Okay shameless plug time;  in December 2009 I took a short class with Susan Khalje at the Gorgeous Fabrics Studio.  This was something I had wanted to do for literally 10 years and I was not disappointed.  Susan is a warm and personable teacher who is generous with her incredible knowledge [...]]]>

Me and Susan Kahlje

Okay shameless plug time;  in December 2009 I took a short class with Susan Khalje at the Gorgeous Fabrics Studio.  This was something I had wanted to do for literally 10 years and I was not disappointed.  Susan is a warm and personable teacher who is generous with her incredible knowledge of couture sewing and fashion history.    She told the class that her new web site would be up soon and it is, and there a couple things to let you know about it:  the copyright for Bridal Couture has reverted back to her and she  is making it available on CD-ROM in February 2010.  This book is indispensable for anyone who is serious about couture sewing technique.  Even though the  focus of the book  is bridal most of the techniques can be used with any type of garment.  A used copy on Amazon is easily $80 so I’m really happy Susan is making this great book available.

Also on her website Susan is selling  fabric,  very special French notions  and her favorite Japanese hand sewing needles, which are absolutely the best and they make hand sewing a joy.  I bought two packs of them!  And she has chain for Chanel jackets in gold and silver.

In my mind Susan is part of the sewing holy trinity along with Kenneth King and Claire Shaeffer and if you ever manage to take of her in-person classes you will absolutely love it!