A little blog update really. Couture. What does it really mean? We talk about couture clothing and think of beautiful creations I am sure, but is it just a posh word?
I sew at home, I love sewing and make a lot of clothes. I have many, many books about sewing and fashion, many of them include the word 'couture'. It is very posh, very special.....or so it seems. Couture, literally means 'sewing' in French. Well surely thats what we all do? If we sew something it is couture?
OK I know when I started sewing (with patterns) it wasn't really 'couture'. I was putting something together from someones instructions/pattern that, hopefully would fit: I can build an IKEA wardrobe, but it doesn't make me a master carpenter. So why is the word 'couture' so elusive? I have adapted more patterns than I can remember and draft many of my own.....Does that make
me a couturier?
When I sew I want people to look at the garment and say "How nice", "Oh that's lovely" "Wow" etc.etc. and above all not think it is 'homemade', surely thats what we all want? I wouldn't wear something that clearly looks 'homemade' (note I didn't say Hand-made!). We spend hours perfecting our techniques to make things look professionally made. We know we worry about that one seam that isn't quite straight! (I know I do) but why?
When we make things we do it because we love doing it. We love to make things people like and we love it even more when they find out you made it!
Couture is Sewing! That's what we do and regardless of what we think it is nothing more than a word! I started making a jacket yesterday. Lovely blue Welsh wool and decided to make it 'couture'.
Well I have drafted the pattern, cut it out and put in the welt pockets. I hand stitched the welts and put D bar tacks at the end of each. Why? Because it made me feel good. It won't make my jacket any better.....People will still say they like it. Does it make my jacket 'Couture'? It is designed to fit me and my pattern so I guess it is.
Right I'm off to 'couture' some more.....
Other news this week. I have made the Minerva Crafts Bloggers Network with my first make. The autumn 'Shacket' check it out here. Lu's hacking jacket is ready for lining so should be finished soon.
Until next time.....
Happy sewing!
Labels: Book, Challenge, couture, Design, Fashion, jacket, learning, MCBN, MDS, Minerva, Riding, Sewing, skills, Welt, Wool, work in progress
