The episode where we diss on JOANN Fabrics (RIP) and share our favorite places and tips for shopping for fabric & notions online. The Charm Studio is in a very small city - we have to drive at least 90 minutes to touch fancy fabrics, too!Links & ImagesCharm Patterns & books mentioned include:The Betty DressGertie's Charmed Sewing Studio bookAndrea's crouton recipe comes from The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook by America's Test KitchenCome visit the NY Garment District - do you have nearby turkey sandwich recommendations?Maybe Happy Ending musical on BroadwayOur favorite thread is Mettler Metrosene CorsetMaking.com is where we buy spiral steel boning & corsetry supplies and Wawak.com is where we buy lots of notionsSalmon Gros de Londre fabric with rose dotsThe obscenely expensive black lace used on Gretchen's favorite Charm make to date (which will be revealed on the cover of the Fall issue of Vintage by Gertie magazine, coming out Sept 15)Fabric for Fashion swatch book with the pink coverSilkbaron.com's Lesbian Sunset and other Pride fabricsThe inexpensive rayon challis we use for drapey muslinsThe inexpensive ITY jersey we use for jersey knit muslins (and knit linings)For more vintage-inspired sewing patterns in sizes 2-34 (with A-H bust cups), check out us out at Charm Patterns.
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1:07:45
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1:07:45
Sage Advice with the Hilarious Susie Dahl
Come join us for a laughter-filled chat with one of our favorite models and Charm team members, Susie Dahl. She's been with us for over seven years and she knows ALL of our secrets!Links & ImagesCharm Patterns (great for burlesque!) mentioned include:The Vargas PantiesThe Hollywood Dress and RobeThe Wanda Pencil Skirt with secret thigh slit zipperThe Bryant GownSusie Dahl's Instagram page (NSFW): https://www.instagram.com/brwnpaperdolliNyx Cosmetics Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner: https://www.nyxcosmetics.com/eye/eyeliner/epic-ink-waterproof-liquid-eyeliner/NYX_409.html Trixie Cosmetics Red Scare lipstick: https://trixiecosmetics.com/products/lipstick-red-scare-1 Pat McGrath Labs lipstick: https://www.patmcgrath.com/collections/lips Fab Scrap shop for fabric by the pound: https://shopfabscrap.orgFor more vintage-inspired sewing patterns in sizes 2-34 (with A-H bust cups), check out us out at Charm Patterns.
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56:34
Caftans = Freedom (with Elizabeth Taylor)
Why are caftans/kaftans so popular among Hollywood icons from the golden age as well as the queer community? In this solo episode, Gertie discusses the fashion (and cultural) history of this gender-free garment, spanning from ancient Egypt through to the modern day.Links & ImagesCharm Patterns mentioned include:The Elizabeth CaftanThe Pride CaftanElizabeth Taylor swanning down the stairs in 1974's That's EntertainmentElizabeth Taylor's website archiveSee 17-year-old Elizabeth Taylor cinched in A Place in the SunSee her less cinched (and barely covered!) in CleopatraThe Elizabeth Taylor Collection auctioned by Christie'sVanity Fair article about Taylor's AIDS workAnother article (in The Guardian) about her AIDS workProvincetown, MA (P-Town) fabulousnessPalm Springs, CA Hollywood history and queer historyTrina Turk's modern caftansNon-gendered designs by Rudi Gernreich (with more photos in this Vogue article)The caftan-like designs of Paul Poiret and the Balenciaga Sack DressThe Chiffon Trenches book by Andre Leon TalleyFor more vintage-inspired sewing patterns in sizes 2-34 (with A-H bust cups), check out us out at Charm Patterns.
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36:45
Vintage Swimsuits (and their modern interpretations)
We've made two vintage-inspired swimsuits at Charm and they are WILDLY different. Learn why with Gertie and Andrea, who dive deep into the making of these two projects, as well as the aquamusical, submechanophobia, and the "famous" Jewels of the Sea ad that has lived rent-free in Gertie's mind for decades.Links & ImagesCharm Patterns mentioned include:The Esther Swimsuit (with Pride rainbow photoshoot)The Jane Set (Jumpsuit)The Liz DressThe Lana DressThe Foundations Petticoat (i.e. "the sea monster")The Bathing Beauty SwimsuitGertie's Charmed Sewing Studio book for more vintage swimsuit infoRose Marie Reid info (and swimsuit collection photos at the bottom of the page)The "famous" Jewels of the Sea ad that Gertie is obsessed withAll about LastexHair flowers from La Casa de FloresSabrina Carpenter's "Espresso"Esther Williams info and filmographyA clip from Bathing Beauty with Esther WilliamsFor more vintage-inspired sewing patterns in sizes 2-34 (with A-H bust cups), check out us out at Charm Patterns.
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Recreating Audrey Hepburn's lace dress from the 1952 Oscars
Join me while I discuss recreating the white lace dress that Audrey Hepburn wore to the 1952 Oscars. It's a bit of fashion history mixed with some sewing fun!Links & ImagesCharm Patterns mentioned include:The Waterfall DressThe Sabrina DressThe Holly Bodice Backs Expansion pattern for the Sabrina DressThe Lamour DressThe free Charm Circle SkirtChristine Lingerie in VancouverIconic Atomic in Palm SpringsInfo about Audrey Hepburn's 1952 Oscars Dress and the Roman Holiday Coat DressMy version of the dress, on the cover of the Spring 2025 issue of Charm's Vintage by Gertie magazineSabrina with Audrey Hepburn (1954)The Great British Sewing BeeThe Fasturn fabric turnerFor vintage-inspired sewing patterns in sizes 2-34 (with A-H bust cups), check out us out at Charm Patterns.
Step into the wildly creative, deeply personal world of Charm Patterns with founder Gretchen “Gertie” Hirsch as she stitches together vintage glamour, pop culture obsessions, body positivity, and unapologetic queerness. From behind-the-scenes design inspo like “Slutty Italian Summer” to candid conversations on beauty, Broadway, and the messiness of creative life, this podcast is part sewing salon, part slumber party, and always ridiculously fun.
New Zealand