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WHAT TO SEW IN 2027?
What to sew in 2027? Discover the latest sewing trends, colors, fabrics and my creative ideas: clothing, linen, wool, cotton, accessories, home décor and Maraval Couture creative projects.
Souad Belaini
1 Oct6 min read


WHICH WEDDING DRESS SHOULD YOU CHOOSE IN 2027?
Discover the 2027 wedding dress trends, from lace and floral details to transformable gowns, vintage inspiration and made-to-measure designs. Explore Souad’s bridal advice and inspirations at Maraval Couture
Souad Belaini
14 Sept10 min read


CHAPTER 4 — THE DESIGNER’S ADVIC
Why line a garment? How do you choose a fabric for your body shape or understand its drape? In Chapter 4 of L’Atelier des Matières, I share my dressmaking advice on lining, drape, body shape, pre-washing and creasing to help you understand and work with fabrics.
Souad Belaini
7 Sept10 min read


CHAPTER 5 — THE SECRETS OF FABRICS
Discover how to properly iron and press different fabrics, choose the right temperature, use steam carefully, and protect delicate materials with Maraval Couture’s sewing advice.
Souad Belaini
7 Sept15 min read


#Chapter 3 : Which Fabric Should You Choose ?
Which fabric should you choose for a dress, suit or bespoke creation? In this third chapter of L’Atelier des Matières, I share my dressmaking experience to help you choose a fabric according to the design, body shape, drape and desired result. From linen and wool to cotton voile and brocade, discover why every project deserves the right fabric.
Souad Belaini
5 Sept13 min read


# 📖Chapter 2—Comparison of materials: how to choose the right fabric ?
When you walk into a fabric shop, two materials can sometimes seem very similar. They may have a similar colour, a pleasant feel and, at first glance, even appear to give almost the same effect. Yet once they are cut, sewn and worn, they can behave completely differently. This is particularly important in dressmaking. A fabric that is perfectly suited to a summer dress will not necessarily be suitable for a wedding dress. A fabric that creates beautiful volume will not give t
Souad Belaini
1 Sept9 min read


📖 Chapter 2 — Comparing Fabrics: How to Choose the Right Material?
Cotton or viscose, linen or cotton, silk or satin, organza or chiffon… In this second chapter of L’Atelier des Matières, I compare different materials, their drape, behaviour, and uses in sewing to help you choose the fabric best suited to your creation.
Souad Belaini
1 Sept9 min read


CHAPTER 1 — UNDERSTANDING TEXTILES | ARTICLE 4
Natural, synthetic, price, thickness… Discover the most common misconceptions about fabrics and learn what really determines their quality.
Souad Belaini
19 Aug6 min read


📖 Chapter 1 — Understanding Textiles: Article 3 — How to Recognize a Quality Fabric
How can you recognize a quality fabric? Discover simple ways to assess its feel, drape and structure, and choose the right fabric for your project.
Souad Belaini
18 Aug5 min read


CHAPTER 1 — UNDERSTANDING TEXTILES | ARTICLE 1
Discover the difference between fibres, yarns, materials and fabrics. Learn how fibres become textiles and how their composition and construction influence drape, texture, elasticity and behaviour in sewing.
Souad Belaini
30 Jul5 min read


What to Sew in 2025 ? Trends and Inspiring Projects to Revamp Your Wardrobe
In 2025, it's a way of life that reflects our values : sustainability, personalisation and artistic expression. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, here's a guide to help you discover what to sew this year, with inspiring and on-trend ideas to incorporate into your projects. --- 1. Sustainable Fashion : Recycling and Reinventing Sustainable fashion continues to gain momentum in 2025. Sewing is becomig a way to express creativity and environmental responsibility. Upcycling
Souad Belaini
2 Jul3 min read


📖 Welcome to The Materials Workshop - Maraval Couture's Textile Guide
📖 Welcome to The Fabric Workshop – Maraval Couture’s Textile Guide With over 30 years of experience in sewing and bespoke garment making, I have met many clients, brides-to-be, students and sewing enthusiasts who often ask the same questions: What is the difference between a fibre, a material and a fabric? How can you recognise a good-quality fabric? How do you read a textile label correctly? What is the difference between cotton and viscose, silk and satin, organza and chif
Souad Belaini
30 Jun3 min read


CHAPTER 1 — UNDERSTANDING TEXTILES | ARTICLE 2
Learn how to read a textile label and understand fabric composition, fibre blends and care symbols. Discover why 100% cotton is not always the best choice and how to choose and care for your garments more effectively.
Souad Belaini
30 Jun3 min read


📖The Materials Workshop - Maraval Couture's Textile Guide
Chapter 1 — Understanding Textiles Article 1 — Fibres, Yarns, Materials and Fabrics: What Are the Differences? When you first start learning about sewing, it is common to confuse the terms "fibre", "thread", "material" and "fabric". However, each one refers to a very specific stage in the manufacture of a textile. After more then 30 years spent designing wedding dresses and bespoke garments, I have noticed that this confusion is very common. Even people who have been sewing f
Souad Belaini
29 Jun3 min read


Why did I create the Fabric Workshop?
A guide to understand fabrics better and choose the ideal material. When you first start taking an interest in sewing or clothes, it's easy to confuse the terms fibre, material, and fabric. However, they do not all mean the same thing. Understanding this difference helps you choose clothes more effectively, read a fabric label, and understand why two fabrics can feel, drape or be comfortable in completely different ways. 1. Fibre: Where It All Begins The fibre is the basic ma
Souad Belaini
25 Jun2 min read


Wrist tendonitis in seamstresses : exercises, stretches and tips for relieving pain
Discover the tips I use at Maraval Couture to Carry on Sewing despite tendonitis in my wrists and to prevent pain caused by repetitive movements As a professional dressmaker and founder of Maraval Couture, I spend long hours working with my hands - stitching, cutting, embroidering, sewing... This craft, which I love, requires precision and concentration, but also a constant posture and repetitive movements. Over time, I've developed tendonitis in my wrists - a pain that many
Souad Belaini
23 Jun4 min read


An exceptional gown for Miss Excellence Pays de la Loire
For the Miss Excellence France 2025 pageant, I had the honour of designing and creating the regional costume for Miss Pays de la Loire. This unique project, combining tradition, craftsmanship and passion, was a real challenge… but also an unforgettable personal and artistic journey. When Tradition Guides Creation Before creating the folk-inspired gown for Miss Excellence Pays de la Loire, I took the time to thoroughly research the traditional dress of this beautiful region.
Souad Belaini
1 Apr2 min read


Sewing your own wedding dress: understanding a pattern, creating a successful toile, step by step.
Sewing your own wedding dress is an emotionally charged project. In this article, I explain how to understand a wedding dress pattern, why toile is an essential step, and how to proceed step by step with a tailored pattern and online support designed for bespoke dressmaking.
Souad Belaini
23 Jan3 min read


🎄 Sewing Together: Maraval Couture Workshops & Online Courses for a Handmade Christmas
At Maraval Couture, I’ve always been passionate about sharing my love for sewing in a warm, friendly, and accessible environment. For several years now, my workshops have welcomed both beginners and sewing enthusiasts to learn, grow, and most importantly, enjoy the pleasure of creating with their own hands . Today, I’m very happy to announce that my sewing classes are now also available as online courses, directly on my website!👉 Discover the course here: https://manage.wix.
Souad Belaini
21 Nov 20252 min read


How to choose your custom-made wedding dress in Saint-Étienne?
At Maraval Couture, a wedding dress becomes a made-to-measure creation, born from a meeting of passion and elegance.
Souad Belaini
19 Oct 20252 min read
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