Event
Victorian Handcraft Demonstration at the McLoughlin House
Fee:
Free.Location:
This program is presented in partnership with the McLoughlin Memorial Association. Demonstrations generally take place at the McLoughlin House, 713 Center Street, Oregon City, OR 97045. Because of scheduled upgrades to the McLoughlin House, Fall 2019 demonstrations may be moved to an alternate location. Please visit mcloughlinhouse.org for updates.Repeating Event
Days:
Dates:
Time:
Duration:
Type of Event
Description
You are invited to step back in time and join us for a very special demonstration series featuring crafts that were popular in the early to middle years of Queen Victoria's reign.
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. Poor girls were taught knitting, crochet and sewing at charity schools, so 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."
Each month, our demonstrations feature a different type of art or craft - some that are currently popular, and some that have been nearly forgotten. Most of the demonstrations include hands-on opportunities for you to try something that is new to you! All of them will be entertaining, interesting, and educational.
This program is presented in partnership with the McLoughlin Memorial Association. Demonstrations generally take place at the McLoughlin House, 713 Center Street, Oregon City, OR 97045. Because of scheduled upgrades to the McLoughlin House, Fall 2019 demonstrations may be moved to an alternate location. Please visit mcloughlinhouse.org for updates.
Tussie Mussies for May Day
Saturday, April 13, 12 pm to 3 pm
Renew your spring spirits by making paper cones and flowers for charming little May baskets to hang on the mantle or slip onto the doorknob of a favorite neighbor.
Rag Curled Hair
Saturday, May 11, 12 pm to 3 pm
A demonstration/lecture on how to curl your hair with strips of cotton cloth, then arrange the curls in the fashion of the 1800s. These intriguing curls are long lasting and will be of interest to anyone in theater or living history activities.
Paper Dolls
Saturday, June 8, 12 pm to 3 pm
Color and cut out period paper dolls. This is a good activity for children and those remembering when they made paper dolls as children.
Lavender Wands
Saturday, July 13, 12 pm to 3 pm
Create pretty sachets for rooms, drawers and trunks by using ribbon and the stems of these English garden lovelies. Bring lavender from your garden, if you'd like.
Beaded Flowers
Saturday, August 10, 12 pm to 3 pm
Assemble a tiny bouquet using wire and glass beads. This activity is best for adults.
Tassels
Saturday, September 14, 12 pm to 3 pm
The Victorians decorated almost everything with tassels both simple and complex. They were suspended from cusions, lamps, drapery, handbags, and more.
Wool Rugs
Saturday, October 12, 12 pm to 3 pm
We will hook a hot pad-sized rug using narrow strips of wool fabric.
Etui
Saturday, November 9, 12 pm to 3 pm
Make an Etui - a custom constructed box to hold small tools, supplies or momentos. An involved craft suitable for adults.
Reservation or Registration: No
Image Gallery
NPS Photo