Welcome to Society of Charm
Shhh! It looks like an unassuming brownstone, but you know better. With your engraved invitation in hand, you approach the gilded teal door and knock with the secret passcode. The door swings open and…
You enter the bustling and opulent Society of Charm, a covert dressmaking fellowship dedicated to unrestrained beauty and bespoke creativity as a means for both personal and social change. Secret societies have never been so glamorous.
No one knows for sure when the Society was founded, but the marks of previous generations are all around you: the grand Victorian staircase, the Hollywood Regency crystal chandeliers, and the velvet midcentury chaise lounges. You and your fellow members pay your respects to your trailblazing founders through your devotion to historical fashion: sumptuous ‘40s swing dresses, ‘50s silk taffeta cocktail gowns, and smart tweed separates.
Defying all everyday pressures, outdated cultural expectations, and the anonymous glut of poorly-fitting fast fashion, you have committed to a new existence. You are ready to be initiated into a revolutionary society using vintage glamour, everyday elegance, and a powerful community to transform the world.
These are your people. The Society of Charm is your place. Say the oath with me, “I believe in the power of my hands, my mind, and my body to bring beauty to the world. I am creative. I am compassionate. I am beautiful. And I am remaking my fantasies into reality, to benefit myself and all those around me.”
In this new year of Patreon, I was inspired to go back to the heart of classic Charm, with a sophisticated twist. Secret gardens, elite occult societies, and a bit of righteous anger all combine to create my dream world: a world where everyone is free to create (and live) their own realities. It isn’t a fantasy anymore.
This year, you can expect new patterns that harken back to the elegance of traditional Charm, with new expansions, transformations, and accessories (!!!) to create a complete bespoke vintage-inspired wardrobe. At our heart, we are (and always have been) about vintage glamour above all else.
To celebrate living a life of vintage style (not vintage values), we are adding an exclusive digital fashion, sewing, and lifestyle magazine called Vintage by Gertie to the benefits (at the Glamour Circle tier and above). And we’ll focus on education and togetherness with additional video content and live events.
Above all, our main focus will always be the Charm community. The Society of Charm is a fellowship, and this fellowship is all about you. We are devoted to supporting your growth, your innate beauty, and your radical kindness as we make the world a more wonderful place for us all. Thank you for joining us and allowing us to continue this creative adventure together!
But What About My Tier?
Please see the Society of Charm home page for a detailed list of the new tier benefits.
As we do every year, we have made some changes to the tier benefits, so please read the tier descriptions carefully.
The Sewing Circle
(2022’s Poets have become Sewing Circle members)
There is no change to this tier’s benefits. Sewing Circle members receive the monthly sewing project, companion tutorial video, monthly live event, access to Discord, first access to Charm merchandise, and the annual free Charm Patterns PDF sewing pattern (Gertie’s choice).
The Glamour Circle
(2022’s Artists have become Glamour Circle members)
In 2023, Glamour Circle members will still receive “bonus content” on the 15th of the month, but that content will change a bit from 2022:
The 2023 content will include:
4 issues of our new digital magazine, Vintage by Gertie (see a sneak peek below!)
8 sewing projects or digital content goodies - these could be pattern expansions, accessories patterns, advanced fit clinics, pattern hacks, guest artist designs, or other fun things that I feel inspired to create & share
6 live Glamour Salon events during the year on either Crowdcast or Zoom
And, of course, you’ll also continue to receive everything from the Sewing Circle level.
Sample cover of Vintage by Gertie digital magazine
The Princess Circle
(2022’s Beat & Bohemian Princesses have become Princess Circle members)
In 2023, we’re adding at least four exclusive Pattern Hack projects to the Princess Circle membership. (I’ll be taking an existing Charm or Patreon pattern and changing it into something new).
Princesses will also receive all of the Sewing Circle and Glamour Circle benefits, as well as the benefits from 2022, like the 40% off coupon for one Charm Pattern (3 times a year), the annual physical gift, and the Charm Patterns sneak peaks.
The Inner Circle
We’re super excited to offer a new tier this year, the Inner Circle!
This tier is designed for Charm’s biggest supporters who want to be a part of guiding what happens behind-the-scenes at Charm. Inner Circle members get everything in the other tiers as well as:
100% off each new PDF Charm Pattern when they are released
at least 4 exclusive behind-the-scenes sneak peaks (casual videos taken during a photo shoot, of a tour of the studio, or with a Charm team member).
5% off and first dibs on signing up for Gertie's 2023 in-person Society Sewing Retreats
a quarterly exclusive live event on Zoom as our Inner Circle Board of Advisors
your name will be listed as an Inner Circle member in Vintage by Gertie magazine
20% off coupon for Charm Merchandise (2 times a year) PLUS access to previous annual gifts as merchandise (according to availability)
I hope you love our new theme as much as we do. It's going to be a great year!
xoxo,
Gertie
Comments (156)
Hi, can I ask what the 2023 free pattern was? not sure if I received if there was one.
Dear Gertie and team. When you are finished up scaling your sizes in the shop and on Patreon, can you upscale your books that we bought to size 32 too? Perhaps with a link to print at home files?
I don't think Charm/Gertie actually own the copyright on those patterns, but they might do very similar patterns as a monthly charm pattern or a mainline release.
Suggestion for future themes: Film Noir
Yes PLEASE! I want to dress like a movie villain!
a bias cut, mermaid satin dress? 😍
I sincerely appreciate your consistent dedication to fine quality, smart styles, and your diligent attention to the highest and best sewing practices. Thank you.
No you dont
If i upgrade do i lose all my past patterns
Hi Gertie! Just wondering how to access the see along video for the Maria dress? I got the pattern and I’m ready to get started… but being a new sewer want to sew along
Hi Michelle, The instructions do mention a video, but I have not seen one yet. It might be coming shortly or it might be a copy error from a previous instruction. either way, go to discord if you have any trouble with the written instructions. There are a lot of people wanting to help you there.
Hi Gertie - any update on when the Princess Coat will be available in your expanded size range?
Oh I’d also love to know this! It’s the most perfect coat, such a shame it’s still too small to fit me
Hi just joined already had the L'Amour dress it's amazing just looked at all the patterns on patron don't think there are enough hours in the day to do them all thanks for amazing patterns
The Patreon patterns are awesome. You can spend your life making all the options from Patreon and Charm.
Hello! I'm brand new (like 10 minutes ago?), and I'm so looking forward to the adventure!
Oh lord, I just stepped in. So nervous to start my sewing journey in mostly woven fabrics. I hope I’ll be able to make some gems 💝.
Ah ‘ladies’. We I joined the $7 tier was not the lowest tier and I too have spent quite a lot of money either subscribing and buying Chafm patterns, so scorn is quite unnecessary. I also have the right to express an opinion and disappointment. I’m sure those of you at the higher levels are enjoying the extra benefits you are paying for. Happy sewing.
I am very new here (just joined) and also very new to garment sewing - I do have a question....I am attempting the Night and Day Dress, and in the instructions it often specifies which direction to sew a seam in (i.e. "sew from bottom to top"). I am wondering why that is? I am not debating it, just because I am new I'd like to know why it needs to be done this way....
Hi! I am a beginner myself, but I have been taught on a sewing course that the direction of the seam can affect how the garment lies on the body later.
What I find disappointing is that patterns such as the scout dress which I have accessed at the $7 level and which have pattern expansions added. I cannot access the expansions at this level. I understand this level is limited and accept not being able to get the 'specials' as such but expansions such as the new sleeve for the Scout dress would be nice to access. Just saying.
I agree!
I'm not sure if there's somewhere to suggest pattern ideas, but lately I can't stop thinking about Violet's dress from "It's a Wonderful Life" ("This old thing? Why, I only wear it when I don't care how I look."). It's such a fabulous style, if the Charm team is looking for any new pattern ideas! :)
HI all, ive been of the site for a while now but just signed up again , but when ever i try to look through pattern it tells me to raise my pledge to unlock my pledge for another 22 more exclusives , why am in not see them im on the top pledge , can any one help please ?
Hi Samantha! There are some posts that were exclusive to lower tiers because they contained rewards that were exclusive to those tiers. There shouldn't be any patterns in those posts though. Let me know if there's something specific you're looking for.
I think we should have planner’s every year so we can keep track of our projects! I would definitely buy one yearly! Also how darn cute is the art work?!!!
I'm all for an interactive digital version where I can import fabric photos and dress a croquis - too much?!
Hi there, does anyone know where I can find the pattern for the Loretta shorts? With thanks
https://charmpatterns.com/patreon/ here you find easy access to all Patreon Patterns from Gertie
I swear to you I've been wanting a set with bloomers since day one. You flying read my mind.
I am new!! Yay!! I am down for all the things this year has to offer. I upgraded my tier to make sure I had access to the Discord. Apparently that wasn't necessary but we'll worth the extras. One question..how do you access the Discord?
If you go to the 'Membership' tab at the top of the page, scroll down and there is a link there to access the Discord server :)
I haven’t been paying very much attention because life has been so awful busy, I had to mute all the groups I was in, just to try ease the clamour a tiny bit. It hasn't really let up, and I completely missed the change of tiers info, but I’m glad I saw the starburst update. It’s prompted me to actually join instead of hanging in the wings admiring and telling myself one day I will have the time to make it worthwhile. I’m making time, for my own sanity sake. I have managed to aquire all the books and now made myself a Patreon. Further to that… well I knew Gertie’s output was prolific and there’s a substantial library, but I’m blown away having the insight to the rate of output & content. Wow. A whole new level to the concept of a small dynamic team! Thank you. I’m excited and that’s a wonderful feeling after 2022
Just taking a moment to comment here because I am in love with this year's new theme! It's gorgeous and fabulous! Thank you Gertie and Team! Also, the Society Dress may have been exactly what I requested in my yearly survey so that was super exciting! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Have been thinking about Patreon since it started but the society gown finally did it. Can't wait to get sewing!
New here! Super excited! I could use advice from existing members in the US, where do u print patterns and such!
PDF plotting is where I do my printing! Great prices! If using your phone I save my patterns to a file and then pull from file! Easy good luck
Though I've been familiar with Gertie and her amazing style and patterns for years, I am new here to the Patreon world!! So excited!!
Hello everyone so excited to get started, I’m new here so any suggestions would be awesome! I have so many questions, like how do I get started printing the pdf pattern?
so easy!!! Select the tiled pattern and make sure that your printer is set to actual size. Print off the pattern and match the letters together on each piece to form a pattern. You are also able to print just the size you want but not sure how you do that (I do it in Adobe Illustrator but not sure how you would do it otherwise). I think you can do it but would ask around on the facebook page as there are many very knowledgeable people on there. Happy sewing!
Have been a Patreon member from the start Gertie, and very happy and excited to now been a member of the Inner Circle too! Roll on 2023 and the sewing projects it brings :-)
Absolutely LOVING this theme and cannot wait to see more around! Wonderful work, ladies!
I'm very excited for the Inner Circle. I have been a member since Patreon was announced. I have really enjoyed it. I was not able to sew much in 2022 as I had a major house problem. this caused the foundation to sink and it had to be raised. Bottom line my sewing room was torn up for about 3 months until everything was fixed. Mercifully, the problem was corrected with no loss of fabric, supplies, patterns or sewing machines. Just completely ruined carpet and a rebuilt internal wall.
Just jumped up to Inner Circle and cannot wait for the new year. I LOVE the Society dress. In the Inner Circle will the Starburst skirt pattern become available?
Soooo excited for this theme and monthly project.
I’m soooo excited! 💖💖💖
Absolutely in loveeeeee with the new theme! I can’t wait to see all the glamorous patterns the Charm team puts out this year 😻😻😻✨
I joined patreon in April when i started sewing and decided to upgraded to the inner circle . I’m excited for the new changes this year
I love this thank you! I'm really looking forward to seeing what this year brings. I'm particularly excited about these "tweed separates" you allude to...
OMG I am inner circle! 🤩
Did an actual fist pump reading the post. This is how I’ve been feeling and the attitude I want to take into 2023. Realised for the past 3 years I’ve not been true to myself because I felt like I couldn’t be. Well not anymore. Not this year. It’s time to shiny baby!
Well I'm In! Oath taken :-D! Just the Confidence Boost I Need to present Myself Beautifully in a sub-tropical community that doesn't really. Looking forward to a lovely year :-D
I'm so excited for this year! Upgraded to Inner Circle :)
I am so excited for the new theme. Let's show 2023 who we are!
LOVE this!
I upgraded to Inner Circle this morning & I can't wait for the digital magazine & the chance to sign up for a sewing retreat! I was just wondering, Gertie, how you will be announcing the registration platform for the retreats. For instance, will it be an email exclusive to the Inner Circle? And when can we look out for it? 💕💜🎉
I just upgraded to Inner circle. I want all of the perks!
Okay. This just resonated with me so much, I actually shed a tear. I love, love, LOVE it!!!! From the bottom of my heart, thank you so very, very much xx
I love it!!!! And that dress is to die for! I have joined the Inner Circle (despite exchange rates making it expensive)…I can’t wait to see what this year holds!!!
So excited for this year!
YES! YES! A thousand times YES! I'm so excited about this theme! Thank you, Gertie and the Charm team!
Looove the theme... But can't seem to find info on whether my downgrading has been taken into consideration at the grandfathered price, since it's converted in euros (hadn't moved tier in 2 years...)
Amazing!!!
So excited!
What a pattern to start with! V excited for the year to come
Love it! This is going to be a great year
This sounds so good! I’m really into the secret society theme of vintage glamour and making the world a better place. Thank you so much for continuing to surprise and delight! Hugs and Happy New Year!!
Love this theme!! It speaks to me! Thank you!!
I love this new theme! And the society dress. Oh. My. Gawd. Yasss!!! 🔥 👏
Yes!
Beyond excited for this theme, bring on all the tweed!
Loving the new theme and the hint of smart tweed accessories ❤️❤️❤️
OMG! I have chills and am crying tears of soul satisfying joy. This theme resonates with me so deeply! I am soooo excited to join the inner circle.
Just upgraded to the Inner Circle, I'm so very excited!!! <3
This is AMAZING
I am so in love with this theme. ❤️
Literally crying reading the oath! I love this so much!!
I teared up too! This is exactly what I needed.
vintage fashion cult? i’m in! the one church i would go to. 🖤 we need a secret virtual handshake. ✂️🪡👗
Omg YES!
Brilliant!!!! Are you aware of the Haute Couture Club of Chicago???? The New Society theme reminds we of the Above mentioned club. I believe it has an open membership now. In it’s early years a prospective member must submit a portfolio of work to be considered for membership in the elite group. That was before my time, but when I first learned about it, I thought “How thrilling it must be to be considered among the best of the best of NeedleWomen!!!!””
I absolutely love this new theme. All the 40s and 50s glamour we have always adored plus a hint of Victorian gothic perhaps?
Amazing! Well done on this update.
Yes, yes, yes!!!! Love it!
I upgraded from bohemian princess to inner circle. Was I supposed be charged just the difference or the whole amount since it is a new $25 tier? My bank shows the 25 plus tax debited out. I know it is a bit hectic today..just wanted to make sure I understood the upgrade. Thanks
You should just be charged $25 plus tax for the month! It's possible you hadn't been charged yet for December at your old rate, so you've just been charged once at the new rate. ❤️
This is so exciting. I am a super beginner sewer and just hope I can learn to sew these beautiful vintage pieces.
I started out as a beginner and I found this to be a great place to advance your skill!!
I knew it! And I am soooooo here for it! Already love it actually. The first pattern (especially the gown) is an absolute dream!!!! Thank you Gertie and team!
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Ahhh this is better than I could have dreamed! So excited!
Occult + Halloween Extravaganza........... WOOOOO!
Thank you for all your hard work this is going to be a great year.
Love it!! Fabulous theme♥️. Thank you for not making us wait too long today because I don’t think I could have taken it 😂
I love it! Moving a little slow this AM but finally did my upgrade to Inner Circle.
Omg this is gonna be amazing!
🏃♀️ time to update my tier!
Upgraded to Inner Circle, and I’m so excited for it!
This is wonderful!!! I am so excited for this new theme. Gertie, you knocked it out of the park this time!!!
Just upgraded to inner circle! Cannot wait for this year!!!
⚜️It is with great delight I accept the invitation to "The Society of Charm". These are MY people.💛 This is MY place! 🪡👗 "I believe in the power of my hands, my mind, and my body to bring beauty to the world. I am creative. I am compassionate. I am beautiful. I am remaking my fantasies into reality, to benefit myself and all those around me." Amusingly enough, I spent last night preventing myself from purchasing 10 yards or so of velvet. I guess I'm going to need to go back and reinitiate that purchase 😘 Absurdly happy with the theme ❣️🥰💓💕💖💘
Now this year is definitely my cup of tea!! So excited. Squweeeee
I have just read this in my black velvet night and day dress that I wore to lunch in Paris, with green velvet swing coat. I'm not this swanky at home by the way! I'm thrilled about the new direction! Thanks so much Team Gertie.
More swank is always a good thing ⚜️
I am madly, madly, madly in love with this! This truly is my fantasy! Thank you for all of your hard work to put this together!!! xoxoxo
Ok, i'm in the inner circle, how do i get to the merchandise????
I love it! 😍
❤️❤️❤️ I feel the need to prepare by buying velvet 😆
Ohhh I love the new theme sooo much <3
Love the oath and the theme, well done Charm well done 😍🥰
I see velvet. I SEE VELVET! I love this! I'm so excited! 😍😍😍
Yes! Loving the glamor and old world beauty, so excited about this next chapter of charm patterns Patreon 🖤💜
I LOVE this theme! Well done Gertie and the Charm Team! ❤
Loving the glamour, we can all use a little glamour in our lives!😉
This is wonderful and I’m So excited about the new theme I would like to get clarification on what theme I’m in exactly I have always been grandfathered in as I signed up literally before the Patreon started so I’ve always been at top tier, so am I still the top tier or am I one below the top tier and I have to upgrade my subscription? I’d like to remain at the highest tier available so not sure what I have to do if anything
Hi Phoenix! You're still in what was previously called the Bohemian Princess tier. If you'd like to join the new highest tier, you'll want to upgrade your membership on your profile page to the Inner Circle. Happy New Year! 😘
YES♡ I love the new theme!
This new theme is so exciting for me! I've been in a sewing rut and this is just the jumpstart I needed.
Wow! This theme is magnificent
Yesssss cannot WAIT!!!!
Hello 2023! I'm thrilled to be part of the Inner Circle now, as I have been with Gertie (almost) from the beginning when my sewing journey began. I eagerly await for more glamour and fun to come into my sewing!
How delightfully fabulous 🍸
I love this new theme so so much!! What a fantastic way to start the new year- thank you Gertie!! 😘😘
Oooh this is awesome. I'm looking forward to some dark academia projects or ideas with this new theme.
AHHH I LOVE IT SO MUCH!
I am in heaven 😍 Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous...
The occult aspect is kinda off to me but regardless looking forward to another year of Patreon~
Same.
Amazing!!!! What a way to go into 2023!!
Everything I could want in a theme!!❤️
Fun!!!!
Glorious!
This theme is right in line with the direction I'm moving with my aesthetic. Match made in heaven. ❤️
Aah pins and needles waiting for the new release! I had managed to be distracted until this came in!
Wow! What a fabulous theme!!!! Can't wait to see it all!!!
Love this theme!!
I looooooove the new theme 😍😍😍😍😍😍
This theme is *chefs kiss* <3
This is just about PERFECT! And it resonates so much with what I am going through right now! Thank you and cannot wait what you have in stock for us! 🥰🥰🥰
I'm so excited and in love with this theme!!! Cant wait to see what 2023 brings us!!!
I am so in love with the new theme!
♥️♥️♥️
The pics are amazing, I’m very excited for this year’s theme.
I am loving this theme! This creative year is going to be glorious! 💜💖💜
Love it!
I just completed the upgrade to inner circle and patreon says princess legacy 25 dollars a month…anyone experience this?
It looks correct on my end! It's probably just Patreon being a little glitchy, which is not uncommon on the first of the month!
LOVE!
I am OBSESSED with this theme!! I’ve been really uninspired with my sewing the past few months, but I’m already feeling inspired to jump back in after reading that motto!
Love this theme! So excited! And I love this photo shoot, you both look divine.
I feel like the oath was written just for me - the theme of my 2023. I am SO ready for my new existence in the Society of Charm <3 <3
Yay!!! Inner circle fab glam!
Ooo wow….this is fabulous! I really love this theme and the idea of creating your own sewing fantasy!
I LOVE this theme - and am now a proud member of the inner circle :)
Snap 😂
I am so excited!!