Welcome to Charm School!
Charm School is a private and exclusive dressmaking academy where your fantasies are stitched into reality. Class is in session!
As the headmistress of Charm School, I am delighted to invite you to enroll as a member of our Class of 2024. I was inspired by an elevated academia aesthetic and collegiate fashion to create the sewing academy of my dreams: a place where like-minded students can strive for beauty and kinship through the art of fine stitchery.
Don your smart tweed jumper and matching necktie and join me in the academy atelier, where we will spend a year devoted to bettering ourselves through skill building. As you walk through these hallowed halls, remember our four tenets: Education, Community, Glamour, and Mastery. And never forget the motto that generations before us have pledged: Sentire Phantasia. Feel the fantasy!
You have been handpicked to join a diverse group of creatives to immerse yourself in the world of bespoke dressmaking, vintage-inspired fashion, and impeccable sewing craftsmanship. With instruction tailor-made for all levels, attendance at this boutique institution will support your love of vintage fashion while growing your sewing confidence.
Our skill-building curriculum includes lessons and lab projects (with patterns provided) that reads like a couture lover's dream. Envision yourself crafting garments with the precision of a seasoned designer, as you learn the art of French seams, practice vintage pattern drafting, and perfect the fit on your custom-made garments.
At least once per month, you will receive a new, structured homework assignment (always optional!), and you’ll be able to attend exclusive video lessons with members of our faculty and a coterie of friends.
Together with the mutual support of smart and stylish classmates, you will challenge yourself to master the techniques of traditional pattern drafting, machine sewing methods, fine hand finishing, and other high-quality dressmaking skills. Charm slopers will be provided for top-tier students to learn how to perfect advanced fit techniques.
Prepare to be swept away by an abundant array of sewing patterns, live demonstrations, virtual studio sessions, and in-home masterclasses that transport you to a bygone era. Whether you're a sewing novice or a seasoned pro, our instructors are dedicated to helping you unlock your full potential, ensuring that you not only master sewing vintage techniques but also make them your own.
But Charm School isn’t just techniques and training! We also offer a wide variety of after-school social clubs where you can hang out with friends new and old. Our private clubhouse and study halls provide an opportunity to gather and network with a community of like-minded sewing enthusiasts. Join together with your peers to engage in lively discussions, exchange tips and tricks, and forge connections that go beyond the virtual sewing room.
In addition to the scheduled classes and assignments, we've planned virtual meet-ups, sewing projects, and even a digital runway showcase (on Discord) where you can flaunt your creations and applaud the talent of your classmates. The sense of community at our academy is designed to make your online learning experience as dynamic and engaging as an in-person workshop.
Your exclusive spot at Charm school awaits, and I am looking forward to seeing the incredible designs you'll bring to life and the friendships you'll cultivate along the way. Confirm your attendance, ready your supplies, and let the excitement of a new school year begin!
Tier Changes for 2024
There will be only slight changes to your tier benefits this year. Please read the tier descriptions carefully if you wish to upgrade or change your tier.
The Sewing Circle
There will be 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
In addition to the content listed in the Sewing Circle tier, the 2024 Glamour Circle content will include:
4 issues of our popular digital magazine, Vintage by Gertie. Print copies may be purchased by Glamour Circle+ members.
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 we feel inspired to create & share
We will not be continuing the Society Salon events in 2024.
The Princess Circle
Princesses will receive all of the Sewing Circle and Glamour Circle benefits, as well as the benefits from 2023, like the 40% off coupon for one Charm Pattern (3 times a year), the annual physical gift, and the Charm Patterns sneak peaks.
While we will continue to offer pattern hacks of existing Charm or Patreon patterns throughout the year, we’ll keep the number and delivery a surprise! We’ve also got some other Charm School-related surprises for our Princess+ members in 2024, too. Whatever could they be?
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. We’re moving the behind-the-scenes content to our Vintage by Gertie magazine, so the BTS videos will not be happening in 2024.
Inner Circle members get everything in the other tiers as well as:
100% off each new PDF Charm Pattern when they are released
NEW! A PDF Charm sloper pattern based off of our Charm bodice block (not released to the public and only available to Inner Circle members). This sloper will be released in 2024 via Patreon direct message and you must be an Inner Circle member the day of release to receive it.
5% off and first dibs on signing up for Gertie's 2024 in-person Charm School Sewing Retreats
two exclusive live events on Zoom or Crowdcast 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)
Overall, we’re trying to be a bit more reasonable in what we deliver to our patrons and keep our focus on creating amazing patterns and continuing our pattern size expansions. This means slightly fewer live events, more focused video content, and a closer adherence to our theme in 2024. We love to spoil our patrons, so you can continue to expect an overwhelming amount of vintage-inspired sewing patterns, tutorials, and other goodies throughout the year.
I hope you love our new theme as much as we do. It's going to be a great year!
xoxo,
Gertie
Comments (165)
If I join the top tier on the yearly basis for 2025 will I get a slipper and instructions? I am a weird shape and REALLY need that benefit it is THE most important one to me.
The sloper release already passed. You would have to had been subscribed during the time it was released.
Hi, Gertie. Me again. Im in the Charm circle. I think thats right. Where do i get the princess coat pattern, without the hood, please
Hello Rowena! You have to buy it from Gertie’s Charm Patterns webshop - it's not a Patreon pattern.
Hi, Gertie. Just subscribed today and wanted to say that finding you, your books and patterns has been like having Katy Keene back in my life at age 47. And it makes me so happy.
We need some tailored slacks & a waistcoat please!
Hi, have you checked out the past patterns? There's the Lady Dandy waistcoat and Lucille Trousers. 🙂
Dear Gertie Visiting my sister, staying up late, watching the 1958 Kathrine Hepburn movie SUMMERTIME. I loved ALL of the clothes in that movie!!! Even the extras, in the crowd scene were gorgeous!!!! I'm no Kathrine Hepburn, but I would certainly like a SUMMERTIME inspired wardrobe!!! Underpinnings, too, please.
The pink dress in the image is the Junon dress by Dior. I would love to sew that one! It would take me a lifetime to embroider, but it would be worth it!
Is this the "clubhouse?" Where does everyone meet to ask for advice and share photos?
A great deal more of the chat happens in the Discord and Facebook groups
Me too!
I would like to make the Maria dress as my first project.
How do I get on Gertie's discord I have never used it before xx
Go to the "membership" tab towards the top of the screen (under Gertie's pic). Under the member ship tab, scroll down to "Quick links" and under that there is a button to launch the discord server. You'll have to join discord and create a discord screen name.
Gertie - could you give us more information about the sloper? Will it come in all sizes that you currently offer? Will you do any type of video on how to utilize it or self-fit it to make any necessary adjustments? I'm trying to decide if I upgrade to the Inner Circle, and the decision is entirely around the sloper.
It will come in all sizes! We will be releasing pdf patternmaking tutorials to go with it. The existing fit clinic videos will be a great companion to them as well.
Can I get a discord invite link?
Yes pleeeaasse
I've checked here Insta and Facebook; can we have fabric links for the 3 uniforms?
Hi Kyra! I purchased the wool at Mood but unfortunately it was the last they had! Any wool tweed, suiting, or flannel would work great :)
Love the theme!
I love this idea!! I’m so ready to learn new things. Not only am I short, I am apple shaped and have a sway back and I still struggle with the fit sometimes.
I love this new theme! So cute and fun:)). I would love to know Susie's height (as well as Gretchen's and other models). As a petite person, it would be most helpful to understand how these more voluminous styles might appear on a smaller frame. Thank you + Happy New Year!
I hope we're getting that dress Susie's wearing this year. My GOODNESS!
I am curious how much pattern drafting will be taught and at what tier. In the email I received it states that some pattern drafting will be taught.
Love the uniform material and polka dot shirt material. Where can we buy matching ?
This theme is fantastic!
So tempted to upgrade my subscription to inner circle just for the sloper! Note: I do wish someone would correct the spelling of “peaks” in the published information. “Peeks” 👀 not “peaks” 🏔️ It was on the front of the magazine too.
As a copy editor, I would also love to see this correction made. 😁
Charm School!!! Love it.
So beyond excited to finally get a darn sloper!!! I’ve been so hesitant to try and make one of my own after years of watching Bianca, The Closet Historian…but now I feel like I have the skills after years of making Charm patterns! 🖤 so beyond excited!!
Do you get the sloper immediately at that tier? Or is it an item promised for the future?
This theme is fantastic! Thank you!
Well done everyone ❤️
Chuckle chuckle chuckle chuckle....Love It! Now I get to revisit my 'Blagh!' School Memories and Replace Them with Gerti'es Charm School Instead....Yay!
I have been a member since we had only around 3000 members that first year and I don't think I have ever been so excited for a theme or content before. First, the theme...academia! My daughter and I were just discussing a desire for more of this classic fashion trend. Second, the focus on traditional fine sewing methods. I have been converting the new, shortcut methods to the professional methods I have used since my early years. This makes me feel both validated and excited! Third, your creativity and commitment to your members and the way you listen to what we would like to see, integrating it to engage us is admirable. Thank you Gertie!
the themed artwork on the landing page is so fun!! Really like the idea of a jumper dress in wools and similar weights. My husband used to always say I needed to go to "charm school" when we were first married and this morning I told him I was finally enrolled 15 years later and he laughed out loud! Looking forward to another great year with charm.
Very excited for this year's theme and working on a capsule wardrobe for Spring.
I absolutely love this! I've decided to go back to school in 2024 (classes start next week 🙀), so this year's theme seems extra meaningful to me! Ever since I registered for classes, I've been imaging cultivating a vintage, dark academia inspired wardrobe. Those Gen Z kids can keep there ill-fitting 90's rip off looks! (been there, done that), I'm here for the glamour!
This sounds amazing xxx
So happy to be in the Inner Circle. Love the new school theme. And yes I will do my homework. Thank you all for what yo do.
I was honestly thinking about leaving Patreon, but wanted to see what this year's theme would be. Needless to say, I'm ecstatic and staying (ever seriously considering upgrading tiers)! That sloper has me intrigued!
Same for me :-) I am so glad there's a focus on learning & technique this year!
I think it’s wise to not overextend yourselves. What you delivered in 2023 was amazing but it should not be at the cost of burnout. If a project is more complex I think it would be just fine to extend it over 2 months and give it the attention it deserves. That way you’re not limiting yourselves to anything too simplistic but also not trying to cram it into one month. Something to think about. Keep up the great work!
Perfect Perfevt Perfect, couldn't ask for more ! thank you so much Team Charm for you work !
How do I check which tier I am in now, and does my membership automatically continue at that level if I haven't changed it?
Up near the top (right under the banner with Gertie's photo), there is a tab that says "Membership"; click on that and it will tell you which tier you are and give you information on all the others...
This is perfection! I always want to attend a school of design and fashion and now my dream is becoming a reality! Thank you Gertie and Charm team for all the work and efforts you put into this Patron!
THANK YOU. as some one who has been a member for 3 years but hasn't actually sewn anything yet as I think I lost my sewing mojo when I got old, this sounds like just what I need to get back into it and to push me to finish my society dress
*whisper voice* I have also been here since the start and have never made a single thing! 🤦🏻♀️
I am in love. I have a Pinterest board named Candicecore with a lot of light academia looks. This year’s theme is perfect. I just upgraded to Inner Circle to get the most out of this year.
Love the new theme and the latest jumper dress. I bought two lengths of wool mix suiting because I couldn’t decide which to make my Maria pinafore dress in, so I’m all ready to start my school dress 😊. I’ve been asking for woven vintage detailed woven shirts and blouses for ages and it looks like my blouse prayers will be answered soon too!
Sounds like it will be a great year! And Charm school can be like a modeling school too. Like THE BEAUMONT SCHOOL OF ETTIQUETTE. Where they teach you protocol, sitting, dining, standing, taking tea, like the Royals and Debutantes do! Sounds like fun!
What was the Society Salon events?
Love, love this year's theme!
Just last week my oldest asked for help assembling a dark academia capsule wardrobe. This is perfect.
Oooh!!!! Thrilled!!! Academic clothes for an academic!!! Yippee!
I knew that trip to the Pendleton Woolen Mill Store would pay off! Thank you Mistress Gertie and Charm School!
Love this new theme, and the Charm school uniform is so pretty. I understand that the team will need to cut back on some content to be able to cope, but if the "board meetings" for the inner circle are moved to Zoom (from Crowdcast) does that also mean that you will not be able to see them afterwards? Living in Europe and going up 6 AM to get to work, it is most often not possible for me to join the live events since they are usually around midnight local time, so I really apreciate that I could watch them afterwards.
Yeah, and I have 2 work schedules to juggle and the date announcement of the meetings aren't enough time for me to request off so I can be in it.
This is perfect! I am so excited to practice and learn. ♥️
I just joined the inner circle, I got so excited for this! Where do I enroll?
Adorable!!! I love this!!!
I love it! How can we join the Charm School?
Go to patreon.com. Look up Gertie, and sign up for membership.
I'm swooning in my coffee cup! SO excited for everything to come, this is going to be a fabulous start to a stunning New Year! Thanks to you and the team! XOX!
Love, love, love!!!!
Love this theme! I truly appreciate the creativity each year. Just when you think Gertie and team have topped themselves they surprise you with something special I wasn’t expecting. I upgraded my tier for the sloper mention! Cheers to 2024!!
Oh my gawd! I'm so happy!!!
Ooohhh can't wait to see how this year unfolds! 🥰🥰🥰
The Dioresque petals on the dress will be dreamy. Fingers crossed the pattern is out in time for my spring formal needs.
I'm sensing some really cute blouses and co-ords this year, sounds great. I am confused about the pattern drafting element, do I need to upgrade for that?
I'm Princess but I'd love to know more about the Charm sloper (which means upgrading)! Will it be released this month?
Whoa!!! That offer for a sloper might get me to upgrade!!!
Oof as a legacy member that jump to the next tier is a LOT may not be worth it to me. bummer.
Wow!!!! Great theme and I see many Patreons had guessed right about it!! Can’t wait to start 😃! Love the dea of a sewing academy!
I’m so excited for the new theme! I saw other people sewing clothes in the academia style and find them so interesting! I’d love to see more!
I am so pleased and excited for this year’s theme! I was a bit sad to see the secret society go, but this new theme sounds absolutely wonderful! Now I am not sorry at all :) I loved the Society, but now I’m looking forward to fun academia fashion, yay! Gertie and Charm team - thank you! You make me as a Patron feel so pampered and happy!!
Best 👏🏻 theme 👏🏻 ever 👏🏻
This theme is perfect and I am so excited for it! Happy New Year!
Love the new theme! It’s also a great way to entice new members into joining! My SIL really wants to learn how to sew her own garments and I’ve promised her my services anytime but it is hard working full time and running a household! Hopefully we can make more time this year ❤️
What is the discord channel??
Discord is an online community. If you search the Gertie Patreon posts you should find how to join it. It’s free and private to Patreon members.
patterns for everyday wear yeah, and the Dior inspired no on the left - yeah! "We will not be continuing the Society Salon events in 2024 - does this mean no more monthly sharing of inspo and background for the monthly pattern?
We'll still have our regular monthly Crowdcast (I love them!), but not the regular Zoom sewing circles & Glamour Salons. I *might* sneak in a few extra events throughout the year, but I don't want to commit to them just yet.
Love it and so excited! I'm an academic myself. 😉 Love the styling and so happy for the Charm School illustration- cartoon Hattie's back! Woohoo!
I love this theme and look forward to the drafting part as well!! ♥️
I am extremely excited about this year's theme! Charm School is now competing with Camp Gertie Charm Scout for my favorite theme. ❤️❤️❤️ I'm curious to know more about the Charm sloper and wondering whether I should upgrade to Inner Circle tier or remain at Princess tier. Will the pattern drafting also be for Inner Circle tier only? 🤔 Sew excited for this year!
I’m dead!! This is perfect!!
I’m looking forward to Charm School 💕
I feel like there could be multiple years of content that fit this theme. Think of the accessory options! Book bag, sewing tool belt, lunch bag, hats, ties etc. Marking pencils for the yearly gift with a little dangly charm on them... This is my favourite theme yet.
You know the have the tie dialed in but a book bag? Brilliant idea! I’m feeling a satchel…
So excited!
Love the new theme!
Screaming, crying, throwing up! Just DELIGHTED!!!
Omg! Love it! Such a cute illustration too (Elvira sleeping in the fabric!)
Yes! This is perfection!
I was secretly hopeing for some dark academia! Thank you for continueing to help me feel my fantasy! ❤️💙💜
Yesssss, this is right up my street! Also, did anyone else read Charm School by Anne Fine when they were younger??
Amazing! Can't wait to school starts! 😉
Happy New Year! Thanks for the new creative theme for 2024
love it! 💞
Beyond thrilled with this year’s theme ♥️
I'm so excited!! Will the pattern drafting content only be available to the inner circle since the sloper is?
Woo hoo, going back to school! Love it. Maybe this time around, I'll have the wardrobe I'd always hoped for when I was in school. Love the 'clip art', cartoon inspired, graphics for this year as well. How fun! Thank you Gertie and Charm Team.
i’m loving everything about this! A+!
ps i asked for a sloper, and i’m seeing something else i asked for in the drawing besides the pinafores! super happy to stay inner circle!
OK well I'm in love with this years theme. Love a little bit of dark academia
Wow, thank you! Looking forward to this amazing school year ❤️
OMG. I'm already a happy and keen student. And I have just found the perfect dress for my brothers wedding this April
You’ve outdone yourselves, Charm team! I’m looking forward to attending Charm School! ❤️
WOW! So excited to get into this. I want a framed version of the illustration to hang in my sewing room. I'm giddy. :-)
I love the new theme. I’m sew excited for the new year! 🧵🪡
I love this!!!! I am so so excited!
SUCH a cute theme!! Can’t wait!
OK. You got me back to school... 🏫
Great theme. Looking forward to what you all will be creating and offering this year. Very exciting!!!
This is going to be an exciting and inspiring year for sure!
LOVE IT,
Yes, yes, yes!! Love everything about this year's theme!
Whooohoo! I love it!
Oh my word this is awesome!!! So looking forward to this year and best get my uniform sorted! 😍
💛💛💛
Love the theme! Very exciting!
Really very exciting. I always say I would love to go back to school but to learn about things I love and I can enjoy this dream for a year. Thank you!
I adore this. This is definitely closer to my aesthetic than the previous seasons, although I have still loved seeing your patterns. Looking forward to learning this year!
I am obsessed!!! Cannot wait to start learning new things.
Ok, I love this. I am all here for the more technical stuff, my own slower, learning pattern drafting, etc. I was considering going down a tier or 2 but not happening. Staying inner circle. Need all the knowledge to get to the next level in my sewing journey. Thank you Gertie and team!
I absolutely love this and am excited to get the sloper!
Love it!
I LITERALLY SQUEALED 😍😍😍😍
I love the theme!
So excited! Especially for that jumper -- I already know what I'm pulling from the stash for it!
So very excited to learn more this year! My goal for 2024 is more refined and professional techniques
Oooo, this is beautiful! I was sorry to leave Society behind because I loved that theme so much, I’m excited that this one is also perfect 💖
This is exactly how I felt!
OH MY GOSH, I just fell over! Love to learn… I’m so excited!!!!!!!
I love the new theme so much! I can't wait for the first assignment. :)
It’s gonna be a great year! Sounds like separates and casual everyday wear! 🥳
I love it!! I need to learn how to fit things better.
Oh, this sounds exiting and magical. Like the Hogwarts of Sewing! ❤️
Love love love the theme
I’m sooo ready for this.
How fun!! I'm so excited!
Ohhhhh <3 <3 <3
This looks so wonderful. 👌
I let out a squeal when this popped up! Way to go Charm Team, this is super exciting!!
Is the charm school part of Patreon or a separate class entirely? I don’t see a link but I’m very interested.
Charm school is the 2024 theme for Patreon this year. It means all the content this year will be based around the school/education theme
Perfection! Cannot wait!
I’m so excited!!!! Thank you so much! Happy New Year!💜💜💜
👏
How do i know what tier I'm in? I've signed up automatically every year but don't want to miss out on any good stuff.
It should say on the Gertie home page which tier you're in...
*faints*
I’m so in love! This is exactly what I wished for after yesterday’s hint. The Charm team has done it again!
Absolutely OBSESSED 😍 I'm going to upgrade my tier now x
❤️
Wow!!! I’m so happy with this!!!
I love it! This sounds like a lot of fun
OMG this teacher can't get her hands down
I’ve been on such an academia aesthetic lately, this is so perfect! ❤️🩷
I’m so excited! I think this theme will be more my style 💕
What a great theme! This will be exciting!