Back from Couture Sewing Workshop - Dress about 75% Done!

I spent last week at my long-awaited Susan Khalje Couture Sewing Workshop in Vista CA.   It was 6 x 9 hour days of sewing bliss.   Zoe flew down from NorCal for the first 2 days for fittings, so on top of everything, I got some delicious mother-daughter time too.

Susan and Zoe discuss placement of lace overlay

At the LA Area Pattern Review meet-up last fall  I met a woman who said she'd made a wedding dress for her niece at Susan's Couture Workshop.  She highly recommended I do the same if I could swing it.   I am so glad I took her up on her advice.

Our workroom was sunny, comfy, and full of great tools  

I was aware of Susan as a contributing editor to Threads magazine.    But I had no idea what an amazing teacher she was.  She possesses that rare combination of complete master of her craft, and great communicator.  Here's a link to her website, susankhalje.com where she offers online classes.

Susan fits the sleeves on a steam punk style jacket

Not surprisingly, Susan has amassed a loyal following of talented and skilled women who regularly attend her workshops.  The luckiest among them have traveled with her to Paris to shop at the best stores and ateliers.    There were 12 women in the workshop, and more than half were repeat attendees.  

During the first hour of the workshop, we went around the circle, introduced ourselves, and shared the pattern and fabric we intended to work that week.  There were many accomplished and talented sewists, many of whom were tackling couture evening gowns, Chanel style jackets, and beautiful coats. The quality and style of garments that would cost thousands and thousands to acquire if you weren't making them yourself.



It was a  diverse group:  ranging from one young woman who took up sewing 8 years ago because she's over 6 feet tall and couldn't find anything to fit, to a number of highly accomplished educators and consultants, moms, nurses, equestriennes, and onto a handful of women of happy retirees.  Like me!

Timmi is the principal of a charter school and a true artist.   She made a gorgeous Devoré velvet gown.  

The workshop was held in the sunny sewing studio of Vista local Cindy Dahlin, of Cindy Dahlin  Designs.  Cindy loves vintage, and her lovely upstairs studio was filled with the antique clothing and collectibles that inspire her work.

Cindy plays with a ribbon belt embellishment

Like Susan, Cindy is a lifelong couture seamstress and designer, and she served as Susan's assistant and right hand during the week.

Susan approves my french seams

Under Susan's wise and patient instruction, I learned many couture sewing techniques, including making my first corset with boning.  And the best part is that Zoe's dress is now about 75% completed!

Dress starting to take shape

I am so inspired and stimulated by the whole  experience.   The exposure to couture sewing techniques really upped my game and widened my creative horizons.   And the community of fellow sewists was fantastic.   Plans are in the works to get together with some of my new friends for a couture sewing gathering soon.