Goodbye Valentino | French Jackets

11 Feb French Jacket Sewing in Palm Beach

Posted at 07:07h in Fashion Sewing, French Jacket by goodbyevalentino 51 Comments

Greetings from Palm Beach, an ideal location to "winter" 😊 I'm thrilled to be one of twelve students participating in Helen Haughey and Mary Funt's debut French Jacket Class. Both Helen and Mary are experienced couture teachers, but this is the first class they have offered together. While working on my second French Jacket in January, I became smitten with the project, but knew I had much to learn, so here I am, and am I fortunate. In Day 1 of this very cordial and relaxed atmosphere, our objective was fitting. I know the importance of a good fit and it's one of the...

19 Jun Vogue 9053 and a Pattern Giveaway!

Posted at 11:41h in Fashion Sewing by goodbyevalentino 32 Comments

A little late for the trip to Charlotte, but just in time for the sweltering heat! My plan was to make a new dress for the Charlotte Girls' Weekend, Julie and I hosted over the weekend, but too much to do and too little time left me short. While this pattern is not my typical silhouette, Vogue 9053 is loaded with summertime possibilities. After sewing the brocade party dress last October (blogged here), I was ready to expand my wardrobe to include more full skirts. I believe the secret to making this pattern work for me is the fitted upper bodice, and a gently draping...

10 Mar The French Jacket Experience (guest post) Julie Starr

Posted at 09:13h in Fashion Sewing, French Jacket, Sewing Jackets by goodbyevalentino 78 Comments

My friend and co-author, Julie Starr dedicates each January (+) to sewing a couture garment. She's hooked on French Jackets and generously shares her experience below. Enjoy :) The allure of the classic French jacket - its mystique has captivated for years. Long before rediscovering garment sewing several years ago I admired this garment for its timeless elegance on the outside, never understanding that the magic on the inside is the real story. Quilting lofty boucle to silk lining with rows of stitches that are all but invisible from the outside produces a sumptuous quality double layer that hugs the body...

01 Aug Susan Khalje Giveaway Winner

Posted at 10:02h in Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 7 Comments

Dear Readers, Susan Khalje's generous giveaway offer brought in a whopping 532 entries! I was truly moved to read your kind comments, and please know I read each and every one. I wish all of you could win the fabulous French Jacket Class. To the 531 readers who did not win the giveaway prize, I emphatically state that investing in a Susan Khalje class - in person or by video, is money well spent if feasible. My package arrived yesterday and I plan to make a jacket this fall - maybe a suit to wear to one of Mimi's upcoming wedding events in January Susan Khalje, more...

29 Jul Susan Khalje Giveaway!

Posted at 07:42h in Goodbye Valentino Giveaway, Susan Khalje Sewing Class, Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 534 Comments

Are you still there? I hope so because I have a fabulous giveaway to announce - Susan Khalje is generously donating her newly released French Jacket Video class to one lucky winner! It's true! Susan brings her lifetime of experience in to this video course, offering advice that you cannot get anywhere else. Included in the package are: A Custom Jacket Pattern Designed by Susan Khalje Sent Directly to Your Doorstep Instant Access to Full Length Step-by-Step Instructions High Definition Streaming Video on Multiple Platforms and Devices Instructions are provided for a patterned and a solid jacket in two different courses providing thorough and careful instruction to learn at your own...