MASTERCLASS The Value of Heritage Rural Garments - Advanced School of Calascio
The Value of Rural Garments: Contemporary Tailoring with Hand-Loomed Fabrics
The course is based on researching and designing mountain rural patterns using contemporary hand-loomed fabrics and reclaimed traditional textiles, together with local wools and natural dyes.
Each participant will have their own sewing machine and share a cutting table.
In the first part of the course, participants will be provided with hand-loomed fabric pieces. Together with the instructor, they will design and create a vest. Pattern definition will start from a basic vest pattern block prepared by the instructor, to be customized in size and partially in shape. Participants will learn the techniques for preparing handcrafted fabric for cutting, and subsequently, the specific tailoring construction techniques for this type of fabric.
In the second part, based on acquired and/or prior skills, the course will proceed with constructing a simple unstructured shirt featuring a Korean-style collar. This will be made using antique/vintage Abruzzo cotton provided to participants during the course.
From the 23 to 28 March 2026
course length: 35 hours |
Monday 23: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday 24 to Friday 27: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
On Saturday 28 morning, the final presentation event will be held, featuring an exhibition of the course participants' work.
WHERE Convento di Santa Maria delle Grazie, CALASCIO (AQ) - Via XI Febbraio, 1, 67020 Calascio AQ
total cost: € 300,00
The tuition fee includes:
- Attendance to in-person lessons
- Course materials
- Light lunch
- Certificate of attendance
Required Equipment/Materials for Students: Scissors, measuring tape, needles, notebook, tracing paper (or lightweight paper), graphite pencil, colored pencil, ruler, calculator.
(The school has arranged an agreement with the course venue for accommodations. For further information, please contact the educational office)
With the contribution of the pilot project for cultural, social and economic regeneration ‘Rocca Calascio - Luce d'Abruzzo’, promoted by the Municipality of Calascio and selected by the Abruzzo Region under the Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) of the Ministry of Culture (Investment Line A – M1.C3 – Investment 2.1 – ‘Attractiveness of Historic Villages’), funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
Required Entry-Level Skills: Proficiency with a sewing machine and basic construction techniques; basic patternmaking knowledge (familiarity with sewing patterns and having completed basic sewing machine practice or courses).
Course Objectives: Students will:
- Become familiar with the characteristics of hand-loomed fabrics and learn the techniques for preparing handcrafted fabrics for tailoring construction.
- Be guided in modifying a basic vest pattern block to create a personalized vest design.
- Proceed with cutting and constructing an unstructured shirt using antique Abruzzo cottons, based on acquired and/or prior skills.
Outcome: Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired the technical skills for working with hand-loomed fabrics and for constructing a basic vest and, potentially, an unstructured shirt.
Teacher Anthony KNIGHT
Anthony Knight is a professor of pattern making and garment construction at IUAV University of Venice. He also teaches sewing techniques at Venice’s Women’s Prison, promoting economic empowerment through courses on draping, tailoring, and sustainable pattern making.
Trained in fashion design in London (Southgate Technical College, London College of Fashion, Chelsea School of Art), he worked with Sartoria Invitation and the collective Major B. After moving to Italy in the 1980s, he began his career working on patterns for designers Samuele Mazza, Emilio Cavallini and Visconti, he collaborated with brands including Benetton, Moschino, Calvin Klein, and Rick Owens.
Since relocating to Venice, he creates costumes for Teatro La Fenice, Teatro Regio di Torino, and projects for artists (e.g., Ralph Lemon, Luca Nichetto). He also collaborates with brands like Totem and PAFFF. He conducts global social empowerment workshops in Japan, Egypt, Somalia, and Ukraine.
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