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!
Pleased you included this in your blog.
Delighted in seeing the photo of hand stitching! MO, this is the highlight of couture. Yet some sewists feel negativity in the doing. I’ve heard more than a few say “I hate to have to hand sew.”
The applique scissors caught my eye as well. We both know how great they are to have at hand. Super for grading a seam, triming an edge, and as their name – trimming appliques.
Thanks for the info on her hand-sewing needles. I find hand-sewing (usually basting things together prior to machine stitching) to be rather relaxing and comforting, but good needles are absolutely essential to the process! And good needles are harder to find than they should be!!
Phyllis – thanks for the heads up! Now I’m feeling like I really should take a class from her…learn from the best right?!
Susan’s coming back to Boston to teach her 6 day couture class in May. I can’t wait! Her needles are absolutely The. Best. And I love her pins too.
Ohhhhhhhhh, sigh. Thanks for the good news, couture class and all!
I just spent the last half hour reading absolutely everything on that website and now all I can think of is which class to start saving for first!
Thank you! I will be buying the cd when it is available and the needles and the pins, and saving up to take a class with her.
Thank you for this information
Wow! What a beautiful site! Thanks for the information.
Thanks for telling us about Susan Khalje’s website! I share your opinion about the sewing trinity and I’m glad to find about about the website!
I’m so happy she is making her Bridal Couture book available again. I think I snatched up the last cheap copy on Amazon. I was lucky to find it for $30 USD when I was making my own wedding dress. I learned so many techniques, great for many types of garments, that I signed up for her couture sewing class. Her new website is also much easier to read.
Thanks for all the great info Phyllis !
I am looking forward to taking a class or sit/sew with Susan someday
Thanks for the heads-up, Phyllis! I love your dress and your hair looks fabulous.
Thank you for this most helpful post. I have checked out Susan Khalje’s website and found out that her couture class is coming to my town! If it were not for you, I would not have discovered this talented teacher and accomplished business woman, so thank you again!
I, too, took a week-long couture workshop from Susan. Wow, it was an amazing week and I will definitely take more classes with Susan. It was so gratifying to spend a week with a fabulous couture expert and other students who LOVE to sew with the finest fabrics and quality techniques.