Claire B. Schaeffer is in love with haute couture in general, and the familiar boxy Chanel jacket in particular. Her exploration here of the vast array of trims and embellishments that make each Chanel creation unique is eye-opening: everything from embroidery, braid, and ribbons, to scallops, piping, and gimp (decorative trim). In this near-four-hour how-to, Schaeffer demonstrates various ways of trimming the sleeves of an astonishing array of jackets (all built on the Chanel model), followed by instructions for impeccably finishing the edges of cuffs, collars, and pockets with everything from topstitching to self-bias and crochet. She even shows viewers how to convert a traditional two-piece sleeve from a commercial pattern into a three-piece sleeve that positions the cuff—and imaginative trim—to be more visible. Besides designing patterns for Vogue, Schaeffer has produced several books and videos on couture techniques, and her patient yet exacting expertise makes the construction of a special garment seem doable. Sure to be welcomed by sewing enthusiasts, this is highly recommended. Aud: P. (F. Gardner)
Couture Sewing: Designer Trims with Claire B. Schaeffer
(2015) 2 discs. 233 min. DVD: $49.95. The Taunton Press (dist. by The AV Cafe). PPR. ISBN: 978-1-63186-316-5. Volume 30, Issue 6
Couture Sewing: Designer Trims with Claire B. Schaeffer
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