Last week I was fortunate enough to attend the Martha Pullen Sewing Extravaganza in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. It was a four day busy whirlwind of sewing and learning new lots of new things. We had three days of 1 day projects and finished up on Saturday with 3 mini projects. This event was sponsored by the Martha Pullen company and Stony Brook Sew & Vac.
Day one was spent making pajamas created completely on the serger using heirloom lace insertion techniques. We made piping, inserted lace, and made coverstitch ribbon out of bias binding to go through beading lace. We also attached the sleeve with the serger which was a technique that always intimidated me. I left that class feeling totally charged about what I learned.
Day two found me making an apron using the Madeira applique technique and lace shaping. My day hit it's high point when Martha Pullen walked in and complimented me on the work apron I made for myself in anticipation of the trip. She was so personable and nonchalant that I didn't recognize her at first. She sat with me and personally taught me to shape the lace. I was in my own little slice of heaven. She even autographed the pocket on my apron!
The project for day three was a linen envelope pillow with shaped lace, gathered lace, and a baby soft silk satin ribbon. I think this was my favorite project of the entire week. It was a pleasure to work with Connie Palmer. She was a load of fun. She introduced me to my new favorite tool, the fabric folding pen. It is like having a magic wand.
The last day, Saturday, was comprised of three 90 minute mini classes. The first project was a lingere bag to coordinate with the pajamas from day one. We learned to make serger pintucks and insert a zipper with the serger as well. The second mini class we embroidered tea towels on the Huskvarna Viking Diamond. What a beautiful machine! The last mini class was a sweet little embroidered drawstring bag using swiss lace.
The biggest highlight for me was an answered prayer. It came in the form of a door prize at lunch on Thursday. It was Martha's book, Grandmother's Hope Chest and the accompanying patterns for the gowns in the book. I was searching for confirmation of where and how I should be using my God given talent. This trip was to help me discern if christening gowns was the path to take. The kicker was that it was Martha Pullen herself who read my name aloud and handed me the book. I think I actually squealed and leaped out of my seat to go claim my prize! Thank you Father for hearing my prayers and always taking care of me!
So, given that revelation, I decided to choose one gown from the book and make it my big show piece. I waited until the last day to make all of my purchases. I bought everything I needed from the supply list and it is awating me in my work room. This week I have been clearing some projects that were occupying space in my brain so that I can put my full attention on the show piece gown.....almost done decluttering.
It was a fabulous week. Aside from all of the wonderful sewing and learning, the opportunity to be surrounded by kindred spirits was truly energizing. In my everyday life, I don't have many friends that sew or who even take it as seriously as I do. I was so blessed to make some new sewing friends. Thank you Barbara, Lynne, and Tina for making my time there more enjoyable. A special thanks to Martha Pullen for the show and for just being her.
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