Haute Couture Techniques: The Review

For the record, I'm going ignore the large gap of time between posts...mainly because I've come to grips with the concept of "Tempus Fugit" a.k.a "Times Flies". And it seems the more flying it does the better it gets at it.... so while I try new methods of trying to catch-up, I hope you still pay me visit or follow me on Twitter :-)

During the Spring 2009 semester at F.I.T I took Haute Couture Techniques. I figured I could learn more hand-working techniques to add to my arsenal. The class was in a lecture format and we only worked on small fabric samples. As we learned the technique the instructor gave examples of how and why a couture atelier would incorporate them into garment construction.
While I did enjoy the class, especially the camaraderie with all of the students, I wouldn't say the class exposed any major show stopping secrets. If anything, it was the minor things that weren't even official parts of the course curriculum that made it worthwhile (like how to properly use a thimble, or how to thread a Merrow, etc). For those who regularly read and engage in the sewing blogosphere and read books like Claire Shaeffers Couture Sewing, this class would have been a cake walk. So without further adieu here are samples I made in class:

Hem (Inside the garment) and Edge (Outside the garment) Facings. Using 1/4" seam allowances (SA) I machine stay stitched the top edge and stitched the edge of the facing to the fabric. After turning facing and pressing the seams, the top edge was folded in to the stay stitched and blind slip stitched to the fabric.

Here is a view of back side of the blind slip stitch, if I used thread to match the fabric, it would appear invisible.

Lace Applique on Silk Organza. Here we used two different kinds of hand stitches to attach lace to organza. I used tiny blanket/afghan stitches and on the applique and edge lace and the overhand stitch.

French and Mock French seams on Organza. The french seam is stronger.....

...but the mock french seam has less bulk.

To be continued.......