Workshops

“There is a time for everything — a time for balls and plays, and a time for work[shops]”
                                                                                               —Northanger Abbey, Chapter 30 (modified)

Activities on this page are offered as add-ons to AGM registration at additional cost. For programs included in AGM registration, see the pages for Plenary Speakers, Breakout Sessions, and Special Interest Sessions.


English Paper Piecing Patchwork for Beginners

$25; 30 people maximum
Thursday, Oct. 3, 4:00–5:30 pm

You will be introduced to the technique that Jane Austen and family used to make the patchwork coverlet on display at Jane Austen’s House Museum. With guidance from Sue Dell, JAHM’s expert on the coverlet, you will make a patchwork shape and receive instructions on how to use it for a cushion cover, placemat, or pin cushion. Some scissors will be available, but if you are able to bring your own, please do. Fabric and other supplies will be provided.


Tilney’s Ties: Henry Tilney’s Guide to Tying a Cravat

$35 per session; 30 people maximum each session
Session 1: Thursday, Oct 3, 9:00–10:30 am
Session 2: Thursday, Oct 3, 12:30–2:00 pm

Learn several different ways to tie a Regency-era cravat with experienced AGM workshop teacher Lisa Brown. Each participant will receive two different styles of cravats to practice with and take home, along with printed instructions. Individual mirrors will be provided for class use. This workshop isn’t just for gentlemen: adventurous cross-dressers and devoted companions will also profit from Lisa’s instructions


A Bath Fashion Album

$35 per session; 30 people maximum each session
Session 1: Thursday, Oct. 3, 9:00–10:30 am
Session 2: Thursday, Oct. 3, 12:30–2:00 pm
Session 3: Friday Oct. 4, 9:00–10:30 am

In Bath, Mrs. Allen and Catherine Morland visit the “many fine shops.” In this workshop, Ann Wass will help you assemble a scrapbook album pairing illustrations of the latest London and Paris fashions with advertisements from the Bath Chronicle. Decide what you need for your varied activities and which shops look most promising. Illustrations, newspaper extracts, and other materials provided.


19th-Century Inked Bags

$38 per session; 16 people maximum each session
Session 1: Thursday, Oct. 3, 9:00–10:30 am
Session 2: Thursday, Oct. 3, 1:00–2:30 pm
Session 3: Thursday, Oct. 3, 4:00–5:30 pm

Create reproduction 19th-century inked bags with a beautiful period design. These little items might have been made by young ladies as a simpler alternative to embroidery. Specialist in historic textiles Angela Burnley will show images of original bags, then help you assemble and decorate one of your own. If you are able to bring your own fabric scissors or paper scissors, please do. Other supplies provided.


English Country Dance

$20 per session; 50 people maximum each session
Session 1: Thursday, Oct. 3, 9:00–10:30 am
Session 2: Thursday, Oct. 3, 1:00–2:30 pm
Session 3: Thursday, Oct. 3, 4:00–5:30 pm
Session 4: Thursday, Oct. 3, 8:00–9:30 pm
Session 5: Friday, Oct. 4, 9:00–10:30 am

“Though she could not, dared not expect that Mr. Tilney should ask her a third time to dance, her wishes, hopes, and plans all centred in nothing less.” Join dancing mistress Jenna Simpson for these all-important lessons in preparation for our Saturday evening ball. You never know when there might be a Miss Morland searching for a partner or a Mr. Tilney eager to claim your hand! Comfortable shoes and attire strongly recommended.