The concept for Treadle Treasures began while we were attending one of the many Craft/Antique shows in our area.  We thought it would be neat to combine the two and offer crafts sewn on a treadle sewing machine.  I love sewing on them and it brings back memories for people when they see these beautiful, antique machines in use.     

We liked the idea of starting a business from our home where I could keep a flexible schedule and always be there for our daughters.  I like being home when they get off the bus and being able to go into the school to help with special events.  I am the secretary of their school’s PTO (Parent &Teacher Organization) and I enjoy working with the teachers to provide memorable, extra-curricular activities for the kids.   

We are also very involved with our church.  My husband runs the sound room.  I am the president of our very active Missionary Society and also a Sunday School teacher for one of the teen classes.

One of my proud accomplishments was being featured in Country Magazine a few years ago.  The article was entitled "You Can't Take the Country Out of These Kids" and was a week-long diary of our country lifestyle.  People who saw the article often complimented the photograph of the rows of my home canned peaches. 

Treadle Treasures began with a small product line.  We added different products as time went by.  Some became very popular.  Many did not.  We are always open to new ideas and adding new items.  A friend who enjoys reenacting told me that if I were to provide Civil War Era dresses her friends would be lined up at my door.  Well, I never had to make my way through a crowd to get into my home but I did pick up a few clients.  The husband of one of these clients eventually convinced me to also offer men’s clothing.  We decided that it would be a neat idea for me to dress up when we set up at shows.  I looked into making a corset for myself but decided it looked like a lot of work and decided to purchase one instead.  I was surprised at how difficult it was to find one and shocked by the price when I did.  I revisited the idea of making one!  I talked to some of my clients and other re-enactors and began developing a reasonably priced, relatively comfortable corset.  I’m so glad I did.  When we started selling on E-bay our corsets quickly became our most popular item. 

Now, in addition to E-bay, we set up at a few local craft shows and reenactments.  My products are also available in some local shops.  First, I got a lot of custom orders from clients who are members of many local units.  My exposure on E-bay has brought in other clients from across this great country who also need custom garments and appreciate the authenticity of products made on a treadle machine.  They also appreciate my flexibility, experience, and willingess to work with them to create exactly what they want.

It has always been my goal to offer a very high quality product at a fair price.  There are a lot of cheaply made imported products available.  This is why I personally make all my own products in my home and purchase my materials from American manufacturers whenever possible.  I am happy to report that other patriotic people like to support me for this reason.  All of our advertising has been by word of mouth and I am kept quite busy.

Thank you for your interest in both us and our products,

Heather.

                                       Me and Two of my Machines                                                                                                              Our Family at Gettysburg