Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Believe this??

I thought this was such a hoot when I read it over at Heidi's blog, I asked her if I could share it with my blog readers. Below is a picture of a 1949 Singer....it will give you an idea of what the ladies were working with.


~~~ Advice from a 1949 Singer Sewing 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 difficult 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 your 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 as you should.

Gotta love the "good old days"!!! I still can't figure out why the chalk for your fingers....anyone know??

9 comments:

~Laurie~ said...

No idea what the chalk is for - but this was a hoot! I'll have to make sure next time I sit at my machine, my hair and make-up are just so. Normally I'm in sweats or pj's and my hair is it's usual rat's nest! Thanks for sharing - this was great!!
Laurie

Tudy said...

I think the chalk for the fingers was for sweaty fingers. It would help keep them dry. But as for the rest of that info it sucks and will never happen in my house. I sure am glad I did not live back then. I do not even do that now when I go out.

Jennifer said...

Sandy, I think as Tudy said the chalk would have been for sticky fingers, talc serves the same purpose - wouldn't want to leave nasty marks on one's fabric! Remember....horses sweat, gentlemen perspire and ladies glow.....they would be glow marks, wouldn't they!

Mama Pea Quilts said...

Well, it gives us all something to shoot for. ;o)

(I remember hearing a gal say once that the way she defined whether she was "dressed up" or not was whether she had a bra on.)

A Colorful World said...

This was wonderful! Yep, weren't the "Good Old Days" great! (Most of the advice isn't too bad, though, you have to admit!)

Maria said...

Yes I thought it was a hoot when I read it on Heidi's blog too Sandy.

julia said...

Ha, ha, ha! This is funny. That looks like the machine I learned on.

Love Of Quilts said...

Great looking machine,bad advice lol.Dishes will just have to wait.

Kristen said...

Terrible advice! I am lucky I get showers with three little ones! LOL Now I need to check some old sewing magazines I have from the thirties. Thanks for sharing.