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Silk and Embroidered Tulle Couture Dress

When I enrolled in Susan Khalje’s Couture Sewing School, I knew I wanted to work with fine fabrics that would challenge me as a seamstress.  But first I had to come up with a pattern that my daughter, Sarah, would like.  I drafted the pattern with inspiration coming from Watter’s “Beilin” wedding gown, but making it sleeveless and with a full circle skirt. The embroidered tulle came from B & J Fabrics and the silk charmeuse from Mood Fabrics. At Susan’s class I learned how to dye silk organza (with coffee) to back the sheer parts of the bodice, how to bind the neck and armholes with tulle, and how to give body to the flimsy charmeuse with two layers of china silk. The back neck closure has three vintage buttons and the skirt is finished with a hand picked zipper that has a dart at the bottom instead of a seam. The finished dress fit Sarah like a glove (thank you Susan for the great fitting lesson!).  

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  1. carolfresia | | #1

    This is stunning! What a lovely design, and the fit is amazing. Getting a good fit with a back opening like this one can be a challenge. Thanks for posting.

  2. tzipi | | #2

    this is a gorgeous dress. I am interested in hearing more about Susans course. you took it in Baltimore or on line? it seems like you really got a lot out of it. I would love to learn how to make a dress like this. really beautiful!!!

  3. sew1955 | | #3

    Thank you for the wonderful complements. I took Susan's course in Baltimore and it was well worth it. You can find out all the details at her website. Everyone in the class has his/her own project and everyone starts out with a muslin. Come prepared, it was six days of intensive learning!

  4. sewnotwork | | #4

    This is a lovely dress! For those who want to still learn from Susan Khalje but don't want to travel so far, I took a craftsy.com class by her called The Couture Dress. Usually you can get a deal on the classes if you sign up with your email. I think I may have paid $25 for the course and the pattern is included. It does take several weeks before you receive the pattern though. I made a different dress but used the same techniques. It is a wonderful addition to your video library. You can refer back to it whenever you want. It does not expire. http://www.craftsy.com/lecture/Introduction/575.html

  5. User avater
    kneedlez | | #5

    Lovely. Couture is so satisfying, almost meditative for me. Handsewing is a wonderful contrast to my usually highly active life.

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