"The hands-on 
Couture Workshop 
has reaffirmed my 
desire to enhance 
my sewing skills. 
Creating my own 
'piece of art' was 
achieved by applying
couture details to an
everyday pattern. 
I am very proud of my
couture detailed 
garment."

Wendy Marr, Coquitlam, B.C.

Books that include 
couture ideas:

  Couture, The Art of Fine Sewing $29.95

Théâtre de la Mode --Fashion Dolls: The Survival of Haute Couture $29.95

  Bridal Gowns $19.95/ $22.95 spiral 

Perfect the quality of your sewing. If you are ready to take your sewing to a higher lever, this workshop is for you. Come relax with us. Whether you are an intermediate or advanced sewer, you can learn to fine-tune your skills. Imagine, seeing couture techniques demonstrated and making samples and having four days to sew...adding any details you want to try, under the expert guidance of Marla Kazell and other Palmer/Pletsch staff.

Prerequisite: Fit Workshop

Spend five days learning couture techniques from Roberta Carr's book, Couture - the Art of Fine Sewing. Included are dart manipulation rules, useful hand stitches, piping techniques, bias binding options, unusual buttonholes, couture hems and much more. The focus will be on making a shell, blouse or dress.

Bring your fitted patterns from the Fit workshop, and learn to redesign a basic pattern, add couture details, and perfect your sewing skills. This is your chance to work with quality fabrics under the expert guidance of Marla Kazell. Take home a notebook of samples, new design ideas, and a new attitude about sewing.

Take couture again...and again...
Come again and again to try more couture techniques, get individual help on your choice of projects, and expand your skills.  Returning students say they are both inspired and encouraged to try something new each time they come.

Marla Kazell has been creating beautiful couture clothes for her special clients for 22 years. She especially enjoys tailoring women’s suits. Her work has been featured in  books, videos, and Threads and Sew News magazines. Marla teaches at the American Sewing Guild annual conference and for ASG chapters and other groups across the country, and conducts her own workshops here in Portland.

Couture means attention to detail, from selection of the pattern and fabric to the last stitch of a hem. Couture requires time, patience, refinement of basic sewing skills and a commitment to excellence. 

While you're in Oregon, take the opportunity to visit  Maryhill Museum to see the Théâtre de la Mode -- a piece of fashion history. This exhibit of exquisite couture clothes on miniature mannequins will amaze and inspire you. The exhibit, plus clothing from the former Queen Marie of Romania, and Rodin sculptures, is housed in an outstanding chateau near The Dalles, Oregon, built a century ago by business tycoon Sam Hill. The drive to and from Maryhill takes you through the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION...