Format: Demo/ Workshop
Class length: 1 hrFee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Textiles
You spend hours creating a costume/outfit and then it
happens: a rip/tear in your fabric; a hole in your stocking. How
frustrating! But there is hope. Take a page from our (grand)
mothers/forebears and mend it! Class will cover an overview
of mending and darning various items with samples. Students
may optionally try techniques in class.
Teacher Provides: Handout, Samples, some Practice Pieces
(for those adventurous enough to try in class)
Student Provides: Optional: project for mending (from your
own stash) and basic sewing kit (needles/thread/scissors).
18th Century Pattern Review
Unlimited
11:00a - 12:30p
Mary Johns, Abigail Pote
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: Beginner
Genre: Historical
Media: Fabric, Technology
We have made many costumes over the years using a number
of 18th century patterns. We will review several patterns,
including what body type the pattern seems to fit best,
and tweaks that seem to be needed to make the pattern fit
correctly (beyond normal fitting). Time permitting, we will
cover women’s, men’s, and children’s patterns. This will only
include independent pattern company’s, not any of ‘the big
three’.
Teacher Provides: Handout
Be a Mid-Century Dressmaker
Unlimited
11:00a - 12:00p
Carol Wood
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: History
What to do in 1916 when you wanted a pretty frock for
graduation, but not the means or skill to acquire one? Or all
those precious baby things in 1926 when money stretched only
so far? Or wanted to look your best at your first job in 1936,
but ready-to-wear garments fell to pieces? Answer: Enroll in a
dressmaking and millinery correspondence course! This lecture
follows the Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts and Science
between 1916 and 1936 when students enrolled in distance
learning courses that changed not only their wardrobes, but
also their futures. Follow along as the instructor blogs about
taking the course at: www.womansinstitute.wordpress.com.
Teacher Provides: Handout, Realia from the Institute, Sample
garments on display
Breeches ConstructionLimited
11:00a - 5:00p
Gordon F Jewess, Mary Drobnis
Format: Workshop Class length: 6 hrs
Fee: $10
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles
The students will construct a pair of simplified breeches to
my own pattern. The breeches will feature fall fronts and
buttoned leg cuffs. I have designed a pair of breeches with
an easy-to-construct fall front and have also eliminated the
so called “baggy derriere” which is normally a historically
accurate feature but is not popular in modern times. Students
will be required to provide a suitable material—solid cotton
being the most practical for construction and for dancing in.
Silk is an option, but must be flat lined, which adds an extra
layer of complication. Wools tend to be too thick, expensive,
and too hot to dance in.
Teacher Provides: Construction handouts, patterns.
Student Provides: Sewing machine, Basic sewing tools,
needles, pins, rulers, seam rippers etc. Fashion Material 2.5
yds. by 45 inch. (3 yds. for a large person). 15 buttons 5/8 Dia.
or 10 buttons Dia. 9/16 and 5 buttons Dia. 3/4. All purpose
thread of suitable color. Button thread of suitable color.
Introduction to Foam Fabrication and Costuming
Unlimited
11:00a - 1:30p
Malaki Keller and Christina Stroffolino Keller Format: Lecture/ Demo Class length: 2.5 hrs Fee: $2
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Media: Foam, Synthetic Material
Have you ever wanted to make that huge elaborate
Halloween costume? Tired of cardboard and hot glue
creations that don’t last? Then let us introduce you to the
Incredible World of Foam! This versatile and amazingly
underrated material is the solution to all your needs!
Make anything from medieval armor to giant robots; even
lightweight props are no problem. This lengthy discussion
will cover the basics as well as the advanced, bring note
taking materials and your questions, all will be revealed!
Teacher Provides: Handouts and examples of work
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 27 —
FRIDAY
Make Do and Mend
FRIDAY
Ups and Downs: The Art of Parasol Recovering
11:00a - 5:00p
Limited
Lynne Taylor, Maegen Hensley
Format: Workshop Class length: 8 hrs
Fee: $50
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles
The parasol is a beloved accessory to most practitioners
of costuming. Antique parasols can come at a high price
and most have covers that are no longer useable. So
what’s a costumer to do? Learn to transform a modern
reproduction and then use your new skills to recover your
antique beauties at home.
In class we will cover parasol history and dating, simple
repairs, reproduction makeovers, and patterning with
or without a cover. Then we’ll be working hands-on to
recovering the kit parasol. Working on a reproduction will
teach you what you need to know without risking a costly
antique. Plus, you’ll have a lovely new accessory to take
home after class. “History of Parasols: A Timeline” is a
prerequisite for this Limited class
Teacher Provides: Kit includes: Parasol, 1 yard of silk taffeta
fabric, painted wood parts, 2 spools of thread, pattern,
large folder of handouts.
Student Provides: portable sewing machine, clear ruler,
marking chalk, seam ripper, scissors, 18 medium sized
safety pins
Eveningwear for Your Hair
Limited
11:30a - 1:00p
Donna Scarfe
Format: Workshop Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: $25
Skill Level: All
Genre: All
Media: Finishing Touches
Get out that handy glue gun and create a magnificent
accessory for your evening festivities. Using hair bands, combs
and barrettes, incorporating ostrich plumes, silk flowers, satin
ribbons and extras, you will make a period-perfect headpiece
for your Gala gown. Various period styles for evening wear will
be discussed.
Teacher Provides: Hair bands, small hair combs, barrettes,
feathers, silk flowers, ribbons, handout
Student Provides: Glue gun, glue stick, any additional extras
you wish to use: jewels, pearls, beads, rhinestones
Old Machine Attachments Explained
Limited
11:30a - 2:00p
Carolyn Richardson
Format: Demo
Class length: 2.5 hrs
Fee: 1$
Skill Level: All
Genre: Basic Skills, Historical
Media: Technology and Technique, Embellishments
Ever wonder what all those weird little metal feet are actually
used for on your machine? It may surprise you to find out that
machine attachments are there to make your life easier, and in
fact can do some truly wonderful things! This demo class will
show how to use those vintage sewing machine attachments,
from the common to the obscure, to achieve some truly
vintage results.
Teacher Provides: Handout
Self-Publishing Costuming Books Unlimited
11:30a - 1:00p
Kendra Van Cleave
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: $1
Skill Level: All Levels
Genre: All
Media: Informational
So you’re thinking of self-publishing a book about costuming?
This class will go over choosing the right publishing option,
calculating costs and timelines, avoiding pitfalls, and more.
The teacher recently self-published the book “18th Century
Hair & Wig Styling: History & Step-by-Step Techniques.”
Teacher Provides: Handout
All About Cotton
Unlimited
12:00p - 1:30p
Jennifer Rosbrugh
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Basic Skills, Historical
Media: Textiles
Cotton, that wonderful natural fiber staple, is a fabulous
textile that creates lovely historical garments. Come find out
more about this common fabric from its history to modern
availability. We’ll discuss various weaves, prints, and weights,
and a few sewing how-to tips. A discussion on garments from
18th to 20th centuries that can be made from cotton will be
included.
Teacher Provides: Fabric swatches and books for instruction
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 28 —
Decorating Your Own Unique Historical Shoes
12:00p - 1:00p
Unlimited
Lauren Stowell
Format: Demo
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: Beginners
Genre: Historical
Media: Upcycling, Embellishments
Learn how to dye, paint, and decorate your shoes to create
historically accurate designs and one-of-a-kind styles. Lauren
of American Duchess will demonstrate the techniques and
materials used for dyeing, painting, binding, and decorating
a pair of American Duchess shoes, with lots of examples and
inspiration, in this demonstration class.
Resin Casting 101Limited
12:00p - 2:00p
Anita J Wu, Judy Grivich
Format: Workshop Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $25
Skill Level: All
Genre: All
Media: Synthetic/ Exotic materials
Resin casting is a great way to produce pins, buttons, small
armor pieces, or multiple copies of an item. If you’ve been
wanting to try it out, here’s your chance! We will be guiding
you through the entire process of casting a simple flat-back
resin piece. You will pour an rtv mold and make your own cast
in class. We’ll discuss more advanced resin casting techniques
and other hard costuming methods as well.
Teacher Provides: silicon RTV, polyurethane resin, clay, wax
paper, foam core boards to work on, dixie cups & bigger
plastic cups for rtv, popsicle sticks, gloves, button or pin back
for resin cast, handout, example molds to make resin casts in
Student Provides: An item to cast that is no bigger than 2”
x 2” x 1”, Item has to be flat-backed. That means one side is
completely flat and will lay flush against a table, i.e. coins, flatback pins or flat-back buttons
Vintage Apron for Beginners
Limited
12:00p - 3:00p
Lia Hansen
Format: Workshop Class length: 4 hrs
Fee: $15
Skill Level: Beginner
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Textiles
Who wouldn’t like a charming vintage apron to add to their
collection? Aprons are a fun way to learn basic sewing skills.
Class focus is on beginning sewing techniques: pattern layout,
gathering, sewn-in interfacing, bias binding, achieving sharp
corners and application of trim. Students will need to bring a
basic sewing kit, sewing machine, yardage, trim, and notions.
Instructor will provide pattern and contact students about
yardage requirements.
Teacher Provides: Instructions for specific techniques, corner
turner, pattern
Student Provides: Yardage, notions, thread, trims, interfacing,
bias tape, basic sewing kit: pins, scissors, marking chalk, etc.,
sewing machine
Basic Hand SewingLimited
12:30p - 2:00p
Natalie Meyer
Format: Workshop Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: $3
Skill Level: Beginner
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Textiles
Learn the basic stitches used in most hand sewing including
the running stitch, the back stitch, French knots and many
others. These techniques are a necessary part of any finished
costume.
Teacher Provides: Thread, needles, fabric
Student Provides: A thimble if you use one
The Tudor WardrobeUnlimited
12:00p - 1:30p
The Tudor Tailor – guest teacher Format: Demo
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Informational, Textiles
This lively look inside the clothes presses of ordinary and
middle-class people in 16th century England charts wool’s
journey from sheep to wardrobe. Discover what evidence
there is for their clothes, where their garments came from,
and how they were made and maintained. This dressing
demonstration compares and contrasts everyday wear with
Sunday best and explains other clothing conventions of Tudor
society.
Teacher Provides: All demonstration materials.
12:30p - 1:30p
Carol Wood
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: All
Media: Textiles
Wrinkly flatlining: begone! Poorly planned out corsets:
a thing of the past!! The focus of this lecture is on the
layers used when creating any tight-fitting torso garment,
especially bodices and corsets. The instructor will bring a
variety of corsets and bodices constructed with various
methods. She will address how to deal with boning
channels, seam allowances, as well as lining, depending
on the desired outcome. Finally, she will discuss the use
of different materials and rolling a corset.
Teacher Provides: Handouts
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 29 —
FRIDAY
Peeling the Onion: Corsets and Flatlining Unlimited
FRIDAY
Give ‘em a mask--Leather Mask Making
Limited
1:00p - 4:00p
Jennifer Mulvey, Ed Morlan
Format: Workshop Class length: 3 hrs
Fee: $50
Skill Level: All
Genre: Fantasy
Media: Leather
Have you ever wanted a mask that is more custom than
what you can buy, found one you wanted, but didn’t
want to pay the money; or do you just need the right
mask to complete a costume? In this class you will be
making your own basic custom-formed leather mask,
dying it, and embellishing it however your heart desires.
With the technique you learn, you can go home and
create a variety of masks to fit whatever situation you
need. We will bring examples (ah…the Dread Pirate
Roberts mask that started it all….memories) and show
you how you can make a mask that can work for a
woman or a man.
Teacher Provides: Mask making kit (leather for
mask, foam head, glue compound, leather dye,
embellishments, ties)
Student Provides: Hair Dryer, Apron if you’re a messy
person like us.
Matching Fabric Motifs Without Tears
Unlimited
1:00p - 2:00p
Joanne Yeakley
Format: Demo
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: Beginner
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Textiles
Many of us have fought to match fabric motifs such as plaids
or brocades, only to wind up slightly off, enough to make a
garment look haphazard. Over years of dealing with fabric
pattern matching, I’ve taken advice from many sources, but
my approach seems simpler. This class is intended to be an
open collaboration, to share tips and tricks to make motif
matching easy and reliable.
Teacher Provides: This will be a hands-on demonstration.
Examples of plaids, brocades, and print fabrics will be
provided, together with pattern pieces illustrating different
issues with motif matching.
Student Provides: scissors, pins, basic sewing kit for basting
Pomatum, Powder, Cushions and Caps!
Limited
1:00p - 5:00p
Abigail Cox, Janea Whitacre, Nicole Rudolph
Format: Workshop Class length: 4 hrs
Fee: $30
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles, Finishing Touches
Come spend some time with the ladies of the Margaret Hunter
Millinery shop as we walk you through the process of 18th
century hair care, hair dressing, and fashionable caps. First
we’ll start with an informative lecture on hair care, dressing,
styles, and the materials used during the last half of the 18th
century. Then students will practice pomading and powdering
their hair, and dressing their hair in fashionable styles from
the last quarter of the 18th century all while thinking about
different decorations to go atop the head (caps, flowers,
jewels, ribbons, feathers, etc).
Teacher Provides: Handouts, common pomatum (2oz), hard
pomatum (sample), hair powder (1/2 pound), wool roving,
wool fabric, needles, thread
Student Provides: Hairpins (normal hairpins, curling pins, and
bobby pins), hair combs (wide tooth and teasing), mirrors, hair
clips (duck billed), hair ties, any decoration for finishing your
hairstyle, basic hand sewing supplies, an old shirt or towel to
use for the pomading and powdering.
Style a Late 18th Century Lady’s Wig (day 1 of 2) Limited
1:00p - 5:00p
Kendra Van Cleave
Format: Workshop Class length: 4 hrs
Fee: $50
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Core Skills, Historical
Media: Finishing Touches
Take a modern wig and turn it into a fabulous frizzy
fashionable woman’s style of the 1780s (modernly called a
“hedgehog”)! This two-part hands-on class will cover the
hairstyles of the 1780s, so you can choose the specifics of your
style; and we’ll create the basic curl set for our wigs (day 1). On
day 2, we’ll do the actual styling. Allergy note: we’ll be using a
lot of aerosol hairspray.
Teacher Provides: Wig styling kit: hairspray, wig clips, styling
clips, teasing comb, glue, roll forms, wax paper, scotch tape
Student Provides: 1 wig, canvas wig block in your head size,
wig clamp (teacher will help you choose & order ahead of
time. Note that the wig will cost around $60 and up, and a
canvas wig block will cost about $50. Styrofoam wig blocks will
not work), bobby pins to match your wig color, hand sewing
needle, scissors (used on thread & hair), thread to match your
wig color, large ball-head pins, wide-toothed hair comb.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 30 —
Unlimited
1:00p - 2:00p
Bridget Bradley-Scaife, Lana Lily
Format: Lecture/ Demo
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: $1
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Upcycling
Learn how to take an 1850s–1860s hoop-era dress and convert
it to a late 1860s–early 1870s bustle-era dress using a few
techniques, key accessories and styling tips. One dress, two
looks!
Teacher Provides: Handouts
Makeup Pallets & Application Techniques: 1920s–1940s 1:30p - 3:00pUnlimited
Laura Lowe
Format: Lecture/Demo Class length: 1.5 hrs Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Finishing Touches
The instructor will share an assortment of vintage and modern
articles on makeup application, color pallets, and skin-care
regimes popular in the 1920s through the 1940s. She will talk
about how to recreate the look of old Hollywood with modern
materials, and where to find your stash of supplies. Come
gather tips and techniques to help you create that vintage
vibe!
Running a Small Costuming Business
Unlimited
1:30p - 3:00p
Cathy Hay, Lauren Stowell
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Business
Media: Informational, Technology
It’s not easy to kick entrepreneurial, but when you feel
overwhelmed and alone. Lauren and Cathy share the secrets
of their success at American Duchess and Your Wardrobe
Unlock’d respectively, answer your questions, and lead
a group discussion that’ll ready you to fire your boss and
conquer the world.
The Evolution of Sewing Patterns
Unlimited
1:30p - 2:30p
Sandra Manning
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Informational
This lecture looks at the evolution of commercial sewing
patterns for the past one hundred and fifty years or so. What
did the original patterns look like? How have they changed?
How have patterns changed in the past thirty years? Who were
some of the original pattern companies?
Crinoline Era Bonnets 1840–1869 Unlimited
2:00p - 3:00p
Lana Lily
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: $1
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles, Embellishments
From the “coal shuttle” of the 1840s to the “spoon bonnet”
of the 1860s, the bonnets of the crinoline era vary widely in
shape and trimming. This class will review the various styles
of shapes, trimming, and “ideal” face shape that each style is
attempting to achieve. Sample bonnet shapes will be available
for attendees to examine and try on. Perhaps you will find
a bonnet shape that you have never tried but is the perfect
finishing touch for you next crinoline-era dress.
Flat Fell a Square Gusset Limited
2:00p - 5:00p
Bobbie Kalben
Format: Workshop Class length: 3 hrs
Fee: $5
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Genre: Historical
Media: Technique
A square underarm gusset is standard in shifts from the
Middle Ages to Regency. It is typically sewn using flat-felled
seams, but it is definitely tricky to get smooth. Learn a method
that works well for both hand-sewn seams and seams sewn by
machine.
Teacher Provides: Pre-cut fabric kit, handout
Student Provides: Sewing kit (pins, needles, scissors, etc.),
thread (any color), a variety of rulers are recommended,
sewing machine if not hand sewing
Foam Fabrication for Beginners
Limited
2:00p - 5:00p
Malaki Keller and Christina Stroffolino Keller Format: Workshop Class length: 2.5 hrs Fee: $10
Skill Level: Beginner
Genre: Core Skills, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Media: Foam, Synthetic
So you’ve heard about this cool thing called foam;
wanna play with some? This workshop is for beginners
to play and learn about crafting and building with foam.
All the basics of pattern tracings, cutting and gluing will
be done here. We supply the materials and patterns, you
come to build and have fun. This Workshop is required if
you are taking Foam Fabrication Advanced Techniques.
Teacher Provides: Foam material, glue, brushes, razor
blades, patterns
Student Provides: Respirator/mask, aprons, cutting
mats, and ball point pens for tracing.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 31 —
FRIDAY
The Convertible Dress: Hoop to Bustle
FRIDAY
Fringe Beaded Evening Bag
Limited
2:00p - 5:00p
Kristin Stonham
Format: Workshop Class length: 3 hrs Fee: $25
Skill Level: All Levels
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Embellishments
Learn how to construct a beaded net fringe, suitable for
scarves, garments, or the eponymous evening bag. Make
and take!
Teacher Provides: Evening bag, seed beads, beading
needles, beading thread, instructions.
Student Provides: Scissors, magnifying lens if needed.
Posing: How to Get Photos That Don’t SuckUnlimited
2:00p - 3:30p
Amanda Irwin – guest teacher Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core skills, All
Media: Technology
Shy in front of the camera? Never sure what you should do
when someone asks for a photo? Tired of coming home from
an event and hating every picture of yourself you find? This
lecture will provide tips and tricks on how to pose for any
costume and any situation and gain some insight on how
to beat those self image blahs, all hosted by a longtime pro
photographer and costumer.
Teacher Provides: Presentation
Student Provides: Curiosity
Put Your Fabric to WorkUnlimited
2:30p - 4:00p
Virginia Lane
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: $3
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles, Embellishments
You’ve found the perfect fabric for your 19th century dress.
But what about buying the perfect trim? Save the money
and search time, and put your fabric to work! 19th century
dressmakers created eye-catching designs by clever cutting
and application of dress material. Through many images and
hands-on examples, learn how cutting layouts of striped, plaid,
or printed fabric create interest without trim, and see how
self-fabric pleats, tucks, flounces, frills, bands, ruching, and
more give maximum impact. We will also discuss which trends
were popular in different decades, with particular emphasis on
early- and mid-century. Never have a boring dress again!
Teacher Provides: Handout
Bootblacking: Taking Care of Leather
Unlimited
3:00p - 5:00p
Donna Moran
Format: Workshop Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $20
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills, All
Media: Technique
There is nothing worse than seeing a beautiful suit or
dress from any era or fantasy time period with dirty, ugly,
unpolished or poorly polished boots or shoes. Something
is wrong and, though you might not be able to tell what is
wrong, you know that something is just not right. This is an
easy fix, however. I will show you how to take care of, extend
the life of, and beautify shoes and boots as well as anything
you might have that is made of leather. Bring what you have
and I will show you how to make it look better.
Teacher Provides: I will provide handouts and a basic shoe kit
for each student which will include the following: shoe brush,
buff cloth, saddle soap, saddle soap brush, saddle soap suds
container, liquid cream polish, wax polish, rag, and something
to carry it all in. In
Student Provides: Leather shoes or other leather things (tack,
belts, etc.) to work with and care for.
Hand Sewing for Haters
Unlimited
3:00p - 4:00p
Trystan L. Bass
Format: Demo
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: Beginner
Genre: Core Skills, All
Media: Textiles, Technique, Finishing Touches
Do you find hand sewing relaxing? Then this class is not for
you! This is for those who sob when they hand sew because
they hate it or feel they are bad at it; however, we can’t
entirely escape hand sewing in much of historical costume
and some fantasy garb. So come learn to make peace with the
needle and thread. Special attention will be paid to hems and
eyelets. We’ll talk tools and ergonomics to make the process
easier. Find out what’s worth hand sewing and what not to
bother with.
Student Provides: Optional: Needle, thread, scissors, scrap of
plain muslin or cotton, for practice.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 32 —
The 99¢ Store CostumerUnlimited
3:00p - 5:00p
Lynn McMasters, Gail Nichols
Format: Workshop Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $3
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical, Fabric manipulation
Media: Textiles
Double box-pleated trim is great for 18th century gowns and
for Regency to early 20th century hats. We will use freezer
paper to make a template from a printed grid that can be used
over and over to pleat your bias cut fabric strips. We will then
finish off the trim by sewing.
Examples of double box pleats <http://www.mccord-museum.
qc.ca/en/collection/artifacts/M972.122.4>
the cream silk Victorian drawn bonnet,
<http://0522.biz/womens-clothes/1272-green-silk-taffetabonnet-with-satin-and-cord-trim-and-peach-silk-lining-frenchc-1808-from-the-lancaster-barreto-collection.html> the green
silk Regency bonnet or <http://www.lynnmcmasters.com/
NewRegency/index.html> the B&W hat with the pink box
pleats.
Teacher Provides: reusable printed pattern (over and over)
and reusable freezer paper (at least 6 times).
Student Provides: 6 yards of 2” wide bias strips cut from a
lightweight fabric (silk works well but you can also use cotton
as long as it is light weight). The strips can be in two to four
pieces, the 6 yards will make about 1 yard of finished trim
depending on how much you gather it. You will also need a
needle and thread in a matching color, scissors and a large
handful of small binder clips.
Overview of Period Embroidery DesignsUnlimited
3:00p - 4:00p
Denise Hendrick
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: $1
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Embellishments
Looking to add embroidery to your historic costumes, but
not sure where to start? This overview will walk you through
the basic motifs and techniques used between the 1500s and
1900s to enable you to select hand and machine embroidery
designs suitable to the period you want to recreate.
Teacher Provides: Handout
Guard thy GownLimited
3:30p - 5:00p
The Tudor Tailor – guest teacher Format: Workshop Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: $35
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills, Historical
Media: Textiles, Embellishments
Explore long-forgotten specialist techniques including hot
printing, ravelling, and pinking to transform plain materials
into visually impressive textural delights. Layering black on
black, self-coloured trims, welting, and guarding were all
favoured embellishments in the Tudor era. Discover how this
attention to detail improves the visual impact of reconstructed
sixteenth century clothing.
Teacher Provides: Tools for surface treatment techniques.
Student Provides: Each participant is invited to bring fabric
remnants (approximately a quarter of a yard) of silk (taffeta or
satin), velvet and/or wool.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 33 —
FRIDAY
How to Make Yards of Double Box-Pleated Trim
with No Marking
Limited
3:00p - 4:00p
Veronica Gonzalez-Rubio
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: All
Media: Creative Reuse
Spend all you cash on fabric and trim? Still need bits and
bobs? The 99¢ store is a goldmine (I said it) of accessories and
costume hacks. I’ll give you some examples and show you how
to shop that kind of store.
Chandelier Earrings
FRIDAY
Limited
4:00p - 5:00p
Tracey Gorin
Format: Workshop Class length: 1 hr Fee: $10
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Finishing Touches
Those wonderful, dangly, sparkly earrings really do have a
name—and I’ll teach you how to make them. Using simple
metal findings and beads, you will learn how to make
deceptively simple earrings to go with any outfit! Let your
inner fan dancer emerge!
Teacher Provides: Earring wires, split rings, chandelier
findings, headpins, beads, handouts
Student Provides: Side cutter pliers (or wire cutters),
round nose pliers, needle nose pliers (or long nose pliers),
ruler or measuring tape at least 6” long, reading glasses
(as applicable). Beading tray is recommended. All of the
above tools should be readily available at your local crafts
store, or www.joanns.com. Do NOT buy a combination
tool, as at times you will need tools in both hands. Buying
a set is fine.
Costume—Character—Story!Unlimited
4:00p - 5:00p
Virginia Mekkelson
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Informational
Re-enactors, steampunk aficionados, and anime fans have
been doing it for years: costuming characters and completing
costumes with unique, personalized accessories and props
that put them into a story. Challenge yourself to expand your
costuming approach to include a broader costume idea base,
create unique characters and display your character’s story
through hats, bags, belts, tools, props, and even puppets. You
can bring even inanimate objects and abstract ideas to life.
Lecture class with discussion of ideas and examples, some
props/accessories to be passed around, designs examples, and
discussion of useful crafts and resources.
Teacher Provides: One page handout of general notes/ideas.
The Art of the CurlUnlimited
4:00p - 5:00p
Jenny-Rose White
Format: Demo
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Finishing Touches
Curled hair—it forms the basis of most historical hairstyles but
can be a difficult thing to master! Learn professional tips and
trick for creating different types of curls and effectively curling
all hair types with lasting results using a variety of techniques
and tools.
Costume Prosthetics in Your Kitchen
Unlimited
4:00p - 5:00p
Sahrye Cohen
Format: Demo
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Cosplay
Media: Technology and Technique, Synthetic or Exotic
materials
Learn about prosthetics and other visual effects you can make
at home. This demo will show some basic processes to get you
started.
Teacher Provides: Demonstration materials and optional
handout available for $1.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 34 —
15th and 16th Century Belt Purses
Unlimited
9:00a - 11:00a
Lloyd Winter
Format: Lecture
Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Leather
After more than two decades of experimentation, the
class examines the construction of ring and bar purses,
using “Purses in Pieces” by Olaf Goubitz, as well as artistic
representations and extant objects. The “ring purse” shows
up on belts for more than two hundred years and the bar
purse, from simple, discrete models, to two-sided, multipocketed models, is a clutch, or a tote bag. Several completed
examples, appropriate materials and pattern pieces are
included in the discussion.
A Victorian Corset Pattern that Works
Limited
9:00a - 1:00p
Cathy Hay
Format: Workshop Class length: 4 hrs
Fee: $10
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Historical
Media: Technology and Technique
Suppose the Victorians did not have differently shaped bodies
from us. What if they just knew how to make patterns and
fit corsets better than we do? Most modern corset patterns
are virtually shapeless, even before you start adjusting the
size to fit you, but in this class students will draft a fabulous
alternative, based on an original from the Symington
Collection pattern book, to fit their own measurements.
Get the silhouette right once and for all! Students will need
pencils, eraser, paper scissors, tape, a long ruler (preferably
marked in centimeters). Students will need to provide their
measurements in advance.
Teacher Provides: Full size corset pattern, Tracing paper, Extra
pattern paper
Student Provides: Pencil, eraser, paper scissors, tape, long
ruler (preferably marked in centimetres)
Basic Doublet DrapingLimited
9:00a - 12:00p
Regina Lawson
Format: Workshop Class length: 3 hrs
Fee: $1
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Basic Skills
Media: Textiles
After a demonstration of basic draping techniques, students
will pair up to drape each other with the teacher’s assistance,
and true the drape to produce a doublet sloper. Students
should wear close-fitting shirts; female students should
wear supportive undergarments. Student may bring existing
patterns to correct fit. Students may bring additional fabric
and sewing machine to baste mockup for fitting.
Student Provides: Tight-fitting belt, 2 yds 45” Muslin or
Cotton sheet, Short-bladed scissors, Felt marker, Straight Pins.
Optional: Gridded Clear Plastic Ruler, French Curve, Mockup
fabric, Sewing machine.
Creating a Foundation Pattern Using the
Haslam System Unlimited
9:00a - 11:00a
Mela Hoyt-Heydon
Format: Demo
Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $1
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Technology and Technique
The Haslam System was created in the 1920s as a dressmaking
system, and copies of their dress patterns are available
through several companies reproducing the original pattern
books from 1920 to the late 1950s. This lecture/demo will show
you how to create what we would call a “basic block” but
they call a” foundation dress pattern” in your size using their
system, which is then used to reproduce their patterns.
Teacher Provides: Examples of Haslam original pattern books
and reproduction pattern books, samples of full size Haslam
patterns, actual garments made from the Haslam system.
Optional handout available for $1
Custom Skull FormsLimited
9:00a - 10:30a
T. Lynn Gomez
Format: Workshop Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: $8
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Technique
Create a dummy of your head for wig making and hat making.
Students will “cast their heads” and take forms home for
use in many costuming genres! T. Lynn will discuss at-home
upgrades everyone can make for future uses!
Teacher Provides: All materials needed to create forms
including caps and tools
Student Provides: Students should prepare to partner up
and cast heads in teams or duos! Students need to be ready
to put tight fitting cap over hair (removal of wigs is required.
Students need to be ready to take their hairstyle down or
flatten it for a hour or less. You will not get dirty!
Develop Your Elizabethan Slashing Skills
Limited
9:00a - 12:00p
Lynn McMasters, Gail Nichols
Format: Workshop Class length: 3 hrs
Fee: $5
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical, Fabric manipulation
Media: Textiles
The students in this class will learn what modern fabrics
work well for a slashed garment. They will then make a
sample book for future reference using a variety of tools
and blades to make different types of slashes. They will
also learn how to make their slashes as an Elizabethan
tailor would have, on a nearly finished garment.
Teacher Provides: cutting tools, fabric, etc for sample
books.
Student Provides: Students should bring a standard
sewing kit and a small cutting matt.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 35 —
SATURDAY
Saturday Classes
SATURDAY
Dorset Cross Wheel Buttons
Limited
9:00a - 10:30a
Sandra Manning
Format: Workshop Class length: 1.5 hrs Fee: $7.50
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Embellishments
This button is based on the type of buttons made in East
Dorset, England between 1760 and 1860. This particular
type of button was used on women’s dresses.
Teacher Provides: Buttons, needles, pearle cotton.
Student Provides: Scissors, thimble
Historical Bodice Fitting Limited
9:00a - 12:00p
Mary Johns, Abigail Pote
Format: Workshop Class length: 3 hrs
Fee: $1
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills, Historical
Media: Textiles
Do you need help fitting a bodice to your corseted figure?
Can’t reach to tweak the back? Then this class is for you. Bring
a mock up that you need help fitting and get that extra set of
hands to help you out. Teacher is experienced in fitting 18th
and 19th century bodices, but will help as best as knowledge
permits for other eras.
Teacher Provides: Extra set of hands and mirrors.
Student Provides: Mock up of bodice, pattern or book you
made the mock up from (if possible), pins, chalk or marking
pens/pencils and sewing machine to do adjustments, scissors,
etc.
Masquerades and Competitive Costuming
Unlimited
9:00a - 10:30a
Lindsay Tallman
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: All
Media: Informational
We all enjoy wearing costumes, but what if you have
that competitive streak in your blood? Many events offer
contests, which range from Masquerades to Extravaganzas
and emphasize historical, fantasy, anime, and/or original
costuming. We’ll go over some local and not-so-local events,
what to expect at your first competition, and how to put
together an entry to show off your costume.
Men’s TailoringLimited
9:00a - 5:00p
Erik Anderson
Format: Workshop Class length: 8 hrs
Fee: $75
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: All
Media: Technique
This class will cover both historic and modern tailoring in
wool. Class is intended for historical, fantasy, and cosplay
stitchers. Topis to be covered are basic pattern modification,
construction, fitting, and shaping.
Teacher Provides: Handout and samples of tailor patterns,
stitches and mini samples. Swatches of wool types. Superfine
wool for basic coat construction.
Student Provides: Sewing machine, fabric if you want to learn
on a particular material, instructor reserves the right to reject
if its not appropriate for the technique, a male dress form or
model to be fitted to.
Irish Ceili DanceUnlimited
9:00a - 11:00a
Elizabeth Merritt
Format: Workshop Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Dance
Media: Your feet
Ceili and set dance are the social dance styles of Ireland, most
often done to jigs, reels, and polkas. We’ll start by learning a
few basic steps, then learn and dance through several figure
dances to music, from simple to complex. Part class, part
dance party, all fun!
Mrs. Bennett’s Coral Necklace
Limited
9:00a - 11:00a
Kathryn Wolters
Format: Workshop Class length: 3 hrs
Fee: $45
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Finishing Touches
A lovely set of coral necklace and earrings were the pride of
many a Regency lady. Students will learn basic knotting and
wire wrap skills in putting together their own set of coral
necklace with matching earrings.
Teacher Provides: Each student will receive 1 string of coral
beads, beading silk and twisted beading needle, findings (for
clasp and end beads) of either sterling or gold filled; and 10
inches gold filled or sterling wire to make eye pins and ear
wires for the earrings, a
Student Provides: 1 small sized set of tools ---consisting of 1
pair of diagonal cutters,1 pair of flat nose pliers, and 1 set of
round nose pliers for bending your wire and finishing off the
necklace
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 36 —
Piped, Pleated, Ruched: How VERY Victorian!Unlimited
9:00a - 10:30a
Diane Yoshitomi
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: $1
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Embellishments
Rather than pay high prices for the perfect ribbon/cord/
braid/etc. for your Victorian gown, follow the lead of 19th
century seamstresses and use matching, complementary,
or contrasting fabric to embellish it. Diane will present an
overview from period photos, fashion illustrations, gowns in
museum collections, and her own re-creations to illustrate
how stylistically effective the three above-named techniques
can be. Included are tips and tricks on how to apply these
trims to your gown, whether the trims are six inches or six
yards long.
Working with Worbla: Bracers!Limited
9:00a - 11:30a
Amanda Irwin – guest teacher Format: Workshop Class length: 2.5 hrs
Fee: $45
Skill Level: All
Genre: All
Media: Technology, Synthetic Material
Learn the basics of working with Worbla, a wood based
thermoplastic that can be molded, formed, painted, sculpted,
etc. Make a pair of sturdy bracers that can be used for
historical, fantasy, cosplay or sci-fi costumes and the process
to use Worbla for almost anything
Teacher Provides: Heat guns, Worbla for 2 bracers, foam,
pens, paper, D-rings, Lacing
Student Provides: Non-fabric scissors, arms to be shaped over
A Pressing Matter
Princess Rosebud or How to Dress Like a
Perfect PrincessUnlimited
9:00a - 10:30a
Rose Mary Jameson
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Fantasy
Media: Informational
An exhibit of many ball gowns, bridal and princess-like,
developed by the designer over the years. Discover the stages
of evolution of design from conception to execution. How
does a garment differ from fashionable wear to costuming to
those used for the theater? How do you choose fabric for a
desired effect and what can be done when you can’t find your
heart’s desire.
Teacher Provides: Mannequins and Gowns
Limited
10:30a - 12:30p
Rory Cunningham
Format: Demo
Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $5
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Textiles
After sewing a beautiful seam, it will never look perfect unless
it is pressed correctly. Learn tricks of the trade to take you
from “loving hand at home” to “lovely garments to own.” In
this class, students will not only learn more than one way to
finish seams of all sorts, but receive other insights to create
your costume visions.
Teacher Provides: Fabric samples, tools, handouts, inspiration,
and motivation
The English Military Archer During the Agincourt
Campaign of 1415
Unlimited
9:00a - 10:30a
Heath Hammond
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Informational
Using the most recent research and through living history, we
shall take a detailed look at the English Military Archer during
the Azincourt Campaign of 1415. We will examine his life as a
soldier in Henry’s army, who he was, what he wore, what he
ate, and the weapon that struck fear in the hearts of England’s
enemies, the War Bow!
Teacher Provides: A picture handout
10:30a - 12:00p Unlimited
Lana Lily
Format: Demo
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: $3
Skill Level: All
Genre: All
Media: Textiles, Embellishments
From burning acetate and shredding silk, to making
super sized roses and stenciling with glitter, to using
origami techniques and much, much more!!! If you
have ever wanted to create flowers or feathers from
fabric this demo will show you multiple ways to create
both. Some styles imitate nature while other are more
surreal, but all are a fun way to add texture and create
something one of a kind! Templates for multiple
flowers and directions for multiple techniques will be
included in the handout.
Teacher Provides: Handout
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 37 —
SATURDAY
Fabric Flowers and Feathers: Create Your Own
SATURDAY
Fitting Your 18th Century Riding Habit
Unlimited
10:30a - 12:00p
Feather Tippetts, J. P. Ryan
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles, Technique
Based on extant riding habits, with a new riding habit
pattern in the works, JP will discuss what you need to
know before embarking on your riding habit sewing
project. Discussion will include fabrics, interfacings,
embellishments, and most importantly, fitting your
habit waistcoat and jacket. Primary focus will be on
riding habits of the 1750s–1770s, when habit jackets had
a waist seam, and were most becoming to the female
torso.
Teacher Provides: Optional handout available for $1
How to Make Death Head Buttons
Unlimited
10:30a - 12:00p
Amy Lee Karow-Thara
Format: Demo
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: $1
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Embellishments
This class will show examples of different Death Head buttons
and garments Death Head buttons are used on. The teacher
will then demonstrate how you can make them.
Teacher Provides: Student will be provided with a handout
giving directions on how to create a Death Head button.
Student Provides: For $1.00 students can purchase a
wooden mold, thread and a needle to follow along with the
demonstration, as long as supplies last. If you use glasses,
a magnifying glass or any other device for detail work, it is
recommended you bring it to this class to assist in following
along in the demonstration.
Transforming a Fashion Plate into Reality
Unlimited
10:30a - 12:00p
Jennifer Rosbrugh
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Informational, Technique
Fashion plates abound in the 19th century, inspiring us with
new designs and challenging our skills. Flip through a Godey’s,
Ackermann’s or La Mode periodical and each design calls
to you to bring it to life. We’ll explore how to break down a
design sketch into workable parts and how to translate that
for a human figure—including the accessories in each plate.
Pattern and fabric selections will be covered as well. Basic
knowledge of sewing and historical costuming is helpful.
Teacher Provides: Modern reproductions & their original
fashion plate inspirations
Student Provides: Fashion plates students are wanting to
interpret.
Dresden Lace Embroidery
Unlimited
11:00a - 12:00p
Sandra Manning
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Finishing Touches
Learn the reasons this lacy counted-stitch whitework became
so popular in 18th century Europe, including past events and
laws that made this lace embroidery desirable to people.
Overview of Pattern Matching
Unlimited
10:30a - 12:00p
Scott Pennington
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Textiles, Technique
This class will provide a tour of various forms of pattern
matching showing what choices the makers made in order
to achieve the end result. Various tips and tricks will also be
shown, and included in the handout, to help make your next
pattern-matching endeavor more successful.
Teacher Provides: Handouts, PowerPoint
Fabric and Fiber Identification
Limited
11:00a - 12:30p
Diana Habra Rotheneder
Format: Demo
Class length: 1.5
Fee: $10
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Textiles
Fabrics these days are not as easy to identify due to the sheer
number fabric types on the market and the propensity of
modern weaving companies to combine fibers. Hopefully,
after this class, you will have a better idea of how to identify
what you have in your hands or see at the fabric store.
Teacher Provides: Handout, fabric samples, testing supplies
Student Provides: Scissors
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 38 —
Make a Regency Pelerine Limited
Style a Late 18th Century Lady’s Wig (day 2 of 2)
11:00a - 2:00p
Limited
Kendra Van Cleave
Format: Workshop Class length: 3 Fee: $50
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Core Skills, Historical
Media: Finishing Touches
Take a modern wig and turn it into a fabulous frizzy
fashionable woman’s style of the 1780s (modernly called a
“hedgehog”)! This two-part hands-on class will cover the
hairstyles of the 1780s, so you can choose the specifics of your
style; and we’ll create the basic curl set for our wigs (day 1). On
day 2, we’ll do the actual styling. Allergy note: we’ll be using a
lot of aerosol hairspray.
Teacher Provides: Wig styling kit: hairspray, wig clips, styling
clips, teasing comb, glue, roll forms, wax paper, scotch tape
Student Provides: 1 wig, canvas wig block in your head size,
wig clamp (teacher will help you choose & order ahead of
time. Note that the wig will cost around $60 and up, and a
canvas wig block will cost about $50. Styrofoam wig blocks will
not work), bobby pins to match your wig color, hand sewing
needle, scissors (used on thread & hair), thread to match your
wig color, large ball-head pins, wide-toothed hair comb.
11:30a - 2:30p
Aylwen Gardiner-Garden
Format: Workshop Class length: 3 hrs
Fee: $15
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles
Students will hand sew an 1820s–1830s pelerine—an outer
garment that usually matched the dress. Aylwen will bring
some antique pelerines for class members to see up close so
students can attempt to make a start in the period manner.
Kits and patterns will be provided; however, participants are
asked to bring along one yard of cotton or silk fabric to match
a favourite gown.
Teacher Provides: Handouts, pattern to keep, source
garments to look at closely.
Student Provides: Pins, hand sewing needles, fabric cutting
scissors, 1 yard cotton or silk outer fashion fabric, 1 yard white
cotton lining fabric, matching cotton or silk threads.
Western Influence on Native American Clothing
11:30a - 12:30pUnlimited
Cheryl Trent
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Historical Reference
This will review the influence of western culture on Native
America clothing, exploring the changes and adaptations that
occurred over time, including the origins of the Cherokee
turban and how the image of the Indian altered over time.
Unlimited
11:00a - 1:00p
Mela Hoyt-Heydon
Format: Demo
Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Fabric
Using the Haslam System foundation dress pattern, I will
demonstrate how to recreate any of the dress styles featured
in the Haslam Pattern books from 1920–1959. Where to obtain
the pattern books and the differences in the foundation
dress patterns from 1920s, early 1940s, and late 1940s will be
discussed.
Teacher Provides: Original and reproduction Haslam Pattern
Books, Samples of full size patterns, Garments made with the
Haslam System. Optional handdout available for $1
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 39 —
SATURDAY
Using the Haslam System to Create a 1940s Dress
SATURDAY
Covering Your Assets: Making a Regency
Limited
Chemisette 12:00p - 5:00p
Catherine Scholar
Format: Workshop Class length: 5 hrs Fee: $5
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles
Regency women often wore white chemisettes to
fill in the low necklines of their gowns for modesty,
warmth, or just fashion. Add some variety and style to
your Regency wardrobe with a chemisette of your own.
We will scale up Janet Arnold’s pattern in Patterns of
Fashion, adjust for size, and then get sewing. You can
sew by hand or machine, your choice. To see extant
garments and period portraits showing chemisettes,
please visit https://www.pinterest.com/cjscholar/
regency-chemisettes/.
Teacher Provides: Handout, gridded patterning paper
Student Provides: 1 yard lightweight white cotton fabric
(lawn, muslin, batiste), 3 yards narrow white ribbon or
twill tape, white thread, fabric scissors, paper scissors,
pencil, ruler, pins, bodkin or safety pin, and EITHER a
hand sewing kit (including needles, thimble, thread
snips and beeswax) or sewing machine including power
cord, pedal, needles for lightweight woven fabric, and
bobbins. Optional: 2-8 yards white cotton lace or eyelet
edging 2-3” wide (edging means one scalloped edge and
one straight edge) for neck frills. Frills can also be plain
fabric, which will require (lots of) hemming. Optional:
French curve for patterning.
Introduction to Casting and Mold­making
Limited
12:00p - 2:00p
Malaki Keller, Christina Stroffolino Keller Format: Lecture/Demo Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $2
Skill Level: All, Beginner
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Synthetic Material
Have you ever wanted to copy something you only have one
of? For instance, a button? We have the solution! Mold-making!
Learn how to make a simple one piece silicone mold and pour
copies in urethane casting resin. Demo will cover setting up
for molding, pouring silicone, de-molding, casting both in
regular resin and colored applications. Come and be amazed!
Teacher Provides: Handouts and examples of work
Student Provides: Optional, breathing mask
Dorset ButtonsUnlimited
12:00p - 1:00p
Sandra Manning
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Informational, Textiles
What do singleton, Honeycomb, Old Dorset, Crosswheel and
others have in common? These were some of the buttons
produced in East Dorset, England between 1700 and 1860. The
homemade button industry declined after the Ashton Button
Machine was invented. Learn more about it!
Hat Pins: History and Workshop Limited
12:00p - 2:00p
Joyce Bolin
Format: Workshop Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $10
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Finishing Touches
A brief history and overview of hat pins and the effects on
fashion and self-defense in the 19th and 20th centuries. Basic
class demonstrating with hands-on creation of a hat pin for
your new hat.
Teacher Provides: vintage style beads, Two 8” hat pins 18
gauge, adhesive, printed handout
Introduction to Victorian Thread Crochet
Unlimited
12:00p - 2:00p
Teresa Liao
Format: Workshop Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $1
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Historical
Media: Embellishments
While modern crochet patterns utilize a variety of yarn
weights to create (mostly) Winter garments, Victorian crochet
focused on creating delicate lace accessories with the finest
of thread. During the first part of this class, the instructor
will discuss where to source materials and patterns as well as
the interpretation of historical crochet patterns. The second
part will be a hands-on workshop that will help those already
familiar with basic crochet stitches to make the transition from
yarn to thread.
Teacher Provides: Handout; a collection of pattern books,
hooks, threads, and other resources to pursue; a limited
supply of hooks and threads for students to practice with.
Student Provides: Crochet hook (size 10 or smaller), crochet
thread (the finer the better--fabric stores sometimes sell
very small balls of size 80 and label it as tatting thread, which
would be perfect for practicing with in this class)
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 40 —
Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights,
and the MoviesUnlimited
12:00p - 1:00p
Trystan L. Bass
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Informational, Textiles
Both Charlotte and Emily Bronte’s masterpieces were
published in 1847. These novels have been made into movies
and TV series dozens of times. Most productions are set
during the lifetime of the authors, but the time period and
costumes may or may not be accurate to the setting of the
novels. For example, “Jane Eyre” may actually take place in
the 1810s—but screen adaptions often show the story with
1830s gowns. We’ll look through the novels for clues about the
period, and compare the costumes of popular screen versions,
with an eye towards both literary and historical accuracy
Mardi Gras, Not Just Bourbon Street and Boobs!
Unlimited
12:00p - 1:00p
Jenny Straus
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical, Fantasy
Media: Fabric, Embellishments
Anything goes on Mardi Gras day, but did you know that
Carnival time in New Orleans has a rich history more than 200
years old? This lecture class will give you a brief history and
show examples of the artistry of this holiday. Mardi Gras is a
fabulous time for costumers with many opportunities to show
off your creations and be wowed by other people’s creativity.
I will give you tips and tricks, and tell you what to avoid. There
will also be examples of costumes worn on Mardi Gras day.
Global Changes in Fashion During World War II
Unlimited
12:30p - 1:30p
Sandra Manning
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Informational
Ever wonder what happened to the fashion houses during the
war? How did fashion change in Japan, Paris, the UK and the
USA? How did the war affect the availability of certain fabrics
during World War II? This lecture will look at answering these
questions and more.
Mysterious Illusions: Creating Seamless Lace Garments
12:30p - 2:00p Limited
Rory Cunningham
Format: Demo/Workshop Class length: 1.5 hr Fee: $5
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Textiles, Technique
Have you ever wondered how some celebrities appear in a
lace gown that seems to cling to every curve of their body and
yet they look almost naked but reveal nothing? In this class
you will learn the true secrets to molding lace to the human
form in a seamless and sensual way whether over a luxurious
silk satin or only over bare skin. Learn the techniques that
will turn a flat piece of lace into a body-molding, seamless
sculpture.
Teacher Provides: Samples, illustrations, lace samples,
knowledge, inspiration
Student Provides: Lace of your choice (non-stretch), pins,
needles, matching thread, scissors
Search and Research: An approach to sources
and resourcesLimited
12:00p - 1:30p
The Tudor Tailor – guest teacher Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: $35
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Fabric, Embellishments
Investigate The Tudor Tailor’s approach to detective work in
this hands-on opportunity to examine reconstructed garments
based on a range of sources. Assess the evidence for items
used in The Tudor Wardrobe presentation and current works
in progress for future publications. This exploration of an
evidence-based approach suggests ways to create convincing
historic dress with a story to tell.
Teacher Provides: All relevant materials.
1:00p - 2:00p Unlimited
Emma Cross
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All Levels
Genre: Historical
Media: Informational
In the 18th century, what you wore could be reported
in the newspaper. Of course, most would hope it would
bring fame, not jail. Clothing was a popular choice for the
thief of the time. There will be a focus on the accessories
that were often lifted. Drawing from newspapers, court
records, and gossip, this class will take an even closer
look at what the under life wore, what they stole, and
how exactly they did it. These tales are an amazing
source of clothing detail. Come join our brigand tour for
a different sort of fashion crime! Just keep a wary eye on
your valuables!
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 41 —
SATURDAY
18th Century Criminal Couture Strikes Again
SATURDAY
Digital Cameras-Looking Under the Hood Unlimited
1:00p - 2:00p
Eric Gerds
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Technology
Media: Informational
Ever wonder how digital cameras work? Why some are
better than others? Eric will give you a look under the
hood on how things work. He will also talk about the
different formats such as JPG, GIF and why some are
better than others.
Going with the Grain
Unlimited
1:00p - 2:00p
Audrey I. Russell
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: $1
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Textiles
You know how to find the straight grain on fabric, but did
you know it’s important to sew with the grain? Learn how to
identify the direction of the grain on cut pieces of fabric and
along curves. We’ll cover staystitching with the grain: what
it is, how and when to do it, and how it can vastly simplify
applying a collar, waistband, or sewing opposing curves such
as princess seams. We’ll also take a look at how to tell if your
fabric is off grain and how to square it. You’ll be surprised
what common problems can be avoided simply by going with
the grain!
Is It Steampunk?Unlimited
1:00p - 2:00p
Cheryl Trent
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: All
Media: Informational
This class discusses Victorian clothing and its role as
the mother of steampunk fashion. The class will discuss
recommendations on how to “punk up” a Victorian outfit, and
will go over skills and techniques that make modern clothing
more Victorian.
Teacher Provides: Handouts
Make No Bones About It Limited
1:30p - 3:00p
The Tudor Tailor – guest teacher Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: $35
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Technology and Technique
A survey of the pictorial, archaeological, and documentary
sources tells the story of The Tudor Tailor’s pursuit of
the Holbein look—for all shapes and sizes. A range
of experimental approaches to constructing bodices
demonstrates how Tudor women’s gowns were stiffened
without bones to create the fashionable sixteenth century
shape.
Teacher Provides: All relevant materials.
Pizza Anyone? 16th Century German Hats
Unlimited
1:30p - 3:00p
Regina Lawson
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles
A discussion of the hats seen on 16th century German
Landsknechts, covering three main styles: the simple widebrim, the pleated brim and the “starfish.” Class will include
review of artistic resources, step-by-step examples of the basic
construction techniques, and finish-decoration options.
Teacher Provides: Handout, CD $3
Corset Making Overview
Unlimited
2:00p - 3:00p
Patricia Pratt
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Textiles, Technique
Want to make a corset but not sure where to start? We’ll go
over materials used for making corsets, as well as silhouettes
and pattern shapes for different styles and time periods.
Teacher Provides: I’ll provide examples to be passed around
the class to show what the different materials are, along with
examples of corset styles.
Stuffed Bustle Workshop Limited
1:00p - 3:00p
Rise Reading
Format: Workshop Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $25
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles, Technique
Create a small stuffed bustle in this make-and-take class that is
perfect for the Natural Form dresses of the 1876–1881 era. The
same technique can be used for the larger stuffed bustle of
the Romantic and Early Victorian eras (1830–1853).
Teacher Provides: Handout, pattern, fabric, stuffing materials.
Student Provides: Sewing machine and basic sewing kit.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 42 —
Foam Fabrication - Intermediate Level
Limited
2:00p - 5:00p
Malaki Keller, Christina Stroffolino Keller Format: Workshop Class length: 3 hrs
Fee: $10
Skill Level: Beginner
Genre: Core Skills, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Media: Foam, Synthetic materials
So you say you’ve been working with foam? Lets start honing
those skills! This workshop is all about really getting the most
out of foam work. Bevel cutting, curves, and “V” channel work
is done here, as well as gluing cleanly and quickly. A simple,
yet detailed piece will be created during our time together.
Foam Fabrication for Beginners is required before taking this
Workshop. This Workshop is required if you are taking Foam
Fabrication Advanced Techniques.
Teacher Provides: Foam material, glue, brushes, razor blades,
patterns
Student Provides: Respirator/mask, aprons, cutting mats, and
ball point pens for tracing.
Moulin Rouge—the Deconstruction of Corsetry
2:00p - 5:00p Limited
Rose Mary Jameson
Format: Demo
Class length: 3 hrs
Fee: $20
Skill Level: Beginners
Genre: Core skills, Historical, Fantasy
Media: Textiles
Understand the machinations and underpinnings of basic
corsetry. Learn about structure and the importance of the
foundation layer as it applies to the corset. Have fun building a
trial pattern that can then be transposed into a pattern. Study
a few style variations and see how corsets have changed over
the years. Hands-on practice with eyelet setting and samples
of boning.
Teacher Provides: Instructions, Sewing machine, pattern
making paper, Mannequins.
Student Provides: Plain White Tee shirt, Large fabric Scissors,
Black Sharpie marker.
Old Clothes Show and Tell
2:00p - 4:00p
Liz Gerds
Format: Demo
Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Finishing Touches
There are lots of different ways to hem a garment, depending
on the fabric, cut, placement, unlined, flat-lined, bag-lined,
interfaced, embellished, or plain. Come learn the basics of
sewing a professional-looking hem.
Teacher Provides: Handouts will be emailed after Costume
College
Lattice Smocking a Reticule
Limited
2:00p - 5:00p
Kathryn Wolters
Format: Workshop Class length: 3 hrs
Fee: $35
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles
Lattice smocking produces a pattern that resembles strips of
fabric being woven together. Used for everything from 16th
sleeve treatments to accessories. Students will learn how to
use this versatile technique while producing a little reticule,
suitable for a number of different time periods.
Teacher Provides: 3/4 yard of fashion fabric (velveteen or
suede clothe), button floss and large eyed needles, linings,
cords for finishing, and handouts with patterns
Student Provides: Basic Sewing Kit
Shoemaking Workshop 101—Stitching Cords and the
Round Stitch
Limited
2:00p - 5:00p
Francis Classe
Format: Workshop Class length: 3 hrs Fee: $12
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Leather
Since about the 10th century, shoemakers have used
linen thread to sew shoes together. The linen was wound
around a boar bristle and called a “waxed end” which
acts somewhat like a needle. In the first half, we will wind
five strands of linen thread around boar bristles using
shoemaker’s wax to create a stitching cord. In the second
half, we will learn the round stitch, which was the most
common stitch for closing shoes. We will use the stitching
cords made earlier to sew a shoemaking palm, which is a
simple tube of leather that wraps around the hand with a
hole for the thumb, used in many stages of shoemaking.
Teacher Provides: Boar Bristles, Wax, Linen Thread
Student Provides: Small Cutting Board, Knife for scraping
(not your best knife), Scissors / sharp knife
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 43 —
SATURDAY
Hemming TechniquesUnlimited
Unlimited
2:00p - 3:00p
JoAnn Peterson, Elizabeth Pedersen
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: $1
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles
JoAnn will bring several examples from her collection of early
19th century women’s and men’s clothing, including Regencyera stomacher gowns, a chemise a la reine, hooded cape, a
short gown, and whatever else floats her boat. The garments
will be described and the attendees will be able to see the
garments up close.
Teacher Provides: Handouts
SATURDAY
Needlefelting! Let’s Stab Some Wool!
Limited
2:30p - 5:00p
Amanda Irwin – guest teacher Format: Workshop Class length: 2.5 hrs Fee: $15
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core skills, All
Media: Embellishments
Learn the basics of needlefelting! Make a needlefelted
flower decoration for hats or costumes, and how to take
the basic process to make anything from raised details
on a costume to 3-dimensional creatures and shoulder
sitters.
Teacher Provides: NeedleFelt kit including foam,
needles, wool, and instructions.
Student Provides: Interest! (And an awareness that they
may stab a finger or two)
Basic Chain-Maille for Steampunk/ Costuming
Limited
3:00p - 5:00p
Carl Nelson, Toni Nelson
Format: Workshop Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $15
Skill Level: Beginner
Genre: Core Skills, Historical, Cosplay
Media: Metal
The basic of creating woven metal highlights/decorations for
costumes in a wide variety of genres most notably Steampunk.
The class covers the beginning levels of classic Frankish fourto-one Maille.
Teacher Provides: Rings and some fittings
Student Provides: Two pairs of pliers (two position channel
lock type or large jeweler’s flat nose style), work gloves
optional.
Costume Research at the U.S. Patent Office
Unlimited
3:00p - 4:00p
Jeannette Darlington, Glen Darlingon
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Informational
From paper pantalets to electric jewelry, the patent office has
seen it all. The United States Patent and Trademark Office has
an extensive collection of patents online, but patents before
1976 are not keyword indexed. This presentation will cover the
use of patent classification numbers to explore PDF images of
patents from 1790 to 1976.
Teacher Provides: Handout with select classification numbers
& outline of lecture. Optional handout available for $1
English Dress in the 1940s
Unlimited
3:00p - 4:00p
Sandra Manning
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Informational, Textiles
This is a lecture based on the fashions in England during
and just after World War II, purchased using ration coupons
or made by themselves using available materials. How did
they cheat on making pleats when there was a shortage of
materials? Learn more about it.
Renaissance Fabrics: Where to Find It, How to Fudge It
3:00p - 5:00p Unlimited
Simone Bryan
Format: Lecture/ Demo Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles
Finding the accurate fabrics is not rocket science, if you are
in the know. We will explore designs, fibers, and essentials to
modify today’s fabrics to get the period look. Demonstration
of techniques used in the day, colors, and accessories to
complete your look. We will explore the Renaissance world.
Hold on tight; it is going to be an interesting ride.
Upcycling! Making the Old Even Older
Unlimited
3:00p - 4:00p
Cheryl Trent
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: All
Media: Creative Reuse
From the simple change of a button to making bed skirts into
petticoats, you will learn how to turn modern clothing into
historical and fantasy costumes. Techniques include sewing,
altering, painting, and dyeing. Lecture will also include a quick
guide on how to find the items you need.
Teacher Provides: Handouts
Historic Origins of 16th Century Gaelic Clothing
3:30p - 5:00pUnlimited
Regina Lawson, Steven Gillan
Format: Lecture
Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Informational
Examining the art and text descriptions of 16th century Irish
and Highland clothing and equipment, as well as how these
items have been interpreted for historical reenactment.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 44 —
Creating Multi-colored and Basket-woven
Death Head Buttons
18th Century Petticoats
Limited
9:00a - 1:00p
Mary Johns, Abigail Pote
Format: Workshop Class length: 4 hrs
Fee: $1
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles
Learn how to make an 18th century petticoat using period
techniques. You can make an apron instead if desired. We
will start at the beginning and walk you through the whole
process, including how to hand sew, if needed. You may not
finish the whole petticoat, but you will be able to when you
leave.
Teacher Provides: Handout, hand sewing kits and fabric will be
available for a fee.
Student Provides: Approximately 3 yards of pre-washed
period material (linen, cotton or wool), 6 yards of 1/2-1 inch
twill tape (to be used as waist ties), 3-4 yards of 1/2-1 inch twill
tape (to be used as ferreting - hem facing), hand sewing kit
(scissors, hand sewing thread to match material, wax, needles,
pins).
50 Ways to Curl a Feather
Limited
9:00a - 12:00p
Lynn McMasters, Gail Nichols
Format: Workshop Class length: 3 hrs
Fee: $5
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills, Millinery
Media: Feathers
Really just ten different ways. Feathers are often expensive, so
it pays to learn the ways you can make them look their period
best and also learn those things you can do to make cheap
feathers look as if they are expensive or prime. This is a skills
class that will have ten stations. First we will demonstrate
all ten ways, then the students will to use the techniques
and tools to recreate the ways. About half of the steps use a
variety of curling irons and other heat sources and half do not.
The students will end up with examples future reference.
Teacher Provides: Feathers, heat reflective table mats so there
should be no accidents and some extension cords and a multiplug
Student Provides: Craft scissors
Cravat Tying
Unlimited
9:00a - 10:00a
Lynn L Combs, Emerson Terry
Format: Workshop Class length: 1 hr
Fee: $12
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Finishing Touches
This class will teach you some simple and extravagant ways to
tie a cravat. Simple Bow, Ascot style, Waterfall and among the
more interesting: the Christmas Tree! This is a fun easy class
that will help you valet your very own Darcy.
Teacher Provides: Cravat Book, cravat, cravat pin
Limited
9:00a - 11:00a
Amy Lee Karow-Thara
Format: Workshop
Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $18
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Core Skills, Historical
Media: Embellishments, Finishing Touches
This class will demonstrate two advanced techniques that can
be used on Death Head buttons. The class will show how to
make a Death Head button with multiple colors and also the
basket weave/checkerboard variant. Knowledge of how to do
the basic version or attendance in the “How to Make Death
Head Buttons” is recommended.
Teacher Provides: Teacher will provide a handout with full
instructions and a kit containing 10 wooden button molds, 2
silk buttonhole twist cards, a needle and pin.
Student Provides: If student requires glasses or other devices
to see detail work it is highly recommended they bring them
to this class.
Crowdfunding—How to Survive Kickstarting Your
Creative BusinessUnlimited
9:00a - 10:00a
Lauren Maringola
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Informational, Technology, Business
You have an amazing idea, but how do you raise the money
to make it a reality? In 2014, Lauren’s Kickstarter project
for launching a ready-to-wear vintage clothing line was
successfully funded and exceeded the goal amount. In this
class, she will share how to survive preparing for, launching,
maintaining, and then fulfilling a Kickstarter campaign based
on her experience. We’ll also talk about how social media
and in-depth planning play an important role in making your
crowdfunding project a success.
Teacher Provides:
Flossing: Make Your Corsets 84.9% Prettier Limited
9:00a - 12:00p
Cathy Hay
Format: Workshop
Class length: 3 hrs
Fee: $10
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Embellishments, Finishing Touches
The embroidery on Victorian corsets was not only
functional, holding the bones in place, the fabric taut
and preventing poke-through, but it could also be very
decorative. Students will leave this class with a flossing
sampler of authentic designs to refer to in future projects,
featuring both simple and more elaborate patterns from
the original Symington Collection sampler.
Teacher Provides: Sampler materials, embroidery threads
Student Provides: Basic sewing kit (needles, small thread
scissors, thimble if preferred)
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 45 —
SUNDAY
Sunday Classes
SUNDAY
Operating Your Hoop, Bustle, Train, and Petticoats
Hardanger Lace—Making Holes with a Purpose
9:00a - 10:30a
Unlimited
Priscilla Atwell
Format: Demo Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Textiles
Basic class demonstrating first steps in learning to make
a basic Hardanger lace accessory. Hardanger lace is
using fabric manipulation (with thread) to make lace.
Instructor will show fabric, threads, marking materials,
samples and how to do Hardanger lace. There will be
an option to purchase a starting kit containing cloth,
needles, pins, buttonhole thread and instructions for $15.
Teacher Provides: Optional handdout available for $2.
There will be kits available for fee (limited quantity).
Samples of lace and equipment
Student Provides: $2 for handouts or $15 for kit that
includes handouts (limited quantity).
9:00a - 10:30aUnlimited
Jennifer Rosbrugh
Format: Demo
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills, Historical
Media: Technique
A lesson for how to wear your clothing… it’s a funny topic.
But when all the support garments that create historical
silhouettes get in the way of walking, dancing, climbing the
stairs, sitting, driving and using the facilities, it’s nice to know
how to move in the clothing so as to not fall on your face,
bruise a neighbor, crush a vase, or take the cat for a ride. We’ll
look specifically at 19th century undergarments and discover
how to move and be elegant in your period clothing. Elegance
in fabric manipulation.
Teacher Provides: Undergarments to demonstrate movement
techniques
Student Provides: Hoop, bustle, petticoats and/or trained
skirts to practice techniques in class, if desired.
How Costume Creates Character
Unlimited
9:00a - 10:30a
Shawna Trpcic, TBA
Format: Panel Class length: 1.5 hrs Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: All
Media: Informational
Join us for a lively panel of film industry professionals
discussing their views and experiences regarding the
relationship between character and costume. There will be a
chance for brief questions at the end.
Pattern Match a Plaid Skirt
Limited
9:00a - 1:00p
Scott Pennington
Format: Workshop Class length: 4 hrs
Fee: $5
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Core Skills, Historical
Media: Technology and Technique
Ever wonder how they got that hem perfectly pattern
matched and even with the ground? This class will work with
you to make a plaid skirt with the horizontal strip parallel to
the ground and pattern matched at the hem.
Teacher Provides: handouts, sample garment, paper
Student Provides: 4 (small body), 5 (medium body), 6 (large
body) yards of plaid fabric. thread, sewing machine, pins and
or safety pins, seam guide, measuring tape, ruler. If you want
the skirt to fit your corset size, bring your corset.
Replete with Pleats: Making a Pleater
Kobracast: Make a Mask that Fits You Perfectly!
9:00a - 11:30a Limited
Amanda Irwin – guest teacher Format: Workshop Class length: 2.5 hrs
Fee: $15
Skill Level: All
Genre: All
Media: Technology, synthetic Material
Kobracast is a thermoplastic that’s skin safe - making it
fantastic for body fitting masks, casts, armor and lightweight
props. Learn to make a mask that will exactly fit your face,
great for sci-fi, historical and cosplay designs.
Teacher Provides: Kobracast, glue, sealant, paint
Student Provides: Non-fabric scissors, fat quarter of stretch
fabric if a fabric cover is desired, imagination, a face that can
be shaped onto (heavy makeup may need to be reapplied
after).
Limited
9:00a- 11:00a
Carol Wood
Format: Workshop Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $10
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills, Tool building
Media: Textiles, Paper
Pleaters (or pleater boards) are a fantastic tool to get a piece
of fabric pleated quickly and uniformly. In this workshop
we will build a small pleater for 1/2” wide pleats. You will
then receive instruction on how to build a pleater of your
desired size and pleating configuration. I will demonstrate
other hand-pleating methods without the pleater and we will
discuss how to estimate yardage for different kinds of pleating
configurations.
Teacher Provides: Pleater kit, Handouts
Student Provides: Paper and fabric scissors, Pencil, ruler, ½
yard fabric (such as lightweight muslin).
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 46 —
Ribbon Flowers - Pansies and Dogwood Blossoms
9:00a - 11:00a
Limited
Jeanette Murray, Kay Adams
Format: Workshop Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $3
Skill Level: All
Genre: All
Media: Textiles
Intricate ribbon flower can be created through easy sewing
techniques. In this class you will learn a variety of techniques
to create pansies and dogwood blossoms which can then
be applied to other realistic or fantasy flowers. Use your
finished ribbon flowers on historical or modern clothing, hats,
hairpieces, bags, and shoes.
Teacher Provides: Ribbon, thread, needles, stamens, lace,
handout.
Student Provides: Scissors
Start with a Square
Unlimited
9:00a - 10:00a
Mary Fischer-Boyd
Format: Demo
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All Levels
Genre: Basic Skills
Media: Textiles
Simple flowers made from fabric cut into squares folded in
various ways and then gathered by hand to form the petals.
These flowers can be finished off with a button or stuffed
yo-yo center. I’ve worked out a dozen ways of making
petals from nearly any kind of fabric including silk, wool
and polyester! Instructor will provide a handout and display
examples of each kind of flower. Take-away kits will be
provided so you can start your flower during the lecture.
Teacher Provides: Handout describing flower folding options.
5 petal flower kit with fabric, needle, button and/or polyfil and
thread.
How to Machine Quilt
Unlimited
10:00a - 11:00a
Kristin Stonham
Format: Demo
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Textiles
Learn the tips, tricks, and tools you need to quilt on your home
sewing machine.
Teacher Provides: Handouts.
Looks like Me! (Custom Dress Form)
Unlimited
10:00a - 11:00a
T. Lynn Gomez
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: All, Core Skills
Media: Synthetic/ Exotic materials
Demo on a way to create a custom dummy form that is light
and solid. T. Lynn will cover how she created her own and give
resources for materials to make your own. She will discuss the
lessons she learned along the way!
Teacher Provides: Tools used, finished forms, products used,
resources and more
Making a Website with WordPress—What is All the
Fuss About?Unlimited
10:00p - 12:00p
Eric Gerds
Format: Lecture
Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: All
Media: Informational, Technology and Technique
Based on feedback from past classes about dealing with
a website, many people wanted to know more about the
WordPress software system. In this class we will cover basic
concepts, what is needed to run WordPress and how to
operate a site.
Teacher Provides: Laptop.
Unlimited
9:00a - 10:00a
Candice Davis
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: All
Media: Informational
What happens to all of those wonderful costumes you’ve
spent so many hours building and sewing when you lose
interest, develop poor health, or pass away? This class should
give you some ideas, options and possible contacts.
Teacher Provides: handouts
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 47 —
SUNDAY
Your Costume Legacy
SUNDAY
Reproducing Millinery Flowers in the 21st Century
10:00a - 12:00p
Unlimited
Mela Hoyt-Heydon
Format: Lecture Class length: 2 hrs Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Embellishments
This lecture/demo will explore the products,
methods, tools, and materials used for artificial flower
manufacturing in ateliers during the 18th century and
in personal homes from the mid to nineteenth century
whose destination were the caps, gowns, bonnets
and hats of fashionable women. In addition to noting
what was used in the past, current substitutions will be
presented when the substitution is safer while still staying
true to the historical method of production.
Teacher Provides: Samples of materials used in creating
millinery flowers, tools and equipment used, in progress
and finished millinery flowers.
Drape a Basic Bodice
Unlimited
10:30a - 12:00p
Lana Lily
Format: Demo Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: $1
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Fabric
Do you have a hard time fitting patterns or just wish you could
create your own bodice pattern? Come learn how to create a
custom pattern using professional techniques. Demonstration
will show how to drape a basic mid-Victorian bodice pattern
onto a live model. Techniques are applicable to most time
periods.
Teacher Provides: Handouts
Illustration Using A Croquis
Unlimited
10:30a - 12:00p
Shawna Trpcic
Format: Lecture/ Demo/ Workshop Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Concept Design
As a student of art, Shawna has spent years creating her
fantastic costumes on paper before making them into reality.
This class will share some basic tips and tricks to drawing the
costume in your head onto a croquis figure. Students will want
to bring sketch paper and drawing pencils to follow along.
Shawna will also show some of her portfolio.
Teacher Provides: Demonstration of drawings
Student Provides: Sketching paper and drawing pencils
Watches and How Women Wore Them
Unlimited
10:30a - 12:00p
Valarie LaBore
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: $2
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Finishing Touches
We all think of jewelry, hats and parasols when we think of
accessories. But ladies also wore watches as a necessary part
of their daily dress. There were so many ways to wear them
and where to wear them on their dress. Come see the history
of this very important accessory and how to add the finishing
touch to your costume.
Teacher Provides: Handouts
Mechanical Wings Workshop
Limited
11:00a - 1:00p
David Miles, Meilin Wong
Format: Workshop Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $25
Skill Level: Beginner
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy
Media: Technology
Come join us as we make a small pair of moving wings for hats!
These could also be used as part of a small dragon or butterfly
or whatever else your imagination desires. Students will learn
about electric servos, control rods, pin joints and more and get
hands-on experience playing with the parts. Students will go
home with a working pair of electric powered wings that they
can decorate as desired. Small dragon not included.
Teacher Provides: Servos, electronics, pre-drilled parts and
instruction sheet.
Student Provides: Hotmelt glue gun recommended
Off with Their Hoods! Limited
11:00a - 12:30p
The Tudor Tailor – guest teacher Format: Workshop Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: $35
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Embellishments
Discover the secrets of early Tudor headwear by practicing
the techniques of hairlacing to provide a neat and secure
foundation. Learn how to layer and pin the various elements,
including pastes, bonnets, frontlets and hoods, for a portraitperfect picture.
Student Provides: Two yards of ribbon or tape and a large
blunt needle/bodkin.
The History of Smocking
Unlimited
11:00a - 12:00p
Sandra Manning
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Embellishments
This lecture looks at the history of smocking from around 1600
on to modern times.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 48 —
Using Cording for Support and Emphasis
Unlimited
11:00a - 12:00p
Jennifer Rosbrugh
Format: Demo
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills, Historical
Media: Textiles
Using cording in particular garments can do so much to
improve your historical silhouette and to emphasize style lines.
In class, we’ll discuss techniques on where to insert cording
in historical corsets and petticoats and how to actually do it.
Cording as piping will also be discussed for fashion focal points
as well as seam support.
Teacher Provides: Samples to demo techniques
18th Century Mantua-makerUnlimited
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Janea Whitacre, Abby Cox, Nicole Rudolph
Format: Demo
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Informational, Textiles
“Wanted: a complete Journeywoman who works well with
her needle, and whose character is answerable to the strictest
enquiries.” This talk and demonstration explores the trade of
the 18th century mantua-maker; her work, her customer, and
the world in which she lived. We will also demonstrate trade
techniques in cutting out and fitting. The audience will help
decide the gown style that will be demonstrated.
Teacher Provides: demonstration on Gown-cutting in the
mantua-maker’s favorite way of cutting out, but cutting from
a measure will also be discussed.
Young Victoria’s Dancing Shoes
Basic Hand Embroidery
Limited
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Kristin Stonham
Format: Workshop
Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $5
Skill Level: Beginner
Genre: All, Core Skills
Media: Embellishments
Learn a dozen different stitches to decorate your clothing,
costumes, and furnishings. Hand embroidery is easy, fast, and
addictive!
Teacher Provides: Sewing sample, embroidery thread, hoop,
needles, handout.
Student Provides: Scissors, enthusiasm!
Classic Book Clutch
Limited
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Feather Tippetts, J. P. Ryan
Format: Workshop Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: $30
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Accessories
Media: Creative Reuse
Create a clutch or book safe from a real hardback book. No
sewing is involved! The finished clutch will look like a real
book with a hidden compartment large enough to hold
a smartphone, keys, lipstick, billet-doux, ray gun or the
coded instructions to poison Dr. Sludge. All materials will be
provided in a kit and participants will be contacted via email
to choose their preferred literary genre. This is the perfect
accessory for costumes where a reticule is not appropriate,
or for men (where a bulging pocket might distort the line of
the costume).
Teacher Provides: Instructions and a kit containing all
materials necessary to make the Book Clutch.
Student Provides: A ruler and a very sharp pencil.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 49 —
SUNDAY
Limited
11:00a - 5:00p
Kathryn Wolters
Format: Workshop Class length: 6 hrs
Fee: $50
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles
Young Victoria was fond of dancing—and it was not unheard
of for a young lady of the time to wear out her dancing shoes
in an evening of ballroom dancing. Students will learn to fit
a shoe pattern for a pair of 1840s, square-toed, leather-soled
, ankle be-ribbons shoes for indoor dancing. Most students
actually finish their patterns and produce a pair of shoes
before the end of class.
Teacher Provides: Teacher will provide muslin patterning
fabric, patterns, fashion fabric, linings, interlinings, leather for
soles, ribbons, inserts, and handouts
Student Provides: sewing machine and basic sewing kit
SUNDAY
Costuming on a Budget
Unlimited
12:00p - 1:00p
Kristen Foggie & Rebecca Maiten
Format: Lecture/ Demo Class length: 1 hrs Fee: $3
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core skills, Historical
Media: Informational, Upcycling
Costuming on a budget will discuss how to choose an
inspiration costume, plan its stages of development, and
purchase the needed materials on a budget. The class will
provide tips and techniques for searching, buying, and
seeing the possibilities of the little items found in your
daily travels or searching expeditions.
Teacher Provides: Handout
Student Provides: Student may purchase handout or
provide email for a digital copy.
Getting Plastered with Jess
Unlimited
12:00p- 1:30p
Jess Miller
Format: Demo
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills, Science Fiction
Media: Synthetic Material
This class will cover how to take commercially available plaster
bandages and make masks for yourself and your friends. Two
students will be demonstrated on and have masks.
Teacher Provides: handouts
Student Provides: camera optional
Grading for Larger Sizes
Limited
12:00p - 3:00p
Liz Gerds
Format: Workshop Class length: 3 hrs
Fee: $25
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Technology and Technique
In this workshop you will learn how to adjust patterns using
grading techniques adapted for larger sizes. The class will
work with a basic women’s bodice pattern. MATH SKILLS
REQUIRED! You must be able to deal with fractions to get the
most out of this class.
Teacher Provides: pattern, paper, pencils, drafting tools
How to Teach at Costume College
Unlimited
12:00p - 1:00p
Jennifer Byrd, Jane Cadieux
Format: lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: All
Media: Informational
This class is a discussion about how to put together and
submit a class for Costume College. We’ll review the online
form and discuss possible class topics. There will be a
question-and-answer session with the 2015 Programming
liaison for teaching.
Teacher Provides: 2016 class submission form
Making a Buckram HatUnlimited
12:00p - 1:00p
Susan T. McDonald
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Textiles
This class is a lecture covering the steps used in creating a
buckram-based hat. Students will be able to see the basic
materials used, and will be given the names/websites where
they can obtain the materials. Sue will talk about each step in
the hat-making process, and show examples of finished hats
that use a buckram frame.
Teacher Provides: Handouts
Take It to the Next Level
Unlimited
12:00p - 1:30p
Bobbie Kalben
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core skills, Historical
Media: Informational
Costume College is a great place to learn, but what are
some other ways to improve our costuming and sewing? In
this class we will review costuming and sewing resources,
considering facets, techniques, references, classes, tools,
museums, organizations, online, and emails. There are many
resources, some free and some costly, that we will review in
this discussion.
Teacher Provides: Handout
Make a Sewing Brick
Limited
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Diana Habra Rotheneder
Format: Workshop Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: $15
Skill Level: Beginner
Genre: Historical
Media: Technology and Technique
Have you ever been hand sewing and wished you had help
wrangling your fabric? Do you get hand cramps from holding
your fabric? Then come and make a sewing brick! It’s like a
“third hand” and your new best friend. You can use it to hold
pins, stabilize your fabric, and reduce the strain on your hands
while you hand sew.
Teacher Provides: assorted fabrics, stuffing, and bricks
Student Provides: basic sewing kit (needles, thread, scissors,
pins)
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 50 —
Don’t Lose Your Shirt—Costume Businesses and the
Hobby Loss Rules
Unlimited
Hardanger Lace—Making Holes with a Purpose
Everybody Loves a Bride!
Terrific Tips, Tools, and Techniques
1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Carolyn Richardson
Format: Lecture
Class length: 2.5 hrs
Fee: $1
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Technology, Business
The IRS frequently audits business types that they consider
to be hobbies, such as costumers. What many people don’t
realize is there are specific rules that must be met to be
considered a business versus a hobby. This course will cover
the tax aspects of starting your own costuming business,
including the hobby loss rules and recordkeeping, so you can
avoid losing your shirt in an audit.
Teacher Provides: CDs will be available for purchase for $1
which will contain the lecture materials
Unlimited
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Laura Lowe
Format: Lecture/Demo Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Informational
Come for a presentation about bridal and wedding traditions
of the 1920s through the 1950s. We’ll also discuss the current
interpretation of vintage bridal vs. the historical fashions.
Limited
Limited
1:0p - 3:30p
Audrey I. Russell
Format: Demo
Class length: 2.5 hrs
Fee: $1
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: All, Core skills
Media: Technology
Audrey will share handy tips, show some of her most used
(and loved!) tools and demonstrate techniques to help solve
common problems and improve your sewing satisfaction.
Learn methods for sewing pucker-free darts and perfect
princess seams. See some of her most requested tips, such
as how to fix crooked topstitching and how to thread a
hand needle without tying a knot. These are highlights from
Audrey’s sewing classes, rolled into one mega-class! You’ll
leave with ideas to add to your own sewing toolbox and bag
of tricks.
Teacher Provides: Materials for demonstration
Traditional Hairstyles from Nontraditional Materials
1:00p - 3:00p
Jennifer Old-d’Entremont
Format: Workshop Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $7
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Core Skills, Historical
Media: Textiles, Embellishments
Learn the hemstitch, a drawn-thread embroidery technique
easily adapted to the hemming of a linen handkerchief.
Students will be provided with an opportunity to practice
the technique, as well as materials to begin their own handhemmed linen handkerchief project to complete at home.
Teacher Provides: Linen for practice and project, matching
cotton thread, satin pins, hand-sewing needles, thread wax,
instructional handout.
Student Provides: Small scissors, thimble, slanted tip
(eyebrow) tweezers and a seam gauge, measuring gauge
or small ruler. A limited number of student supplies will be
available for borrow during class time.
1:00p - 2:0p
Unlimited
T. Lynn Gomez
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Fantasy
Media: Creative Reuse
Wigs made from nontraditional items in historical silhouettes.
Learn how I have created some wild historical wearable art
and how you can too! We will explore both the materials but
also the process. Students will get to pet and play with the
samples as T. Lynn discusses her process and resources!
Teacher Provides: Samples
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 51 —
SUNDAY
Hand-hemmed Handkerchief
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Limited
Priscilla Atwell
Format: Workshop Class length: 4 hrs
Fee: $15
Skill Level: Beginner
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Textiles
Hardanger lace is using fabric manipulation (with thread) to
make lace. This is a basic hands-on class after which you will
have beginning skills in making Hardanger lace. You will learn
how to make holes with a purpose. You will receive a kit of
cloth, needles, pins, buttonhole thread and instructions in a
nice cloth bag.
Teacher Provides: handouts, materials, supplies, kits
Student Provides: small pair of scissors and thimble (if you use
one)
SUNDAY
Corset that Top Hat!
Limited
1:30p - 3:0p
Jeanne Mueller
Format: Workshop Class length: 1.5 hrs Fee: $5
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Fantasy
Media: Embellishments
Students will get the opportunity to make a corset hat
band for a top hat.
Teacher Provides: Pattern for hat corset, black ribbon for
ties, boning, and grommets. Teacher will bring grommet
setter
Student Provides: Basic sewing kit, 1/4 yard of a fashion
fabric, 1/4 yard of lining, scissors, sewing machine and
matching thread.
Dressing the Civil WarUnlimited
1:30p - 3:00p
Virginia Lane
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Historical
Media: Informational, Textiles
Did Gone with the Wind give you your love of big skirts
and pretty dresses? Have you ever wanted to go to a Civil
War reenactment? You want to look right, but there’s so
much information out there. Don’t be intimidated! Learn
the points that define women’s wear in 1861–1865. Trace
fashion development from the 1840s onward, discover basic
guidelines for fabric, cut, and construction, and discuss style
variations by age, location, and socio-economic status.
Teacher Provides: Optional handout available for $3
Hairpiece Basics: Teens Era Hair
Unlimited
1:30p - 3:00p
Bridget Bradley-Scaife, Lana Lily
Format: Lecture/ Demo Class length: 1.5 hrs Fee: $1
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Embellishments
Learn the basics of hairpieces. Learn how to match your hair
color, where to buy, and even how to make your own. In this
class, we will demonstrate how to create Teens Era hairstyles
using various hairpieces.
Teacher Provides: Handout
Late 18th Century Women’s Hats
Unlimited
1:30p. - 3:00p
Kendra Van Cleave
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5
Fee: $1
Skill Level: All Levels
Genre: Historical
Media: Finishing Touches
Late 18th century hair was crazy, and they put even crazier
hats on top. This lecture will cover fashionable styles for
women’s hats in the 1780s and 1790s. There will also be some
advice about making your own.
Teacher Provides: Handout
Leather Carving 101: Tooling the Gunfighter’s Holster!
1:30p - 5:00p.
Limited
Brayton and Amy Carpenter
Format: Workshop Class length: 3.5 hrs
Fee: $65
Skill Level: beginners
Genre: Historical, Fantasy
Media: Leather
Participants will learn the basic tools/ techniques of leather
carving as they customize and enhance a precut, leather
holster for the famous Colt Navy revolver! After tooling,
holsters will be hand-sewn and antiquing paste applied
to give a nice, rustic finish that will enhance the students
work and protect the holster. All materials and tools will be
provided, AND a non-firing prop replica of the Colt Revolver
is included in each kit so that each participant will walk away
with a fantastic, individualized prop that will make a stunning
addition to any old west or steampunk ensemble. EVEN IF
YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE in leather, you can take this class.
Students will decorate their holsters as elaborately as their
comfort level allows. Advanced students are welcome to bring
their own tools if they wish. Some tools will be available for
purchase at the end of class.
Teacher Provides: One pre-cut all leather holster kit, prepped
and ready for tooling. All necessary materials for tooling
embellishment and antique finishing. Also a realistic, non-firing
replica pistol as well.
Student Provides: Apron to protect your clothes.
Make a Carpet Bag
Limited
2:00p - 5:00p
Susan T McDonald
Format: Workshop Class length: 3.5 hrs
Fee: $25
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles
Carpet bags were the preferred traveling bag during the
Victorian period. Both men and women carried this roomy
bag, which was often made from actual scraps of carpet
material—thus the name. The bag we will make in this class
is smaller than many, but still has plenty of room for all those
“extras” a costumer needs to keep on hand. A pattern and
wooden handles are provided with the class. The student will
bring a sewing machine, and a list of materials will be provided
in advance of the class.
Teacher Provides: Pattern for all bag components, 1 pair
wooden handles (Dark or light finish wood)
Student Provides: 1.25 yards Tapestry fabric (check the home
decor section of your local fabric store), 1.5 yards lining - satin
or cotton to compliment the tapestry, 1/2 yard cotton suede
or other mid-weight fabric to make the decorative “Straps”
for the front of the bag (Not leather!), 3 buttons- two small
(about 1 inch), and one large (About 1 1/2 inches), Sewing
machine, thread, pins and needles, scissors
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 52 —
Men’s Regency TrousersUnlimited
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
JoAnn Peterson
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr Fee: $1
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Technology, Technique
Lecture about the different types of men’s pants and breeches
that were worn during the Regency period.
Teacher Provides: handouts
Basic BlackworkLimited
3:00p - 5:00p
Kristin Stonham
Format: Workshop Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $5
Skill Level: Beginner
Genre: Core Skills, Historical
Media: Embellishments
Learn how to decorate your clothes, costumes, and
furnishings with blackwork, an embroidery style popularized in
England at the time of Henry VIII, and recurrent to the modern
day. Easy and addictive, blackwork embroidery is a fun way to
decorate the plain and make the ordinary extraordinary.
Teacher Provides: Handout, fabric, embroidery hoop, needles,
embroidery floss.
Student Provides: Scissors
Black, It’s Not Just for Mourning
Unlimited
3:00p - 4:00p
Lauren Maringola
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Informational, Textiles
In this class we’ll look at what you’ll need to create an
interchangeable 1930s and 1940s wardrobe so you can get the
maximum use from each and every garment in your vintage
closet. We’ll talk about creating a plan for sewing or shopping
so you’ve got your basics covered for a variety of events. From
color palate to personality “types”, we’ll look at how girls of
the past got the most out of their limited closets.
Knit It NowUnlimited
3:00p - 5:00p
Lisa Klassen
Format: Lecture
Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: All, Core Skills
Media: Informational
Take a tour of the wonderful world of knitting from its
beginnings in the ancient world to its refinement in the Middle
Ages and the peak of its popularity in the 19th and 20th
century. In this class we’ll discuss the various styles of kitting,
a wide range of stitches and techniques, the differences
between knitting, crochet and nålebinding, and the future of
the craft. We’ll also take a look at popular historical patterns,
ethnic styles, and how you can integrate knitting into your
costumes. We’ll also look at innovative uses of knitted pieces
and new techniques that are revolutionizing this ancient art.
Teacher Provides: Powerpoint presentation, knitting samples,
knitting accessories--needles, tools, etc, patterns
Student Provides: Cameras are suggested
More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Hot Glue
3:00p - 4:00pUnlimited
Tara Maginnis
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Embellishments
Powerpoint and live demonstration of the high-end uses of
hot glue as a costume material. Learn and fondle the types
of available glues and guns, pick up ten important tricks
for getting the most out of the material, and see amazing
examples of hot glue sculpture in both costuming and the fine
arts.
Teacher Provides: Handout, Powerpoint presentation,
examples of hot glue sculpture, types of sticks and guns.
Student Provides: Camera
SUNDAY
Unlimited
3:00p - 4:00p
Trystan L. Bass
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Historical
Media: Textiles
Throughout history, the color black has been used in clothing
to symbolize everything from wealth to modesty and, yes,
mourning for the dead. The color’s meaning shifts across time,
social class, gender, age, even type of fabric. This class will
survey the uses of black clothing from the Middle Ages to the
20th century in Europe to help you decide if an all-black outfit
is suitable for your next reenactment or theatrical production.
Building a Basic 1930s–1940s Wardrobe
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 53 —
SUNDAY
Perfecting Pinup Hair from Hollywood’s Heyday
3:00p - 5:00p
Unlimited
Laura Lowe
Format: Lecture/ Demo Class length: 2 hrs Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Embellishments
Learn to mix vintage techniques and modern equipment
to create the glamorous look of old Hollywood and
capture playful pinup sexiness in your very own style.
Wild and Crazy Masks for Carnival, Myth, LOJ,
Mardi GrasLimited
3:00p - 5:00p
T. Lynn Gomez
Format: Workshop Class length: 2 hrs
Fee: $20
Skill Level: All
Genre: Fantasy
Media: Finishing Touches, Embellishments
Students will create masks to wear from a multitude of
materials. All suitable for wear for Carnival, Myth, LOJ, Mardi
Gras and more! We will discuss resources to continue creating
more masks in the future!
Teacher Provides: Masks, plumes, foliage, florals, applique,
glitter, rhinestones, fabrics birds or butterflies, tools, trims
glue guns to borrow and more.
Student Provides: Glue gun with glue sticks, paints/brushes,
trims, fabrics to use if desired, treasures from the marketplace
Getting Ready to Tailor a Man’s Regency Coat
3:30p - 5:00p
Unlimited
JoAnn Peterson
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: None
Skill Level: All
Genre: Core Skills, Historical
Media: Textiles, Technology and Technique
What you need to know about making a Man’s Georgian/
Regency coat, using Laughing Moon Mercantile patterns.
Teacher Provides: Optional handdout available for $1
Medieval and Renaissance Hand Stitching
Limited
3:30p - 5:00p
Diana Habra Rotheneder
Format: Workshop Class length: 1.5 hrs
Fee: $5
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Core Skills, Historical
Media: Textiles, Technique
You can sew it by machine...but hand stitching can be calming,
easier, and make your historical clothing look better. And you
can do it while watching TV or commuting on the train! In this
class you will learn and practice medieval and renaissance
hand stitches. You will leave with your sampler and a handout
for reference.
Teacher Provides: handout, fabric samples to work with,
thread, needles, scissors
Student Provides: your own basic sewing kit if you prefer
Scale Up Patterns with Adobe Reader
Unlimited
4:00p - 5:00p
Virginia Lane
Format: Demonstration Class length: 1 hr
Fee: $1
Skill Level: Intermediate
Genre: Core Skills
Media: Technology, Technique
Everyone talks about using patterns scaled up from Janet
Arnold’s Patterns of Fashion or Jean Hunnisett’s books, or
those Pinterest links. But those tiny little gridded diagrams
are scary! You can’t draw, and the thought of messing with an
overhead projector or spending hours at a copier just makes
you tired. Don’t worry; all you need is a computer, a printer,
and a free copy of Adobe Reader! This demo class will show
you how to take a PDF scan and print out a perfectly scaled-up
pattern at home.
Teacher Provides: Handout
Student Provides: Intermediate computer ability; this class
assumes knowledge of how to use a program and print a
document.
This+That=TRIM: Making Unique Embellishments
4:00p - 5:00p Unlimited
Regina Lawson
Format: Workshop Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: All Levels
Genre: All
Media: Embellishments
Looking for that special something for the finishing touch on
your garment? Gimp just won’t cut it. But, if you take a cord
and weave it through gimp, then lay it on a strip of fabric,
you have a new, dimensional embellishment. “Concatenated
trim” is the frosting on top of your time and effort. The class
will offer techniques for combining elements and how to
pick components. The teacher will provide some supplies
for students to try their own combinations for the class fee.
Students are encouraged to bring fabric strips, and potential
trim elements to try additional combinations.
Teacher Provides: Various trim elements
Student Provides: Fabric strips, Trim elements
Timeline of Lace
Unlimited
4:00p - 5:00p
Teresa Liao
Format: Lecture
Class length: 1 hr
Fee: None
Skill Level: Beginner
Genre: Historical
Media: Embellishments
This class will be an overview of the types of laces that were
popular in various eras, the primary ways in which they were
used, and modern laces that could be used to achieve a similar
look and feel.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 54 —
Teachers
Joyce Bolin
Joyce Bolin has been a Civil War reenactor since 2004 and
hand stitched her first Civil War gown. From that point she has
been designing and creating her own 19th and 20th Century
gowns including hats and hat pins. Joyce started collecting hat
pins over 6 yrs ago and started making her own hat pins and
learning the history of hat pins.
Our volunteer teachers are remarkable,
knowledgeable, and have spent countless
hours developing their classes.
Without their contribution, Costume College
would not be the event that it is.
The Costume College Committee and CGW
Board of Directors would like to thank them
for all of their hard work.
Bridget Bradley-Scaife
Kay Adams
Kay Adams has been sewing since junior high school home-ec
class but has only recently begun historical costuming. She
and her husband discovered a love for costuming by accident
in 2008 when they attended the Durango Heritage Celebration
in Colorado. Since then she has been making costumes for a
variety of dances, cruises, and conventions. When not dancing,
Kay runs the Antique Specialty Mall where she specializes in
antique sewing items and vintage fashion
Erik Anderson
Erik Anderson has been a master class costumer for 23 years
and grew up in the southern California costumer community.
His first historical entry was a 1812 men’s regency cloak,
coat, waistcoat, breeches, and custom modified shoes. Since
then he has competed and won at Loscon, WesterCon and
WorldCon masquerades. Eric was a member of the founding
faculty of Costume College and taught classes for the first 3
years. He is the current head of Masquerade for a 20,000+
member anime convention. He has been specifically studying
men’s tailoring for the last 15 years specifically and historical
and modern construction techniques.
Priscilla Atwell
Since Priscilla Atwell has enjoyed teaching the two classes
on Bobbin Lace the past two years she thought that with the
theme of manipulating fabric that Hardanger Lace would be a
good class to teach. She has been a fiber artist and costumer
since the late 1970’s and has an AS in Fashion Design along
with a series of certificates in Fashion from El Camino College.
Priscilla teaches Boy Scouts merit badges in Textiles and
Basketry and she has worked the Renaissance Faire for 40
years, the last 27 doing fiber demonstrations (preparing the
fiber, spinning, weaving, lace making, weaving, knitting, etc.).
Trystan L. Bass
When she was five years old, Trystan Bass loved to dress in
tights and a trench coat to play Mrs. Peel from The Avengers.
She’s been wearing funny clothes ever since. Over the years,
she has launched the Greater Bay Area Costumer’s Guild
website, judged science-fiction costume masquerades,
organized gothic fashion shows, won Best in Show with the
Eugenie group at Costume-Con 26, and she currently plays a
Venetian courtesan at Renaissance fairs and dabbles in the
Society for Creative Anachronism. Trystan’s latest work can be
found at www.trystancraft.com.
Bridget Bradley-Scaife started costuming at the age of twelve
when she got involved in Renaissance Faires. Since then,
she has expanded her love of costuming to all time periods,
focusing the last few years on mid-Victorian and 18th Century.
Bridget loves researching and collecting images of historical
clothing and especially finding the supplies to recreate them.
She is an active member in the Greater Bay Area Costumers
Guild, a buyer for Renaissance Fabrics, and the owner of
North & South Emporium which specializes in mid-Victorian
accessories.
Simone Bryan
When Simone Bryan was 9, she saw Romeo and Juliet, then
went to Southern Renaissance Pleasure Faire, and she was
hooked. She was traumatized with a sewing machine and an
iron in 8th grade; since then she has found her peace with
machines. Simone studies the Renaissance with emphasis
in the 16th Century clothing. She teaches classes on many
aspects of the lives from history.
Jennifer Byrd
Jennifer Byrd began creating with fabric when she was a
young girl. Starting with Barbie clothes, she soon shifted to
clothes for herself, then her family. Accepting any challenge,
Jennifer tackled home decoration and stuffed toys. Even a
spare tire cover and movie screen repair are to her credit.
In 2002 she encountered her first corset...another challenge
met and mastered. Shortly thereafter, in 2003, Jennifer found
CGW. Now historic and fantasy creations meld many of her
extensive interests...Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Jane Cadieux
Jane is the 2015 programing teacher liason assistant. More of
her bio is Coming Soon!
Brayton and Amy Carpenter
Brayton and Amy Carpenter own Legendary Costume
Works. With over 3 decades combined experience in design
and fabrication, they work in a variety of textiles, leather,
metal and synthetics. Their portfolio showcases a range of
genres, with specific focus on high quality Star Wars inspired
clothing and accessories, 16th Century German Landsknecht
and Steampunk. Their work has been featured in museums,
films and on television. As sub-contractors for Sideshow
Collectibles, Amy and Brayton prototype clothing in various
scales with painstaking detail for many lines of pop culture
limited edition figurines. They can be seen at sci-fi and pop
culture conventions, such as San Diego Comic Con, hawking
their goods under the Legendary Costume Works banner.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 55 —
Francis Classe
Francis Classe has been costuming and making shoes for
over ten years. He has studied raised heels extensively
and is the author of “Chopine, Zoccolo, and Other Raised
Heel Construction” (www.raisedheels.com). Although
he specializes in the second half of the 16th Century, he
is interested in all manner of costuming and shoemaking,
both historical and fantasy. Francis is also the designer for
“Stratford,” the Renaissance high heel offering by American
Duchess.
Sahrye Cohen
Sahrye Cohen is a costumer and crafter from San Francisco
who loves any opportunity to costume or cosplay. Last year
she ran a marathon costumed as Wonder Woman. She is
interested in fashion design using electronic components and
responsive materials. Sahrye also collects hand fans and Lucite
purses. She is currently the Workshop Coordinator for the
Greater Bay Area Costumers Guild.
Rory Cunningham
With well over 20 years as professional costume manufacturer
and member of Local 705, Costumers Union, Rory Cunningham
has had the opportunity of making costumes for Academy
Award winning actors and working on Emmy winning
television programs. He has taught Costume Construction at
UCLA and at Costume College for close to 10 years.
Glen Darlingon
Glen Darlingon is an animation student at CSU Northridge and
neophyte sempster.
Jeannette Darlington
Jeannette Darlington has a degree in mechanical engineering
and has studied flat pattern drafting. She learned costuming
during the course of many years of black powder shooting and
muzzleloader rendezvous.
Candice Davis
Abigail Cox
Since Candice Davis was a little girl, her mom told her she must
have lived in the past; she loved costumes of earlier times.
When she was 5, she used to make multi-colored underwear
(before it was available) by tucking a colored hanky in front
and back. Now Candice is a bit more sophisticated. She has
been doing actual historical costuming since 2007 with other
members in the Seattle group, Somewhere In Time, Unlimited.
For the past 12 years, her money making job has been in the
field of Radiology and Mammography. This will be her first
teaching class experience at Costume College!
Emma Cross
Mercurio “Bunny” Ekaterin has been a costume enthusiast
since her first (and most disastrous) role as the sheep in a
school play. With a bachelor’s degree in architecture and many
years of thrifting as a starving student, Bunny has become
most interested in recombining and transforming thrift store
finds into costuming pieces. Although equal-opportunity to all
styles and periods, her current passion lingers in the late 18th
Century.
Lynn L. Combs
Lynn Combs’ BA is a double major in Theatre Arts and Social
Science. She owns her own costume rental shop and has
been resident costumer at Vallejo Music Theatre since 1982.
Lynn is a full-time vendor (Holzer & Combe Haberdashery) in
many historic re-enactments including Civil War, Renaissance
England and Victorian England.
Abigail Cox is employed by the Colonial Williamsburg
Foundation as an apprentice in the Millinery and Mantuamaking trades. Her passion for dress history has led her to
a strong academic background with a Master’s (M.Litt) in
Decorative Art and Design History from the University of
Glasgow in Scotland and a B.A. from Indiana University in Art
History, History, and Theatre and Drama. Abby kept an historic
costume blog, Stay-ing Alive.
Starting at the age of five, Emma Cross has worked in 18th
Century clothing for a number of historic sights including
Mount Vernon. At the age of ten she began working as a junior
interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg with the tradespeople
of the Margret Hunter Millinery shop and the Tailor shop.
Emma has continued with her early love of history and
sewing through research and presentation. She has recently
discovered the theatre costuming world and finally came to
an uneasy friendship with her sewing machine. In addition
Emma has appeared in Colonial Williamsburg film productions,
onstage and in photo shoots for Magazines and Colonial
Williamsburg publicity. Her other passions included writing
and chocolate.
Mercurio “Bunny” Ekaterin
Chantal Filson
Costume is Chantal Filson’s obsession, as well
as her profession. She has costumed for film/
television since 1998, and is a contributing writer
to yourwardrobeunlockd.com as well as an active
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
— 56 —
Kristen Foggie
History teacher and history lover, Kristen Foggie has been
sewing for over 10 years, but has really expanded her range of
techniques since joining and attending Costume College. Since
she is a stay-at-home mom, her budget is rather tight and
therefore she needs to think of creative ways to indulge in her
costuming hobby!
Veronica Gonzalez-Rubio’s first costume was made from
dyed rayon curtains, when she was in high school. It’s been a
slow, steady improvement since. She is a founding committee
member of the Social Daunce Irregulars, the premier Victorian
Ball in southern California. Veronica loves a vintage picnic.
Tracey Gorin
Aylwen Gardiner-Garden
Aylwen Gardiner-Garden is a historical costumer and dancer
from Australia, Director of Jane Austen Festival Australia and
Manager of the Earthly Delights Historic Dance Academy in
Canberra.
Liz Gerds
Liz Gerds has been fascinated by costumes and dress-up
since childhood and made her first costumes in high school.
She has created costumes for stage, historical recreationists,
equestrian competition, and created custom wedding
gowns. After working for FarthingalesLA, she focused on
corsets for many years creating corsets for Boss Wench, Real
Pirates, UCLA and individuals. Currently Liz is an independent
costumer, working on various projects. She is a repeat teacher
at Costume College.
Eric Gerds
Eric Gerds has been a part time teacher at Santa Monica
College for the past 22 years. When he is not teaching, he has
worked in both the aerospace industry and the entertainment
industry. Some of the companies that Eric has worked for
over the years include United States Air Force, Boeing Satellite
Systems, CBS, Sony Pictures Imageworks and Frank Gehry
Partners, to name a few.
Steven Gillan
Since 1982, Steven Gillan has headed Clan MacColin of
Glenderry, the oldest operating 16th Century Highland and
Irish reenactment organization in the United States. Through
extensive and ongoing research, he has striven to establish
and enhance a plausible, historic appearance standard for
Clan MacColin. This information has been used by many
subsequent Highland and Irish reenactment groups from the
Middle Ages to the English Civil War.
T. Lynn Gomez
Veronica Gonzalez-Rubio
From film/tv to museums, New York fashion week and reenactors spanning the globe, T. Lynn Gomez has designed
both historical and fantasy wigs, costumes and accessories
for some of the most interesting clients through many venues
including “The Historical Hairdresser”. She hopes to inspire all
students to create without fear. Everyone can style hair. Lynn
wants to enhance every student’s true beauty from inside her
soul.
Tracey Gorin started her beading and crafting as a young
girl, but didn’t begin costuming until 2003. As a beginning
seamstress, she found sewing a wonderful challenge, which
allowed her to expand her creative repertoire and gave her
so much inspiration. Tracey loves learning from others, and
finding new ways of doing things and combining talents into
new projects.
Judy Grivich
Judith Ann Grivich has been costuming since her grandmother
first brainwashed her into a love of sewing. She is currently
the secretary for the Greater Bay Area Costumers Guild.
Her interests range all over the board, including historical,
fantasy, science fiction, media recreation, millinery, and anime
costuming. However, Judy’s true love is creating armor and
working with metals, resins and plastics. Her philosophy is
that which does not kill you, might make you a bit more safety
conscious. (http://www.tatteredwings.net)
Diana Habra Rotheneder
Diana Habra Rotheneder has been sewing historical clothing
and costume since 1992 when she first got involved in
Renaissance Faires. She makes historical clothing from the
medieval period through the late 1800’s, but her current love
is the 18th Century. Diana is affiliated with the SCA, the Greater
Bay Area Costumers Guild and several other re-creation
societies. You can also catch her playing Florence Nightingale
at the Dickens Christmas Fair in northern California.
Heath Hammond
Heath Hammond has worked as an artist for the pop culture
community and movie industry for over sixteen years. In
addition to his artistic talents, his specialties include historical
consulting and costume consulting with an emphasis on
military attire throughout history, and historical military
research. Some of Heath’s exclusive projects include mural
and landscape art for the National Museum of the Civil War
Soldier for Pamplin Park Civil War Site, in Petersburg, Virginia.
He has worked with such historic artists as Keith Rocco, and
fantasy artists, Wendy Froud and Brian Froud. He served in
the United States Navy for eleven years as a Combat Crew
Chief on helicopters and as a Navy Rescue Swimmer and
now is currently working at Anovos Production as a Creative
Manager.
Lia Hansen
Lia Hansen has taught costume and makeup design at
Vanguard University for 14 years, as well as holding the
position of Faculty Costume and Makeup Designer. The 1850’s
is her favorite era. She loves getting lost in research.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
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Cathy Hay
British artist and entrepreneur Cathy Hay helps costumers
make better clothes with the award winning online magazines
Your Wardrobe Unlock’d (period costume) and Foundations
Revealed (corsetry). Her online course Trust Heart, Venture
Forth provides mentoring for small groups of creative
businesspeople. Cathy has a soft spot for Edwardian couture
and is currently working on realising her Peacock Dress dream
with the National Trust team at Kedleston Hall in the UK.
Denise Hendrick
Denise Hendrick has been involved in reenactment and
costuming for nearly 20 years. Eventually, this led her to
pursue an Apparel Design and Services degree, followed
by starting Romantic Recollections in 2005. In 2014 Denise
launched a line of machine embroidery designs inspired by
extant garments and period illustrations in order to help other
costumers bring the beauty of historical embroidery to their
own projects.
Maegen Hensley
Maegen Hensley has been volunteering for Costume College
since 2001, after her first year as a student. She has been
on the CoCo Committee as Programmer, Asst Dean, Dean
and Hotel Liaison. She loves costuming in any and all forms
including Historical, SciFi, Fantasy, Anime, and Steampunk.
Maegen is a Designer for NorthSouthEmporium on Etsy, and
currently the President of Historical Citizens Association, a
Civil War reenactment group. Her favorite pastime is making
costumes for her two adorable children.
Mela Hoyt-Hayden
Mela Hoyt-Heydon is a union costume designer for the
entertainment industry and also the Chairman of the Theatre
Arts Department at Fullerton College, which has one of the
largest costume construction programs in the United States.
On the non theatrical side of her life, she was a speaker at
Colonial Williamsburg’s Millinery Symposium last year, is a
member of Fashion Council, Costume Society of America, The
United States Institute of Theater Technology and a member
of United Scenic Artists. Her recent costume design work
includes The Drowsy Chaperone, Memphis, Jane Eyre, The
Complete Female Stage Beauty and her company, Atelier
Mela, just completed costumes for Shanghai Disney.
Amanda Irwin
Amanda Irwin (often known as Elemental) is a master
costumer who’s been attending conventions since 2002 and
shows no signs of stopping. She picked up photography in
2005 so she could document the fantastic work happening
around her and found it was even more fun than running
around dressed like an evil space alien.
When she’s not photographing
Amanda spends her cons
educating people about
the amazing wonders of
thermoplastics, especially
Worbla, and loves learning new
techniques with new costume.
She loves millinery, needlefelting,
interference paint, sfx makeup
and helping troubleshoot other
people’s costume construction
issues (rather than working on
her own).
Morrison Jackson
Morrison Jackson became interested in costume design after
her mother took her to see “Gone with the Wind” in a theatre
re-release. She has worked as a costume designer in the
theatre, made costumes for feature films and television, and
worked as a pattern maker in the garment industry. Morrison
runs The Little Sewing Room in San Dimas where she teaches
sewing, draping, pattern drafting, corset making, and costume
construction and teaches in several Los Angeles area fashion
schools.
Rose Mary Jameson
A graduate of FIDM Los Angeles, Rose Mary Jameson has
worked in the garment industry for over thirty years. Trained
as an expert pattern maker, designing and creating eclectic
fashion and specialty costumes has been her forte. Over the
years she has built outfits for discerning brides, competitive
ice skaters, national dance companies and theater troupes.
Currently designing patterns for independent fabrics shops
across the country, her most popular, the Twirly Batik Skirt,
is part of the Sewfast Design label. Rose Mary also creates
unique jewelry incorporating interesting techniques. She
teaches at Monica’s Quilt and Bead Creations in Palm Desert
CA and other locations around the country.
Gordon F. Jewess
Gordon Jewess has been constructing or building men’s
Regency and Victorian clothing for about 10 years as a hobby.
He is a mechanical design engineer by trade. His most popular
article of clothing for construction is the regency breeches
and/or fall front trousers, followed by various vests or waist
coats. Gordon has attended two years of Costume College
where he has noticed a dearth of men’s clothing classes and
would like to remedy that situation.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
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Mary Johns
Mary Johns runs the costume department at Riley’s Farm,
which includes costuming Revolutionary War, Civil War,
Gold Rush and 1880’s farm life tours, as well as their theater
company. She has learned much through trial and error, and
am always looking for ways to improve. Her husband thinks
Mary loves her job way too much, since she continues to do
costumey stuff at home, but she can’t help it!
Bobbie Kalben
Bobbie Kalben began sewing around age 10, but didn’t get
serious until about 15 years ago when the historic costuming
bug bit her! Since then she has loved researching garments
from many different eras and their various construction
methods, and trying her hand at recreating beautiful historic
costumes. Bobbie loves taking and teaching classes related
to historic costumes. To support her costuming habit, she is a
semi-retired actuary.
Amy Lee Karow-Thara
Amy Lee Karow-Thara has always been ‘artsy-fartsy”, and
started sewing over 10 years ago. Her love of “playing dress
up” started with Renaissance Faires, but quickly spread to
other genres. She now enjoys cosplaying (sci-fi/fantasy) and
historical costuming equally. Even after winning awards in
several group and individual competitions, Amy often times
still considers herself a beginner, because there is still so
much she wants to learn. You can find her online at: http://
llyrafantasyfae.blogspot.com/
Malaki Keller
Evidenced by a more than 20 year career creating magical
things in the fields of film, television, comics and toys, Malaki
Keller strives for a unique look in all he creates. Whether
detailing artwork, crafting props and costumes, or designing
and building toys, each of his creations develops its own sense
of personality. Past credits include Alien Resurrection and
Starship Troopers on film, Star trek deep space 9 and Buffy
the Vampire Slayer on TV, as well as Airwalk and Heineken
advertising campaigns. Working in foam, clay, resin, plastic,
wood, or any other material to get the job done, he has even
worked with chocolate!
Lisa Klassen
Lisa Klassen has been costuming for over 15 years and
specializes in historical re-enactment and cosplay. She designs
and sells period accurate ancient Roman clothing through her
online store and also maintains her own costuming website
and blog at www.LisaKlassen.com. She is currently focusing
on creating Star Wars and Victorian costumes and creating
a community for other costumers with disabilities (she has
a chronic pain condition called fibromyalgia). Lisa is also an
accomplished artist, favoring fiber and fashion as her medium.
Valarie LaBore
Valarie LaBore started researching historically correct
costumes in 2002 after dressing up to go to an afternoon
tea. She thought she was in a strange world of her own,
until another costumer contacted her online about Costume
College. She was intimidated, since she didn’t think she
was that good, but found she wasn’t the only one. Valarie
discovered other people just as crazy as she was. She was also
introduced to the various costume guilds, and joined CGW and
the San Diego Costume Guild, where she has served a 3-year
term as President. She loves writing in her blog, Time Traveling
in Costume, about her costumes and sharing everything she’s
learned along the way.
Virginia Lane
Virginia Lane, or Ginger, as she is usually known, found a love
for historical clothing as a young teen when her family began
reenacting the Civil War. She is fascinated by historic clothing
construction, and will spend hours researching a single detail.
Reenacting and her longtime involvement with the Dallas
Fort Worth Costumers Guild (DFWCG) gives her excuse to
study, make and have fun wearing clothing all periods. Besides
sewing, Ginger, keeps busy working her day job as a contract
negotiator, singing in three volunteer choirs, and learning to
play handbells. She goes by Nuranar and Scene in the Past
online.
Regina Lawson
While still a teenager, Regina Lawson costumed high school
theatre productions and rock bands such as Motley Crue and
Quiet Riot. Starting in 1985 she costumed Highland and Irish,
English, and German re-enactors at the Renaissance Pleasure
Faire in Southern California, as well as dabbling in Victorian,
and 16th Century and 17th Century Polish and Turkish clothing.
Now Historical Clothing Coordinator for Clan MacColin of
Glenderry, the premier 16th Century Irish and Highland reenactment organization, Regina carries on her nearly 30year obsession with the mysteries of early modern Irish and
Highland clothing.
Teresa Liao
While Teresa Liao has been sewing since she could hold a yarn
needle and canvas at her mother’s knee (while she sewed
at the machine), it took quite some time for her to discover
costuming. Teresa did not attend her first event until she was
an adult, but over the past fifteen years she has had plenty
of time to dabble in just about every era and a few fandoms,
as well as to pick up a few new hobbies to augment her
sewing, such as crochet and knitting. As an English teacher
by profession, Teresa’s greatest delight is to find ways to
weave fashion history into her English classes and her literary
knowledge into her costuming.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
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Lana Lily
Lana Lily is a lover of history, with a passion for detailed
research of historical clothing. She received a degree in
Fashion Design from FIDM and has more than 15 years
experience as a historical reenactor. Involvement in the CGW
resulted in the honor of being Dean of Costume College 2007.
A commitment to historical accuracy resulted in her inclusion
in a group reproduction of Winterhalter’s portrait of “Empress
Eugenie and her Maids of Honor, 1855” for Costume Con 2008,
where they competed at the Master Level and were awarded
Best in Show. Lana is proud to offer historical millinery
through www.etsy.com/shop/NorthSouthEmporium and
teaches historical sewing techniques to all level of costumers
at her Los Angeles Studio www.lanalily.com.
Laura Lowe
Laura Lowe has been studying and reproducing the styles
of the 1920’s-40’s since being bitten by the swing-dance bug
years ago. Since then, she’s become adept at sewing from
vintage patterns, creating hairstyles from vintage diagrams
and pictures, and adapting modern elements to suit a vintage
silhouette. Her 10+ years’ experience with WWII reenacting
have given her insight into the psychology and the style of
the period, as well as a practical knowledge of how women
created and kept their style. Laura has participated in many,
many living history events geared towards teaching about
women’s participation in WWII, including doing work for the
History Channel, presentations on the USS Midway; at Fort
MacArthur and Fort Rosecrans; and with the organizations
Marching Through History and The Spirit of ’45.
Tara Maginnis
Tara Maginnis is the founder/author of The Costumer’s
Manifesto website, and the costume designer, and costume
and stage makeup instructor at Diablo Valley College in
northern California. The Costumer’s Manifesto site has
recently fully converted to a wiki format, and all of you are
now encouraged to join and put in links and other costume
content you feel would be useful to your fellow costumers!
Rebecca Maiten
Rebecca Maiten is an actor and costumer living in Seattle, and
has been fascinated with historical fashions for as long as she
can remember. She started sewing in high school, and has
been creating historical costumes for 6 years, both for herself
and as commissions. Rebecca loves sewing costumes of any
era, from the 18th c through Edwardian, and even Disney
Princess dresses. She is also one of the founders of the Puget
Sound Historical Costumers Guild. More information can be
found at LadyRebeccaFashions.com.
Sandra Manning
Sandra Manning started costuming back when she was
about 13 or so and has been doing it since then. She’s been
belly dancing for the past 15 years and makes her own dance
clothing. Sandra has also been gardening forever and she
spends the year in the wilds of Alaska teaching mathematics.
In the past three years she has gotten more and more into
educational technology and along the way discovered she
enjoys researching various topics using the digital tools now
available.
Lauren Maringola
A self-proclaimed costume history and vintage fashion nerd,
Lauren Maringola is the entrepreneur behind the Wearing
History clothing line, vintage sewing pattern line, and blog.
She loves both researching fashion history and inventing ways
to bring ideas to life.
Susan T. McDonald
Susan (Sue) McDonald is an avid seamstress and long-time
costumer. She also teaches classes and writes articles about
dressing in period attire. Currently Sue teaches several classes,
including making a reproduction Victorian purse, making
buckram hats, covering parasols and making carpet bags. She
has been writing articles and copy for the Recollections web
site for many years, and also makes several items sold on the
Recollections site.
Lynn McMasters
Lynn McMasters has tried her hand at almost everything
that one can do with a sewing machine, from everyday
clothes to period costumes for porcelain dolls, educational
puppets and costumes for such places as the Monterey Bay
Aquarium, Point Reyes National Sea Shore and Santa Barbara
Botanical Gardens. In the past 10 years she has concentrated
on period hats and has started a line of period hat patterns.
Examples of her work can be seen on her website http://
lynnmcmasters.com. Lynn has taught at Costume College, the
GBACG Costume Academy, and workshops at SCA Arts and
Sciences. She teaches corset making, millinery and Elizabethan
embellishment-related classes as well.
Virginia Mekkelson
Virginia Mekkelson sewed doll clothes as a child, and
always made her own Halloween costumes. She has a BA in
Anthropology from the Univ. Of Wisconsin, Madison (where
she worked in the theatre costume shop) and an MA in Arts
in the Humanities from Cal State Dominguez Hills. Virginia is
a playwright and musical theatre librettist, and just finished a
novel, “The Sunset Bar”, which is like “One Thousand and One
Arabian Nights” - full of stories. When she makes a costume,
she makes up a story for it.
Elizabeth Merritt
Elizabeth Merritt is a sewist, costumer, ceili dancer, knitter
and general craft geek. She thinks the only thing better than
playing historical dress-up is getting to play dress-up and
dance, too!
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
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Jennifer Mulvey
Jennifer Mulvey has been a part of the costuming hobby for
over 7 years, wherein she has served on both the Costume
College Committee for a number of years and the CGW, Inc.
Board of Directors. She enjoys all aspects of costuming from
historical Civil War reenacting to sci-fi / fantasy. Jennifer is a
“certified” friend maker and loves to welcome new people
in the costuming world, so she has hosted the Freshman
Orientation for the last number of years. Never claiming to
be an expert, she is always glad to lend a hand whenever a
costume is in need!
Natalie Meyer
Natalie Meyer was taught hand sewing by her mother when
she was 5. She learned to machine sew when she was 10 and
was making her own clothes by the time she was 13. Natalie
has been teaching at Costume College for about 10 years
and was dean in 2002 and again in 2013. She is the costumer
for both Heritage Square Museum in Los Angeles and the
Workman/Temple Homestead in Industry, CA.
David Miles
David Miles is a mild mannered engineer masquerading as a
costumer.
Jess Miller
Jess Miller has been costuming since discovering the
Renaissance Faire, the SCA and science fiction fandom all in
the same year. She has a BA in Art, emphasis textiles, and
further coursework in Anthropology, which just makes her
that much more confused. Jess has ran the masquerade at
LosCon for 10 years, is a dean emeritus of Costume College
and will talk costume for hours on end.
Barbara Muran
Barbara Muran, has had a lifelong passion for sewing, taking
and teaching sewing classes at every opportunity, some for
fun, some required for her Home Economics degree. In 1999
she joined the Sutter’s Fort historical group and launched
headlong in to the world of historic clothing. Using half scale
garments and body forms, she speaks at schools, historic
parks, and other groups. Barbara began teaching Laughing
Moon corset workshops in 2004, and as proprietor of “Of
Corset” she teaches corset workshops throughout the year.
In addition to making custom corsets, her line of corsets is
available through At Last Lingerie in Sacramento.
Jeanette Murray
Donna Moran
Donna Moran has been taking care of leather for over 15 years.
In 2003 she won the International Ms Bootblack title. Donna’s
goal is to teach others how to take care of their own leather
boots, shoes and other leather items.
Ed Morlan
Ed has been a costumer before he even knew he was. Delving
into the world of stunt work and extra on movie sets, he
ended up in a Civil War movie where he met a group of guys
who invited him to join a reenactment group. One event and
he was hooked. Always into leatherworking, he has now
honed an impressive set of skills making all kinds of custom
western rigs and other custom accessories. He has ventured
out into different time periods and is a relative newbie to
Costume College, but enjoys meeting and networking with all
costumers alike!
Jeanette Murray has been creating, wearing and loving
historical costumes since 2007. It was then that she and her
husband began enjoying their shared passion for Cowboy
Action Shooting while dressed in period clothing. That
costuming passion spread like wildfire to Victorian teas, balls,
dance cruises, conventions and, of course, Costume College.
Jeanette says she has “champagne taste on a cider budget”
and is a self-taught seamstress and milliner. She especially
loves to learn and teach the art of creating the accessories so
important to great costuming. She shares her creations and
challenges for The Historical Sew Fortnightly through her blog,
The Perfect Touch.
Toni Nelson
Toni Nelson’s biography is Coming Soon!
Carl Nelson
Carl Nelson is a cartographer and Medieval historian with a
B.S. degree in History and Geography. He has been teaching
chain-maille for 35 years and is a returning teacher to Costume
College. He’s also become a part time writer of SciFi and
fantasy.
Jeanne Mueller
Jeanne Mueller is a multifaceted costumer who has been
sewing for a number of years. She has been working at
the Northern California Renaissance Faire and the Dickens
Christmas Fair for several years, and at Muscovy Trading and
Madame Louise’s (Haberdashery). Having sewn numerous
ensembles for both Renaissance and Dickens Fairs, she is now
considering making custom sewing a career.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
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Gail Nichols
Gail Nichols has worked in costuming for many years, from
making costumes for her children to working in a costume
shoppe doing the full gamut, including sales, designing,
making costumes for inventory and custom jobs. For the past
14 years, she has worked for the Santa Cruz Shakespeare
Festival in conjunction with UCSC, in the costume shoppe.
She worked in the capacity of Master-Stitcher and First Hand
for the summer and holiday productions. She continues to
accumulate a variety of skills and experiences in costuming
and stitching. Gail has taught at creative retreats, assisted
other teachers and most recently mentored native artisans in
Peru, helping them in product design and development. She is
a returning instructor to Costume College.
Jennifer Old-d’Entremont
Jennifer Old-d’Entremont is an hobbyist costumer with a taste
for recreating characters from science fiction and fantasy, in
addition to the study of historical and ethnic dress. A medical
technologist by day, it’s the fannish endeavors that make
life more fun. Jennifer is the president of her local chapter
of the International Costumers’ Guild and enjoys costume
competition. She’s never read the instruction manual that
came with the sewing machine and can’t make herself follow
the instructions of a pattern or recipe to save her life. There’s
also a very unhealthy obsession with puff paint, but we don’t
talk about that. Jennifer lives in Kansas City with her spousal
unit and furry, four-legged children.
Elizabeth Pedersen
Elizabeth Pedersen began working for JoAnn Peterson at
Sacramento City Dry Goods as store manager in 2010. That
same year she graduated from California State University,
Sacramento with a BA in Apparel Marketing and Design. When
the retail store closed in 2012 she began working for Laughing
Moon Mercantile. Since then she has been working full time as
assistant designer and pattern maker.
Scott Pennington
At 15, Scott Pennington designed and built his first garment,
a jacket with a side zipper, just because it seemed like a fun
challenge! Since then he’s taught himself how to create many
types of garments: corsets, kilts, Victorian ball gowns and
other complex garments. Through all of this Scott discovered
a love of making historical garments and pattern matching.
This led him to an interest in drafting patterns through various
different systems. Scott loves sharing his passion of sewing
with others and is eager to pass on his unique perspective on
how things fit together.
JoAnn Peterson
Although JoAnn Peterson was interested in making clothes
from a young age, she nevertheless pursued an electronics
degree and a career at IBM. Rather late in life, she decided to
trade that in for a degree in Fashion Design and Production
and her own pattern making business. She started her
fashion career by making patterns for other designers and
manufacturers, but eventually went out on her own with her
own business, Laughing Moon Mercantile. JoAnn also had her
own retail store for a while, of which we will not speak. Today
she and her design assistant, Elizabeth Pedersen, exclusively
create and publish sewing patterns and have an online only
store. Currently they design and recreate fashion patterns
from the 19th and early 20th Century, but I wouldn’t put
anything past them. To visit the site go to www.lafnmoon.
com.
Abigail Pote
Abigail Pote’s biography is Coming Soon!
Patricia Pratt
Patricia Pratt (Trish) has been sewing since age 5. She’s had
a fascination for historical clothing, dress up and foundation
shaping garments since then.
Rise Reading
Currently serving as Vice President of Costumer’s Guild West,
Rise Reading has been an artist, costumer, and historian for
over 40 years. She began as a designer of historical wedding
gowns and making costumes for re-enactor groups. Rise
specializes in the 17th, 18th, and 19th Centuries. Also an
accomplished painter, her work is in collections around the
country, and has produced fashion and theater costume
illustrations. Rise resides in Redondo Beach, California.
Carolyn Richardson
Carolyn Richardson has been costuming for about 30 years
as a hobbyist, and participates in many periods including
medieval and Renaissance, Regency and Victorian. She has
taught several times at Costume College. In addition to
costuming, Carolyn collects and restores antique sewing
machines, and currently have over 20 in her collection.
Jennifer Rosbrugh
Jennifer Rosbrugh is a 21st Century lady with a passion for
sewing 19th Century costumes. Desiring to live in a 1870s
Victorian town, she connects with others who love costuming
and dream of the past. Jennifer runs www.HistoricalSewing.
com and has been hosting continually sold-out online sewing
classes there since 2012. After making her clothes for nearly
30 years, Jennifer has developed a penchant for 1870s bustle
dresses, 1830s and Regency era gowns. As well as being an
event time-traveler, Jennifer is a Neo-Victorian, lover of dark
chocolate and long-time teacher at Costume College.
Costume College® - July 30th-August 2nd / Warner Center Marriott-Woodland Hills-CA
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Kristin Stonham
Nicole Rudolph
Nicole Rudolph has been an avid stitcher since she was very
young. She received a BFA in Costuming from Ball State
University, and afterward moved to Virginia to work for
Colonial Williamsburg at the Costume Design Center. Since
then she has worked in various capacities within the museum
including, but not limited too, the First Oval Office Project,
recreating George Washington’s campaign tents, and the
Margaret Hunter Millinery Shop. She has also opened up her
own business in historic dress, and has endeavored to learn
the art of the 18th century ladies shoemaker.
Audrey I. Russell
As a sewing instructor, Audrey Russell focuses on foundational
skills that solve problems before they begin. From feel-good
fit and common sense construction to beautiful finishing
techniques, she shares 15 years of sewing expertise and study
to help students move from frustration to enjoyment in their
sewing, resulting in garments they are proud to wear. In her
spare time, Audrey creates detailed historical and fantastical
costumes for herself and her 7-year old Jedi Knight.
Janice (JP) Ryan
Janice (JP) Ryan, via The Recollections of J. P. Ryan, offers a
line of patterns for historic 18th Century clothing.
Donna Scarfe
Getting the correct headgear to complete your outfit can be
difficult to find. Donna Scarfe found few Renaissance Faire
merchants that had a variety of good quality hats and decided
to fill the void. She has been creating hats for 17 years now
and studied with a millinery teacher in Los Angeles and some
courses in England where they really know hats! Her company,
Fyne Hats by Felicity, creates a wide range of custom hats
(period and contemporary fashion styles) and her Renaissance
headgear has turned up at faires from coast to coast. She once
outfitted a whole Madgrical Choir with 20 Dickens’ bonnets.
Her hats have been sold at charity auctions for the American
Cancer Society and the Des Moines Opera. Donna admits she
is partial to wide brimmed hats with lots of feathers!
Catherine Scholar
Catherine Scholar read “Little House on the Prairie” at age five
and has been obsessed with historic clothing ever since. She
learned to sew at her mother’s knee and to embroider at her
grandmother’s. In high school she discovered vintage dance,
the Northern Renaissance Pleasure Faire and Dickens Fair,
and was amazed to learn that she could combine her passions
for dance, costume, history and theater. Catherine is the
President of the Greater Bay Area Costumers Guild.
Hallie Smith
Hallie Smith is a stay-at-home mom, avid crafter, and
costuming junkie. It all started with a dress for a Barbie (that
did NOT turn out, by the way) and it hasn’t stopped yet.
Born into a line of sewers, Kristin Stonham is sure her
grandmothers never thought of all the things she’d do with
what they taught her! Over a decade after watching a costume
competition and declaring to a friend “We can do that too,”
she’s still going strong, dabbling in every type of fabric craft
she can get her hands on.
Lauren Stowell
Lauren Stowell is a designer and historical costumer
specializing in history of footwear as well as 18th Century
dress. She is the founder of American Duchess Inc. and spends
her days researching and recreating historical shoes of the
past for reenactors, hobbyist costumers, stage companies and
film productions. Lauren enjoys long walks on the beach and
her Starbucks addiction, and is proud to have been raised by
wolves.
Jenny Straus
Jenny Straus has been a volunteer at Costume College for
several years. She loves most costuming but her favorite
is creating Mardi Gras costumes. Her costumes have been
featured in various media including National Geographic
Traveler magazine.
Christina Stroffolino Keller
After assisting her husband Malaki Keller on countless
costume builds, it was inevitable that Christina Stroffolino
Keller (AKA: Mombie Zombie ) would be bitten by the creative
bug. Her main passion became resin and urethane casting,
for which she uses to create many wonderful geeky fandom
pieces. Her many years of “out of the box” thinking has led to
a remarkable understanding of tools and techniques for which
Christina is happy to impart to you all.
Lindsay Tallman
Lindsay Tallman’s costuming takes her all over the map. She
recently celebrated her 10th season with the Guild of St. Luke
at Casa de Ren Faire, is an avid Victorian costumer, and loves
media recreation and cosplay; she nurses a particular affinity
for Disney costuming, and is convinced she is actually an
animated princess trapped in a human body. Lindsay has been
the Masquerade Director at Anime Los Angeles since the 2008
convention, and competes and judges at other events as time
allows.
Lynne Taylor
Lynne Taylor is a former Cosmetology Instructor, a trained
Milliner and Master Costumer living in Sacramento, Ca. Lynne
started teaching hat and historical sewing related subjects
when she was the Workshop Coordinator for GBACG. She
has studied parasol history and recovering techniques since
2002 and taught recovering parasols for many costume
organizations here in CA. and across the country. Now after a
long hiatus, she has return to teaching for Costume College.
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Emerson Terry
Cheryl Trent
Emerson Terry’s biography is Coming Soon.
Cheryl Trent is a self-taught seamstress with a degree in
History of clothing. When she is not working as a tailor for
Nordstrom, she is working on commissions that range from
anime to Steampunk and stocking her booth. Cheryl has
researched and made clothing from nearly every era as well as
oriental clothing. Though in hiatus, her master’s degree focus
was the assimilation of Native American dress. Her current
focus is making historical clothing from upcycled items; this
has worked well in Steampunk and her next challenge is
Rocco. Cheryl has been making clothing for over 20 years and
she is ready for 20 more.
The Tudor Tailor
The Tudor Tailor team is
headed by Ninya Mikhaila
and Dr Jane Malcolm-Davies,
whose complementary skills
provide a unique perspective
on 16th Century dress. Ninya is
a costumier with many years
experience working for heritage
sites in the UK. Jane has managed
teams of costumed interpreters
at a range of historic buildings –
including Hampton Court Palace
from 1992 to 2004. Together, they
wrote “The Tudor Tailor” in 2006
and are currently working on
an update entitled “The Typical
Tudor”. They collaborate with
other specialists to publish books
which paint a vivid picture of
the social history of dress. Bring
an open mind and a sense of
humour!
Shawna Trpcic
A Southern CA native, Shawna Trpcic entered into the world
of costume and fashion design as an art student in high school
then later at Otis in Los Angeles. As well as studying the
fashion figure, Shawna studied the fine arts of watercolor,
acrylics, pottery and ceramics. She began working in the
film industry, designing for the students at the American
Film Institute. In the 90’s, she worked in costume design for
Megaville, Toys and Red Shoe Diaries. Currently Shawna Trpcic
is a well-known Hollywood Costume Designer working on
various projects and is most well-known for her work on Joss
Whedon’s Firefly, Angel, Doctor Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog and
Dollhouse. Her greatest joy is in teaching those in need and
volunteers at a juvenile hall teaching young women of their
worth in our society.
Kendra Van Cleave
Rebecca Thelin
Rebecca Thelin is a founding member and current Board
Member of the Historical Citizens Association (HCA). For the
past couple of years she has run the Oak Street Post Office
at Civil War events (organizing the Letters to Soldiers mail
call). While 19th Century always is a favorite era, she is also
drawn to early 20th (especially 1920s-1950s). Rebecca first
attended Costume College in 2003 and has been an occasional
teacher (and often committee member) since 2006. Handsewing (including needlework) and knitting are two favorite
“downtime” activities (besides reading!)
Feather Tippetts
Feather Tippetts, of Grand Gestures, is a premier awardwinning costumer specializing in historic garments. Her work
has been displayed in museums in Washington, D.C. as well as
museums in California.
Kendra Van Cleave has been creating and studying
historic costumes for nearly 20 years (although we won’t
talk about those early mishaps). She also is a fashion
historian, specializing in the 18th Century. She has recently
published a book on 18th Century Hair & Wig styling
(www.18thcenturyhair.com). Kendra maintains a costume
website, Demode (www.demodecouture.com), where she
presents her research and projects.
Neal Way
Neal Way made his first corset as a Christmas gift in 2006.
After parking his commercial trucking business in 2007, his
focus changed to art, where he is working full time in a metal
fabrication shop doing custom metal work and blacksmithing
for high-end custom homes. Working with his mother, Barbara
Muran, to expand her business “Of Corset”, he took on
marketing and assists with design and production. He has
been an assistant instructor for the last 3 years of Costume
Collage, as well as at classes that have been held regularly in
northern California and now Nevada. Some of his work has
been featured on the cover of the “Reno Passport” along with
a feature article. Neal has been seen on NBC and CBS news
during the production of the Red District art/fashion show at
the West St. Market Reno. Being new to costuming he enjoys
making wearable art, with a focus on Steampunk.
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Meilin Wong
Janea Whitacre
Janea Whitacre is Mistress of the Millinery and Mantuamaking Trades, Department of Historic Trades at The
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. For the past 33 years she
has endeavored to “Put the Trades into Her Hands”, or to
understand the world of the 18th Century through studying,
making and wearing. This year she serves on the National
Board of the Costume Society of America and in any year
is totally involved with the WBCCI or Airstream Owners
Association.
Jenny-Rose White
Jenny-Rose White is a licensed hair stylist and make-up artist
in northern Virginia, specializing in bridal, special events
and historical work. She became fascinated by historical
fashion and costuming at an early age, and has been sewing
historically inspired costumes for over 17 years. Jenny-Rose
enjoys many different eras of historical fashion and hair
but 1775-1815 is her first love. She is the webmistress of
jennylafleur.com.
Lloyd Winter
Lloyd Winter has nearly thirty years of historical reenactment
experience, from the SCA to the Renaissance Pleasure Faire.
Researching the clothing and weapons of the 14th through the
16th Centuries has lead to making leather garments, as well as
sheaths, scabbards and purses.
Kathryn Wolters
Kathryn Wolters has been a costume /jewelry/accessory
‘junkie’ since age 9--when she first learned to sew her Barbie’s
clothes. After that, she was sewing most of her own junior
high and high school wardrobes---as well as clothing adult
sized Barbies, Kens, Skippers--and pretty much anyone who
stood still in front of her long enough. Kathryn has played
and taught along the way with lots of different groups,
SCA, Friends of the English Regency, Past Times with Good
Company. The words ‘Lifetime Addictions ‘ come to mind.
Meilin Wong thinks making stuff is cool so when she’s not
making computers do her bidding she dabbles in costuming.
Recently her costuming has gravitated towards mad
engineering projects fused with art displayed in wearable
costume form.
Carol Wood
Carol Wood is a professional pattern-maker/draper and has
been teaching historical garment cutting and construction
through her custom costume business, “Fannye Grace,” and
at Lacis, Apparel Arts, and the Greater Bay Area Costumer’s
Guild. She is known for recreating, wearing, and writing about
historical garments. For the past two decades, her work
has been honored with awards, shown in galleries, worn to
period events, appeared on the stage, and escorted down the
wedding aisle. Carol also works as an assistant cutter in San
Francisco Opera’s Costume Shop. Her motto: Lace it tighter!
Anita J (AJ) Wu
Anita J (AJ) Wu’s interest in sewing began in middle school
when she used to sew her own costumes for her Chinese
dance recitals. Now, many (many) years later, she’s still
obsessed with costuming although the advent of small
human beings has slowed down the costume output. She
enjoys that costuming gives her an outlet for her obsessive
compulsiveness and thinks the kitchen is better suited for
casting work, as her skills at creating do not extend to the
culinary realm. (http://confused-kitty.com)
Diane Yoshitomi
Diane Yoshitomi has been at home with needle and thread
in hand since age 9, when her grandmother taught her the
basics of crewel embroidery. By her 20s she made all of
her own clothes, and, after entering fashion design school,
she designed many of them as well. She began to “dress
historical” in the 1990s while a docent at a Victorian house
museum, but credits Costume College with the skills and
acquaintanceships which continue to open ever-widening
horizons of costuming creativity. She has received awards at
Costume Cons and other events for her truly Victorian gowns.
Joanne Yeakley
Like many of us, Joanne Yeakley has been sewing for over 40
years, though not as a career. Over that time, she has focused
on costumes, most recently historical silhouettes for herself,
and on dressing ballet dancers.
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About Costumer’s Guild West, Inc.
& Costume College ®
Costumer’s Guild West, Inc. (CGW) is a non-profit, volunteer run, charitable/educational organization dedicated
to the art of costuming. Born in the science fiction community, CGW has expanded to include a large number of
historic and master costumers. CGW members range from those who just love looking at costumes, to passionate
amateurs and professional costumers. It is a year-round organization with Costume College® being the largest
gathering each year.
At Costume College, we meet as equals. Everyone has something to teach, and we all have things to learn. We
purposefully don’t have a masquerade or hall costume awards, so we can keep our focus on sharing information
and learning from on another. We hope that you will forge new friendships, renew old ones and generally have
a good time.
Though Costume College is our main focus, CGW sponsors other costume-related events throughout the year.
We hold workshops, very similar to Costume College classes: some are lectures and some are
“hands-on
creation of items” classes. Our ticketed events include costumed teas & picnics as well as visits to costume
exhibits with special lectures. Non-ticketed, costumed meetups are scheduled for movie openings and outings
to no-host locations like Disneyland, a bowling alley, and local dances.
Because CGW is an educational organization, we also have an outreach program. We sponsor fashion shows
that are fundraisers at local museums. We award Costume College scholarships during masquerades at local
conventions and the costume contest at the Los Angeles County Fair. We also have a Costume College Scholarship
program to assist beginning costumers or those in financial need or those who have served CGW.
Help is always needed to make Costume College and CGW a success. Volunteers are joyfully welcomed at the
volunteers table when you have a spare hour during Costume College. If you have a little more time, you may
want to host a CGW event, and we can always use assistance with our newsletter or our website, even if you
are located away from Southern California. If you want to be even more involved, you might want to consider
joining the Costume College committee as an assistant or a department head, becoming an event coordinator,
or running for a position on the board of directors.
You can contact Costume College at www.costumecollege.net and Costumer’s Guild West at
www.costumersguild.net. Don’t forget to let people that you meet who are passionate about costuming know
about us, too!
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A Note on Scholarships
Did you know that Costumer’s Guild West, Inc. Offers Costume College® Scholarships? We know that times can be
tough, and we want to help make sure that as many people as possible can attend Costume
College, to learn and enjoy all that it has to offer. Skill-based scholarships are awarded as part of our
Outreach events, including entries from the costume competition at the Los Angeles County Fair and
masquerade winners from local conventions. Essay-based scholarships are awarded by a CGW committee in order to
encourage beginning costumers, for service to CGW, or financial hardship. The number of scholarships awarded in a
given year is dependent upon the funding available. All proceeds from the Bargain Basement, the Early Bird tickets
for the Marketplace, the Gala Raffle, and Gala “dance only” donations go into the CGW Scholarship Fund. We are also
grateful to have had generous donations to the Scholarship Fund from anonymous members, as well as donations in
memoriam to loved ones.
For more CGW Scholarship information, please visit:
http://www.costumecollege.net/~costumer/about-us/scholarships/
Attention All Attendees:
Very Important – Legal Information
Your Photograph may be taken at the Costume College® 2015 Event
As is customary at many of our events, photographs of participants and their guests are taken and posted on the web.
We believe that the use of these photographs enhances the overall event experience by the participants. This practice
will occur at COSTUME COLLEGE 2014. Under the circumstances there is a real possibility that your photograph may
be taken by us, or attendees, and thereafter posted on the Web. By attending Costume College, you give consent to
the posting of such photographs by us, or others, and waive all rights and claims with respect to the posting of such
photographs.
While we have no control over other peoples’ websites, the CGW, Inc. does not list names with the photos on our
website. If you would like your photo removed, please contact the Web Mistress. Reference “Costume College” in
the subject line to avoid being considered “spam”.
Photography
As is customary at many of our events, photographs of participants and their guests are taken and posted online.
There are so many people taking photos that there is a real possibility that your photograph may be taken by us, or by
attendees, and thereafter posted on the Web. By attending Costume College, you give your consent to the posting of
such photographs by us, or others, and waive all rights and claims with respect to the posting of such photographs.
While we have no control over other peoples’ websites, CGW, Inc. does not list names with the photos on our website.
If you would like your photo removed, please contact the Web Team.
It is harassment to continue to photograph someone who specifically asks you not to take photographs of them or
their belongings. If someone asks you not to take such a photo, please comply with their request.
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Costume College Policies
Conferences bring a large group of diverse people together. Even though we all have a love of costumes in common,
we come from varying backgrounds. Remember that someone that you see only once or twice a year or have only just
met, may have a different comfort level – verbally, visually, and physically – than you do.
Anti-harassment
Any action or behavior that causes significant interference with convention operations, excessive discomfort to
other attendees, or adversely affects the convention’s relationship with its guests, its venues or the public is strictly
forbidden and may result in permanent suspension of membership.
What is harassment?
Harassment is generally any behavior that causes discomfort or alarms or threatens another person or group.
Here are some examples of harassment:
• Offensive verbal comments about sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual
orientation, sexuality or marital status.
• Offensive verbal comments about physical or mental disability, physical appearance or body size.
• Offensive verbal comments about race, color, ancestry, national origin or religion.
• Offensive verbal comments about age, genetic characteristics, or a history or diagnosis of cancer. (The
characteristics listed in these four bullet points are the “protected characteristics.”)
• Sustained disruption of classes, talks or other events.
• Leering, staring or suggestive gestures.
• Stalking or following someone around a public area without their consent.
• Repeated requests for dates or requests for sexual favors.
• Showing sexual images or carrying out sexual activities in public spaces.
• Epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, offensive jokes or offensive visual materials related to a protected
characteristic.
• Any written, visual or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion to an individual or group
because of a protected characteristic.
• Photographing or recording someone when you have been asked not to.
• Uninvited physical contact, including touching, grabbing, patting, pinching, hugging, kissing.
• Threatening to physically attack someone.
• Sexual assault.
• Graphic verbal commentaries about an individual’s body, sexually degrading words used to describe an
individual, or obscene letters, notes or invitations.
• Harassing communications via letters, phone calls, e-mails, text messaging or social media.
• Prohibited harassment includes gender-based harassment of an individual of the same sex as the harasser.
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What do I do if I am being harassed?
In some cases you may find the harassment stops if you clearly say ‘no’ or ‘please leave me alone’, or simply walk
away. We would appreciate it if a Costume College Committee or CGW Board member was informed right away to
help us identify any repeat offenders.
If you continue to be harassed, don’t hesitate to ask for the Dean or the President. We will mediate the situation,
help you contact venue security or law enforcement, or otherwise assist you to feel safe during the conference.
Costume College will not retaliate against an individual for coming forward with a complaint of
harassment.
What should I do if I see someone else being harassed?
Ask the person being harassed if they are okay. Offer to help them find an appropriate board or committee member
to report the problem to, or stay with them while someone else finds help.
During the registration process on site, look for the photos of board and committee members, so you will know who
can help in case such a need arises.
What can I do if someone accuses me of harassment?
Participants asked to stop harassing behavior must comply immediately.
If someone makes a complaint against you, listen, and be aware that your actions may not have come off as you
intended them. If this has occurred, be prepared to apologize, sincerely and without qualifiers. Please understand
that, in such a situation, the safety of guests is the highest priority.
Dress Code
When you are in classes, you don’t need to wear a costume, as they can be a distraction to other students and keep
you from getting the most out of your class. Dress for comfort. It is always recommended that you have a sweater,
jacket, or wrap. Hotels can get very cold.
When donning a costume or deciding what to wear to an event, in the hallways, and public spaces, try to think of
Costume College as a PG-13 event.
Weapons
Costumes sometimes come in the form of characters with weapons, and in many cases, these weapons look quite
real. Convention operations prefers that these items be peace bonded. A peace bond is a very visible lock or tie on a
realistic looking weapon to make clear to security and to police that it is not intended to be used for violent purposes.
The peace bond will usually come in the form of a zip tie over the trigger such that it couldn’t be pulled or holding a
bladed weapon in the sheath. If you have a costume with a realistic-looking weapon, please stop in to Ops to have
them check it.
All weapons must conform to state and federal law. All weapons must be non-functional.
Weapons may not be pointed at another person except in a non-threatening manner for the purposes of exhibition
or photographs.
Weapons or Costumes that are deemed by Ops to be a safety hazard for any reason will be banned.
Use of a weapon in an inappropriate, negligent or threatening manner is forbidden and may result in
suspension of membership.
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Costume College Committee Members 2015
Dean ................................................ Rebecca Howard
Assistant Dean ................................ Dani Crum
Bargain Bazaar ............................... Tao Will
Assistant ............................ Karen Willson
Caught on Camera ......................... Valarie LaBore
Assistant ............................ Birda Nichols
Check-In .......................................... Karen Lavoie
Assistant ............................ Geri Rex
Cavalcade of Costumes ................. Josie Smith
Cavalcade of Costumes ................. Lana Wilkinson
Friday Night Social ......................... Jody Regan
Assistant ............................ Cindy Piselli
Gala ................................................. Natalie Meyer
Assistant - Décor ............... Lorri Gums
Assistant - Red Carpet ...... David Grace
Hotel Liaison ................................... Maegen Hensley
Assistant ............................ Kristen Foggie
Hospitality ...................................... Sequita Imai
Information .................................... Maryann Jones
Assistant ............................ Zoë Jones
Marketplace ................................... Mela Hoyt-Heydon
Marketplace ................................... Cat Slater
Operations ...................................... Alison Lockhart
Assistant ............................ Tim Jones
Pool Party ....................................... Claudia Laughter
Programming Teacher Liaison ....... Jennifer Byrd
Assistant ............................ Jane Cadieux
Programming Student Liaison ...... Michelle McAvoy
Assistant ............................ Regina Lawson
Publications & Signage .................. Julia Thomas
Portrait Studio ................................ Sandy Manning
Raffles ............................................. Cheryl Avirom
Registrar ......................................... Rebecca Metzger
Assistant ............................ Annette Grace
Roommates .................................... Simone Bryan
S.E.A.M.s - Meet-ups ...................... Becky Thelin
Assistant - Panic Room ..... April Drummond
Sunday Breakfast ........................... Kris Jachens
Tea .................................................. Elizabeth Reed
Assistant ............................ Chantal Filson
Tours ............................................... Sammie McGlasson
Assistant ............................ Adrienne Karin
Treasurer ........................................ Annette Grace
Volunteers ...................................... Kristen Foggie
Assistant ............................ Birda Nichols
Web Site Liaison ............................. Colleen Crosby
For latest
Costume College Information
visit our website:
www.costumecollege.net
For more information about
Costumer’s Guild West, Inc.
Please visit our website:
www.cgwcostumers.org
Or write to:
Costumer’s Guild West, Inc.
1917 Crestshire Drive
Glendale, CA 91208
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