JULY 2023Knapsacks with Henry CookeSaturday, July 29, 2023 (repeats on Feb. 25, 2024)Major John Buttrick House (parking at 174 Liberty St. Concord) 10am-4pm Battle Road Standards now require linen knapsacks made in the style of the Captain David Uhl knapsack that resides in the collection of Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh, NY. In this workshop, master tailor Henry Cooke will walk you through the steps to construct this very simple knapsack. Materials needed: The knapsack can be constructed of about 1 yard of medium coarseness linen or linen canvas or tabby weave hemp sheeting (see the notes for the thread count of the original - I think anything in the range of 36 - 40 ends per inch warp and weft will work). It will also require a spool of unbleached 35/2 linen thread, and three 1- 1 1/8" diameter buttons. These can be buttons for covering with scrap fabric or pewter or brass buttons. Pre-cut kits available, $40: If you would like to purchase a kit from Henry Cooke, please email him directly at Hcooke4@verizon.net Consultations and Project Catch-up Session for Men and WomenSunday, July 30, 2023 (repeats on March 2-3, 2024)Major John Buttrick House (parking at 174 Liberty St. Concord) 10am-4pm Did you take a workshop last year and still need to finish your project? Do you have questions about construction, materials or fit? Do you need advice on how to upgrade your impression to qualify for Battle Road? Come on by! Henry Cooke, Larissa Sasgen, and other knowledgeable people will be on hand to help! Even if you just want to do some sewing in good company, the door is open! AUGUST 2023Waistcoats with Henry CookeSaturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20Major John Buttrick House (parking at 174 Liberty St. Concord) 10am - 4pm Waistcoats were a foundational men’s garment of the 18th century and a very achievable project for new sewers! Battle Road Standards now require these to be made of wool in drab, brown, green, red, blue, gray or black. For Crown Forces, the Battle Road Standards now require a white or buff (as appropriate to your regiment) wool broadcloth waistcoat closed with small regimental buttons. Materials needed: Pins, sewing needles, beeswax, scissors for thread and cloth trimming, a pair of shears/bent trimmers for cutting cloth if needed, tailor's chalk, sewing machine optional, as most of the instruction is for hand sewing. Pre-cut wool waistcoat kits are $130. Contact Henry Cooke for details. Hcooke4@verizon.net To register email Jim Hollister e-mail us OCTOBER 2023Coats with Henry CookeSaturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8, 2023 (repeats on Jan. 13 & 14)Major John Buttrick House (parking at 174 Liberty St. Concord) 10am - 4pm Constructing a coat can seem like a daunting challenge but is actually very achievable. Battle Road Standards require men to wear a wool coat or jacket of drab, brown, green, red, blue, gray or black wool. For warmer weather, a linen coat in natural, blue or brown is also acceptable.Materials needed: Pins, sewing needles, beeswax, scissors for thread and cloth trimming, a pair of shears/bent trimmers for cutting cloth if needed, tailor's chalk, sewing machine optional, as most of the instruction is for hand sewing. A kit may vary in price depending on whether you want a civilian coat, jacket or British military coat. Contact Henry Cooke for details. Hcooke4@verizon.net To register email Jim Hollister e-mail us 18th Century Bonnets with Vicki EmbreySaturday, October 21, 2023Major John Buttrick House (parking at 174 Liberty St. Concord) 10am - 2pm Participants will view research on bonnets and construct a silk bonnet. They will also look at the variety of trims seen in period images. They will have a choice of several different styles and will be able to try on a variety of bonnets to help them choose. Instructor will provide varnished chip board for the bonnet brim and narrow tape for the drawstring. A tiled pattern will be emailed to participants prior to the workshop for preparation. Fee: $20 (payable to Vicki directly at the workshop) Materials needed:Basic sewing supplies: Shears Thread snips (optional) Pins Materials needed: For bonnet: Sunday, October 22, 2023 Ribbon Yardage:
NOVEMBER 2023New England Militia Soft-Style Cartridge Pouches with Roy NajeckiSaturday, November4, 2023 Roy will supply the leather and pre-drilled blocks. Cost for the materials is $95.00. Please pay Roy directly at the workshop To register, email Jim Hollister e-mail us Men's Greatcoats and Women's Cloaks with Henry CookeSaturday, November 11 and Sunday, November 12, 2023Major John Buttrick House (parking at 174 Liberty St. Concord) 10am - 4pm. Get ready for winter with a greatcoat for men or a cloak for women! Materials needed: Pins, sewing needles, beeswax, scissors for thread and cloth trimming, a pair of shears/bent trimmers for cutting cloth if needed, tailor's chalk, sewing machine optional, as most of the instruction is for hand sewing. Pre-cut greatcoat kits of broadcloth or “bearskin” are $400. Cloak kits are $180-$200. Contact Henry Cooke for details. Hcooke4@verizon.net To register email Jim Hollister e-mail us DECEMBER 2023Breeches with Henry CookeSaturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10 (repeats Jan. 27 & 28)Major John Buttrick House (parking at 174 Liberty St. Concord) 10am - 4pm Few garments in the hobby will serve you better than a sturdy, well-fitting pair of breeches. Battle Road Standards require them to be made of wood broadcloth in black, brown, drab (most common colors), gray, green, blue or red. For warmer weather linen or hemp canvas breeches in natural, blue or brown are also acceptable. Other types of acceptable fabrics include wool kersey, linsey-woolsey, wool serge, cotton velvet, fine wale cotton corduroy, or wool plush. Battle Road Standard also require Crown Forces to have breeches of white or buff wool as appropriate to your regiment.Materials needed: Pins, sewing needles, beeswax, scissors for thread and cloth trimming, a pair of shears/bent trimmers for cutting cloth if needed, tailor's chalk, sewing machine optional, as most of the instruction is for hand sewing. Pre-cut breeches kits are $130. Contact Henry Cooke for details. Hcooke4@verizon.net To register email Jim Hollister e-mail us JANUARY 2024Coats with Henry CookeSaturday, Jan 13 and Sunday, Jan 14, 2024Major John Buttrick House (parking at 174 Liberty St. Concord) 10am - 4pm Constructing a coat can seem like a daunting challenge but is actually very achievable. Battle Road Standards require men to wear a wool coat or jacket of drab, brown, green, red, blue, gray or black wool. For warmer weather, a linen coat in natural, blue or brown is also acceptable.Materials needed: Pins, sewing needles, beeswax, scissors for thread and cloth trimming, a pair of shears/bent trimmers for cutting cloth if needed, tailor's chalk, sewing machine optional, as most of the instruction is for hand sewing. A kit may vary in price depending on whether you want a civilian coat, jacket or British military coat. Contact Henry Cooke for details. Hcooke4@verizon.net To register email Jim Hollister e-mail us Breeches with Henry CookeSaturday, Jan 27 and Sunday, Jan 28, 2024Major John Buttrick House (parking at 174 Liberty St. Concord) 10am - 4pm Few garments in the hobby will serve you better than a sturdy, well-fitting pair of breeches. Battle Road Standards require them to be made of wood broadcloth in black, brown, drab (most common colors), gray, green, blue or red. For warmer weather linen or hemp canvas breeches in natural, blue or brown are also acceptable. Other types of acceptable fabrics include wool kersey, linsey-woolsey, wool serge, cotton velvet, fine wale cotton corduroy, or wool plush. Battle Road Standard also require Crown Forces to have breeches of white or buff wool as appropriate to your regiment. Materials needed: Pins, sewing needles, beeswax, scissors for thread and cloth trimming, a pair of shears/bent trimmers for cutting cloth if needed, tailor's chalk, sewing machine optional, as most of the instruction is for hand sewing. Pre-cut breeches kits are $130. Contact Henry Cooke for details. Hcooke4@verizon.net To register email Jim Hollister e-mail us FEBRUARY 2024The Hive Living History SymposiumSaturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18, 2024At the Concord Armory, 91 Everett St. Concord MA 9:30 am - 4:30 p.m. The Hive is a workshop for and by reenactors to learn about various aspects of 18th century life and material culture. Learn more! Knapsacks with Henry CookeSunday, February 25, 2024Major John Buttrick House (parking at 174 Liberty St. Concord) 10am-4pm Battle Road Standards now require linen knapsacks made in the style of the Captain David Uhl knapsack that resides in the collection of Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh, NY. In this workshop, master tailor Henry Cooke will walk you through the steps to construct this very simple knapsack. Materials needed: The knapsack can be constructed of about 1 yard of medium coarseness linen or linen canvas or tabby weave hemp sheeting (see the notes for the thread count of the original - I think anything in the range of 36 - 40 ends per inch warp and weft will work). It will also require a spool of unbleached 35/2 linen thread, and three 1- 1 1/8" diameter buttons. These can be buttons for covering with scrap fabric or pewter or brass buttons. Pre-cut kits available, $40: If you would like to purchase a kit from Henry Cooke, please email him directly at Hcooke4@verizon.net March 2024Consultations and Project Catch-up SessionSaturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3, 2024Major John Buttrick House (parking at 174 Liberty St. Concord) 10am-4pm Did you take a workshop last year and still need to finish your project? Do you have questions about construction, materials or fit? Do you need advice on how to upgrade your impression to qualify for Battle Road? Come on by! Henry Cooke and other knowledgeable people will be on hand to help! Even if you just want to do some sewing in good company, the door is open! |
Last updated: January 18, 2024