I hope you'll join me for our bonus Lucy Hostess Gown live stream tonight at 6 p.m. EST! This live event is open to the public! So even if you're not a patron, you'll be able to join us.
Join by clicking the photo above or at this direct link: 2024-03-27 14:30:52 +0000 UTC View Post
So excited to see you all on tonight's live stream where I'll share all about the design inspiration for this month's pattern, the Study Hall Dress.
The Crowdcast will be live tonight, WEDNESDAY, March 27, at 5pm ET. (Click the hyperlink for a world time converter!)
The password is starpupil (all lowercase).
The Crowdcast will be recorded; you can watch the repl...
2024-03-27 14:29:46 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello lovelies!
I'm so thrilled to release our Lucy Hostess Gown for your annual Charm Pattern gift, which Princess and Inner Circle members got a sneak peek of in December's Vintage by Gertie magazine.
I've decided to do a bonus Crowdcast to talk about designing this stunning piece that looks amazing in different types of fabric, the history of the Hostess Gown, and why we named it after the...
2024-03-23 13:07:27 +0000 UTC View Post
Get your notebooks ready -- the Study Hall Dress Crowdcast is next WEDNESDAY, March 27th, at 5 p.m. EST! Did you make the short or shorter version? 😉
I'll tell you about the inspiration for this shift dress and how the princess seams help create the perfect lines for full front pockets that can fit almost anything!
I'll post a direct link to the Crowdcast in a few days, so keep an eye out for t...
2024-03-23 13:06:50 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello, lovelies!
In this issue, we explore multiple decades of vintage fashion, with some fabulous floral frocks for spring. I'm excited to share my new home sewing studio with you, and we've also included a new capsule wardrobe feature (which was heavily requested in Charm's annual survey - let us know what you think!).
The magazine is exclusive to our Glamour, Princess, and Inner Circle members - and can also be purchased in print.
To view the magazine, please use th...
2024-03-15 15:00:17 +0000 UTC View Post
Come sew along with me as I sew up the the Study Hall Dress. You'll learn:
Hope you love this video & find it helpful! Don't forget to download this pattern and instructions in the separate Study Hall Dress post.
xoxo,
Gertie
P.S. Use the ...
2024-03-01 15:01:00 +0000 UTC View Post
You’ll be a star pupil in this 1960s-inspired Study Hall Dress. With two dress lengths (including a very short mod skirt!), two sleeve lengths, and an optional collar, this will be the perfect dress to transition into warmer spring weather.
The unique princess lines carry into the full front pockets, perfect for stashing treats and secret notes to pass to friends. Plus the design allows you to play with color blocking or fabric on the bias for added interest—and this makes a nice se...
2024-03-01 15:00:19 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello, lovely!
We're so excited for springtime at the Charm studio, and this next pattern release is perfect for this time of year. Those who follow us on Instagram may have noticed a slight 60s vibe to this photoshoot, as we've been playing with fabrics and silhouettes for this classic look.
What might your next school project be? Raise your hand and put your guess into the comments below.
xoxo,
Gertie
I can't wait to see you all tonight! Join me on Crowdcast for a live stream all about the design inspiration for this month's pattern, the Extra Credit Wrap Top.
The Crowdcast will be live tonight, WEDNESDAY, February 28th, at 6 p.m. EST . Click the hyperlink for a world time converter!)
The password is wrapit (all lowercase).
The Crowdcast will be recorded; you...
2024-02-28 17:08:27 +0000 UTC View Post
Be sure to join me WEDNESDAY, February 28th, at 6 p.m. EST for the Extra Credit Wrap Top Crowdcast! I'll tell you how Diane von Fürstenberg's classic wrap dress inspired me to update my Butterick 6285/Simplicity 9288 wrap top with a Charm spin.
I'll be posting a direct link to the Crowdcast in a few days, so keep an eye out for that! Not sure how EST converts ...
A wrap top is lovely, but a wrap dress is even better!
The Extra Credit Wrap Skirt is an extension pattern for the Extra Credit Wrap Top, which you can use to create a classic wrap knit dress.
This pattern is designed to be paired with the Extra Credit Wrap Top; however, creative Charm School students could add an interfaced waistband and ties instead to create a separate wrap skirt!
xoxo,
Gertie
2024-02-15 15:30:01 +0000 UTC
View Post
Come sew along with me as I sew up the the Extra Credit Top. You'll learn:
Hope you love this video & find it helpful! Don't forget to download this pattern and instructions in the separate Extra Credit Wrap Top post.
xoxo...
2024-02-01 15:01:01 +0000 UTC View Post
The Extra Credit Wrap Top is a new take on a longtime Charm favorite, Butterick 6285/Simplicity 9288, now available in our updated size range and with A–H cup sizes.
This V-neck wrap knit top has a unique wrap construction and is fully lined. Plus, it comes in two length options! The hip-length top is great for tucking into skirts or wearing over another garment, while the cropped-length top ends at the natural waist—a perfect length if you would like the challenge of add...
2024-02-01 15:00:08 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello, lovely!
Our next Charm School pattern release is reminiscent of an iconic silhouette and style, and it offers lots of opportunities for students to get some extra credit by adding their own twist to this classic design. This design is timeless, and spans many decades of fashion!
Whatever could your next school project be? Raise your hand and put your guess into the comments below.
xoxo,
Gertie
Our first Crowdcast of the year is tomorrow! Join me for a Saturday session of Charm School, where I will welcome you to our new theme on Patreon. We'll also learn all about the design inspiration for this month's pattern, the Charm School Uniform.
The Crowdcast will be live tomorrow, SATURDAY, January 27th, at 12 p.m. EST. (Click the hyperlink for a world time conver...
2024-01-26 14:51:42 +0000 UTC View Post
We're just three weeks into Charm School and I'm thrilled that I can finally tell you about my inspiration and design process for our first pattern: the Charm School Uniform!
Be sure to join me THIS SATURDAY, January 27th, at 12 p.m. EST for the Charm School Uniform Crowdcast! I'm going to talk about coming up with the Charm School theme, why this classic pinafore dre...
2024-01-23 15:07:38 +0000 UTC View Post
What’s a school uniform without matching accessories?
The Charm School Necktie adds the finishing touch to our 2024 sewing school uniform, and it’s a perfect menswear addition to your wardrobe in general.
Paired together with this wonderfully dramatic mutton sleeve expansion for the Patsy Blouse, you’ll be heading to the top of the class in no time!
xoxo, Gertie
Hello, my lovely!
Come sew along with me as I sew up the Charm School Uniform. You'll learn:
Hope you love this video & find it helpful! Don't forget to download this pattern and instructions in the separate Charm School Uniform post.
xoxo,
Gertie...
School is in session! I’m so excited to bring you the Charm School Uniform, the first pattern in our new 2024 Patreon theme.
This versatile pattern can be made as a jumper dress to be layered over a blouse, a separate skirt, or even a cocktail dress, depending on your fabric and fit choices.
With a fully lined bodice, three-quarter circle skirt with inverted box pleats, and pockets (of course!), our uniform will have you ready for whatever lessons this new year brings!
Charm School is a private and exclusive dressmaking academy where your fantasies are stitched into reality. Class is in session!
As the headmistress of Charm School, I am delighted to invite you to enroll as a member of our Class of 2024. I was inspired by an elevated academia aesthetic and collegiate fashion to create the sewing academy of my dreams: a place where like-minded students can strive for beauty and kinship through the art of fine stitchery.
D...
2024-01-01 15:23:51 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello lovelies!
January 1st is almost here and I'm super excited to tease you with a bit of next year's Patreon theme and our first pattern of the year. This Anne Fogarty look from the '50s is one that's been on my mood board!
The pattern is a classic representation of our new theme, and it's a super versatile number that can be made in many different fabrics for many different looks.
Leave your guesses below for the new theme or the pattern. Whatever could it be?
xoxo...
2023-12-31 15:41:27 +0000 UTC View Post
Over 2,000 patrons and email subscribers responded to the survey, and we learned so much from your answers.
Click here for the public blog post that shares the basics, including info about who our audience is and what Charm will be focusing on in 2024 as a result of the survey.
But...the most important data ...
2023-12-28 18:00:06 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello, lovelies!
I'm excited to share the final pattern hack of the year for you! This tutorial will show you how to add ruching to any princess seamed bodice, using the Maria Dress as an example.
The Maria Dress is the perfect starting place for this pattern hack, but this technique will also work for nearly any princess seamed garment, even the Princess Coat or Wanda Skirt! A...
2023-12-27 15:00:06 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello, lovelies!
I have the first of our two final pattern hacks of the year for you! Today, I'm sharing how to hack the Maria Dress to change the neckline into a beautiful sweetheart point.
The Maria Dress is the perfect starting place for this pattern hack, but this technique will also work for nearly any bodice (like Aurora or Peggy) that has a basic and uninterrupted neckline.
D...
2023-12-26 15:38:35 +0000 UTC View Post
Hi lovelies! I hope to see you for a Zoom Sewing Circle tomorrow, December 16th, at 1:00 pm EDT. (Click the hyperlinks for a direct link to Zoom and for a world time converter.) Wear something festive and join me in saying a fond farewell to the Society of Charm!
Here is the invite:
Topic: Gertie's Zoom Sewing Circle!
Time: Dec 16, 2023 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
2023-12-15 19:50:30 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello, lovelies!
It's time for the fourth (but certainly not final!) issue of Vintage by Gertie magazine! This one is all about our favorite sewing, lifestyle, and fashion ideas for the cozy winter season. The magazine is exclusive to our Glamour, Princess, and Inner Circle members - and is now available in print!
To view the magazine, please use this link and the password WONDERFUL (all caps):
This dress has been on Team Charm’s pattern hack wishlist for years! Worn by Rosemary Clooney in my favorite holiday movie, White Christmas, the inspiration dress is a green velvet wonder with a full overskirt belted over a slim pencil skirt.
My version calls for a full circle skirt and modified sweetheart neckline, hacked off of the Peggy Bodice. Full details of how we created this pattern hack can be found in the Winter 2023 issue of Vintage by Gertie magazine, but...
2023-12-15 15:40:49 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello lovelies! Please join me today (Wednesday, December 13th) at 6:00 pm EST. (Click the hyperlink for a world time converter!). We will be celebrating the Starlet Gown, this month's pattern! There will be a powerpoint presentation detailing some of the behind-the-scenes development and fashion history for this glam gown. And a Q&A, of course!
The password is hollywood (all lowe...
2023-12-13 14:55:54 +0000 UTC View Post
Hello my lovelies! I can't believe that the year is almost over! We've been so busy here working on the Starlet Dress, the fourth issue of Vintage Magazine, some surprise holiday content, and next year's Patreon theme! I'm excited to spend some time with you all before the holiday festivities get too crazy 😘
Don't miss my live events for multiple tier groups coming up next week:
Wednesday, Decembe...
Exciting news, princesses! The 2023 annual gift is here, and I think you’re going to LOVE it! It’s a stunning gold and pink keychain exclusively for our Princess & Inner Circle members.
IMPORTANT!!! We will begin shipping out these lovelies ON MONDAY, so please make sure your mailing address is up-to-date in Patreon.
Please allow 3-4 weeks to receive your keychain, or at least 5-6 weeks if you are outside of the US.
Thank you for bei...
2023-12-02 13:38:02 +0000 UTC View Post