Couture Techniques Workshop Basics with Claire Shaeffer

UPDATE, January 2013I believe I've seen some parts of this DVD on Threads Insider, which is a service offered to Threads Magazine subscribers. I'm not a subscriber now, but I believe there was a free preview. So you might want to take a look at the Threads site first. I'd still rather have a DVD than have to worry about access through a website.UPDATE, June 2010I recently bought the new edition of Shaeffer's Couture Sewing. It's an excellent companion to this DVD.___I bought Claire Shaeffer's book, Couture Sewing, many years ago. I found it interesting, but didn't have sewing experience, so some of the techniques described in the book were hard for me to follow. I didn't know anyone who sewed, much less did this kind of labor-intensive sewing.This DVD illustrates many of the skills discussed in the book, from hand stitching to marking, from machine sewing to pressing. It is very clear. Although since first reading the book I've taken some fairly high-powered sewing technique classes, I still picked up some tips from this DVD. Things that have never been explained to me before were discussed, such as why one might hand-finish a seam allowance.Even beginners will benefit from the lessons on tools, hand stitching and pressing. Reasonable people can disagree, but I think that it's worth it for beginners, especially people sewing for themselves, to put in the time to learn how to sew using couture-type methods. It's more work, but the results tend to be better because the sewer has more control at every stage.In addition, sewing this way takes a certain discipline that is helpful to develop at the beginning. I took a couture class a couple of years ago at a very respected fashion design school, and one person who had a lot of production sewing experience dropped out because she couldn't stand all the basting. Once you know you can manipulate the fabric, you can always take shortcuts if you want. But there are certain kinds of projects that will always require couture-style prep.At the same fashion design school, I took the basic sewing course, which was production-oriented and students used industrial machines. Most of the people in the large class were experienced sewers who were aspiring designers, with no intention of ever sewing for themselves -- they hoped to hand a design to a sample maker. As an inexperienced sewer who's kind of clumsy, this class was hard for me. I began to baste and do prep that no one else was doing. I ignored the occasional snickers of some of my classmates.But couture sewing methods added in all the steps I needed, and if I'd been earlier acquainted with the methods, I'd have saved myself some time, for example, I'd have known to thread trace the right side of the fabric of the shirt I was making, instead of relying on a chalk mark that rubbed off. I got confused and ended up with a shirt whose front pieces were subtly different in color.I can't wait to read the reviews for the revised Couture Sewing book.Highly recommended.

Contents: Disc OneIntroduction Basics: Claire goes over some fabric she has and how she uses couture techniques in her clothing. Sewing Techniques: Tools **********************: Beginnings and endings: Simple knot, Waste knot, End knot, and tailors knot. Basting stitches-Even, Uneven, Dressmaking, Diagonal and 2 diagonals.Permanent stitches: Running/Forward, back, prick, catch, cross, single cross and overcasting. Slip Stitches: and fell stitches. Hemming Stiches: Blind, Blind catchstitch, hand overcast, figure eight stitch, catch stitch hem, slip stitch and unusual applications of these stitches. Machine stitching as well how to baste stitches for sewing Clipping technique. Darts: Couture technique for sewing dartsContent Disc 2: Sewing Techniques The sewing section is pretty self-explanatory. Mrs.Shaeffer lets you know the tools needed for each technique while also going over when and how to apply. Bars and Chains Marking Techniques Pressing Techniques Shrinking and stretching Bias Button Loops Stays I like these DVDs and am happy to have bought them. She always throws in little information about couture sewing house workers. The only thing I will say I did not like was that I was not able to go to the exact technique I wanted. I had to go to the chapter in which the technique would be and either wait or fast forward to the wanted section. The visuals are clear, the pace is nice and not hurried. She provides information as she sews on what the specific stitch or technique will be used for. She provides garments where she used the specific technique. I am not a fan of the book on its own as a resource, but I do think the book and the DVD go along nicely and you can achieve a solid foundation of couture workmanship by delving into both. If I had to choose which one to purchase it would definitely be the DVD and not the book. As I feel the DVD provides more practical replicable application. At first, I was going to toss the book but since I have completed the DVD and see how they work well together I will keep it. The book has more techniques throughout that you may not see on the DVD, IMO the book is not a good reference on its own.Again if you can get both.Go for it-If not GET THE DVD. Is it worth it? YES. Even at a higher price point this DVD would be worth it!! Not sure if you read reviews but thanks Claire B. Shaeffer for this classic DVD.

I bought the DVDs because I wanted to know more about haute couture and how things are done by hand when you can't use a sewing machine. Everything is explained very well and at a good pace. I have not watched the whole two DVDs yet but I am very pleased so far.

OK,this is a very good video for someone just learning to sew, for anyone who has been thru design school or is an experienced seamstress, you might be a tad bit disapointed.she is a very good instructor, visuals and up-close was exceptional. all of the stiches (and there was a lot about stiches) are basic to anyone who sews. i learned nothing new here, (but i have been sewing for over 20 years) and nothing meaningful about couture techniques. the book gives a lot more information, and using one of her custom couture patterns (from vogue) to put it all together sure will help if you are trying to be a better seamstress or perfect your skills.The price is good though, and she has a very good closet of old couture garments that she shows the inside construction of.Am looking forward to videos 2 and 3, intermediate and advanced....

This is a fabulous CD showing in great detail fine couture sewing techniques. Claire S could easily kept all of her knowledge to herself and her lucky clients who could afford her custom apparel. Fortunately for the rest of us she is sharing her techniques so we could learn from her. I learned to sew many years ago when sewing on a machine was the preferred way to sew garments. Hand sewing was something you did on hems, if at all. After watching this CD I realized that if I wanted to take the next step up to couture sewing then I had to master hand sewing. Thank you Claire for this wonderful instructional CD!

Claire Shaeffer è una vera maestra dell'haute couture,questi due dvd come anche tutti i suoi libri sono spiegati molto bene, super consigliato.