Replies

1. 
   Katcleland | Jan 20, 2007 05:10am | #1

   I am interested in Heirloom Sewing and I would love to take a Martha Pullen class sometime, but I live in Canada and they are in Tenn. (I think) not the easiest to plan a vacation around.  I hope to do some work for my brand new grandson. He was born a month earlier on Christmas Eve and is doing so well now we are all thrilled.  Martha Pullen does have a vast resources listing in her news letter try there plus a mag.  have just found called; Creative Needle.

   Good Luck.

2. 
   fabricholic | Jan 20, 2007 05:44pm | #2

   Hi Noelle,Be sure to sign up for Martha Pullen's catalog. She has wonderful linens and laces. I'm sure there are many books you can order from there. You could also go to Amazon and search for heirloom sewing books. Sometimes they have used books that are very affordable, less than the shipping costs. I want to make my grand daughter a simple dress out of cotton batiste with a little lace on bottom. They offer many ideas.Marcy

3. 
   ctirish | Jan 20, 2007 07:07pm | #3

   Hi Noelle, I want to learn heirloom sewing for both linens and clothing. The new Martha Pullen catalog has her new book and video for Heirloom sewing on linens. I remember my mother had the most beautiful tablecloth done with cutwork on the corners and in the center. I too would like to take one of her classes, her main place for classes is Huntsville, Alabama.

4. 
   solosmocker | Jan 21, 2007 02:27am | #4

   I am an heirloom sewer, off and on to varying degrees over the years. I am in a big "on" now with my beautiful grandaughter. I would suggest investing in Carol Laflin Ahles book, Fine Machine Sewing. She covers pretty much all you need to know and a lot more. In addition, I would subscribe to Creative Needle. This magazine will give you clear, total directions, and lots of impetus to your creativity. I have found other magazines leave off lots of information in their directions or refer you to a previous issue to know how to do something. You don't need that frustration as a beginner. If you do these two things, you can do it on your own. Sit down with Ahle's book and do each technique making yourself a notebook to refer to. You will find in CN mag other more creative techniques to try that you can add to your notebook as well. Welcome to this world, where the finest fabrics and workmanship are the standard. It is a lot easier than it looks. Good luck.

   Edited 1/20/2007 6:29 pm ET by solosmocker

1. 
   Noelle | Jan 21, 2007 04:28am | #5

   Hello again,

     I just purchased Fine Machine Sewing and can't wait to read more!  Thanks

   for your suggestions.  The Martha Pullen video must be great!  Happy sewing!

1. 
   PatReav | Jan 22, 2007 06:14am | #6

   I am returning to smocking after 15 years or so.  Love to dress my 2 little grand daughters.  I am looking to purchase a new sewing machine (without spending a whole lot of money).  Would love to hear from other to see if they have a favorite machine.

1. 
   lizzieann | Jan 25, 2007 05:35am | #7

   Just love heirloom sewing...I would love to do some adult clothing, maybe nighties or pretty blouses..I am gonna be a grandma..{a grandson} but I just can't seem to see the little guy in some of those little outfits..I am more of a denim and cargo pants on a little boy...maybe if they have a girl it would be different but I don't think so....but I still wouldn't mind clothing for myself...but that is just me..Lisa

5. 
   heirloomthreads | Jan 26, 2007 06:39am | #8

   Hi Noelle, I am an avid heirloom sewer and a Martha Pullen licensed instructor.  If I can answer any questions for you, do not hesitate to ask.  Also, for all of you who want to take a Martha Pullen class, but cannot travel that far, contact them.  They may have a licensed instructor in your area.  That way you could get started in the creation of heirloom projects.

   Kat

    

1. 
   Noelle | Jan 26, 2007 08:57am | #9

   Hello Kat,

     Thanks sooo...much for responding!  I recently purchased a Designer SE

   Viking machine and am looking forward to heirloom sewing.  I live in the

   Orlando area, so I would love to find an instructor within driving distance.

   I also want to eventually purchase Glorious Linens software assuming it

   will work on my machine.  Thanks again, Noelle

1. 
   Virginia Mom | Jan 26, 2007 03:01pm | #10

   I've done some heirloom sewing and French hand sewing off and on for a while. I used some of the techniques to make my wedding dress. I agree with some of you who said you've found it hard to do this kind of sewing for boys; if I had young girls, I probably would do this kind of sewing for them.As for machines, a close friend of mine has an heirloom sewing business and she has always loved Berninas. (I noticed Pfaff was sponsoring her website?) A few years ago, I purchased an Elna 3210 because I didn't want to deal with all the computerized stuff, and I love this good, solid machine. If you want to do a lot of machine embroidery, you probably will need to spend a fair amount of money. Brother and a few others will promise a lot for a fairly low price, but I just don't have much trust in those machines.

2. 
   lizzieann | Jan 27, 2007 05:48am | #12

   Hi Me TOO! I just got a DesignerSE I love it..You could watch the viking site...they have martha schools....they are packed full of heirloom sewing..been to 2. Also love Martha's site..I was signed up for the school in Feb. fell and broke ankle so now I am nursing that and cannot attend the week long school..gonna sign up for the July School as soon as possible..March 14th to be exact. I am gonna go for the whole week and can't wait...I love to learn anything I can about any kind of sewing...happy sewing Lisa

1. 
   fabricholic | Jan 28, 2007 02:30am | #13

   Hi everyone,I bought a Designer SE in June. I think I will love it, but it has some kind of glitch in it. After I sew for a few minutes, it says I have broken upper thread, but I haven't. I keep sewing and then it does it again. I had my dealer send it back and they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Now, my dealer, is no longer a dealer, because of health reasons and I have to start over with someone else. It is like a sensor is mal-functioning. No way will I start any embroidery, when it is acting up like this. I think the dealer and the manufacturing plant didn't sew on it long enough for it to act up, or something.Marcy

1. 
   lizzieann | Jan 28, 2007 04:19am | #14

   HI my designer 1 had the same problem,,,it is a sensor...should really not be a problem....if you can't find someone to fix it..call the corp. office it is located in westlake ohio...and they should be able to direct you in the right direction....they helped me out alot...thanks lisa

2. 
   fabricholic | Jan 28, 2007 04:45am | #15

   Hi Lizzieann,Bless your heart!! I mean it, bless your heart! You are the only one that has validated my problem. So, you did get yours fixed? I was told to take mine to this dealer who is about 70 miles away, because a woman at the old dealership, has used him and he was very good. I actually had a dream about calling the man, that's how much it is on my mind. Do you think I should call the corporate office first? How long did it take you to get yours fixed? Thank you, thank you, thank you!Marcy

3. 
   lizzieann | Jan 28, 2007 05:53am | #16

   Hi I really think it is an easy fix..My nearest dealer is 100 miles away..try to make a day of it and get a dialog going with the repair person at the dealer...if they have the parts it only takes a short time..You will probably have to leave it there..but it is worth it..YES call the corp office....see where they recommend you going...and see if they can arrange for the parts to be there when you take the machine to them...be really nice and explain what happened and that you really would like them to recommend a dealer for you and see if they will arrange everything. I have found from personal experience that they really want to help so don;t delay...get it fixed and get sewing...it is a great machine and fun to use lisa

4. 
   fabricholic | Jan 28, 2007 07:03pm | #17

   I feel like it is a great machine, and I just got one with a glitch. I am glad to hear that I am not the only one that had this problem, because that way, they will be more likely to believe me. Being questioned about how I load the thread, what kind of thread, and am I sure I am not doing something to cause this, was about to drive me crazy. Thank you. I will call tomorrow morning.Marcy

6. 
   Virginia Mom | Jan 26, 2007 10:56pm | #11

   Strangely enough, if I were to get interested in machine embroidery, I think I'd enjoy the designing on the PC very much. I've certainly seen a lot about the Baby Lock out there; I've just never been around them much, so I certainly couldn't add anything to a discussion about them.