Heirloom is My Weakness
Heirloom Supplies
- Fabrics......usually 100% cotton, good quality fabrics. Imperial Batiste and Broadcloth are also great. Fabrics with the least amounts of Polyester are the best for all heirloom sewing. Look for Victorian and Swiss Batistes, also.
- Scissors.......again, nothing but the best will do. You need scissors with a good fine point. Also a small pair of snips will be great. With Heirloom, details are very important.
- Laces....... Cotton laces are wonderfully beautiful. Just remember, with heirloom....poly is out! Cotton is so much easier to work with and the fibers are very forgiving. Cotton laces look of better quality!
- Piping.....usually in heirloom, we make our own piping. The piping generally bought in most stores are too thick and bulky for delicate dresses. Buy some piping cord and use bias strips of fabric to match or contrast your garment. If you do buy piping, make sure you get it from an Heirloom Shop. They will have more delicate supplies. Piping adds alot of character to boys and girls clothing.
- Sewing Machines....usually the brands that can handle heirloom sewing is Husqvarna Viking, Bernina, Pfaff, and Elna. These machines give you the close, small, delicate stitches needed for heirloom. They are made high quality. They also provide the feet to make heirloom sewing much easier. Check it out.
- Classes.....it would be worth it to take some classes for heirloom sewing. Smocking, Frech Handsewing, Embroidery, Shadow Embroidery and Silk Ribbon Embroidery are some examples of what to expect in Heirloom Sewing.
Let's Get Started Links
Creative Smocking............... Great place to view new items.
Viking Sewing Machines........ Loads of stuff here, including free embroidery designs.
101 Sewing Links!!!
Martha Pullen's Sewing Room!
Lydias Heirloom Shop ..... Full of laces and things.
Home
Here is a sample of picture smocking. This sweet dress is 100% cotton with cotton trim. This is easier than you think. A little practice and you will be on your way.
Some Graphics used on this page
Copyright © Loraine Wauer Ferus
I hope this helps you to get started with some beautiful work of your own. Visit again real soon. I am currently working on more pages just for you..... Have a good day.
