As part of our mission, Minnesota Society of Costumers holds regular classes for the benefit of both its members and the general public. Paid members of MNSOC receive discounted registration fees for classes – typically, $3-5 less than the non-member rate. Our classes cover a wide variety of subjects, from creating a duct tape dummy (aka dressform-on-the-cheap), corsetry and our upcoming tricorn making class.

 

MNSOC relies on your support in order to provide classes and we generally require at least 5 registrations on file at least 1 week prior to the class to ensure that we can run the class as planned. Unfortunately, with less than 5, it is not cost-effective to run the classes due the rental and in some cases, instructor fees.

 

A listing of all current classes will always be located at http://mn-soc.org/events/classes/ and you can sign up for the class right from the page!

 

The duct tape dummy class in January was a great time and we had a great turnout. Many dummies were created that day, including a “lovely” camouflage one for one of our board members. In this photo,  a pair of MNSOC members are beginning the process of covering the neck. Laura Ulak supervises to make sure that any nefarious uses for plastic wrap are not implemented!

 

Plastic Wrap?!

 

In February, Laura Ulak lead a lecture-style class on corsetry and a demonstration of 18th century draping on women’s gowns.

 

 

Our next class is a hands-on tricorn workshop lead by Carol Strand on April 15th at the Textile Center in Minneapolis. At the time of this writing, 4 additional pre-registrations are required in order for this class to be run. Our Tiny Hat class last year was a huge success and we’re hoping to repeat it with this workshop. While the Renaissance Festival is still a few months away, there are a number of events (MNSOC or otherwise) on the horizon for which a tricorn would be at the height of fashion.

 

Plus, they’re cool, just like bow ties.