» Are you looking for a special kind of sewing event?
   » Would you like to improve your sewing skills?
       » Would you like to know how to teach others to sew?
            Then we invite you to come and experience a Martha Pullen Licensing.
                We promise that it will be a sewing experience like no other!

What's Licensing?

What is Licensing?

Licensing is a unique experience that blends the love of sewing, friendships, skill-building and business opportunity. And you are welcome to come for any one of these reasons or all four! Students come to licensing to improve their sewing skills, to add a ready-to-teach collection of curriculum to their business, or to spend time with others who love sewing as much as they do.

“This week was perfect! The staff went to extraordinary lengths to make sure that we had everything (& more) that we could need, want, or even think of! The time was invaluable - not only in terms of instruction & learning - but for “re-fueling” my tank - and re-inspiring me for teaching. It was a great value for my $$ and worth every penny — and beyond. (sometimes I think people think the fee is high — but when you see all that is involved – it’s a bargain!!)”- Terri, VA

“I was worried that I would not be able to keep up in the classes, but I learned so much and I had the time of my life. Thanks to all “precious” staff and Martha for all you do. Thanks for the memories.” - Mike, OH

The primary benefit of licensing is that you receive a ready-to-teach collection of curriculum and you co-own the copyright to that curriculum alongside Martha Pullen Company for as long as you live. This means that you can either make the projects for sale without limit or, if you are teaching, you can make as many copies of the project instructions as you need for your students. No one else will have your projects other than the students who are licensed for that curriculum. Projects in each licensing collection are unique to that particular licensing. We never duplicate a specific project although you may see techniques repeated from project to project and licensing to licensing. You never have to return for recertification – although we think you’ll have so much fun that you will want to keep coming back for other licensing collections.

“I don’t know how, but the licensing classes get better and better. I was enthralled with all the wonderful projects and of course the fabulous teachers. Going to Huntsville to a licensing is like going home. Two months later, I’m still enjoying what I learned by doing the projects. Each one has a unique personality and is such a joy to work on. Thank you, thank you for all you do. We are so fortunate to learn from such loving, creative teachers.” - Sue, FL

During a licensing, students receive kits for most of the projects in the collection. Each beautifully presented kit contains fabric and all other unique items that are needed to complete the project. In addition to the kits, students receive thread bags containing a selection of thread weights and colors to be used for sewing each kit. For those licensings that include machine embroidery designs, students also receive a personal CD with multi-formatted designs for all embroideries used in the class. Kits, thread bags and embroidery design CDs are for the students to keep. As the kits and project instructions are distributed in class, the teachers review the project instructions and highlight new techniques that need to be learned. This is when questions are answered, demonstrations are conducted, and students have time to sew.

“Martha Pullen licensing events provide more than you ever wanted – great kits, exceptional written directions, loads of expert help and fun every day.” -Lisa, WA

Licensings are either generic or machine brand-specific and this is how the curriculum is written. Generic licensings are all-brand inclusive which means that any machine brand may be used in class and the instructions are written so they may be used on a variety of machines. When a licensing class is sponsored by a machine company, that company provides machines for the class and the curriculum is written to focus on the characteristics and capabilities of that particular machine. Also, licensings do not have to be taken in any particular order. Roman numerals in a licensing title merely indicate the collection of curriculum.

All Licensing classes are held in Huntsville, Alabama. This allows our Martha Pullen Licensed teachers to get personally acquainted with the Martha Pullen staff and to also have the opportunity to shop at our warehouse during their Licensing experience. Huntsville has an international airport and our host hotel has a shuttle available to transport our students between the airport and hotel.

^ back to top

What’s New?

During 2010, the Licensing Department introduced three new project collections. Follow the links below for more information about each one.

Beginning II: Teaching Adults & Children Licensing
Baby Lock II
Heirloom Sewing II Licensing

During 2011, the Licensing Department is excited to introduce an often requested collection of projects for those who love to sew for new arrivals! The projects will be for babies from birth through twenty-four months. Follow the link below for more information.

Sewing for Babies Licensing

^ back to top

Classes

— 2010 —

*Baby Lock II new**	September 14-21, 2010
*Heirloom Sewing II new**	October 8-15, 2010

— 2011 —

Heirloom Sewing I	January 11-18, 2011
Serger I	February 16-23, 2011
Heirloom Sewing II	March 16-23, 2011
*Sewing For Baby new**	March 25-April 1, 2011
Beginning II	April 13-19, 2011
Serger II	September 14-21, 2011
Heirloom Quilting	October 5-12, 2011

Baby Lock II

This second collection of Baby Lock projects is being introduced for the first time in September 2010. Beautifully designed projects focus on the use of heirloom techniques and a wide range of sewing ability. Some are easier and less time-consuming to construct and others will appeal to those who enjoy a bit more challenge as they sew.

Projects include a nine block quilt and two christening gowns – one for a girl and one for a boy. There are several baby items, home décor furnishings, fashion accessories like purses and totes, and garments for children and adults. The total number of project instructions that each student receives will be 20-25. Two special projects will make use of the Baby Lock Embellisher and Sashiko machines. While each student in the class will sew on a top-of-the-line sewing machine with embroidery capabilities, there will be just a few of these specialty machines available in the classroom for student use during the licensing. Baby Lock is providing all of the machines that will be used for this licensing.

This class is offered every other year. The next time it will be on the Licensing calendar is 2012.

		Next Available Class Date: September 14-21, 2010
		Arrive by 5:30 pm September 14, 2010 Depart anytime the morning of September 21, 2010

		Cost: $2,700.00 Registration Fee: $300.00 Installment #1: $1,200.00 due by March 15, 2010 Installment #2: $1,200.00 due by August 3, 2010
		Cancellations: See Cancellation policy. Machines are provided by Baby Lock.

Beginning Sewing II – Teaching Adults & Children

If you want to teach adults or children how to sew or even refresh and improve your own sewing skills, then this licensing is exactly what you are looking for. Instructions for 37 projects or variations are included in this collection and they are written so that even the most novice beginner will be excited by what they can learn. Among the projects are three pillowcase variations, a child’s capri set, two adult garments with variations, two different quilts with coordinating pillows, an interchangeable table linen ensemble, a photo organizer, a creativity portfolio and journal cover plus a wide skill range of fresh and colorful totes, purses, bags, and travel accessory carryalls. Students receive nearly 30 kits in this class.

This class is offered once each year and the dates are moved on the calendar to provide more people an opportunity to take advantage of the class. Students need to bring a machine for this class and it needs to have straight stitch and zigzag capabilities.

		Next Available Class Date: April 13-19, 2011
		Arrive by 5:30 pm April 13 Depart anytime the morning of April 19

		Cost: $2,000.00 Registration Fee: $300.00 Installment #1: $1,000.00 due by October 13, 2010 Installment #2: $700.00 due by March 2, 2011
		Cancellations: See Cancellation policy. Student brings their own machine with straight stitch and zigzag sewing capabilities.

Heirloom Quilting

We like to say that a marriage took place when this curriculum was created. Its blend of heirloom sewing and quilting techniques resulted in a unique offspring of projects that will convert heirloom enthusiasts to the use of quilting techniques and quilting enthusiasts will wonder why it took them so long to try heirloom sewing. Students will be sewing on some of the finest heirloom and cotton fabrics plus they will have the opportunity to work with a generous amount of lace and silk satin ribbon. Machine embroidery also plays an important role in many of the projects.

There are 20 projects and 18 kits in this class. While there are two very unique quilts and accompanying pillows in this curriculum, the class is not just about making quilts. Among the kits that students receive are a reversible heirloom vest, a baby’s soft book, a bath mat, a quilter’s tote, two vastly different purses, and many others. A third absolutely gorgeous quilt is included as a bonus with an option to purchase that kit after class.

This licensing is offered every other year and it is a generic class. Any brand machine is welcome and students need to bring a machine that has both sewing and machine embroidery capabilities.

“I knew I would love the quilt licensing even before I got there and I wasn't wrong. The projects were great and diversified, as they are in all your licensings. I'm new to quilting, although I've sewn for many years, so the licensing gave me a new perspective on quilting. I've loved heirloom since my first experience with it and now I can combine the best of both worlds. You all do such a wonderful job and you are all just very nice people. I do find peace when I'm in 'your world.'” - Barb, IL

		Next Available Class Date: October 5-12, 2011
		Arrive by 5:30 pm October 5 Depart anytime the morning of October 12

		Cost: $2700.00 Registration Fee: $300.00 Installment #1: $1,200.00 due by April 5, 2011 Installment #2: $1,200.00 due by August 24, 2011
		Cancellations: See Cancellation policy. Student brings their own machine with sewing and machine embroidery capability.

Heirloom Sewing I

This collection of projects is our first generic heirloom licensing and students love the fact that they are not limited to one brand of machine. The 23 projects cover a range of beginning to advanced heirloom sewing techniques and there are easy-to-sew projects as well as more intermediate and challenging designs.

Included among the 17 project kits that students receive are two christening gown ensembles; the boy’s has a shirt, pants, and button-on skirt and the girl's version is a gown and slip that can also be adapted to a dress length. A thread catcher, laptop bag and expandable diaper bag with changing pad will satisfy those looking for projects with heirloom styling and a practical use. And those who love the pure display of heirloom techniques will enjoy the use of Madeira appliqué in a nightgown, ruffles on silk pillows, lace shaping on knits and an heirloom quilt that will show off just about every heirloom technique you know. These are just a few of the projects that will fill you with excitement about heirloom sewing whether you leave and teach others or sew for your own enjoyment or profit.

“My fourth trip to Huntsville and it never gets 'routine'. When I first heard the term 'Southern Hospitality', I didn’t know what it meant. The Martha Pullen teachers and staff exemplify this word!” - Nancy, CA

		Next Available Class Date: January 11-18, 2011
		Arrive by 5:30 pm January 11 Depart anytime the morning of January 18

		Cost: $2700.00 Registration Fee - $300.00 Installment #1 - $1,200.00 due by July 12, 2010 Installment #2 - $1,200.00 due by November 30, 2010
		Cancellations: See Cancellation policy. Student brings their own machine with sewing and machine embroidery capability.

Heirloom Sewing II

Enthusiastic responses to the generic format of Heirloom Sewing I led us to create a “best of” and “brand new” mix of heirloom projects. The “best of” projects have been selected from seven retired heirloom licensings that were originally machine brand specific. No more than one or two designs were selected from each retired licensing. All these projects will have new layouts, instructions revised to fit a generic format, and any embroidery designs will be updated. Also added to the collection will be a few projects that were created for previous events, but never formatted in the style of licensing projects. The “brand new” projects are being created by some of our best designers and eight of these will be “quick” projects. And of course, a brand new christening gown and heirloom quilt will be among these yet unseen projects. You can expect over 20 projects in this licensing encompassing all the heirloom categories we love; one new christening gown, baby items, fashion accessories, home décor, garments and one new heirloom quilt.

		Next Available Class Date: October 8-15, 2010
		Arrive by 5:30 pm October 8, 2010 Depart anytime the morning of October 15, 2010

		Cost: $2,700.00 Registration Fee: $300.00 Installment #1: $1,200.00 due by May 18, 2010 Installment #2: $1,200.00 due by August 3, 2010
		Cancellations: See Cancellation policy. Student brings their own machine with sewing and machine embroidery capability.

		Future Licensing Date: March 16-23, 2011
		Arrive by 5:30 pm March 16 Depart anytime the morning of March 23

		Cost: $2,700.00 Registration Fee: $300.00 Installment #1: $1,200.00 due by September 16, 2010 Installment #2: $1,200.00 due by February 6, 2011
		Cancellations: See Cancellation policy. Student brings their own machine with sewing and machine embroidery capability.

Serger I

You will become best of friends with your serger by the time you return home from this class. And it doesn’t matter what kind of serger you have as this class is generic - all brands of sergers are welcome. There are 24 projects in this curriculum and students receive 21 of them as kits. The project instructions are written to teach those who haven’t even taken their machine out of the box, but we ask that you at least know how to thread your serger before coming to licensing. You will compile a valuable sample reference notebook for your personal serger while learning the how-to answers for a variety of techniques, fabrics, and threads. Projects include a wide variety of baby items, totes, home décor accessories, a christening gown, a reversible jacket and nightgown in adult sizes, plus two quilts that are either serger-quick or serger-easy.

NOTE: This class will be semi-retired after this session. It may not return to the calendar for 2-4 years.

		Next Available Class Date: February 16-23, 2011
		Arrive by 5:30 pm February 16 Depart anytime the morning of February 23

		Cost: $2,700.00 Registration Fee: $300.00 Installment #1: $1,200.00 due by August 16, 2010 Installment #2: $1,200.00 due by January 5, 2011
		Cancellations: See Cancellation policy. Student brings their own serger.

Serger II

Our second collection of serger projects came about as a result of the popularity of Serger I and the fact that our licensed teachers begged for more projects and techniques. This array of 28 projects will not only appeal to those familiar with their serger, but to those who are still learning the basics as well. Students receive kits for 23 of the projects. Two different christening gowns with slips are the most-commented about projects in the collection and they can also be made in a child’s dress version. Practical projects like a serger scrap caddy, cosmetic bag, heirloom spa bag and USB case are all quick and easy. Baby gifts are easy last-minute gifts and this licensing does not disappoint with its hooded baby blankets, several bonnets, easy baby quilt, and more. An adult-length garment bag is the perfect place for the adult-sized jacket or adult camisole and tap pants. Your heirloom quilt will expand your abilities with serger techniques while the remaining bags, table linens, doll garments and toddler-sized garment have brought rave reviews from previous attendees.

“I came because I did not understand the ways of a serger. I left, amazed at how much I had learned and how confident I now feel.” - Jeannie, PA

“I had no idea that you could create so many fabulous, creative items on a serger! The instruction was wonderful, and the project techniques built upon each other so by the end of the week I was extremely confident in my ability to serger, chain, or coverstitch any seam required. And as a bonus, I made some great new friends.” - Barbara Jean, HI

“I have never attended anything where I have been treated like the MPC staff has treated us this week. I learned how to use all the features of my serger. The projects were generous and fantastic. This school was well worth the money and the time.” - Ruth Ann, TN

We ask that you already know how to thread your serger. Any brand of serger is welcome in this generic licensing. You do not have to take our licensings in any order as the Roman numerals merely identify a collection of curriculum. This class is usually offered at least once each calendar year.

		Next Available Licensing Date: September 14-21, 2011
		Arrive by 5:30 pm September 14 Depart anytime the morning of September 21

		Cost: $2,700.00 Registration Fee: $300.00 Installment #1: $1,200.00 due by March 14, 2011 Installment #2: $1,200.00 due by August 3, 2011
		Cancellations: See Cancellation policy. Student brings their own serger.

Sewing for Baby

Babies are often the cause for a desire to sew and this collection of projects has been created to provide choices suitable for babies from birth through twenty-four months. Most projects will have both boy or girl versions plus gender neutral options for pre-birth gift-giving. There are projects to outfit a nursery, items to welcome baby home, and a wardrobe of garments and accessories that no baby can be without. A highlight will be the embroidery embellishment and personalization of several ready-made baby knits from Martha Pullen Company. While projects are still in development, we do know that there will be at least 25 projects in this collection.

This class is being introduced in 2011 and will be on the calendar at least once a year. It is a generic class. All brands of machines with sewing and embroidery capabilities are welcome.

		Next Available Class Date: March 25-April 1, 2011
		Arrive by 5:30 pm on March 25 Depart anytime the morning of April 1

		Cost: $2,700.00 Registration Fee: $300.00 Installment #1: $1,200.00 due by September 27, 2010 Installment #2: $1,200.00 due by February 11, 2011
		Cancellations: See Cancellation policy. Student brings their own sewing machine with sewing and machine embroidery capability.

^ back to top

General Information

A $300 registration fee must be paid to reserve a seat in any licensing. The remaining amount is divided into two installments that are due six months and six weeks before the beginning of the licensing. Those due dates will be listed on this web site and in the confirmation letter that is sent for each registration. If you should cancel for any reason, there will be a cancellation fee and the amount depends upon the date of the cancellation. These penalty dates and the fees incurred are provided in your confirmation letter and may be found on this web site under the information provided for each licensing. Please see Cancellations & Refunds for specific details.

All Licensings Include

Half of a double room - an additional surcharge will be applied for private accommodations
Meals on all full days of licensing
Wholesale shopping
Professional photo with Martha
Master copy of the licensing curriculum and lifetime co-ownership of the curriculum copyright alongside of Martha Pullen Company
Students traveling from outside the Continental USA will be able to borrow a machine. Other students with special circumstances may borrow a machine depending on availability.

Accommodations

All of your hotel arrangements are handled by the Licensing Department at Martha Pullen Company. We take care of any additional nights, special requests or post-registration changes that you may have. Your licensing fee provides for half of a double room. If you prefer private accommodations, a surcharge will apply. The Licensing Department makes all room assignments, but you may request to room with a fellow classmate who plans to attend. Both attendees must indicate their roommate preference on their individual registration form. Please call the Licensing Department at 800-547-4176, ext 5 when you have any questions about your hotel accommodations.

Meals

All meals for students are included in the licensing fee. Complimentary breakfast tickets are provided for all students who are staying at our host hotel. Please see the Guest Information section regarding meals for guests who accompany students.

Special Diets

While we are unable to accommodate specific dietary limitations, the hotel meals are buffet style and there is always a salad bar available for lunch and dinner. If you have concerns about available food choices, please discuss those with a member of the Licensing department when you register. The hotel has a limited number of refrigerators available for rental if you need to store special food or medicine during the week.

Guest Information

We love to have guests join us for any business seminars and all meals. Since they have not paid for a seat in the licensing class, we do ask that they not be in the classroom during orientation and teaching sessions. Guests pay for all meals except pizza night and the final meal at Martha and Joe’s home. Procedures for any meal payments due will be explained at registration check-in on the first afternoon. We are happy to make suggestions for activities that your guest might enjoy while you are in class.

After Licensing

Once you return home, help is never more than a phone call away. Students leave with teacher contact information and each class sets up a limited-access Yahoo group to maintain friendships and ask sewing-related questions as they arise. About one month after the licensing, students are mailed a CD containing the master PDF files of the curriculum along with the professional pictures that were taken of the individual student and Martha Pullen.

^ back to top

Registration

How to Register

Registration opens immediately when a Licensing date is posted on the web site or announced in Martha’s weekly email newsletter. You may register one of three ways:

• Download a registration form: or

• Request a registration form by sending an email to licensing@marthapullen.com.
• Call the Licensing Department, 800-547-4176, ext 5 to register by phone.

To return the registration form:

• Scan the completed document and send it as an attachment to licensing@marthapullen.com
• Fax the completed document to 256-534-5486
• Send postal mail addressed to:

ATTN: Licensing Department
Martha Pullen Company, Inc.
149 Old Big Cove Road
Brownsboro AL 35741

Registration Confirmation

Confirmation of registration will be sent via email within 10 business days after receipt of registration when an email address is provided. If no email address is provided, a confirmation letter will be sent via postal mail. Please be sure to read and keep your confirmation letter as it will contain a checklist of dates for future installment payments and information that you will need for making travel plans.

Cancellations

A registration fee of $300.00 is required to hold a space in the class. Effective for 2011 Licensings, cancellations before the second installment payment date will result in a cancellation fee of $100.00 being withheld from any refund. Cancellations after the second installment payment date will result in a cancellation fee of $175.00 being withheld from any refund. Installment payment dates are provided on the registration form, in the confirmation letter and on this web site. All cancellations must be in writing and the postmark date or email date will be used to determine any refunds that apply. Cancellations must be sent via email to licensing@marthapullen.com, via fax to 256-534-5486, or via postal mail to the attention of the Licensing Department at Martha Pullen Company, 149 Old Big Cove Road, Brownsboro, AL 35741. You will receive a confirmation that your written cancellation has been received.

Refunds

In the event of a cancellation, any refund that is due, minus the cancellation fee, will be returned to the student via whatever payment method was originally used. A written notice of cancellation must be provided before a refund will be issued.

If the original payment was made by check, a refund check will be issued. Please allow 21 business days for a refund check to be issued. If original payment was made by credit card, a credit will be issued to the card number that was originally used. Please allow 10 business days for refunds via credit card to be issued.

If the original credit card number is no longer valid, a refund must be issued via check. When payments for a single licensing were made via check and credit card, any refund due will be returned via check and a credit to the original card.

““The licensing program is so awesome. I have been treated like family and will miss everyone. Everything is so organized and coordinated. I have learned so much. Thank you to all of you.” - Pat, AB Canada

^ back to top

Frequently Asked Questions

What is licensing and who should come?

Licensing is a unique experience that blends the love of sewing, friendships, skill-building and business opportunity. Students come to licensing to improve their sewing skills, to add a ready-to-teach collection of curriculum to their business, or… read more »

What types of licensing are available?

Licensings are available for a wide variety of sewing techniques including heirloom sewing, serger sewing, projects and techniques for beginners, heirloom quilting, sewing for baby, plus many more that are being planned for the future. read more »

What kinds of projects will I make?

Licensing projects are unique to each licensing, and they are created to meet the interest of a variety of students. Generally, depending on the focus of the curriculum, projects fit within the following categories: christening gowns, baby garments and accessories, fashion accessories, home décor, quilts, children’s and adult garments. read more »

What do I need to know to come to licensing?

First, you must love sewing. Next, you should be somewhat familiar with your sewing machine, or in the case of the serger, you should at least know how to thread it. Finally, you are excited to learn new techniques, improve your skills, and make friends with others who love sewing as much as you do.

What does it cost to come to licensing?

Each licensing class is affordably priced and offers students a great value. The cost includes a complete set of curriculum, kits for most of the projects in the curriculum, half of a double room, meals on full days of licensing, a professional photograph taken by the Sew Beautiful magazine’s photographer, and so much more. Specific costs for a licensing are detailed within each class description. read more »

Will I need to bring a sewing machine or serger for the class?

Most of our classes are generic which means that each student brings their own machine no matter what the brand. Occasionally, we have machine-brand specific licensings which means that the sponsoring machine company generously provides the machines for our class. Students coming from outside the Continental USA will have a machine loaned to them during class. Those with special circumstances may be able to borrow a machine depending on availability.

What happens during licensing?

During a licensing, students receive kits for most of the projects in the collection. Each beautifully presented kit contains… read more »

When do I need to arrive for class?

We ask that students arrive by 5:30 pm on the afternoon of the first date in the licensing week schedule. Actual sewing begins at 8:30 am the next morning.

When do we go home?

Students return home anytime the morning of the last date given in the licensing week schedule. All licensings events end the night before.

Are guests welcome?

Absolutely! To read about our guest policy… read more »

How are special diets or allergies accommodated?

While the hotel tries to provide a varied menu for their guests, we are unable to accommodate any special dietary requests. However, read more »

Do I make my own hotel reservations?

The Licensing Department makes all hotel reservations according to your preferences and requests as indicated on the registration form. read more »

May I request a private room?

Yes, if you prefer private accommodations, a surcharge will apply.

How do I register for a licensing class?

Simply complete and return the registration form. read more »

What happens if I have to cancel?

While we never want you to miss out on a licensing experience, sometimes uncontrollable events make cancellations necessary. For specifics about our cancellation policy, read more »

Do I have to take classes in a certain order?

All licensings are unique and you may choose whichever one fits your needs and schedule. Roman numerals simply indicate a collection of curriculum.

What will having a license permit me to do?

The primary benefit of licensing is that you receive a ready-to-teach collection of curriculum and you co-own the copyright to that curriculum alongside Martha Pullen Company for as long as you live. This means that you can either make the projects for sale without limit or, if you are teaching… read more »

Will help be available after the class is over?

Yes! Every class returns home with a list of contact information for all the teachers who participated in their specific class. Help truly is never more than a phone call or email away.

Do I have to come back periodically to be re-certified?

There is no recertification required for licensings. But we think you will love the experience and value so much that you will want to return again and again for other licensings.