Couture Sewing School 2013

Sewing Fashionistas hosted Susan Khalje’s couture sewing class for the 3rd year in a row in Katy, TX.  Susan is an expert in couture sewing. She ran a successful bridal couture business, was the host of HGTV’s Sew Much More, teaches an online Craftsy class, is a contributing editor for Threads Magazine, and is the author of two books “Bridal Couture: Fine Sewing Techniques for Wedding Gowns and Evening Wear” and “Linen and Cotton:Classic Sewing Techniques for Great Results”.  Trust me, you’re in excellent hands!

What classifies sewing as couture?  I’m glad you asked.  Couture sewing is the design and construction of fashionable clothes to a client’s specific requirements and measurements.  It is considered highly exclusive and reserved for highly skilled designers.  Or as one design assistant put it “It is the champagne of sewing!”  

The ladies that took their sewing to the next level!

Want to see what the students worked on?  

I thought so……

Eileen’s dress is Burda Style 11/2011 #125.

Her fabric is Silk/Wool Alaskine a special order from smfabric.com

Love all the architectural lines.

Eileen is using the matte and shiny sides of the fabric.

Ronnie’s garment is a gorgeous bias cut dress, New Look 6244

The fabric is silk double georgette, special ordered from smfabric.com

There is a lot of basting in couture sewing…..

Liz’s pattern is Vogue 1054, the blouse.
She will also make the pants out of the Pristine White Silk Dupioni.

The fabric is Midnight Snow, a silk double georgette (sold out).

Bound buttonholes will grace the front.

Great care is used in the cutting out phase.

Janet is recreating a design from a picture.

She is using Dark Purple Tropical Weight Wool (sold out).

Love the draping!  Expert fitting from Susan Khalje.

Abby redesigned her pattern to come up with this vintage look.

She’s using Mod Squad (sold out) and White 4-ply Silk for the contrast.

Close up of the contrast cuff.

Kay also chose the Mod Squad fabric.
Her pattern is an out-of-print Vogue.   

Tina is trending the printed pant.

Great job with print placement.

How cute is Meredith in Vogue 1353!!

Closer look at the details.

Kacie is recreating a designer dress.

The sketch is on the table and Susan is bringing it to life on Kacie.

Kacie used black lace with a rose silk shantung underneath.   
So Elegant!

Claudia worked on a top using this stunning lace that she dyed a
a pretty deep olive green.

Diane made a silk velvet dress for her daughter.

The pattern is Marfy F3127.  This dress required a lot of patience and it shows in the details.

Closer view of the shoulder/sleeve.

The velvet dress is underlined with silk organza.

Katie is working on her wedding gown.  Here you see the corselette and some draping.  Can’t show too much before the big day…………..

 

There were 3 Chanel Jackets in this class.

Cathy’s jacket is beautiful in navy and white tweed.

Auditioning the trim-I like it!

Jamie’s jacket is a perfect fit!!!!

A lot of pins go into making the sleeves just right.

Teresa also worked on a Chanel jacket for her Mom (lucky Mom) using the same beautiful boucle fabric as Jamie. You can see how the lining is quilted to the jacket. 

 Ladies, everyone did fantastic work!  

Thank you to Kim Remlinger and her team at Hilton Garden Inn for keeping everyone comfortable.  

If you have never taken a hands on class from Susan Khalje you are missing out on a wonderful sewing experience.  Susan will be back in Katy next year.  Be sure to check her website for future 2014 class dates.