Martha’s Heirlooms is owned and operated by Martha Bailey. I have been in business since 1995 and have enjoyed every minute of it. I have been in several locations in Mason and in Hyde Park and am currently at 315 West Main St. in Mason, Ohio.

I recently retired as an ICU nurse in August of 2021 and am enjoying devoting most of my time to my shop. I enjoy teaching smocking, heirloom sewing, embroidery, silk ribbon embroidery and other needlework. It brings such satisfaction to see my customers learn new techniques and improve their needlework skills and incorporate them into a special project. I do have some very talented ladies who come to my shop.

My mother, Eula Templin, was a home economics teacher so I had been taught sewing by her at a young age. My true mentor for my love of smocking was my sister-in law, Lynda Roberts, who inspired me to start smocking for my daughter, Ellen, in 1990. She was also my inspiration for my interest in cross stitch.

I was pretty much self taught from books but shortly after that I joined the Smocking Arts Guild of America which opened up a new adventure in learning more about smocking techniques, embroidery and construction of children’s garments. I continue to be an active member of SAGA both locally and nationally.

My shop has every thing you need for smocking and heirloom sewing for children. I carry laces, fine fabric, patterns, books, magazines, smocking design plates, specialty notions, cross stitch leaflets, and fabric for cross stitch. I want to have it all and make it available for my customers. If I don’t have it in stock I can probably get it for you. I look forward to helping with your stitching and sewing needs.