“Timeless Trades” Workshop Series: Draft like a 1750s Tailor

Learn from expert tailor Sam Napoleon of Gatti Napoleon Historical Tailoring the first steps in creating your own 1750s man’s suit pattern!

Skill Level: Beginner (but all skill levels are welcome!)

During this two-day workshop, participants will learn how to:

• Measure a man’s suit
• Draft a fully custom male pattern block set (appropriate for 1740 -1790 historical dress)
• Learn how to style the pattern blocks
• Learn how to cut patterns, lay them out on cloth, and prepare garments for the first fitting
• Learn how to conduct a first fitting

Pattern paper and muslin will be provided. Participants are allowed to bring their own material for cutting and fitting if they wish. At the end of the workshop each participant will leave with a COMPLETE set of patterns for a man’s suit.

To properly learn these techniques, participants will need a male model present and with them for this process. Male participants can be their own model. If a participant does not have a male model with them, the instructor will be used as their model.

Workshop Dates:

• Saturday, February 8, 2025: 10 AM – 4 PM
• Sunday, February 9, 2025: 10 AM – 4 PM (or your set of patterns is completed)

Cost: $130. Note: Lunch is not provided. The workshop will break for an hour each day for participants to buy lunch locally or enjoy their own brown bag lunch.

UNIQUE TO THIS WORKSHOP:

Join tailor Sam Napoleon and Fort Ligonier staff for a rare behind-the-scenes look at an original gentleman’s coat in our newly renovated Collections Storage Area.

Registration required. Register online. 

Questions? Email Matt Gault at mgault@fortligonier.org.

About the Instructor

Gatti Napoleon Historical Tailoring provides well made garments for both modern and historical use with as low a price as possible. Their main focus is on historical garments made to the highest quality. Patterns are created from original garments and all handcrafted to match original examples. For examples of his work, visit his Instagram (@gatti_napoleon_historical).

About “Timeless Trades” Workshops

 “Timeless Trades” Workshops at Fort Ligonier feature historical tradespeople who share their knowledge of the trades and skills used by their 18th century counterparts. Workshops occur several times a year, highlighting skills from sewing and shoemaking to gunsmithing and cooking."

Saturday, February 8: 10 AM to 4 PM

Sunday, February 9: 10 AM to 4 PM (or until patterns are completed)