The 2012 retreat is September 28th – October 3. Click here to read all the details.
***Are you interested in attending an Izannah Walker Doll Making Retreat in 2012??? If so please follow this link to my “planning” post and leave a comment to let me know the time of year/dates that work best for you.
I haven’t tried to schedule many in person classes in the past couple of years because I know that traveling to a doll making class would be quite a splurge in this economy. However, since I’m doing a number of special events to celebrate my 25th anniversary, I thought that I would see if anyone is interested in coming here, to New Milford, CT, for a long weekend of doll making in September.
An Overview of the Retreat
Reproduction Dressmaking for your Izannah Walker Dolls
On Friday, September 9th, I will be teaching an intensive one-day class focusing on the fine details of making reproduction mid 19th century doll clothing suitable for Izannah Walker dolls. We’ll start with my Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll Clothes Pattern for an 18- 1/2 Inch Doll and move on from there to explore some of the intricate and exquisite techniques that make 19th century dress making so beautiful. Attendees will need to purchase one of my doll clothing patterns and do some prep work prior to 9/9, so that we can make the most of our class time. Tuition is $115 for the day, plus $29 for the pattern (the pattern comes with the doll making class instructions, so if you are taking both classes, you do not need to buy the pattern for the Friday session) .
Making Izannah Molds, Pressed Cloth Heads and Bodies
A three-day condensed version of my Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll Class starts on Saturday morning, September 10th. Just like in the clothing class, students will need to order my doll class and do some homework ahead of time. Once you get to class we will be making two types of molds, forming pressed cloth heads, and constructing the doll’s body. This is a wonderful class for anyone interested in antique cloth dolls and for those who would like to learn to incorporate pressed cloth heads into their own doll designs. Tuition is $285 for 15 hours of class room time, plus $250 for the doll class.
You may take just one class or sign up for both. Both classes are intended for fairly experienced doll makers. To get the most out of them you need to already know how to sculpt, paint and sew. I need to have a minimum of 3 students registered (per class) by August 15th in order to hold the retreat.
If you already have one of my Izannah doll clothes patterns, or are currently a class member in my Class by Mail group, then obviously you would just need to pay the classroom tuition when you register for the retreat.
General Information About Both Classes
Classes will be held at my 18th century farm (sorry, no farm animals except cats). We will be working out of my studio building and a tent*, so that you can enjoy a bit of autumn splendor,if the weather cooperates.
Students will get a tour of my antique doll collection which features cloth dolls including Izannah Walker originals, and early papier-mache milliner’s models (plus more), as well as my c.1790 house.
Classes run from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day, with the exception of Sunday, September 11th. On Sunday class will start at 1:00 p.m., so you will have a chance to go to church, sleep in, have a leisurely brunch, or go shopping at The Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market, one of the best flea markets in New England.
On Friday, Saturday and Monday I will whip up something simple for lunch, using fresh produce from my gardens, or you may choose to bring a lunch with you. Tea and coffee will be available all day, because I work best with constant infusions of caffeine :).
You will need to bring supplies along with you, as they are not included in the classes. A supply list will be sent out well in advance of September. The exception to this is that I will provide all the plaster you need. If you are flying in and weight is a consideration, you may make arrangements to have silicone mold putty sent here directly. I have numerous sewing machines that you can use, you are also welcome to bring your own portable machine.
Due to space limitations, class sizes are going to have to be kept fairly small. Sign up early to avoid being disappointed. If I do have to cancel, due to lack of registrations by 8/15, I will refund your tuition. Otherwise tuition is non-refundable. What is the reason for this policy? Once you book space in the class, it will potentially keep other people from being able to sign up and also will effect whether or not the class will meet the minimum number of required students. People need to be able to make their travel plans in advance, so if you register and then cancel it creates huge problems.
If you are purchasing the pattern or the doll class by mail and are sure you will still want them, even if the retreat has to be canceled, I will send them to you as soon as you register. Otherwise, I will mail them to you just as soon as I have three confirmed students.
There are several hotels and inns located in New Milford. The Homestead Inn is the closest to me, and is within walking distance of the town green. Restaurants are plentiful on the green and in the historic downtown area, although it helps if you like Italian food 🙂 . If you don’t mind a short drive, Kent, CT, just north of New Milford on Route 7, has some nice places to stay. Last year Yankee magazine named Kent as one of it’s Top 25 Foliage Towns.
* I regret that the classes are not handicap accessible, because of the terrain and antique buildings.
Other Fun Events and Excursions In This Area
The Brimfield Antique and Collectibles fall shows are September 6 – 11th, so you could easily attend the shows, which are about 2 – 1/2 hours north of here, before heading to New Milford for the retreat. If you love antiques, another great show in this area is the Harwinton Antiques and Design Weekend on September 3 & 4 (formerly held in Farmington, CT). The Stormville Antique and Flea Market is also being held the same weekend, 9/3-4.
If you are in the mood for more rustic pursuits, a Farmer’s Market is held on the New Milford green every Saturday from 9:00 – 12:00. I can also recommend the Averill Farm in Washington, CT for pick your own apples, or Maple Bank Farm in Roxbury, CT. for apples and other great produce. There are some delicious, fun places to stop for lunch along the way to either Averill’s or Maple Bank Farm, just ask and I’ll provide details. A picnic at Kent Falls, is another delightful way to spend a fall afternoon. Two scenic covered bridges are just a short drive away and are well worth a visit. If you go to the bridge in West Cornwall be sure to stop in for a meal at The Wandering Moose Cafe.
Do you like life in the fast lane? Visit Lime Rock Race Track for their 29th Historic Festival and watch a century of cars in 10 categories compete in sprint races September 2-5. Or visit the big city, New York City (2 hours) and Boston (2 – 3/4 hours) are both within easy driving distance.
Need more? I can make enough suggestions to keep you busy sight seeing for at least another week! Ask me.
How To Register
Simply call me at 860-355-5709 or email me, paula@asweetremembrance.com, to sign-up or to ask questions. Payment is due when you register. You may send me a check, money order, or Paypal payment (special instructions apply to Paypal , so that I can refund the entire amount to you in the event of cancellation, without having to deduct Paypal fees).
For the past couple of years, I have declared Izannah Walker’s birthday one of my own personal holidays and celebrated by having a sale on all things Izannah. September 25th marks the 195th anniversary of Izannah’s birth in 1817.
Any new orders for custom made Izannah Walker dolls, custom made Izannah Walker doll clothing, Izannah Walker doll clothes patterns, or my Izannah Walker Doll Making Class by Mail are 10% off from 9/19/12 – 10/7/12. THIS DOLL HAS BEEN SOLD. I also have one very sweet Izannah Walker reproduction doll that is finished who is included in this sale. 
Izannah Walker Journal 