Sack gowns, also called Sacque gowns or Robes a la Francaise, were popular during the middle to late 18th century. This style of gown has fabric at the back arranged in box pleats, called Watteau pleats, which fall loose from the shoulder to the floor with a slight train. In front, the gown is open, showing off a decorative stomacher and petticoat. It would be worn with a wide square hoop or panniers under the petticoat. Scalloped ruffles often trim elbow-length sleeves, which are worn with separate frills called engageantes.
Let’s make one in a weekend! Long Sack or short Pet-en-L’aire, with or without lining, formal or informal, early or late, so many options to choose from! Bring your 18th century fashion print or picture of a museum original and we’ll cut and fit our way through the weekend.
Optional Meet and Greet Thursday, October 5:
6-8 pm at Renaissance Fabrics, 6200 Center St. G-1, Clayton, CA 94517
Workshop (all 3 days required) will be held at Willow Pass Community Center, Sunroom, 2748 East Olivera Rd, Concord, CA 94519
Friday, October 6:
- 9 – 10: Arrive at Willow Pass Community Center
- 10 – 1: Class
- 1 – 2:30: Lunch break
- 2:30 – 6: Class
- 6 – 7: Pack up and leave
Saturday, October 7:
- 9 – 10: Arrive at Willow Pass Community Center
- 10 – 1: Class
- 1 – 2:30: Lunch break
- 2:30 – 6: Class
- 6 – 7: Pack up and leave
Sunday, October 8:
- 9 – 10: Arrive at Willow Pass Community Center
- 10 – 1: Class
- 1 – 2:30: Lunch break
- 2:30 – 6: Class
- 6 – 7: Pack up and leave
About the Instructor:
Years ago, Janea studied Art History. She knew she was in for a career revision when she realized that the painterly technique was not as important as her fascination with the clothing the portraits were wearing. Her first job after college was in Historic Trades at the Millinery Shop at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The rest is history. She has focused her career on rediscovering the 18th century trades of Millinery and Mantua-making, the work of these tradespeople, their stories, and understanding the world that they lived in. Along the way she has also served on the regional and national boards of the Costume Society of America, made reproductions for a number of museums and hand sewn miles of wonderful fabrics into clothing for friends and colleagues.
In-Person class size is limited to 18. It will be held at the Willow Pass Community Center, Sunroom, 2748 East Olivera Rd, Concord, CA 94519
What to bring
Bring your thimble, needles, thread, pins, scissors, sewing machine, reading glasses, notebook and pencil, tailor’s chalk, picture of a reference gown, (18th century preferred,) shift, stays, panniers/petticoats, and fabric of choice (see requirements below).
Recommendation: short sack is faster to make, and takes less fabric and is edgy modern for the 1770’s and later.
Fabrics Required:
Short Sack: 8 yds @ 54″/10 yds @ 42″
Long Sack: 11 yds @ 54″/14 yds @ 42″
5-6 yds 1/2″ wide tape
2 yds linen lining
2 yards stable cotton for cutting practice
Intermediate sewing experience required.
Cost for all 3 days: $425 plus Meet & Greet with Janea
