Victorian Craft Demonstrations at the McLoughlin House

The September 2022 session will teach participants how to do English paper pattern piecing.

McLoughlin Memorial Association

You're invited to step back in time and join the McLoughlin Memorial Association and the National Park Service at the McLoughlin House Unit in Oregon City, Oregon, for a very special demonstration series featuring crafts that were popular in the early to mid-1800s.

Throughout history, women have used their skill with their hands to clothe their families and decorate their homes. However, the changes that came with the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s meant that many ladies of the middle class now had leisure time to fill. New materials, patterns and magazines for women became widely available, and needlework and other crafts became all the rage as never before!

Needlework and the arts became a standard part of education for girls - a proper education included sewing, knitting, and embroidery, and often watercolor painting and drawing as well as musical training. Working class girls were taught knitting, crochet and sewing at charity schools, so that they might earn a better living. Rich or poor, girls and women were expected to be busy and productive all the time, to demonstrate their virtue and industriousness. After all, it was said that "the devil finds work for idle hands." We hope that you will enjoy this opportunity to glimpse into the lives and skills of Victorian ladies!

 

Victorian Craft Demonstrations for the 2023 season will be on a first come, first serve basis through a reservation system. The McLoughlin Memorial Association will begin accepting reservations for each demo two weeks in advance. Reservations will be confirmed prior to the scheduled Victorian Craft Demonstration. Please contact the McLoughlin Memorial Association for questions or to make your reservation at [e-mail].

The McLoughlin Memorial Association
2023 Schedule of Victorian Crafts

Noon - 3PM at the Barclay House
719 Center Street, Oregon City, OR, 97045

• May 13: Blanket Stitch & Penny Rug Coaster
• June 10: Quill Pens
• July 8: Bring your sewing book for unfinished projects!
• August 12: NO VICTORIAN CRAFTS
  • The McLoughlin Memorial Association will be hosting their Annual Yard Sale at the Holmes House
• September 9: Small Pouch
• October 14: Beginning Embroidery/Embroidery Stitch Sample Book
• November 11: Small Tie-On Pocket & End of Season Show-Off Day!