Favorite Heirloom Sewing Resources

Last week I shared that an heirloom look is currently having a moment in ready to wear. I shared some design inspiration and pattern recommendations to recreate the looks. You can find that post and video here. This week I wanted to give some recommended resources if you would like to try sewing one of these looks for yourself. First up, what exactly is Heirloom Sewing? According to wikipedia, "Heirloom sewing is characterized by fine, often sheer, usually white cotton or linen fabrics trimmed with an assortment of lace, insertions, tucks, narrow ribbon, and smocking, imitating such hand-work techniques as whitework embroidery, Broderie Anglaise, and hemstitching." I must admit that I am taking some liberty and using the term a little bit broader in this post. Basically when I say heirloom sewing I am referring to sewing that incorporates fine details and couture methods from the past, although the look may be entirely modern. Those details may include lace, but just as easily, include tucks or fagotting on a modern print. That is something a love about sewing - taking those fine techniques that add that couture touch, and interpreting them for today's look and lifestyle!

If you would prefer to listen and here why I recomend these resources, here is the video. *(Please note this post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you purchase through the link. There is no additional cost to you.)

So now that we are hopefully on the same page, here are my recommendations! Let's start with those that are currently available! My first recommendation is the A to Z of Heirloom Sewing*. This book is available from amazon as a kindle version. I had no trouble reading it on my kindle, but I prefer to add the Kindle app to my computer and read it from there.

This book focuses primarily on children's clothes. For more adult inspiration and more detailed instruction, I recommend Fine Machine Sewing by Carol Ahles*. This book was originally published in the '90s and then updated and revised in 2003. 2003 was many years ago, but the reason for the revision was that the book gives specific settings for specific sewing machines. That is now going to be out of date again, but the techniques and how to execute them haven't changed.

Bar none, the resource that is constantly by my side is Precise and Professional by Lyn Weeks. In the introduction Lyn explains that she intended the book as a workbook, and that is exactly what it is! She covers the various heirloom techniques of attaching lace but goes on to cover using the bias, seams and seam finishes, and plackets and closures. Now for the bad news - this book was self published and no more copies are available. This is one to look for on ebay or facebook destash groups. So, yes this is one of those books that you should grab when and if you ever come across it! Lyn also wrote the book Tantalizing Tucks and although not as comprehensive as Precise and Professional, it is also worthwhile to own.

Finally Mildred Taylor* wrote 3 books on this topic and while used, these are widely available. In these books she covered all the heirloom techniques. She also covers how to construct a bishop and square yoke dresses.

Additional books mentioned in the video include: French Hand Sewing* by Martha Pullen and Heirloom Sewing for Today* by Sandy Hunter. I hope you give heirloom sewing a try and that these resources are helpful. Happy Sewing!