Yesteryear’s Essentials: Fashion and Accessories in the Time of Jane Austen (For Ladies and Gents)
March 14 - March 15
Registration
Cost of conference: $85
Registration: store.fortmeigs.org
Each registration includes all day access to Saturday’s conference, presentations, and the evening soiree. A continental breakfast is provided, as well as snacks during breaks.
Sunday’s workshops are subject to additional materials and fees.
Schedule
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Morning Conference
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Check in and Continental Breakfast
Presentations
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Fashion Show: Passing Fancies for Ladies and Dandies – Tamia Land
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Brief break with snacks provided
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. A Gentleman’s Gear: Canes, Chronometers, and Charms of the Early 19th Century Man– Tom Strous
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch Break (Please bring own boxed lunch or visit one of the many local eateries)
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Four Fashionable Fabrics: Achieving the Right Look with Linen, Cotton, Wool, and Silk- Angela Strous and Jacque Redding
2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Brief Break
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. From the Inside Out: Garment Construction in the Regency/Federal Era Betsy Bashore
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Break – Tea & Scones
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Evolution of Hairstyles from 1795-1820: Jennifer House
Evening Soiree
7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Food, Beverages, & Entertainment—Period dress encouraged!
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Post conference: Workshops
Sunday’s hands-on workshops include morning and afternoon sessions guiding you through detailed creations
on various subjects. Each participant may choose one morning and one afternoon session. All workshops are
open to both men and women. Additional materials and fees may be required.
Morning Sessions 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Afternoon Sessions 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Breast Knots and Floral Embellishments – Julie Rockhold (morning session only)
Cost: $30
Description: Learn about the use of breast knots and floral embellishments used for Regency accessories. See how they
evolved from the 18th century center front ribbon bow to how they were used in the Federalist/regency era.
Make one of your own during this workshop. Learn the use of silk ribbon, paper and silk flowers (and fruits) in
accessorizing your gown, reticule or hats and caps.
Handouts and all supplies are included. Just bring your imagination.
Brush the Breeze: Hand Painted Fans – Jacque Redding and Billie Szymanski (All Day Class)
Cost: $60
Description: In the morning, participants will learn a brief history of fans and the different types popular in the
regency/federal era. They will draft an original design on rice paper before painting by hand.
In the afternoon, they will attach the leaf to the blades of the fan.
All supplies are provided. Participants may want to bring an apron to protect their clothing.
This workshop is limited to 20 participants.
Making an Equipage – Nancy Welling and Angela Strous
Cost: $40
examples will be on hand for participants to view. Tools, chains, and other basic jewelry items are provided to complete an
equipage. Participants may want to bring old jewelry (brooches, pins, etc) that could be cut or used, as well as
any charms/ items to hang from their creation.
Cost: $40
Description: Find out how ladies cared for their hair in the time of Jane Austen. Participants will receive recipe cards,
ingredients for flax gel to make at home, and jars for pomade they make in class. Students needn't bring
anything, just themselves.
Workshop is limited to 10 participants.
A Reticule for the Making – Tamia Land and Katie Thieme (both morning and afternoon sessions available)
Cost: $40
Description: After a short presentation on reticules, participants will hand sew a basic reticule. They should have basic hand
sewing skills. Several patterns, cotton or faux silk for the outer layer, lining fabric, and trims will be provided.
Students should bring their own needles, pins, and scissors.
Workshop is limited to 12 participants.
Vendors
Vendors will be on site for shopping and supplies during all breaks in the daytime schedule.
2026 Vendors