Sunday, September 9, 2007

September 10- Sewing Machine Day

Sewing Machine Day celebrates a very important invention ----- the sewing machine.

The first sewing machines were made in France in the 1830s. It wasn't until 1846, that they were patented in the U.S.

Sewing machines did not go into mass production until the 1850's, when Isaac Singer built the first commercially successful machine. Singer built the first sewing machine where the needle moved up and down rather than the side-to-side and the needle was powered by a foot treadle. Previous machines were all hand-cranked.

What a great invention! Prior to its creation, clothes items were sewn together by hand...stitch by stitch.

Many people today have no idea how to use a sewing machine. Most of our grandmothers and great grandmothers had machines, and clothed their families with the fruits of their labors. Do you have a sewing machine? Are you teaching your daughters and granddaughters how to sew? No? Today is the day to start!


Today's Thought Provoking Saying:

"A stitch in time saves nine."

...Saves nine "what"?


I have been longing for a sewing room. I considered putting our girls together in one bedroom so that I could have the other, but I was quickly vetoed. When we did the laundry room makeover last week, I had the laundry folding table to put somewhere. A light bulb flashed in my head, and I set to work.




The table fit perfectly behind our sectional couch in the living room.




The beauty of this set-up is that I can be in the living room with everyone else, but the couch hides the table from being in plain view! I no longer have to sew at the dining room table and clean-up for each meal!





A tisket, a tasket, fat quarters in a basket!

17 comments:

weavermom said...

Congrats on your sewing area - it's beautiful! :)

Short Stop said...

That's a great place for your table...how nice to be able to be in with your family while you sew!

I do have a sewing machine and have sewn a few things--2 dresses. My mom was really good...prom dresses, bridesmaids dresses...the works! I'm just somewhat intimidated! :)

Beck said...

Your sewing nook is very nice! I'm trying to find a place for a sewing area at my house, too.

Mrs. Anna T said...

Our sewing machine stopped working a while ago, and alas, it seems it's hopeless to fix it *sigh*. We'll need a new one. I guess it will happen after we finish paying for all the renovations. So for now, all the minor fixes need to be done by hand. It doesn't take much time for the small things, but bigger projects are out of bounds for now. Frustrating. :)

LBP said...

Great space! I love to sew. My mother in law taught me after I was married. Machine hasn't been still since!

Susan said...

Yes, I have a sewing machine and use to sew all the time. Don't any more. My mother was also a very good seamstress. Neither of my daughters sew.

A stich in time saves nine....means if you don't make a sewing repair the minute you notice it you will end up having to take 9 stiches for the repair.

Karen said...

You are very smart! I would like being able to be close to family and work on a project, too. I like your little wooden cabinet underneath the table. And our sewing machines look to be about the same age! LOL

Allen said...

A stitch in time saves nine.

meaning...

repair the "hole" or "tear" while it is small when it may take less stitches... simply saying:
Fix problems while they are small,saving time and money.

Gena said...

Can you imagine having to hand sew a wedding gown? Or a day dress that the women wore back then? I certainly can't.

I do own a sewing machine. I wore my first one out and now I have a newer one. I have taught my oldest daughter to sew and she is better and more adventurous than I am. She actually saved her money and bought her own machine when she was 13. Currently, I'm teaching my younger two to sew.

My mother sewed most of my life, but never wanted to teach me. I taught myself after I had my first child. How sad is that? But, as I say, better late than never. I wanted my children to know how to sew before they left home. It is a skill that you can always use.

I love your new nook. I like being near my family when I sew. I had thought about setting up a desk that I have behind my couch. Now, I just might do that....

Steph said...

Mrs. K,
Wow that's an awesome spot for it!

Kelli said...

That is a great idea, Tracy! I like working out near everyone too. Your new sewing area looks wonderful!
Kelli

Cherish the Home said...

What a wonderful and creative solution!

Christie Belle said...

Great planning for your sewing area. It turned out nicely! And may I say, I love every single one of your cross stitch pictures. They are all so beautiful!

randi said...

Having a sewing area is so wonderful! It leads to a lot more crafting in my house!

Jennifer said...

Oh your post just makes me even more eager for Christmas... I really really want my Santa to bring me a sewing machine! :o) do you have an suggestions on brands? I've heard that the older machines work better, what do you think?

Tracy said...

Jennifer,
I have an old Kenmore, similar to Karen's. I'm not much help deciding on a "new" machine!

Momma Roar said...

What a great place for your sewing area!!

I have my mom's sewing machine (she is using my grandmothers!) and it is the type that folds away into the cabinet. That feature is nice except when I'm working on a project for a while and have everything setting out!!