Maker’s WorkShops (skill based learning)
The Art of Indigo- Natural Dye
Learn the history of indigo and how it became the most sought after color in the world. Learn to build a simple indigo vat followed by at least 4 different simple Japanese and African pattern making techniques. Workshop participants will leave with a variety of one of a kind naturally dyed indigo textiles. Suitable for ages 7 and up. No experience needed. Base fee $200.00 plus mileage and materials. Best suited for an outdoor environment. Max capacity: 15. Approximately a 5-6 hour workshop. Enquire: info@maggiemayfashions.com
Recycle, Reduce, and Reuse- Scrap Materials
Use those left over fabrics, trims, buttons, and findings and create one of a kind fashion accessories and home decor. Workshop participants will leave with at least one original/one of a kind fashion accessory. Suitable for ages 10 and up. Some hand sewing and/or machine sewing experience recommended. Base fee $200.00 plus mileage and materials. Max capacity: 15. Approximately a 4 hour workshop. Enquire: info@maggiemayfashions.com
Workshops topics include:
- Covered button necklaces and earrings
- Textile cuffs
- Embellished brooches
Learn to Sew
An Introductory Machine Sewing Course. Course covers how to read commercial patterns, fabric layout (including waste reduction), sewing terminology, and basic machine stitches. Workshop participants will leave with at least one finished sewing project. Suitable for ages 10 and up. No experience needed. Machines not provided. Base fee $200.00 plus mileage and materials. Max capacity: 15. Approximately a 5-6 hour workshop. Enquire: info@maggiemayfashions.com
Coming up Roses
An introductory course in building a variety of fabric flowers, leaves, and berries for hats, brooches, blouses, and more. Workshop participants will leave with a variety of one of a kind fabric flowers t be applied at participant’s discretion. Suitable for ages 12 and up. Some hand sewing and/or machine sewing experience recommended. Base fee $200.00 plus mileage and materials. Max capacity: Approximately a 4 hour workshop. 15. Enquire: info@maggiemayfashions.com
Vintage Inspired Jewelry
Use exclusive reproduction vintage inspired lead free and nickel free findings to create original, one of kind pieces of Jewelry. Workshop participants will leave with a variety of one of a kind jewelry pieces. Suitable for ages 16 and up. No experience needed. Base fee $200.00 plus mileage and materials. Approximately a 4 hour workshop. Max capacity: 20. Enquire: info@maggiemayfashions.com
Upcycled Fashion
Take old, unwanted, or outdated garments and turn them into something new! Workshop participants will leave with a one of a kind up cycled garment of choice. Suitable for ages 16 and up. Some hand sewing and/or machine sewing experience recommended. Base fee $200.00 plus mileage and materials. Max capacity: 15. Approximately a 5-6 hour workshop. Enquire: info@maggiemayfashions.com
Trim a Bonnet
Use our exclusive pre made straw bonnet bases as the starting point for your own one of kind trimmed hat! Workshop participants will leave with one trimmed straw hat. Suitable for ages 10 and up. No experience needed. Combine with our fabric flower workshop for a full day of fun! Base fee $200.00 plus mileage and materials. Max capacity: 20. Approximately a 4 hour workshop. Enquire: info@maggiemayfashions.com
In a Pinch Pattern Grading
Learn a simple and fast flat patterning technique to grade your commercial clothing pattern up or down 2-3 sizes without any special tools or formulations. Workshop participants will leave with a set of graded patterns. Professional Learning experience suitable for ages 16+ with mid level sewing experience. Experience using commercial sewing patterns required. Base fee $500.00 plus mileage and materials. Max capacity: 20. Approximately a 5-6 hour workshop. Enquire: info@maggiemayfashions.com
Find your Perfect Fit
Learn to alter those commercial patterns to fit your own, unique body proportions! Have you ever been frustrated after going to all the hard work to make yourself a garments only to find it doesn’t fit properly or is uncomfortable? The secret is making adjustments to the flat pattern. Learn some simple adjustment techniques to correct common pattern problems and get the fit you need! Workshop participants will leave with a set of altered patterns. Professional Learning experience suitable for ages 16+ with mid level sewing experience. Base fee $500.00 plus mileage and materials. Max capacity: 20. Approximately a 5-6 hour workshop. Enquire: info@maggiemayfashions.com
Aging and Distressing
Ever wonder how those newly constructed garments look so Old? It’s called aging and distressing and it’s own department separate from the costume shop. Learn important aging and distressing techniques using all natural materials to give your garment that “vintage” and “well worn” look. Can be applied to all cloth garments including hats. Workshop participants will leave with at least one one of a kind aged and distressed garment of choice. Professional Learning experience suitable for ages 16+ with mid level sewing experience. Base fee $500.00 plus mileage and materials. Best suited for an outdoor environment. Max capacity: 15. Approximately a 5-6 hour workshop. Enquire: info@maggiemayfashions.com
Seminars (Knowledge based Learning)
Designer Showcase
Curious about what it means to be a historic fashion designer? Wonder what is involved in recreating clothing from the past? In this 30 minute presentation with Q&A to follow, you will learn more about what we do here at Maggie May Clothing and get up close and personal with some of our designs. Mileage only. All ages. Enquire: info@maggiemayfashions.com
The Business of Making Clothes
Crash course on how to start your own historical clothing business. Topics include marketing, networking, freelancing, project management, labor and production, and audience Q&A. Perfect for panels or individual discussions. At Maggie May Clothing, we have 29 years of experience in the film, television, theater, and museum exhibit fields. We tend to use unconventional methods to get the job done. Learn from our mistakes as well as our successes as you look to future with your own historical clothing company! All ages. Base fee $150.00 plus mileage. Up to 2 hours. Enquire: info@maggiemayfashions.com
Luncheon With The Past
This 30-45 minute presentation will bring a fresh new perspective on historical fashion. Themes include beauty, fashion throughout the decades, shaping the body- corsets and other unmentionables, and fashion etiquette. Digital sideshow format makes this a versatile experience. All Ages. Fee $150.00 plus mileage. Enquire: info@maggiemayfashions.com
Luncheon with the Past Topics include:
- Southern Appalachian Style: 19th century textiles and clothing
- What would Jane wear? Fashion in Georgian Era England
- Victoria’s Closet: Fashions of the Victorian Era
- Invited to Tea: Fashions of the Edwardian Era
- Rising Hemlines: WWI and the effects on Women’s fashion
- Fashioning Rugby: A Victorian packing list for Utopia
- Women and War (WWI series): The Hello Girls
- Women and War (WWI series): The Alice Network
- Women and War (WWI series): The Women’s Land Army of Great Britain and America
- Spies, Smugglers, and Soldiers (Civil War Series): Unconventional Women in an unconventional time
- The History of Scouting in America (1910-1945): The Boy Scouts of America and The Girl Scouts of America
Professional Services
Consulting and Design
Working on a project? Need a Historical Clothing Design Specialist? Here at Maggie May Clothing, we can help! Whether you are an individual, a designer, or a large scale production house, our freelance consulting and design services can be tailored to fit your specific needs.
Hourly rate. Travel fees may apply. Enquire: info@maggiemayfashions.com
Sourcing
If it relates to historical fashion, we can find it! Let us use our decades of historical clothing experience and connections to do all the legwork for you! We can find just the right pieces you are looking for for your next big production! Commission rates apply. Enquire: info@maggiemayfashions.com
About WorkShops with Maggie May
I am so glad you are interested in learning more about the diverse and fascinating world of historical fashion and traditional textiles! Just so we are all on the same page, here are answers to a few common enquiries regarding who does what and how it all happens on the day of the workshop.
Me: The Instructor
You: The Facilitator
It is readily understood workshops are meant to be a safe and inclusive space for shared learning, diverse ideas, and eagerness to gain new skills and learn new things! It is my job as The Instructor to not only lead the learning but also maintain an environment where all participants feel welcome and learning meets the needs of the group as a whole.
It is The Facilitator’s job (that’s you!) to secure and prepare the learning space prior to the workshop, to acquire and set up all necessary hardware (sewing machines, laptops, projectors, etc.) prior to the start of the workshop. It is understood The Facilitator will remain in the learning space to assist in troubleshooting any issues that may arise regarding facilities, hardware, materials management, or participant business.
It is always a good idea to recruit a few friendly and eager assistants to help ensure participants reach their individual learning goals. I suggest the following:
- 1 helpful assistant for every 3 participants ages 7-12
- 1 helpful assistant for every 5 participants ages 12-17
- 1 helpful assistant for every 5-7 adults
I intentionally keep my skills based workshops small to be sure I can work with each participant as needed too! Therefore, I prefer to cap many of my skills based workshops at 15 participants. It is my feeling smaller cohorts of learners have better experiences and more successful outcomes than larger groups.
Workshops are often intense learning sessions and require brain breaks for all involved. I suggest at least one 20 minute break for every 100 minutes on task. This equates to one 40-45 minute break for a 4 hour workshop and at least one 60 minute break for a 5-6 hour workshop. Participants should not have to ask for restroom breaks. Learning environments should be flexible and open to the needs of all participants.
As The Instructor, I am responsible for my own lunch and meals. Snacks, water, tea, coffee, and any other yummy edible goodness should be provided for participants by The Facilitator (unless other arrangements have been made.)
Workshop materials are additional and not included in basic workshop fees. A materials list will be provided to The Facilitator in advance. It is the responsibility of The Facilitator to distribute all materials lists to participants in a timely manner. Any participant questions or clarifications regarding materials needed for the workshop can be directed to me if necessary. It is the responsibility of The Facilitator to make sure classroom sets of materials (if applicable) are ready and available at the time of the workshop.
All workshop fees including materials fees are paid prior to the date of the workshop. Enquire for specific details.
For any other questions, please feel free to reach out at info@maggiemayfashions.com
See you soon!
