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Due to high demand, we have decided to schedule an extra Couture Sewing Retreat from November 22-27, 2021 . If you want to join one of these weeks, please click on the button above and choose the week and date of your preference.

Learn how to make your own French Couture Jacket.

After the 2nd World War, Coco Chanel was no longer working as a fashion designer. It was only when she saw Dior's new fashion in the early 1950s that she decided to open her business again. She really disliked the tight Dior corset-like dresses and  started a counter-movement, designing only very comfortable and practical clothes for women. Her elegant Chanel suit became famous; a jacket without a collar finished with a pretty trim and a straight skirt underneath.
By using very smooth tweeds and quilting the jacket to the lining, the jacket felt like a very comfortable cardigan when wearing it. The three-part sleeve also contributed to greater freedom of movement and therefore a wonderful, comfortable feeling when worn. 
Until this day woman all over the world love the iconic, timeless Chanel jacket and, because of its timeless form and techniques it still is a jacket that completes every wardrobe.

"A classic symbol of French elegance, the suit is constructed according to a precise code: strict lines, a fitted cut articulated at exactly the right places to allow movement; brais trimming on the jacket; sleeves fitted precisely at shoulder level; real pockets (...); a consistant choice of fabrics -jersey and tweeds or daring combinations (...). For Coco Chanel, luxury lay in invisible perfection. "
(From: Chanel, collections and creations by Danièle Bot).

During this Couture Sewing Retreat you will learn all the couture techniques that make this jacket so luxurious and iconic.
After 6 days you will go home with your first handmade French Couture Jacket.
For this week, you'll need an average sewing experience, which means you have made a simple jacket before and know how to set in sleeves.  The couture techniques itself are not difficult and can be learned by everyone, but again, a basic knowledge of sewing a simple jacket is a requirement.

​The group will have a maximum of 5, and a minimum of 2 students. 
'It was a marvelous week! Maaike's teaching is excellent. She patiently explains every step, always helped when it was necessary and let us share here wealth of experience gladly and a lot, so that I not only went home with a really beautiful jacket, but also inspired and in anticipation of new projects. Everyone who wants to learn challenging sewing is in the best hands with this course and with Maaike.'

​Dörte form Berlin, Germany
 
Itinerary

Day 1, Monday 
09.00-12.30 On the first day of this week we will start trying on the toiles (test models)Maaike has prepared for you based on the measurements you gave her in advance. After the fitting, you will learn how to adjust your paper pattern accordingly so you have the perfect pattern for your type and body.
12.30-17.00 We are heading to Amsterdam for lunch and to visit the best fabric shops to find your perfect Chanel fabric and trims. Maaike has arranged some really great discounts for buying the fabric at some of the shops 
17.00 Back to Edam 
Note: we will make use of public transport so make sure you have a ticket for bus and Metro. Let Maaike know if you need any help with buying the ticket.

Day 2-6, Tuesday  - Saturday 
09.00-17.00 Working on the jacket step-by-step according to a daily plan. Lunches, drinks and snacks are included and served all day to make your days just about sewing your amazing Chanel inspired jacket!
​On Friday night, we will have a fantastic dinner and drinks to celebrate the hard work so far and on
Saturday you can work from 09.00 to 17.00 on the last details of your jacket like the pockets, sewing in the metal chain, closing the lining etc.


Price, place and dates 

The total price for this Couture Sewing Retreat is 859,- Euros (including VAT 21%)
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This includes:
  • 6 days couture sewing class from Maaike Andriessen
  • 1 dinner , 1 lunch in  Amsterdam and all lunches, snacks and drinks during the week in the studio
  • 130 pages of course materials and sewing pattern altered to your size and bodytype (worth more than 350 euros)
  • visit to fabric houses plus arranged special fabric discounts for the students of this week
  • couture sewing kit with all sewing tools you need to make your dream jacket

Not included are: hotel bookings, travel to amsterdam with public transport, fabric, lining, organza and trims for the jacket.

This course will be held in the Dressmakers HQ in the Speeltoren Edam, a bell tower built in 1320 in the heart of the city of Edam.
The city of Edam is situated 25 minutes by car or 23 minutes by bus north of Amsterdam and is famous for its Edammer cheese. Edam has great hotels and B&B's you can stay, even some lovely campsites next to the lake in summer. Next to Edam is the Beemster Wolrd Heritage which is in spring famous for it tulip fields. Please let us know if you need more information on hotels etc.

Due to Covid 19, we might have slightly different ways of working, and the program might be altered to our gouvernement rules and regulations if needed. Ofcourse, we will keep you updated might there be changes, as soon as possible.
If we need to cancel the week due to a Covid-related lockdown; you will receive the total amount of your booking back from us. We will also check alternative dates if possible.
For more information you can contact Maaike Andriessen at: info@thedressmakersacademy.com or call her on +31 6 290 25 141
About Maaike Andriessen:
Maaike Andriessen is the passionate founder of the Dressmakers Academy which she founded in 2018.
Based in the ancient Belltower of Edam, the Netherlands, she teaches students sewing classes and is specialized in teaching couture sewing techniques.
20 years ago she graduated as a dressmaker and worked in several bridal boutiques.  She runs her own workshop and  works on assignments for private clients and designers in the field of couture. Currently, she is working on a book about the fFrench couture jacket sewing techniques.