Hi all,
does anyone know where I can find a copy of the section of the 1940? something page of the singer sewing machine manual that outlines how a woman must be dressed nicely and have all the housework done and her hair looking fresh and use the french chalk etc before she starts her sewing? Heaven forbid she sew in her pyjamas and someone come to the door and the beds aren't made (apparently a major distraction)and sees her that way. It was posted on the board a few years ago when I was much more active on the site. I have been studying English Literature at university and we are currently looking at women's lit of the renaissance and how women were very much 'seen and not heard' and thought the other students would love to read it.
thanks in advance, Libby
Hazel of Graceful Embroidery posted this. (Notice this is 1949)
GE tip of the day:
Advice from a Singer Sewing Manual from 1949-BC
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) 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 as you should...
I've another one in my Ecclesiastical Sewing book too! If I followed that my hubby would be taking services in rags!!!
thanks for the link, I have shared it with the other students, things haven't really changed since the 1500's by the looks of things.
Lib