5) What Are The Best Periodicals And Sources For Heirloom Sewing (Also Known As French Hand Sewing) Projects?
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This article is from the Textiles FAQ, by Lara Fabans lfabans@adobe.com with numerous contributions by others.
5) What Are The Best Periodicals And Sources For Heirloom Sewing (Also Known As French Hand Sewing) Projects?
Heirloom sewing beganas an attempt to recreate some antique clothing, usually
the white dresses with lace inserts all over the place. There are many new
patterns available. You use fine, lightweight fabrics like cotton voile or
batiste, silk, or the "baby" wale corduroy. You add ruffles made from fine
imported French laces, and maybe a touch of delicate hand embroidery. Bullion
knot roses and shadow embroidery are very popular. About half the patterns
have smocking on them, usually on the yoke of a dress.
It helps to have a good sewing machine, that can handle delicate fabrics and
do some fancy stitching. Originally heirloom sewing was all done by hand (e.g.
French Hand Sewing) but there are several books out now on how to do it by
machine. Using a machine is a slow process, but it is faster than doing the
work by hand.
Periodicals Recommended:
Sew Beautiful
Subscription Dept. 518
Madison St.
Huntsville, AL 35801-4286
(205)-533-9586
Creative Sewing
Box 99
Lookout Mountain, TN 37350
1-800-443-3127
Both of these publications cover heirloom sewing, and also include other types
of sewing techniques. Lots of how-to articles and inspirational photos. Both
also include one or more free patterns bound into each issue. The Singer
Reference Library book _Decorative Machine Sewing_ includes a section on
Heirloom Sewing.
Mail Order Sources for Fabrics, Laces and Supplies:
The Unique Needle
539 Blossom Way
Hayward, CA 94541
415-727-9130
Rumor has it she has a mailing list.
Sweet Child of Mine or Sweet Child of Mine
139 East Fremont Avenue 3720 Miramesa Ct. Bldg 116
Sunnyvale, CA 94087 Santa Clara, CA 95051
408-720-8426
Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed from 11-4:30; Sat. 12:30-3:30 pm
Home-Sew
P.O. Box 4099
Bethlehem, PA 18018-0099
carries some inexpensive entredeux and embroideries. Might be good for
practice for someone who is just embarking on heirloom sewing.
Nancy's Notions (address above) sells entredeux.
Carolea's is a well known place in Sunnyvale, California, but the laces
and entredeux there can be a bit more expensive than mail order
sources.
For patterns for clothing for the American Dolls from the Pleasant Company:
Fancywork and Fashion
4728 Dodge Street
Duluth, MN 55804
(218) 525-2442
$2 for catalog
A nice nightgown pattern called "Julie's Gown" is available from:
Susan Oliver
A Work of Heart Studio
P.O. Box 1477
Nevada City, CA 95959
(916) 265-4433
Also check some of the speciality pattern companies such as Campbells (see the
FAQ on historical costuming).
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