DATE: Saturday 16 – Sunday 17 July
TIME: 10.30am - 4.30pm
LOCATION: ZTC studio, Brighton (see below for more details)
COST: £220 (includes lunch, refreshments & materials)
The class size will be limited to 12 people.
Join us for a special in-person weekend workshop in Zenzie Tinker’s Brighton conservation studio and learn everything you need to know to start designing and making your own traditional and contemporary smocked garments.
The technique of smocking can trace its British origins back as far as the Middle Ages. During the 18th and 19th centuries it was most commonly found on labourers' smocks, due to its ability to be both form-fitting and flexible. The technique and garment have since become more or less synonymous, but of course the technique itself can be used in any garment for shaping or decoration and is being taken forwards by 21st century designers and hobbyists everywhere.
Over the course of the weekend you will learn both the practical techniques of smocking and how to use it to design and make your own smocked garments.
The workshop will include:
Day 1: HOW TO SMOCK
Hazel Arnott (Royal School of Needlework, National Trust and long-term ZTC team member) will teach you:
- Different methods to pleat your fabric and a range of embroidery stitches suitable for smocking
- A look at historic examples of traditional smocks in the ZTC study collection
- A tour around the fascinating ZTC textile conservation studio
Day 2: WHERE TO SMOCK
Alice and Lilia (Alice & Co Patterns, V&A) will teach you:
- How to measure and draft a dartless block to your own personal measurements (bodice + sleeve)
- How and where to add the extra fabric to give shape and volume by smocking
- How to incorporate historical smocking into contemporary designs
Lunch & refreshments
Lunch will be provided by local favourites Sunbird Deli (vegan and vegetarian options available). Teas, coffee and biscuits will also be provided to keep you powered through the weekend!
About the tutors
Hazel Arnott
| Following a BSc in Archaeology from the University of York, Hazel undertook an apprenticeship in hand embroidery in 2002 at the Royal School of Needlework. In 2007 she completed an MA in the Conservation of Textile and Tapestries in Historic Interiors from the Royal College of Art/Victoria & Albert Museum in association with the Historic Royal Palaces. After working for the National Trust, Hazel joined Zenzie Tinker Conservation in 2009 as a freelance member of the team.
Alice & Co Patterns
| Alice & Co Patterns are a mother and daughter team, Alice and Lilia, based in London. Alice is a designer, pattern cutter and teacher, with over 30 years experience making fabulous made-to-measure clothes for women under her label Alice & Co. Lilia has been making her own clothes since she could thread a needle, and now works as a Textile Conservation Display Specialist at the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Location
The ZTC spacious central Brighton studio is just a few minutes from Brighton station, or 10 minutes from the A27 with nearby parking.
Studio E, Level 7 North
New England House
New England Street
Brighton BN1 4GH
