The late Martha Pullen was renowned for her expertise in heirloom stitching. She was inspired by her own collection of historical garments, including charming children’s clothes, such as embellished christening gowns.  In this class, Martha offers you an up-close look at some of her most special pieces, and then shares modern methods of recreating their embellishment with a sewing machine.  Puffing, or ruching, is one of the most beloved techniques on Victorian and Edwardian clothing. You’ll see how it was use to create texture on the antique examples, and then learn several methods for making puffing strips for your own projects. Martha demonstrates other Victorian-inspired techniques as well.

If you’re curious about heirloom sewing and enjoy creating decorative effects with your sewing machine, you’ll love learning Martha’s delicate embellishments. And they’re not just for children’s clothing: They work just as well on adult garments and home décor items, such as pillows.

Techniques include:

• Create puffing three ways: 
  Gathering over a cord
  Two rows of gathering
  Using a gathering foot

• Mini puffing

• Faux puffing

• Lace to Fabric

• Inserting lace edging to create a lace panel

• Lace shaping and gathered lace

• Wing needle stitching

Approximate running time: 1 hour

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