What makes it heirloom?

I have had loads of email over the last year from people who want to know more about heirloom sewing. Most of the time people have all of the "sewing know how" they just aren't with it design wise. I have put together a little list of things that make garments "heirloom" which really just means a garment made well enough that you can pass it down for years to come.

• Heirloom clothing could have been worn 50 years ago, today, and 50 years from now and would be appropriate in every generation. Choose classic styles. The latest flare leg bloomers and halter tops are great for now, but probably won't be passed down for more than a couple of years before it goes out of style, keep that in mind when creating something that you would like to be passed down.

• Use good quality buttons, beauty pins, or ties; never zippers. I know this is obvious but some people just have never thought about it! Pearl buttons are a little more expensive but they add so much to a garment, I promise it's worth it! Prices on pearl buttons range from $.20-$2.00 each.

• Use good fabrics, not quilters cottons. I know it is more of an investment, but if you really want it to last for years you have to put the best in it. This is probably the most important one I should have put it at the top! Look at cotton or linen batiste, voile, organdy, dotted swiss (not the knock off swiss- the real thing), silk, any of these fabrics are perfect for little heirloom frocks.

• Heirloom garments are lined. No facings and stabilizer, fully lined. The yoke dress is probably the most popular, the bodices are almost always (usually the only exceptions are when there is lace inserts or lace at the neck) fully lined.

• There is usually a good sized hem in heirloom dresses (at least 3"). This serves the purpose of being passed down for different sized children.

• Hand embroidery, pin tucks, pleats, cotton lace, entredeux, crochet and piping are all timeless embellishments that stand the test of time. Most of these are surprisingly cheap!

• French seams are very durable, and are best for fine fabrics. On very thin fabrics other finishes show on the right side, a french seam usually blends well.

I know that I'll think of a few other things that I forgot to add but this will get you started! Heirloom sewing is not as scary as you think, I promise. If any of you seasoned heirloom sewers have anything to add PLEASE leave a comment, that way everyone will benefit from it. If there is something that is added that I feel like needs to be added to the post I will copy and paste it later. Feel free to ask questions too, I will answer those in the comment section. I hope you all find something informative about this post, I love to share my passion for heirloom sewing!

xoxox,

Samantha

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Jenn asked " What do you think a good first pattern would be? What is a good source for these patterns and supplies? Thank you for such an inspiring and beautiful post!

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Jenn, I would say if you wanted to start in just one place you could get "French Hand Sewing By Machine" by Martha Pullen. I have this book and it is great! She teaches lots of heirloom techniques and a square yoke dress pattern is included. You could also get the magazines"Sew Beautiful" and "Creative Needle" they are full of heirloom sewing techniques and usually offer a free pattern in every issue.

For a good source for patterns and supplies head over to "Creative Smocking".