Podcast appearances and mentions of Kenneth D King

Sewing celebrities and friends Sandra Betzina and Kenneth D. King dish about Sandra's full life, as she settles into retirement.

Send us feedback about this episode!I recently had the opportunity to take a trouser drafting class with Kenneth D. King at the Sewing and Design School in Tacoma, WA. Kenneth is professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Kenneth won the Association of Sewing and Design Professional's 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award. He is known for his articles in Threads Magazine, his books, CD books, TV show (Sewing Today), and "Jean-ius," an online class on Craftsy. Ryliss Bod, owner of the Sewing and Design School, brings Kenneth to Tacoma several times a year to teach in-depth classes to small groups of students. I also went a day early to take a coat class with Ryliss. Hear about both classes and what I learned in this episode!

Send us feedback about this episode!My guest today is Ryliss Bod, owner and founder of the Sewing and Design School in Tacoma, Washington. Ryliss considers herself one of the luckiest people in the world. She was raised in a family where learning new skills—no matter your age—was valued and encouraged. She channeled her love of sewing into a career as part of the faculty of Bates Technical College. In 2012, she opened the Sewing and Design School and has inspired students to advance their skills through a variety of classes for all skill levels. In addition to the ongoing slate of classes, Ryliss also brings in instructors such as Kenneth D. King for special workshops throughout the year on pattern drafting and moulage making. I've taken a class from Ryliss and am registered for two more this fall. Come along and listen as I visit with Ryliss!

In this episode, we interview Kenneth D. King - couture designer, technical sewing wizard, teacher, writer, and contributing editor to Threads Magazine. We chat with him about the couture techniques he developed himself, his storied career, and his latest book: Doll Couture! Show Notes

Show Notes: Susan Khalje  Susan Khalje joins us for this episode of Sew & So to take us into the world of couture sewing. Owner of the eponymous Susan Khalje Couture, she is also the longest contributing author to Threads Magazine. www.threadsmagazine.com Author of Bridal Couture and Linen and Cotton she also hosted Sew Much More on HGTV, teaches internationally, and hosts annual trips for groups of couture enthusiasts to Paris and London. (1:39) Susan learned to sew in high school when sewing was a part of the school curriculum…her grandmother helped too! (2:57) The first few things she sewed were definitely products of the times! She explains… (4:10) What exactly is couture? “Sewing's Equivalent to Gourmet Cooking!” And…she explains why loving the entire process is so very important.  (5:20) Chez Cez et Bez https://www.taunton.com/contributors/susan-khalje/ where Susan trained was a turning point for her. She tells us the story of her transformation. She, Cez and Bez formed a trio of powerful committed couture sewists. And the pace…it was “lovely” and exhilarating! (8:24) Post Cez et Bez Susan went to a ready to wear company knowing that if she wanted to be on her own, she needed to learn more about the business. And…learn she did! (10:09) Susan lived abroad for many years in Afghanistan then Amsterdam. She tells us about this experience and her ultimate return to the States. First, there was a call to Nina Hyde Fashion Editor at the Washington Post to seek career counsel. This started her down the road of wedding dress couture. (12:24) Her escape from Afghanistan turned out to be more than she has anticipated – she explains. (13:23) Susan has a wonderful process for designing wedding dress couture…she walks us through it all! (16:42) And her favorite creation…? 17th century lace and a detachable train.  (18:24) Who were her well known clients? Mrs. Rockefeller, Lauren Bacall, Kitty Carlisle, Mrs. Richard Rodgers to name a few! Cez et Bez were quite the designers…Susan tells us about them. (19:53) Susan shares her feelings about couture sewing and why she loves it so very much. (21:13) She takes us through the 5 elements of couture sewing. Design, Fabric, Fit/Proportion, Engineering, and Construction. (22:47) Susan and Kenneth D. King did a You Tube video called “the ethics of wearing vintage couture.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg9olZ3I56Q&t=73s She explains why they felt the necessity to do this! (25:35) Why does Susan say she's a good example of figuring out how to carve your own path and do what you love to do? And she explains how her international field trips began. (29:20) Susan has a sewing club that has created quite the community – so she takes us through its creation… and the myriad ways to stay connected. (33:32) Susan hosts international couture trips to Paris, in fact she just returned from one. Walk the streets of Paris with her and she takes us through their adventures.She talks about the company Leclerc whose influence has transcended the ages. And…the art of giftwrapping! (40:06) What's next for Susan? More of the same for sure…with a small twist! Her dream?! To have shared what she has been lucky enough to live. (42:11) And, what didn't we ask?! Listen here!!  (42:47) To reach Susan, to www.susankhalje.com and susan@susankhalje.com  If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

Born in Salinas Kansas and eventually raised in Oklahoma, Kenneth knew at a very young age who he was and what he wanted to do. He just didn't understand the road he would travel to get there.He earned a BS in fashion merchandising from Central State University in Wilberforce, OH and learned pattern making in San Francisco from Paris trained Simmin SethnaKenneth has sold to boutiques across the country such as Maxfield, Wilkes Bashford, and Ultimo. His work has appeared in music videos and television commercials…he designed for Geena Davis, Cloris Leachman, Bernie Taupin and Elton John He's also been featured on the red carpet for the Oscars.  His creations are in the permanent collections of the De Young Museum in San Francisco, the L.A. County Museum of Art, The Oakland Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Fashion Institute of New York and teaches around the United States and online. He's a Contributing Editor and author to Threads Magazine, has courses on Craftsy and Burda, and has written many books on couture sewing techniques.Kenneth currently lives in New York with his husband Andrew Marley.(2:19) Kenneth takes us back to his childhood, talks of his parents and the people who have powerful influences in his life. He tells us when he started and what he liked to sew. His move to Oklahoma was traumatic, but he used this to fuel his resolve. (6:44) Why did Kenneth choose to sew as an outlet? He explains… And he introduces us to Estelle.(7:55) His grandmother was his champion in his finding himself. He introduces us to her.(9:55) Who is Norma and how did she influence Kenneth? He talks us back to their meeting in 1983 and shares this story…(13:36) Kenneth expounds on the influence that San Francisco's Beaux Arts architecture had had on his work. (15:00) How does Kenneth feels about beauty in creativity in today's modern design? Pretty strongly as he explains. And don't use the word “edgy”! As part of this, he takes us inside San Francisco's famous Opera house and describes the reopening gala performance. (19:12) Kenneth's creations are not just worn, they are a part of the whole experience. He explains what this means…the person wearing it is the star! (20:14) He has developed several techniques to make his creations more wearable and comfortable…he shares a few of these secrets. (21:40) And what took Kenneth to San Francisco…? He takes us on this fortuitous journey. (22:55) Mariano Fortuny www.fortuny.com had a technique that greatly influenced Kenneth as did Swarovski www.swarovski.com. Hear about these influences and how he created a chair slipcover for Swarovski. (26:32) And how did Elton John get one of Kenneth's footstools? This is quite a story…hear it here! Elton John also owns a lot of “the good stuff” See several of Elton's videos featuring Kenneth's creations https://www.kennethdking.com/copy-of-what-s-new. (30:52) Now a part of pop culture…he has created for red carpets and many A List stars. He shares a few of the stories of how this came to be. And how does it work today…he shares the process and why is doesn't work for him now. (32:29) The Orchid Broach which he created in 1987…but didn't wear until his wedding day in 2016 is an important part of his life. Learn why. And hear the story of how he met his now husband. And…then there's the famous evening embellishment vests – a signature style of his. (40:36) Doll Couture: The Story of Lolawww.lolatheshowgirl124.com is Kenneth's upcoming new book. The story of how this tome came to be is a wonderful as the book itself. Kenneth shares the backstory and gives us a sneak peek at the book's plot. (44:06) And what's the best decision he ever made?! His answer to a pointed question steered the course of his life. (47:10) What's his dream and what's next? Well spy clothes and his Screen Play. (50:50) To reach out to him go to www.kennethdking.com and at Instagram @KennethdkingIf you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

Kenneth D. King reveals details about his book, Doll Couture, including the inspiration and some dramatic scene creation for his finely dressed characters.

Kenneth D. King explains traditional and updated tailoring techniques, the subject of his in-depth "Smart Tailoring" video course.

Two sewing pros discuss the handling and wearing of vintage couture and textiles, whether they are nostalgic or historically significant pieces.

This week's episode is sponsored by:               Carry your creativity with Erin Lane Bags! Whether you show your fiber fandom with the woolly wonder  Sheepleverse, or dive into history with the Curiosities collection, our project bags, totes, and hook and needle    organizers are at the ready to keep your hobby happy.               When was the last time your knitting yarn was a work of art? Infinite Twist produces one-of-a-kind semi-solid gradients featuring speckles, high-lights, low-lights, and gorgeous color transitions. From 700 y Giant Gradients to 200 y matching sock sets, Infinite Twist Gradients will hold your interest from cast on to bind off. See the currently available gradients at infinitetwist.com, or be the first to know when new colors are posted by signing up for our newsletter at infinitetwist.com/newsletter-signup               Have you ever had to frog because you forgot a step several rows back? Or lost your spot because you dropped your magnet board or lost track with your highlighter tape? Instead of wrestling with paper, use the knitCompanion app. It keeps you on track so you can knit more and frog less. knitCompanion works with ALL your patterns and is available     Are you feeling dis-GRUNT-eled about your stash? Are you browsing Insta-HAM looking for knitting inspiration? Is color "kind of a PIG deal" in your life? Oink Pigments offers over one hundred forty PIG-ture perfect colorways to make you SQUEAL with delight. For a limited time only, bring home the bacon with code KNITMORE and get fifteen percent off in-stock yarns and fibers at oinkpigments dot com. Shop soon, because these pigs will FLY!       WoolenWomenFibers produces indie-dyed yarn, “down to a science!” Dyed by a molecular scientist, WoolenWomenFibers is a family and women-owned business that blends the laboratory with the dye studio to bring one-of-a-kind vibrant works of art to your needles! This dynamic trio is made up of a mother and her twin daughters. You can check out their one-of-a-kind kits, fibers and more on Woolenwomenfiber.com. Free shipping on US orders over $35. Stay up-to-date with the latest colors, knit nights, discounts and more by signing up for our newsletter or check out PhDyer on Patreon!   On the Needles:(0:42) Gigi started the (RAVELRY LINK)  Rêveurs socks (from the Operation Sock Drawer book available at Hicklebee's) in from Lolabeans in Knucklesandwich Jasmin has made more progress on her (RAVELRY LINK) L’escargot Bleu shawl  Gigi finished the second  Pippi Longstocking tube socks for Genevieve. The cuff is black Patons Kroy, leg in Opal Zebra.  Jasmin started the (RAVELRY LINK) Boob Window test knit for (RAVELRY LINK) Majestitch Designs in Oink Pigments Dapper in “Dill with it” Gigi: picked up a striped, sparkly, fun sock she started around Xmas, leg is done Jasmin finished the second sleeve of her (RAVELRY LINK) Philosopher’s Wool Kilim sweater, and started the body. Gigi feel like she needs to start a bigger project, something that she bought yarn for at Stitches Gigi: put a few rows on the (RAVELRY LINK) excavation blanket Jasmin started the first sleeve on a sideways fade pullover in Frost Yarn’s DK “Saturated Rainbow Jasmin started the (RAVELRY LINK) $27 sweater test knit for KnitBoop in Little Skein Targhee Sweater Gigi is working on the (RAVELRY LINK) funambulus socks from the #operationSockDrawer book  and Finished the knitting on the (RAVELRY LINK) Alaska hat Jasmin is nearly at the armholes on the (RAVELRY LINK) Gramps cardigan for Sam In Stitches:(15:23) Jasmin wore her cashmere (RAVELRY LINK) Mariah hoodie, (RAVELRY LINK) Barberry hoodie, new hat with giant pom pom Genevieve wore her (RAVELRY LINK) Hearthstone pullover, (RAVELRY LINK) red and gold woven scarf, (RAVLERY LINK), Barberry Cardigan , (RAVELRY LINK) Anna Cardigan, (RAVELRY LINK) Coronation cardigan Gigi wore the (RAVELRY LINK) knitmore cowl2.0. and socks every day  And (RAVELRY LINK) Cat Bordhi’s wristers. (RAVELRY LINK) Pointed Firs shawl  Events:(28:22) #FinishItFebruary #Fiberuary on instagram Mother Knows Best:(30:30) Everything is better with a friend. When Knitting Attacks:(35:30) Jasmin can’t count or measure gauge after dark. Gigi has a hard time with a very easy pattern. Knits in Space:(42:17) The Truth Is  South Bay Musical Theater; the SBMT eStudio And Sew On: (50:07) Classes at Cañada are ongoing and being recorded. Love that, one can go back and follow step by step.  Evening gown class: bustier is drafted and mostly sewn Moulage for Jasmin is drawn, teacher ok'ed it, now it needs to be put it on muslin  We said corner stone, the word we needed was key stone. The textbook we are using is The Moulage by Kenneth D. King from the Cañada College bookstore

In an especially glittering episode, Lucy and Ben discuss the costumes (off stage and on) of the inimitable Rocket Man, Elton John. Reviewing the Star’s sartorial choices decade-by-decade, and comparing them to Julian Day’s interpretations in the recent blockbuster biopic starring Taron Egerton, this week’s show ponders the relationship between costume and character, as well as obviously highlighting some of Elton John’s ‘best-dressed’ moments.    Show Links   Accompanying Instagram feed on Dress: Fancy podcast: www.instagram.com/dressfancypodcast. Elton John Instagram: www.instagram.com/eltonjohn.  Rocket Man costumes designed by Julian Day: https://edition.cnn.com/videos/style/2019/05/29/elton-john-rocketman-style-orig.cnn/video/playlists/cnn-style/; https://www.crfashionbook.com/mens/a27612722/rocketman-elton-john-julian-day-costume-designer-interview/. On Elton’s predilection for clothes shopping (!): https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/elton-john-spent-pound40m-in-20-months-622287.html.  Elton John x Gucci: https://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/gucci-elton-john-alessandro-michele-ss18. Hat designer, Kenneth D. King: http://www.kennethdking.com/history/. Those glasses: http://www.papermag.com/gucci-elton-john-sunglasses-2637720220.html.  Photograph gallery: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/elton-john-life-career-pictures/april-1997-elton-john-arrives-hammersmith-palais-lorry-partner/.  Most iconic looks: https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/597wv8/7-of-elton-johns-most-iconic-outfits. The Farewell Tour: https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/in-pictures-gucci-designs-outfits-for-elton-john-s-farewell-tour/2018091238844; https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/in-pictures-gucci-designs-outfits-for-elton-john-s-farewell-tour/2018091238844; https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/07/style/elton-john-farewell-tour-wardrobe-gucci.html.

Kenneth D. King talks about principles from his new fitting book and fashion icons that have inspired him.

Making perfect-fitting clothes is one of the toughest sewing skills to master. In this episode, couture designer and sewing expert Kenneth D. King gives his tips on achieving perfect fit, as well as details on his new Threads DVD series "Smart Fitting with Kenneth D. King."