Cut-Up Couture is a cutting-edge design book that teaches how to use the copious fabric in men's clothing items to make 34 innovative garments and accessories. The simple sewing techniques showcase how to turn men's shirts, t-shirts, and sweatshirts into beautiful dresses, ruffled blouses, draping tops, and gorgeous jackets for women. You'll learn how to cut, re-sew, and re-shape clothing into cherished garments that resemble trendy, urban boutique findings with lessons in creative "upcycling" and stylish yet simple sewing. Plus, several of the garments in Cut-Up Couture are reversible or can be worn in several ways, such as a dolman-style top that transforms into a skirt, or a skirt/cape variation. Explore a wealth of innovative advice and inspiration for making each project inexpensive, and still very chic. The stylish projects featured are for beginner and advanced sewists or for those simply interested in fashion design.

Fashion historian Shaeffer opened the door to the exclusive realm of haute couture in her authoritative guide to the techniques that define couture sewing. And now, "Couture Sewing Techniques," has been revised and updated throughout. Full color.

"If you want to make a jacket with the impeccable look of Chanel, this is the book to have. The Couture Cardigan Jacket presents sewing methods Claire Shaeffer developed based on her knowledge of haute couture construction and meticulous research studying original Chanels in museum archives and her own collection. Via the DVD, Shaeffer instructs readers in essential techniques such as cutting and shaping the jacket sections, princess seaming, quilting, making the 3-piece sleeve, adding the chain weight, creating the double buttonhole, and more. Where there is a trick or shortcut for an operation (without lowering the quality) Shaeffer demonstrates it, along with a host of sewing methods discovered via careful and meticulous study of Chanel originals. The package is a perfect mix of instruction and insight into the complex design-details that make a Chanel a Chanel"--

Draping—the art of using cotton muslin to create womenswear directly on a dress form—is an essential skill for fashion designers. Through a series of step-by-step projects, designed to develop skills from the most basic to more advanced techniques, this book will guide you in creating both classic and contemporary garments, as well as historical styles and costumes. Draping projects include dresses, bustiers, and jackets, and highlight key fashion garments such as Audrey Hepburn's dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo jacket. Starting with the basics of choosing and preparing the dress form for draping, the book advances through pinning, trimming, and clipping, and creating shape using darts and tucks, to adding volume using pleats and gathers, and handling complex curves. Advanced skills include how to use support elements such as shoulder pads, under layers, and petticoats, and how to handle bias draping. The book culminates with a chapter on improvisational skills. Each skill and technique throughout the book is explained with step-by-step photographs and line drawings that bring the art of creating womenswear in three dimensions to life.

The Art of Couture Sewing is a practical guide to custom techniques in the construction of couture garments. Beginning with a brief history of haute couture, the book covers tools and supplies then discusses matching fabrics with the appropriate needle, thread, pressing, and construction techniques. The types of closures, hems and finishes used in couture as well as basic draping techniques are discussed. The text is filled with step-by-step techniques along with clear instructions and illustrations. Nudelman covers many embellishment techniques, including beading, embroidering, and fine stitching with added sections on shisha, couching, eyelet overcasting and ribbon rosette stitches. Highly illustrated with photographs of couture designs as well as close-ups of finishes and details, The Art of Couture Sewing will inspire the design of high-quality garments using couture techniques. New to this edition ~Expanded coverage of corset history, design, and construction ~New chapter on constructing large skirts including trains, hoop skirts, and petticoats ~Updated fashion photographs and new illustrations throughout the book Features ~End-of-chapter biographies discuss notable designers and their couture techniques, such as Paul Poiret, Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Vera Wang ~More than 1,300 color photos and illustrations