Summary of Threads Magazine Podcast: "Sewing With Threads" - Episode 78

Title: The Dutch Couture Academy, with Saskia ter Welle
Host/Author: Threads Magazine
Release Date: June 5, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 78 of the Threads Magazine Podcast, titled "The Dutch Couture Academy, with Saskia ter Welle", the hosts Carol Frazier and Janine Clegg engage in an insightful conversation with Saskia Trevella, the founder and director of the Dutch Couture Academy. This episode delves into Saskia’s journey in the world of haute couture embroidery, her teaching philosophy, and the unique offerings of the upcoming "Travel with Threads Netherlands Tour".

Guest Overview: Saskia Trevella

Saskia Trevella is a revered figure in the couture embroidery landscape. Based in Duisburg, a quaint town in the Netherlands, Saskia has transformed her lifelong passion for sewing into a thriving professional venture. With a rich background in haute couture embroidery, she trained at prestigious institutions like École Lesage in Paris and mastered the TR Pattern construction, a Japanese pattern-cutting technique. Saskia has showcased her couture collections internationally, including in Amsterdam, Bangkok, Paris, and London. Beyond her design work, she mentors aspiring designers worldwide, helping them channel their creativity into viable careers.

Saskia’s Background and Education

Saskia's journey into couture embroidery began in her youth:

Saskia (00:02:21):
"I started with sewing and embroidery from a very young age... I became a professional in sewing and pattern making while raising my four children."

After her children left home, Saskia fully committed to haute couture embroidery, studying at École Lesage. Her dedication led her to introduce and popularize these French techniques in the Netherlands, elevating the local fashion landscape.

Teaching Philosophy and Student Demographics

Saskia emphasizes inclusivity and motivation in her teaching approach. She believes that passion and dedication are paramount, regardless of a student’s background or prior qualifications.

Saskia (00:11:14):
"Everyone is welcome, everyone who is interested. Because I think if people are interested, they can learn anything."

Her student base primarily consists of fashion professionals seeking to enhance their skills, but she also attracts artists from various disciplines looking to incorporate embroidery into their work. Students typically range from ages 35 to 55, including those contemplating career shifts towards more creative endeavors.

Embroidery Techniques and TR Pattern Cutting

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around TR Pattern Cutting, a transformative technique that Saskia teaches:

Saskia (00:22:32):
"TR pattern technique is that you start with a simple basic pattern and you transform it by the actions that you take... inspired by origami techniques."

This method encourages designers to think beyond traditional two-dimensional patterns, fostering a deeper understanding of garment construction and enhancing creativity. Saskia credits Japanese designer Shingo Sato for pioneering these techniques, which emphasize hands-on learning and iterative improvement.

Saskia’s Collections and Collaborations

Saskia has presented her own couture collections internationally, often drawing inspiration from personal experiences and cultural elements:

• "Come Fly with Me" at Amsterdam Fashion Week (2017): Inspired by her husband's aviation business and their travels across Europe and Africa.

• Carnation Flower Collection: Launched post-COVID, symbolizing happiness, strength, and hope, this collection featured vibrant colors and creative designs.

• Collaboration with a Dutch Painter in Paris: Currently preparing a collection inspired by cloud paintings from both France and the Netherlands.

Additionally, Saskia has participated in fashion weeks in Bangkok, creating collections centered around Thai silks. These events foster a collaborative atmosphere among international designers, emphasizing creativity over competition.

Saskia (00:20:12):
"They create their own vision on fashion and it is like one big family and is very inspirational for all the designers."

The Netherlands Tour Workshop Details

Threads Magazine has organized an exclusive Netherlands Tour scheduled for October 5th through 14th, 2024, limited to 20 participants. The highlight of this tour is a three-day workshop led by Saskia Trevella.

Workshop Breakdown:

1. Day One: Draping Basics
   Focus on enhancing existing sewing techniques through draping, offering new perspectives on fabric manipulation and pattern adaptation.

2. Day Two: Silk Flower Creation
   Instruction on making intricate silk flowers, suitable for corsages, hat embellishments, wristbands, and more. This technique aligns with current fashion trends emphasizing floral designs.

3. Day Three: Mannequin Embellishment with Lace
   Participants will work on a half-scale mannequin, cutting and sewing lace pieces onto tulle to create unique decorative elements suitable for wedding dresses and evening wear.

Saskia (00:31:59):
"We are going to create our own vision on the mannequin with lace. And this will give you a beautiful base for wedding dresses, for evening wear..."

Preparation Tips:

• Bring reading glasses with good magnification for detailed work.
• Stay well-rested to fully engage in the intensive workshops.
• Maintain an open mind to embrace new techniques and experiences.

Conclusion

Episode 78 of the Threads Magazine Podcast offers a comprehensive look into the world of haute couture embroidery through the lens of Saskia Trevella’s expertise. From her humble beginnings to her international collaborations and innovative teaching methods, Saskia exemplifies the fusion of tradition and modernity in sewing. The upcoming Netherlands Tour presents a unique opportunity for sewing enthusiasts to learn from a master craftsman, explore new techniques, and immerse themselves in a vibrant creative community.

Listeners are encouraged to reserve their spots for the tour by visiting tours.threadsmagazine.com and to learn more about Saskia and her academy through the show notes at threadsmagazine.com.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Carol Frazier (00:02:04):
  "Welcome Saskia."

• Saskia Trevella (00:05:35):
  "I need to get the word out."

• Janine Clegg (00:12:49):
  "If people are interested, they can learn anything."

• Saskia Trevella (00:22:32):
  "TR pattern technique is that you start with a simple basic pattern and you transform it by the actions that you take."

• Saskia Trevella (00:26:46):
  "He explains everything. This is the specific online training for the TR Masters and TR Supermasters training that he gives."

• Saskia Trevella (00:31:59):
  "We are going to create our own vision on the mannequin with lace."

This episode is a must-listen for sewing enthusiasts eager to elevate their craft, explore innovative techniques, and connect with a global community of passionate designers.