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.
Get access to both of Martha Pullen's Antique Sewing Techiques courses!
In Part One, 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
- Inserting lace edging to create a lace panel
- Lace shaping and gathered lace
Approximate running time: 1 hour
In Part Two, Martha brings some of her favorite pieces into the classroom for a close-up look. You’ll discover how hand-sewn embellishments were used to adorn lightweight cotton dresses. Then, Martha shares techniques for recreating these looks today: tucks and pintucks, box pleats, buttonhole beading, and building an intricate lace fabric.
Connect with women from past generations through the romantic and charming garments they made, and learn how to emulate their artistry on a modern sewing machine.
Techniques include:
- Release Tucks and with Feather Stitching
- Bridging to Fabric and Lace
- Lace to Lace – Building a Yoke
Approximate running time: 1 hour
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