Nobby Blouse Workshop
Outspoken Art - Paisley Centre
The Nobby Blouse
In the late 1800s and early 1900s there was an explosion in women entering the workforce, women had always been a large part of the workforce, but with the industrial revolution more women than ever entered both factory work as well as domestic labour being seen as a valuable resource.
A major symbol of this shift was the changes in fashion. Women were in need of a practical and professional attire, one that was in line with the social customs of the times, but wouldn’t hinder their work. And so, the Shirtwaist Blouse, also known as a Nobby Blouse, became the fashionable attire.
The Shirtwaist Blouse grew out of the standard male Shirt but altered to suit the fashions of the day. The Edwardian era’s silhouette was considered, using gathers, pleats, and trim for a pigeon-breasted look, with a snatched waist, while still being practical and professional. It was a garment both for the workers and the consumer. Women of all social classes would wear this blouse; it was immensely popular. For the first time, working women were leading the fashion evolution.
PCMS supplied a huge number of Draperies, Tailoring, and Millinery. The women working in the factory would work fast and efficient, and they were paid better wages than most other factories of the time. Blouses and Shirts would be made in bulk to order, or to measure if it was a particularly fancy blouse.
Each workshop will be inspired by the different aspects of the PCMS Drapery department, and by the end you’ll have a Nobby Blouse for yourself, a friend, or just to show you can!
Workshops
Ended
The Cutting Room - Tue 28/02/2023, 11am-3pm
In the first workshop we will be choosing and cutting fabrics, and measuring for patterns. You will learn about different styles of Nobby Blouse, what makes a Nobby Blouse and the impact on fashion today.
Trims and Gathers - Wed 01/03/2023, 11am-3pm
In this workshop we will be working on different embellishment techniques. You will learn how to use insertion lace, gathers, and pin tucks, and how to apply them to your Nobby Blouse.
Assembly - Tue 07/03/2023, 11am-3pm
In this workshop we will be focusing on the construction of the Nobby Blouse. You will learn about seams and construction.
Quality Check and Display - Wed 08/03/2023, 11am-3pm
In this workshop we will focus on finishings, cuffs, collars, and hems. We will finish up with brainstorming ideas for the display of your work for the exhibit.
The final exhibition will contain Fabric Samples, Trimming Samples, blouses in different stages of construction, and finished blouses. There will be a display at the exhibit with your work, and a shopwindow dressed to match!
While we will talk about the time-period and how the blouses would have been made originally in the 1900s, we will be using some modern techniques, equipment, and materials. You can use your creativity to create a wholly unique work, or go with a more historical feel, if you so please.
Fabrics, Lace, and Notions will be supplied, as well as equipment, there will be a shared use of Sewing equipment, so please bring your own scissors, pins, and sewing machine if you’re not comfortable with sharing or you just prefer your own!
