Ragdale, the nationally acclaimed artists’ residency program, located on the former Arts and Crafts country estate of architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, offers tours of the historic Ragdale House. Participants will learn about the Shaw family history and the celebrated artist in residence program. Visitors can experience the seven-acre site which includes three historic homes, several artist studios, gardens and vistas of the 50-acres Shaw Prairie. The Ragdale House and the Barn House, originally built in 1897, are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tour donations help to support the mission of Ragdale.
ADMISSION: $15/person and online reservations must be made in advance

Local Event: Public Tour of the Historic Ragdale Campus

Lake County

Lake Forest-Lake Bluff

Illinois

Public Tour of the Historic Ragdale Campus

Ragdale, the nationally acclaimed artists’ residency program, located on the former Arts and Crafts country estate of architect...

The Workshop Everyone in Fashion Wishes They Had Years Ago
Join Our Exclusive 1-Day Professional Fashion Workshop
Most people spend years sewing garments… yet never truly understand why clothing fits correctly — or why it does not.
Garments pull. They twist. They collapse. They feel uncomfortable. They look expensive on one person and completely wrong on another.
And most people never learn the real reason why.
That is because true garment fitting is a professional skill rarely taught outside of high-end fashion houses, bespoke tailoring environments, and advanced professional training.
On Saturday, July 18, 2026, nationally recognized Master Bespoke Tailor Eric W. Stiles Sr. will present an exclusive live 1-Day Professional Fashion Workshop at Moraine Valley College in Building M, Room M210, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
Students have attended Eric's classes and workshops from throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin because the professional knowledge presented is difficult to find elsewhere and is well worth both the modest cost and travel time.
This is not a sewing class!
This is a rare behind-the-scenes look into the professional world of garment fitting, body proportions, balance, drape, and fit analysis — the same concepts used in luxury tailoring and high-end garment development.
For 2.5 intensive hours, participants will learn how professionals actually SEE clothing.
You will begin understanding:
• Why garments pull, twist, collapse, or feel uncomfortable • Why some clothing flatters the body and some does not • How body proportions affect fit • How professional fitters identify problems immediately • How to visually evaluate garments like a professional • How proper fitting changes the entire appearance of clothing • Why expensive garments can still fit poorly • The hidden details most people never notice
Once you understand professional fitting principles, you will never look at clothing the same way again.
This workshop is designed for:
• Fashion students • Designers • Sewing enthusiasts • Tailors and alteration specialists • Boutique owners • Beginners wanting professional knowledge • Anyone frustrated with poor garment fit • Anyone serious about fashion, clothing, and appearance
Eric W. Stiles Sr. brings more than 40 years of professional experience in luxury garment construction, bespoke tailoring, and high-end fashion. His background includes work connected to internationally respected fashion houses including Brioni, Giorgio Armani, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Tom Ford.
Students and attendees consistently describe his workshops as eye-opening, inspiring, practical, and unlike anything they have experienced before.
Many people spend years learning sewing techniques without ever learning the science and visual art of proper fit.
This workshop changes that.
And for a limited time, the fee for this exclusive professional workshop is just $63.21.
Considering the level of professional knowledge being presented, this is an extraordinary opportunity for anyone serious about fashion, garment construction, alterations, or understanding how clothing truly fits the body.
Seats are limited and expected to fill quickly.
Those who attend will gain knowledge that permanently changes the way they see garments, proportions, and the human body.
More professional fashion workshops will follow.
IMPORTANT:
Please visit the website prior to attending to review workshop details and see what you should bring to the workshop.
Register now: ewsacademy.org/PALOS-MARCH-WORKSHOP.HTML
Questions or registration information: 708-424-4397
Website: ewsacademy.org

Local Event: “The Art of Professional Garment Fitting & Body Proportions”

Kenosha County

Kenosha

Wisconsin

“The Art of Professional Garment Fitting & Body...

The Workshop Everyone in Fashion Wishes They Had Years Ago
Join Our Exclusive 1-Day Professional Fashion Workshop
Most people...

“The Art of Professional Garment Fitting & Body Proportions”

Lake Bluff IL

In-person Understanding Your Newborn-Lake Forest

Ants Marching

The 2026 Ragdale Ring Summer Performance Series kicks off on June 20 with a world premiere dance performance of Circle of Apathy by Chicago-based dance ensemble House of DOV and soul-funk music collective Family Junket.&nbsp;Set in and around the award-winning "Ragdale Ring" created by Virginia-based design studio Gluten, Circle of Apathy is a site-specific outdoor performance on Ragdale's historic campus. Attendees are welcome to arrive early for a picnic on the lawn and explore the grounds.

Local Event: Kick-off weekend for Ragdale Ring Summer Performance Series

Kick-off weekend for Ragdale Ring Summer...

The 2026 Ragdale Ring Summer Performance Series kicks off on June 20 with a world premiere dance performance of Circle of...

Kick-off weekend for Ragdale Ring Summer Performance Series

Summer Sweet-Hearts Dance

Enjoy a special time out at Ragdale's Family Day!

Fun for everyone, the day's program includes performances of the comedy show Well-Balanced Dads, the world premiere of Circle of Apathy by Chicago-based dance group House of DOV, live music by Family Junket, crafts with Ishti Collective, and more. Picnicking on campus is permitted, and touring Ragdale's historic grounds is encouraged.

The program is part of the Ragdale Ring Summer Performance Series kick-off June 20-21 and is part of the celebration of Ragdale's 50th anniversary.

Local Event: Ragdale Family Day at Ragdale Ring Summer Performance Series

Ragdale Family Day at Ragdale Ring Summer...

Enjoy a special time out at Ragdale's Family Day!

Fun for everyone, the day's program includes performances of the comedy show...

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Events and Things to Do in Lake Bluff, IL

Saturday, June 13

Public Tour of the Historic Ragdale Campus

JUN

13

10:00 AM

1230 N Green Bay Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Saturday, June 20

Kick-off weekend for Ragdale Ring Summer Performance Series

JUN

20

6:00 PM

1230 N Green Bay Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Sunday, June 21

Ragdale Family Day at Ragdale Ring Summer Performance Series

JUN

21

1:30 PM

1230 N Green Bay Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Also around town...

Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Saturday, June 13

Friday, June 19

Saturday, June 20

Sunday, June 21

Thursday, June 25

Saturday, July 4

Saturday, July 11

Sunday, July 12

Monday, July 20

Public Tour of the Historic Ragdale Campus

Kick-off weekend for Ragdale Ring Summer Performance Series

Ragdale Family Day at Ragdale Ring Summer Performance Series