Erica Bunker | DIY Style! The Art of Cultivating a Stylish Wardrobe: April 2011

Book Review: "Couture Sewing Techniques, Revised & Updated"

11:30 AM

"Couture Sewing Techniques, Revised & Updated"
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Taunton Press; Second Edition edition (May 24, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600853358
ISBN-13: 978-1600853357

Description:

The world of haute couture is a place where only a privileged few can ever hope to reside, right? Wrong. Fashion historian Claire B. Shaeffer opened the door to this exclusive realm in her authoritative guide to the techniques that define couture sewing. And now, the industry bible, Couture Sewing Techniques, has been revised and updated throughout — with new photos and a chapter on specialty fabrics. No one can unravel couture garment construction the way Schaeffer can, from the art of hand sewing to mastering edge finishes, from classic closures to shaping a garment for a perfect fit. Readers learn all the basics — and more importantly: how to apply the techniques — on skirts and sleeves, pockets and jackets, evening gowns, and more. Gorgeous photos, clear illustrations, and concise language combine to make this the most complete couture-sewing course available.

I thought about doing a comprehensive "review" of this book. But I don't think that's necessary. We ALL know that Claire B. Shaeffer's original "Couture Sewing Techniques" book is the go to source for REAL couture sewing! Not neat RTW finishing effects, but actual couture! So this book has just been re-vamp and it is a MUST HAVE for those of us that like to keep our sewing game "stepped up".

This book is divided into two parts:

Part One - "The Basics of Couture Sewing"

Chapter 1 - Inside the World of Haute Couture
Chapter 2 - The Art of Hand Sewing
Chapter 3 - Shaping the Garment
Chapter 4 - Edge Finishes
Chapter 5 - Closures

Part Two - "Applying Couture Techniques"

Chapter 6 - Skirts & Pants
Chapter 7 - Blouses & Dresses
Chapter 8 - Sleeves
Chapter 9 - Pockets
Chapter 10 - Jackets & Coats
Chapter 11 - Designing with Fabric
Chapter 12 - Special Occasions

I also purchased her DVD:

"Couture Techniques Workshop Basics with Claire Shaeffer"

Stunning!

7:15 AM

Bold Colors

McCall's 6326

11:30 AM

underpinnings

Underpinnings!

11:00 AM

Body Image

Jumpsuits...

3:45 PM

Jo-Ann Fabrics and the new Vogue Patterns

7:00 PM

As the rest of you pattern-a-holics know that April 10th through the 16th, Vogue Patterns were on sale at J0-Anns (my store is #2169) for $3.99. Of course any true pattern-a-holic mark these dates on their calendars! Well, when I get in the store bright and early on the 10th for the new releases? No patterns. BUT -- the new catalog was on the table. Are they really wanting to play with my emotions? See, I had already purchased a couple of the new patterns directly from the VP website during one of their sales because Hancock Fabrics did NOT have the new patterns in stock. But as we know, the more patterns you purchase, the more the shipping rate increases. And I just can't make myself do that when I live only a little over a mile from Jo-Anns AND Hancock! So, back to my story... Okay, I ask the ONLY Jo-Anns associate I could find, the one lady at the cutting counter if the patterns were in and they just hadn't put the out? She gave me a "BLANK" stare and said, "They could be." I'm standing there tapping my fingernails on the counter giving her the "well, are you going to find out for me" look. So she gives me her story about being the only one there and that she couldn't leave the cutting area. Fine. It's only the 10th and the sale runs through the 16th.

On the 14th, Hancocks is having their pattern sale. So I do my damage over there and run by Jo-Anns. Still no new Vogue Patterns. I inquire yet again. This time the sales associate attempts to insult my intelligent by telling me, "Well, they ARE on sale. We've probably sold out." Even though in my mind, I'm thinking BULLSHIT! But instead, I give her a tight-lipped smile and just say, "Highly doubtful. I was just in here the other day and they hadn't even been placed in the cabinets. And also, the new pattern number tabs aren't there." Again, I'm given the "we've been busy and they're probably still in the back story". I tell myself, it's ONLY patterns and it's really not that deep. So I leave Jo-Anns once again empty-handed.

On the 16th, the LAST day of the sale, I was determined to get my patterns. It's just the principle now. So I march in with determination and list in hand. I walk straight to the drawer. Sigh... no patterns. I grab the VP catalog off of the table and stalk down the first associate that was not at the cutting counter or the register. He gives me the same ol' story of the patterns probably not being there and the days they get a shipment. I tell him, "Look! You're not dealing with a novice. I know when those catalogs come in, the patterns come with them!" He flips to the back of the catalog and the date of receipt is written there. It had been in the store a week! He saw that he was dealing with ~~a crazed woman~~ someone that really wanted those patterns and so he tracked them down. We went through a very unorganized box of assorted McCall's, Butterick and Vogue Patterns and found each one on my list. I wish I remembered that male associate's name because he was extremely helpful!

All of this to say that it was utterly ridiculous for that catalog to be placed on the table if the Jo-Anns associates were too ~~lazy~~ busy to put the patterns in the drawers!