Saturday, June 25, 2011

A Discovery

First posted by Prime Montgomery

In searching for a source for a reader, I stumbled across this lovely article about Sarah Howard Stone.

I loved this "definition" the editor gives for  French Hand Sewing.
(Editor’s Note:  French hand sewing is an art used to create heirloom garments and linens to keep or give as treasures for special occasions. It imitates fine French hand sewing of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. French hand sewing, often referred to as 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. Typical projects for French or heirloom sewing include children’s garments, especially christening gowns, and women’s blouses, graduation dresses, wedding gowns, and lingerie.)
Doesn't that sound just dreamy? It did to me. I have used SHS's patterns in the past and love both of her books.

Thank you Prime Montgomery for this wonderful article about a well loved artisan.

8 comments:

  1. Hi Martha,
    I followed the link and read the interesting article about "Miss Sarah". I had no idea she was even alive! I have both of her books use them for inspiration. While I love to hand sew, it is just so very time consuming! But I have to admit, the process is so soothing and it is wonderful to create such lovely items.

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  2. I am now eagerly hoping for a great-niece....that is, if babies can wear those outfits in Concord, NH....it's not very warm there!

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  3. Love the article! I do love the basket of lace sitting by her as well.

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  4. I was thrilled to see the article for Sharon. I've been trying to find out more about her. Tyler was the first heirloom pattern I bought.

    Thanks!

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  5. Thanks for posting this link, Martha. It is nice to see Sarah get some of the attention she so richly deserves.

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  6. I am a French follower of your blog and I am truly impressed by all your sewing and embroidery. Here in France, French embroidery does not exist anymore ... I truly cherish family passdowns, and hope one day I'll be able to duplicate them !!
    Thank you for all your tutorials which do not have here on the old continent !! ;-)

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  7. I followed google to your blog after looking for Sarah Howard Stone. I visited in her Old Cloverdale shop many times. She was almost always there, and I was always stunned that so great a woman was willing to chat with me about my completely amateur sewing projects. Oh to be like her! She gave me tips on the simple things - like how to store vintage linens. I no longer have connections in Montgomery so don't frequent her store anymore. I wonder if it is still open.

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  8. Does the book include instructions on smocking and does she include easy to follow diagrams? Is this book suitable for a beginner to hand sewing?

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