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Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Susan Khaljie's Cocktail Dress

A few weeks ago, I received an email from Susan Khalje announcing her new online class, The Cocktail Dress. I almost fell off my chair when I read that she was offering the class to me for free. The cost of the class is $120.00, so of course I hopped on the offer and ordered the pattern. There are 3 styles offered in the pattern.   
 Here's a look at the size chart. The pattern has a very nice range of sizes.
 Along with the pattern, Susan sent a 2 page course outline as well
 as a detailed list of the course materials.
Since Susan was so kind to gift the course to me, I feel that it is only fair that I should go through the course and make up the dress. It wouldn't be fair to walk you through the entire process, but I will be able to touch on the highlights of the dress construction.
Like many of you, I am trying, not too successfully mind you, to pair down my massive collection of fabric, so I went through my fabrics and decided on this great piece of metallic silk. It's a very bright orange with gold threads running through it.
As luck would have it, I just happened to have a piece that perfectly matches.
The embroidery is so pretty.
In July I will be attending a party that I attend every summer, so I need a new dress. You may remember the zebra dress I wore last year. This is not the dress that I intended to make, but it will be lovely and I will use fabric I have rather than purchasing more. I intend to lengthen the dress into a full length gown.
I am very excited about this little endeavor.
Susan is offering 2 free videos on her website which you can find here, http://susankhalje.com/ One is on things to bear in mind when choosing fabric and the other talks about choosing the correct pattern size. Valuable information.
You may remember that I took Susan's French Jacket class a few years ago and created this jacket,
                         
I wanted to take the class and learn the steps involved in making the jacket. It was a labor of love, but well worth it in the end.
So as I work through the cocktail dress videos, I'll show you my progress and give you my thoughts on the course. I can say now, based on past my experience with Susan that yes, the course is $120.00, but well worth the money and time.



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18 comments:

  1. Wow, that is such a nice gift. I loved your zebra gown and your fabric choices for this one are exquisite. I am so excited to see what you make and know it will be very beautiful. xx

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  2. Congratulations on getting the class as a gift! That fabric you have for it IS.JUST.GLORIOUS.

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    1. I am going to have to be creative with the embroidered piece as I don't have a lot, but I think I can make it work. Fingers crossed :)

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  3. Love your fabric! The pattern is really nice too. The sizing is interesting, very pear shaped unless you use your upper chest for the bust? The link to Susan's site goes to another page of your blog - was that what you wanted? Looking forward to seeing how it all works out :)

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  4. Freebies don't get any better than that! I'm looking forward to your reports from the front.

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  5. Just want to add that chart is the most realistic sizing I think I've seen in a long time.

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  6. Wow - that fabric is gorgeous and of course your jacket is amazing. You are such a talented sewist. I look forward to seeing the finished result.

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  7. Congratulations on being given this class. What a wonderful opportunity to brush up on some couture techniques. I'm looking forward to seeing your finished dress in those gorgeous fabrics. Such delicious color!

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  8. What a wonderful gift. Looking forward to your progress with the dress.

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  9. Lucky you! With Susan's expert tips and that fabulous fabric you will be sure of an exceptional dress :)

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  10. You are so lucky Rhonda :) This was something I would have loved to have at the moment with a lace dress on my mind , I would not be able to buy such an expensive class of course :D. Happy for you. By the way the jacket is super.

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  11. Congratulations Rhonda on this great opportunity! Your dress will be beautiful!

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  12. You and I met at one of Susan's classes, and I am headed to her Couture Class in Maryland Sunday, June 8. So looking forward to it, and so happy for you that she gifted you with such a great gift.

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  13. Gorgeous fabric - why would you need to buy more! I wish I had an annual formal event to attend - just love to frock up.

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  14. I can't wait to see this finished! The fabric is beautiful!

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