Debbie Helfrich

Sewing for more than 60 yrs. Three times licensed Martha Pullen Instructor.

Having been born and reared in Louisiana, I was introduced to heirloom stitching, by hand, when I was still very small. Raised by my grandmother, she taught me how to smock, using the squares on gingham fabric, embroider, crochet and sew. I first asked for needle and thread as a toddler and have not put it down since. I've sewn many things over the years and have always been drawn to children's dainty things. At one time I hoped to have my own line of children's clothing. Of course, heirloom isn't just used for children, it is incorporated into lady's things as well as linens and home décor. I was introduced to heirloom by machine back in 1997 when Montavilla brought the Martha Pullen traveling school to Portland. To say I was hooked is a complete understatement. I flew to Alabama in 2001 for my first licensing event on the Husqvarna/Viking sewing machine. In 2020 I participated in my second licensing with the "Vintage ~Classic ~Contemporary " curriculum. And just recently completed my third licensing event with the "Heirlooms and Beyond" curriculum. I LOVE sewing, especially Heirloom and I LOVE to teach. I hope that I can bring that love to all of my students.