Re-enactment, living history and historical sewing

For me, making a gown from another time period is like time travel, I am taken back to a pre-industrial world, when a new gown couldn’t be bought in a shop, where creating something special was exciting and filled you with such anticipation, where you spent time on the embroidery and beading and couldn’t wait to finish your creation and wear it to the ball.

I use historical construction methods and my 21^st century sewing machine. I use hand stitching that is period correct on the outside of the gown, combining the best aspects of past and present. It’s immensely satisfying.

I am a member Society of Creative Anachronists, a worldwide medieval reenactment group and create historical garb in the style of a particular period between 650 AD (Vikings) to 1650 AD (Anne Boleyn).

I dress up in other time periods as well: 

• Regency (Pride and Prejudice), 
• American Civil War (Scarlet O’Hara), 
• Suffragettes (Emily Pankhurst), 
• Bloomers (Amelia Bloomer), 
• SteamPunk, 
• Tweed Rides and
• other cosplay events.

I love vintage fashion, particularly early 20^th century, ‘20’s, ‘30’s, ‘40's but originals are often too delicate or too small or too expensive, so I recreate outfits from original patterns of the times.

Create your special gown with me

You and I will work together to create your gown, you will gain confidence in your skills and creativity, learn new skills and refresh old ones and teach me as well.

In my Blue Mountains studio or in your home, together we will stitch up a gown. 

In the style you want.

From any period of fashion or cosplay.

Medieval to Renaissance, Regency to Victorian crinolines and bloomers, Edwardian to Flapper, 40's austerity to 50's extravagance, 60's mods to contemporary couture and everything in-between.

A gown that fits you perfectly.

That you make yourself, with me guiding you through the whole process, regardless of your sewing skills.

Classes

One-on-one or group sessions are available.

Classes are run throughout the year in my Blue Mountains studio.

Contact me at enquiries@thetailorsapprentice.com

02 4701 9345

Who is The Tailor's Apprentice?

Lorna McKenzie is a Blue Mountains home couturier (dress maker) who works one-on-one with you to make your dream gown, you make it as I teach you how.

I have been sewing for as long as I can remember; my mother, Edna, was a couturier in Sydney who made wedding gowns, bridesmaid frocks, ball gowns, debutant gowns, and wedding trousseau's in the most fashionable of styles between the 1930’s until the 1970’s.

I was her tailor's apprentice, she taught me how to make clothes that fitted well and were fashionable. She was adept at creating what her clients wanted and she trained me in these skills as well. 

Why I started The Tailor's Apprentice

For many years, I have worked with friends to create fabulous fantasy gowns, and as they worked with me, they learnt how to be a Tailor and went off to make their own.

I was constantly asked to run classes, so I gave in, and The Tailor's Apprentice was born. 

I want to share my experience and love of creating gowns with you.

Work with me to make your dream outfit, the gown you've always wanted but didn't think you could make. 

You can make a gown like the one on the left, my client had basic sewing skills and we created a Renaissance gown from the inside out, including the corset. We made this together. An original gown, one that no one else will ever have, one you made yourself that can become a family heirloom.

Classes

One-on-one or group sessions are available.

Classes are run throughout the year in my Blue Mountains studio or in your home.

Contact me at enquiries@thetailorsapprentice.com or 02 4701 9345 for bookings and enquiries.

My qualifications

I studied Textiles and Design for 6 years to matriculation level, including practical and theoretical study in costume creation, pattern making, history of costume, embroidery, history of textiles, historical design development, etc.

I studied Textile Design at East Sydney Technical College (now the National School of Arts).

I am a member of the Australian Costumers Guild.

I am a qualified teacher and adult educator and I bring those skills to my classes. I also bring my love of craft, passion and humour.

I have sewn for friends, family and myself for over 20 years. I have taught friends and family the skills of dress creation for as many years.

I keep my skills up-to-date by attending courses in all areas of fashion design and creation.