The Couture Sewing School - The Dress - Starts Thursday 3rd July 2025

Couture sewing takes time and patience.  Much of the construction is done by hand often because the fabrics are tricky and there could be complicated design details. Since spending time with Claire Shaeffer, who is an internationally respected author, lecturer and columnist and has a collection of over 2000 couture garments,  I have been inspired to do more couture sewing and share some of these skills.

On this workshop we will be using a pattern by Claire Shaeffer's Custom Couture Collection for Vogue.  This range of patterns has been discontuned and I have been lucky enough to obtain the remaining stock to use in workshops.

The dress is "made by hand."  In haute couture, this term describes the procedure  for shaping a garment by hand with an abudance of bastingand hand finishing.  The workshop will begin with classic dressmaking techniques which feature an underlining instead of a lining.  Initially you may find this disconcerting because the seams on the inside are exposed in. the finished dress.  However, once you begin sewing, you will quickly see how a lining wold interfere with the drape of the pleats on the bodice. 

The design includes a variety of details which will enhance your pleasure and comfort when the dress is worn.  the extended facing at the front nickline drapes more attracively with less buldk than a separate facing.  The bias stay at the front edges will prevent gaping and produce a soft "unpressed" edge.  The French tack will hold the two fronts toghether inconspicuously.  The lingerie guards will contol your undergarment straps so they will not peak out.  The inside waist belt will anchor the dress at the waist and the belt guards will control the position of the belt.

On the workshop we will make a toille to check the fit then continue to the couture contruction of the dress.

What You Need To Bring: The Sewing Room is fully equipped with Janome Sewing Machines and Overlockers as well as all the tools you need to complete your project. You are very welcome to bring your own machine and sewing box if you wish.

Materials Needed : The patter nfor the dress is included in the workshop price, you will nee to bring

2.2m of 150cm wide woven fabric such as crepe de chine, 2.2m of 150cm woven underling fabric such as silk charmeuse or bremsilk, 30cm of 150cm wide silk organza, small shoulder pads, 1 x 55cm zip, 2 x 10cm zips, 1.3m of 38mm wide grosgrain ribbon, Hooks & eyes, snap fasteners, seam binding, 2.5m of 25mm grosgrain ribbon

Many of the notions can be purchased in the Sewing Room    

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Venue: The Midhurst Sewing Room

Date:3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th July 2025

Workshop Start/End time: 10am - 5pm

Workshop Duration: 4 days

Workshop Tutor: Claire Tyler