18th Century Beginner Kit Building & Sewing Techniques Workshop with Vicki Embrey

Whether you're brand new to 18th century living history or looking to improve your working-class impression, this previously recorded virtual workshop is the perfect place to begin. Join independent researcher and educator Vicki Lynn Embrey exploring the essentials of creating historically appropriate working-class clothing and equipment, with special attention given to camp followers of the Continental forces. Drawing on decades of sewing experience and extensive research into eighteenth-century women's lives and dress, Vicki will share practical advice, trusted resources, and foundational sewing skills to help you confidently begin—or continue—your journey into eighteenth-century living history. During this workshop, participants will learn: • How to build a simple, historically appropriate starter kit, including garments such as a shift, bedgown, petticoat, apron, and cap. • Which items to prioritize after completing the basics, including stays, gowns, accessories, and other upgrades. • Recommended books, patterns, vendors, and research resources for creating an authentic impression. • Basic hand-sewing techniques, including the running stitch and backstitch, demonstrated live. Throughout the workshop, Vicki incorporates historical images, extant garments, and research findings while offering practical guidance that participants can immediately apply to their own projects. This workshop is ideal for: -New living historians and reenactors -Camp follower interpreters -Anyone interested in creating a working-class eighteenth-century impression -Historical interpreters looking to improve or expand their kit -Hand-sewing enthusiasts with an interest in historical clothing Access workshop handouts: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1I3... About the Instructor Vicki Lynn Embrey is an independent researcher who has been sewing since childhood and specializes in eighteenth-century women's clothing and material culture. A retired educator, she believes the best way to understand historical clothing is by recreating it using documented period methods. Vicki co-founded The Heritage Sewing and Skill Building Group, which provides workshops focused on women's lives, clothing, and historical skills within the living history community. She also collaborates with numerous historic sites to interpret the lives of eighteenth-century women working in the needle trades. On the Army’s Strength, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, connecting, and advancing research-based interpretation of the civilians and support personnel who accompanied Continental forces during the American Revolution. Learn more about On the Army’s Strength, our educational programming, membership, and resources at onthearmysstrength.org. Follow On the Army’s Strength on Facebook and Instagram @onthearmystrengthinc. © On the Army’s Strength, Inc. All rights reserved.