Easy Grace and Comfort: Men’s Frock Coat Workshop

January 17 & 24, 2015 from 9:30am-4pm
Rhode Island Historical Society Library, 121 Hope Street, Providence, RI
$115 per person, registration is required by December 15, 2014
Kit costs: Unlined Linen $110; Wool lined with Serge: $260; Cost for cutting coat from your cloth: $50; Pattern only $20
To register, call the Brick Market Museum & Shop at 401-841-8770.
Registration is requested by December 19, 2014.

The frock coat broke into the men's fashionable dress in the middle of the 18th century as a lighter, more loosely fitted alternative to the closely fitted, heavily padded and stiffened dress coats of the era.

Henry Cooke, principal of Historical Costume Services, will lead participants through the construction of a frock coat, either from a kit supplied by him, or from participant supplied cloth.   The different types of coats will be covered, along with the types of stitches needed to construct this essential outer garment. Construction of cuffs, collars, lapels, and pocket, pleating, lining, and finishing will be covered in the class.  Henry will also bring different types of buttons for possible use, along with original garments and buttons to inform and inspire.

Frock coat kits will be available in a variety of Kochan and Phillips woolens, along with linen osnaburg, and indigo blue and brown linens. The workshop is limited to twelve students.