Replies

1. 
   jane4878 | Jul 06, 2009 04:52pm | #1

   Bonnie,

   I've taken a few of them from a licensed instructor in Lethbridge, Alberta. She's great and I really enjoyed the classes. I've done a series of them that were heirloom sewing techniques. You make one item and you learn that particular technique(s) for that item. (i.e. celtic lace insertion and mitred corners on a linen runner). You're given the pattern and instructions to keep in a binder. She starts with samples to practice each technique first. I guess it would also depend on the instructor too--whether you related well to her etc.

   Jane

1. 
   bruble | Jul 06, 2009 06:12pm | #2

   Thanks Jane, I appreciate you sharing your experiences with me.Bonnie

2. 
   sewluving | Jul 06, 2009 06:42pm | #3

   Jane4878

   I live in Calgary.  Hi there.  Who is it that offers the Martha Pullen classes there in Lethbridge.  Is it someone at a fabric store? school?  Just curious.  Not sure if anything like that is offered in Calgary. 

   Thanks Heather

1. 
   jane4878 | Jul 08, 2009 12:29am | #8

   Heather,Her first name is Dot (Designed by Dot is her company name). A sewing machine store in Lethbridge (The Sewing Lane--owned by Monica Lane)brings her in periodically. I looked on Marthapullen.com, but I couldn't find a list of instructors. Maybe the yellow pages list instructors or the sewing machine stores mention them in their ads?
   I'm sure if Lethbridge has one, Calgary must have a few.Jane

1. 
   sewluving | Jul 10, 2009 05:34pm | #11

   Hi Jane,

   Thanks.  I actually did some sleuthing on-line and found Dot there.  Looked for Martha Pullen Lethbridge and toured around the computer and came up with the Designed by Dot and found pictures of her with Martha Pullen too.  I should now look up and see if there is someone in Calgary.  I think it would be very interesting even though I don't sew as much as Iused too.  I do love the magazines out I think it is Sew Beautiful. 

   Heather

1. 
   jane4878 | Jul 14, 2009 11:45pm | #12

   I was a total newbie and I only have a Pfaff Hobby and her classes were the only sewing classes I could find at the time. I leaped in and had a blast--it was nice to see I could keep up with more experienced sewers. I'm not really into the Heirloom/Sew Beautiful stuff, but the techniques and experience have been invaluable. Calgary may have apparel or heirloom sewing at the adult education level--there's zip in Lethbridge. Everybody seems to quilt.Jane

2. 
   sewluving | Jul 15, 2009 06:45am | #13

   Jane,

   I only have a Kenmore sewing machine about 12 yrs old I think.  Nothing fancy here.  I took some quilting classes back in 1979 and then again in the early 2000.  I enjoy taking them but am terrible at following up doing things at home on my own.  I have never done the heirloom sewing either but once in a while I buy the Sew Beautiful magazine just to read about the beautiful sewing.  I had hoped to have a graddaughter but ended up with 2 little grandsons sons (which I adore) so no fancy little dresses to sew  here either.

   Heather in Calgary (p.s. are we EVER going to get summer in the province??)

3. 
   jane4878 | Jul 15, 2009 08:54pm | #14

   Heather,I don't get much done at home, either. I work full time and do weekends and on-call (I'm a lab technologist). My 2 girls are too old for the cute little stuff. My 9 y.o. loves anything I make and the 15 y.o. snarls the whole time until I give up and then she starts nagging me to get it done. I do a lot of reading, take what lessons I can find and hang out on Gatherings. I'd like to take a lesson on shirtmaking, so I can make stuff for my DH and son. I HAVE to make a white shirt/blouse and a black skirt/skort by early Aug. My little DD is heading off with big sis to a vocal music camp in Red Deer and needs the traditional concert dress of white top/black bottoms.Jane
   p.s. this is the crappiest summer--I live in a semi-arid area and we're wetter than central Alberta. A week in May is about it for warm weather for us.

4. 
   sewluving | Jul 16, 2009 11:57pm | #15

   Jane,

   I am disabled due to Transverse Myelitis.  Paralyzed 6 years ago waist to toes.  I re-learned how to walk and use cane or walker, prescribed meds for 24/7 pain and spasms.  However, I now drive with left-foot accelorator.  I can sew and enjoy it but seem to spend a lot of time puttering on the comptuer.  And now I've found Gatherings I spend even more time.  This is such an interesting Forum. 

   Takes me longer to do household chores, shopping etc but I am so glad I CAN do them.  Also can look after my wee grandsons (ages 5 and 1) for short periods on my own.  However, the 1 yr old is going to be walking shortly and then he will be much faster than me.  LOL  I did buy some fabric this week though at Fabricland (to add to my every burgeoning stash) to make the boys matching short sleeve cotton shirts.  I hope they work out.  A person forgets just how tiny little children are :)

   I know what you mean about the weather.  Been cold, wet etc all during Stampede.  Today is beautiful though and supposed to be quite warm for the rest of the week.  Hmm, maybe my flowers will start blooming....hopefully anyway.  Live in side by side condo so only do pots (27 of them this year) so that keeps me busy too.

   Life is good.

   Heather in Calgary

5. 
   jane4878 | Jul 17, 2009 01:24am | #16

   Heather,That's great that you keep moving and can regain some mobility--use it or loose it. Chasing after a toddler and a 5 y.o. would exhaust a 20 y.o.! My youngest was climbing into the top bunk when she was one. I'm getting ready to start her stuff for camp. I just started sewing about 3 years ago and I'm just so slow, slow with inexperience. Good luck.JaneLife IS good, and it's FINALLY hot and sunny!

2. 
   MaryinColorado | Jul 07, 2009 03:53am | #4

   Is this to become a Martha Pullen licensed instructor?   If so, I know two ladies who did this and ended up opening their own shop which is quite successful.  They raved about it too. 

   Martha Pullen's magazine, Sew Beautiful, has patterns inside and may give you some insight into the types of things the classes might offer.  Her website has many books and DVD's, etc.  that I've used and appreciated. 

1. 
   bruble | Jul 07, 2009 04:23am | #5

   Thanks Mary! Yes, it is teacher licensing. I really appreciate your information. I think it might be a good choice for me.

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Jul 07, 2009 06:01pm | #6

   I think it would be very exciting to become a Martha Pullen licensed instructor!  I love the heirloom sewing techniques.  I think you could make a good income teaching it or creating Christening gowns or any number of possibilities.  Her techniques can be used in so many ways and from garments to home dec and beyond.  I'd love to take the serging instructor course if I could afford it.  I hope you will be able to go!  Good luck and have fun too!  I hope you will share your experience with us here.  Mary

1. 
   bruble | Jul 07, 2009 06:35pm | #7

   Yes, I am getting excited. I hope to take the Serger and Heirloom courses as well. I'm an RN now and just getting too darn old to run 12 hrs everyday : (Thanks so much for the encouragement - And of course I will share any and everything!Bonnie

3. 
   jane4878 | Jul 08, 2009 12:32am | #9

   Bonnie,

   I got it wrong initially. I've only taken the classes by an instructor. Dot, the instructor I had, went to Alabama several times to get her licensing in various areas.

   Jane

1. 
   bruble | Jul 08, 2009 12:59am | #10

   Oh, ok. Makes sense. Thanks!