Thursday, April 22, 2010

My New Passion



I have always loved the look of heirloom sewing and been very curious about the techniques heirloom sewers use when creating those gorgeous garments we all swoon over. I know each time a new Sew Beautiful comes out I spend hours studying the pages and dreaming of creating something as beautiful one of these days. Well, I have been bitten by the bug and now I am asking lots of questions and doing lots of reading about the how to's of heirloom. Of course, Sam has been a huge help and she is filling my head with all kinds of ideas. When I look ay my designs I see tons of possibilities of how I could add heirloom touches and make them in true heirloom fashion. All done with french seams, which I have been using a lot more of these days instead of my serger. No top stitching and using really high quality heirloom fabrics. Today was my first attempt...just a simple sweet nightgown created with the yummiest Swiss Dot that I got from Terri and some vintage lace and pearl buttons from my grandma's attic. I used one of my designs and changed a few things to create this very sweet nightgown for Abby. When she saw it she absolutely fell in love and said "Mommy...is that really for me to wear to bed? It's too pretty to wear to sleep in!" I can't wait to explore this heirloom world even more. I am already making wish lists at some on line heirloom shops and planning a trip up to Richmond to go to Chadwick Heirlooms for the first time. All those laces, trims, ribbons and beautiful fabrics. Talk about a kid in a candy shop!!!!

Dawn

16 comments:

Jeannie B. said...

I am sure she will have sweet dreams in that pretty little nightgown. And feel special too!

Laurie said...

So pretty - she'll look and feel like a princess in it!

Goosegirl said...

Gorgeous Dawn! I love the swiss dot. I have some in my stash that I still have not decided how to use. But it is yummy. I knew you would love heirloom sewing. Just beautiful!

Jan M said...

Such a very sweet little gown! Once the heirloom sewing bug bites, there is no cure!

maggiebsmocks said...

Richmond? Chadwicks? You must be in my area? Did you know we have a very active SAGA Chapter in Richmond? AND! The mecca of all things heirloom: SAGA CONVENTION! is in Norfolk in September! You MUST! join us!
maggieb!

Sew Pretty Dresses said...

I REALLY like this! I have been oogling some voile fabrics and planning to make my daughter a nightgown too! I will have to check out your patterns to see what would work best.

so many memories said...

Ooooh, I have wanted to try heirloom sewing for so long and just haven't been able to get the courage to try!! The night gown turned out beautiful and inspires me to do it too!!!

Unknown said...

Such a sweet gown and a wonderful first project. You'll love Chadwicks. Stitcher's heaven!

Karen said...

Lovely, lovely nightie! You did such a wonderful job on this!

Shannon said...

What a beautiful gown! There's really nothing quite like a lovely night gown- for little girls or big ones! I'm so jealous that you get to go to Chadwick's in person!

Dawn said...

Thank you all so much for all the sweet comments. I can't tell you how excited i am that so many of you who are heirloom sewers stopped by to say hello! I am already dreaming up my next project and can't wait to get started on it.

Geothermal Heat Pumps said...

Now wide range of Geothermal Heat Pumps to choose !

Cindy said...

Dawn...I've sewn for many years and the first time I came across "heirloom sewing" I swore I'd never do that...too much time...too much money...etc. But like Jan says....once you start, there is no turning back. It is addictive...but in the best way!

Ellie Inspired said...

So, so pretty, Dawn! Weren't you just telling me last week or something that you wanted to learn??? Now you're a pro already! I envy your trip to Chadwicks. I am living in an area where there is no heirloom sewing or stores. Can't wait to see what you come up with next!

April said...

I'm so glad you enjoy heirloom sewing - adding those hand touches makes all the difference, I think.

Shelley said...

This is beautiful! What pattern did you use? I've got some dotted swiss just waiting to be used...

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