We’re thrilled to share an exciting update about Design Secrets, our all-new membership course and sewing community! In just a few days, April 15, the special $57 Beta Access for VIP Priority members will increase to $87 one-time — and soon after that, Design Secrets will officially become a monthly subscription. If you’ve been meaning to jump in, now’s the perfect time to secure lifetime access at the lowest price it will ever be offered.

What Makes Design Secrets Unique?

Last time we discussed the patterns that are unlocked in month one of Design Secrets. Today, we’ll cover the exclusive patterns included in month two, Rookie Designer.

🌟 Exclusive Patterns: The Marilyn Ensemble

Each month (for one year) Design Secrets drips patterns showcasing the timeless glamour of old Hollywood, reimagined for your modern wardrobe:

👗 The Marilyn Peplum Halter Top (Sizes 6–24X)
Inspired by the icon herself, this halter top features soft bust gathers, an open back, and a flattering peplum hem. You’ll gain precision in neck facings, seam finishing, and learn the power of style lines to shape the silhouette.

🩳 The Marilyn Fitted Twill Shorts (Sizes 6–24X)
These structured-yet-playful shorts are all about clean fit. You’ll apply your Pattern Adjustment lessons—including how to adjust the rise—and explore stretch twill fabrics with professional construction strategies.

Each pattern unlocks only after you’ve completed the supporting skill-building modules, ensuring your projects come together with intention—not guesswork.

Design Secrets brings together everything you need to grow toward couture level sewist — exclusive patterns, in-depth lessons, and a supportive community — all in one place. Each element is designed to work together, so you’re not just sewing projects, you’re building real skills with guidance, inspiration, and structure along the way.

• Exclusive Patterns: Carefully curated designs you won’t find anywhere else, including the Marilyn Ensemble, which features:

  • 🌟 Marilyn Blouse (Sizes 6–24X)

  • 🌟 Marilyn Shorts (Sizes 6–24X)

• In-Depth, High-Quality Lessons: Each month, you’ll receive lessons focused on fine sewing techniques, flat pattern adjustments and design, and advanced methods to refine your skills. Fine sewing lessons culminate by touching on couture and tailoring, giving you a taste of elevated sewing practices over time, and style lessons to inspire your creativity.

• Community Access: Connect with a vibrant community of like-minded sewists, where you can share projects, ask questions, and gain valuable inspiration.

Early Bird Pricing – Limited Time Offer!

🌟 Kickstarter Early Bird Special: Click Here to see the $57 offer for a limited time only.

✨ The Marilyn Ensemble: Iconic Style, Reinvented for the Home Sewist

As part of your Design Secrets journey, each module unlocks not just knowledge—but iconic, wearable creations that elevate your sewing to a designer level.

Month two spotlights the timeless, glamorous Marilyn Ensemble — a pairing inspired by the bold, feminine fashion of one of history’s most unforgettable style icons.

Available in sizes 6 to 24X, this ensemble blends Hollywood allure with everyday elegance—and like all Design Secrets patterns, it’s only released after you complete the lessons that help you make it fit and flatter you perfectly.

🧵 The Marilyn Peplum Halter Top

This modern reimagining of Marilyn Monroe’s legendary halter neckline features soft bust gathers, an open back with tie-neck halter styling, and a graceful peplum shape. The fit is flattering and feminine, with just the right hint of retro charm.

You’ll unlock the Marilyn Top after completing your lessons in Style Lines, where you’ll learn how design lines influence silhouette and garment balance—and after working through Fine Sewing & Seam Finishing Techniques in the Essentials Module.

For best results, we’ll guide you through suitable fabrics like double knits with structure and recovery, or wovens with up to 10% spandex for ease of movement and a polished shape.

✂️ The Marilyn Twill Shorts

Inspired by Marilyn’s relaxed off-screen looks, these twill shorts are polished enough for a brunch or resort stroll, but playful enough for a barefoot walk on the beach.

They sit at the natural waist and include dart shaping, clean lines, and a smooth left invisible zip.

You’ll also complete your Pattern Adjustment: Rise Lesson and the Waist-to-Hip Blending Adjustment to ensure the shorts fit your frame—not just a standard chart.

Pair them with the Peplum Halter for a full Marilyn Moment—or wear them solo with your favorite tee.

🧵 Fabric Deep Dives Inside the Fabric Whisperer

As we roll-out Beta and beyond, in the Fabric Whisperer section, you’ll explore real-world fabric guidance through video and live session discussions.

We’ll cover:
✅ Double knits option for the halter or using stable wovens with 10% spandex
✅ Fabric handling tips for the halters and the twill shorts
✅ How to stabilize seams and hems for long-term wear

Because when your fabric supports your design—your project just works better.

🎀 Hollywood Style, Custom Fit

The Marilyn Ensemble helps you step confidently into design-forward sewing with professional fit, thoughtful design, and wearable glamour.

You’ll never feel rushed or overwhelmed—each pattern is unlocked only after you’ve built the foundation, so your results look polished from the first stitch.

Let’s keep sewing the kind of clothes that feel unforgettable.

Warmly,
Margie Vaudreuil
Founder, Sewing Pattern Secrets

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