We've Come a Long Way, Baby!

My friend, Bev Sykes, from the Swap-bot site, posted the following advice that she found in a 1948 Singer Sewing Machine manual.

Prepare yourself mentally for sewing. Think about what you are going to do...Never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisically. Good results are diffcult when indifference predominates.

"Never try to sew with a sink full of dirty dishes or beds unmade. When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so your mind is free to enjoy your sewing. When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Put on a clean dress. Keep a little bag full of French chalk near your sewing machine to dust your fingers at intervals. Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on. If you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home, and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing.

Remember, this is big business telling women not only how the machine works but how they are supposed to look and act.  I wonder how many of us do a lot of sewing with dirty dishes in the sink. How often do we have on lipstick and powder and perfect hair?   

Spring art quiltie

A Danddlion kind of moning

This wonderful quilt by the quilt artist Barbara Mckie caught my attention when I was looking for a picture I took last year of the golden glory of forsythia.  I realized this catches spring in a delightful way -- with the humor of the lions as well a the flower in its various stages  -- so familiar to all of us with lawns where the dandelions pop up seeming to smirk at us like that lion on the upper left.  Each of her lions has his own personality.  Isn't this fun?  I'm feeling inspired to take myself into the sewing and do something.  I need to make a small art quilt with a spring theme.  I wonder if I can borrow a little of this idea, twist it some way and surprise the person I will send it to.  Hmmm... I hope the sun continues to shine so brightly all day.