Tuesday, April 16, 2013

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?   

No comments :