Sewing Workshop: Victorian Reticule

How did a Victorian lady carry her personal items? In her reticule, of course! A reticule was a drawstring purse that could be carried in the hand or over the wrist, and could be plain or fancy: anywhere from simple squares of cotton to intricately cut and embellished silk. Together we will make a hand-sewn reticule out of ivory silk, shaped and embellished by your imagination. This purse is perfect for bridal and evening wear, dress-up events, cosplay (perfect for Regency, Victorian, or Edwardian era events), or simply to flaunt your style. Workshop is limited to 15 participants!

Teacher Provides:

• Ivory silk fabric
• Ivory cotton lining
• Ivory silk ribbon for drawstrings
• Thread
• Patterns and instructions

Student Provides:

• Basic handsewing kit including needles, pins, and scissors for paper and fabric, bodkin or large safety pin,
• thimble (optional)
• beeswax (optional)
• Any desired trimmings including ribbon, lace, applique, fringe, tassels… let your imagination go!
• If you wish to make your reticule in a different color, please bring 1/3 yard each fabric and lining, 2 yards of ribbon, and thread to match. 

About the Instructor

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 served on the board of the Greater Bay Area Costumers Guild for 10 years as Newsletter Editor, Events Coordinator, and President. She has taught many costuming workshops for GBACG, Lacis, Renaissance Fabrics, 1886/Costume On, Costume Skills Institute, and Costume College. She is a docent at Camron-Stanford house.

Host or Publisher Camron-Stanford House