What is heirloom sewing?
A short history of heirloom sewing and smocking.
What is the best iron for sewing?
What is the best iron for heirloom sewing, and dressmaking? What iron do quilters use? If you’ve been in the market for a new iron lately, you know there are so many irons to choose from! Not only are there dozens of companies manufacturing irons, but there are multiple models from most companies. A steam …
How to tie a bow
Many of my childhood memories are of “the School of Mom.” She would patiently guide me through lessons in creative skills, life skills, or how to curtsy… you know, in case I ever met British royalty I guess. And how to tie a bow. It was very important to her that bows be tied correctly …
You love fabric, right?
Have you heard of a dressmaker’s yard? It’s the best thing since a baker’s dozen! Have you gone to a big box fabric store and puzzled at the amount of time a clerk spends stretching your one yard of fabric right to the 36″ line? Then you get your fabric home and lay out your …
Piping Cord – everything you wanted to know
Here is the answer to the often-asked question: where do I find cord for baby/mini piping? First, a note for beginners: the Wrights pre-made piping sold at big box fabric stores is too big for heirloom sewing. The cord inside is two thick and the fabric is to too stiff. You’ll want to make your …
Pintuck tutorial
I decided to try pintucks on a plain top I made for myself out of black rayon challis. I was inspired by one of the fabulous costumes on either Downton Abbey or Peaky Blinders. Can’t remember which one. I know – two TOTALLY different shows. But the costumes! Anyway, here’s how I did it. I …
Lace Insertion Tutorial
Lace insertion is one of those charming heirloom details that looks intimidating. But it’s really easy! I love using heirloom techniques with modern style. It’s like sewing a vintage-modern mashup. For this project, I kept it simple and just added one vertical lace insertion to each of the sleeves. It’s a hacked up version of …
What is the slow fashion movement?
First of all, it seems like a contradiction to say that I love the energy of the slow fashion movement. But: Slow fashion; fast movement. Have you heard about slow fashion and now you’re wondering what it is? At the heart of slow fashion is its counter to consumerism, i.e. conscious consumerism. Because when you …
Tips for a Smocked Bishop
Jump in and get started! I love this pattern by Children’s Corner. The first smocked bishop I made was a vintage pattern from the 1950s and I had to modify it to work with a pleater. The Children’s Corner Bishop is designed to work with a pleater or you can pleat by hand. The Children’s …