Sewing Manual from 1949

A friend on Facebook found a very old Singer Sewing Manual from 1949 and took a picture of one page from it.  I thought it was funny:

Advice From a Singer Sewing Manual
From 1949

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.


I actually do agree with the first paragraph.  Prepare yourself mentally equates good results and the same about indifference, when being creative you need to care about it.  

And laugh, but I like to have everything in the house orderly, to free the creative spirit when I do bead work.  But the French chalk, powder, lipstick... for creativity?  That might be a bit much.  

I get the message, to be at ease with the environment around you before you start a project.  It is funny, but some of it true too :)  I guess the part I don't like is the societal agenda/message/pressure for women, but if you ignore that, again... some truth.

Comments

Unknown said…
I think French chalk is to help the fabric run smoother between your fingers.

Getting made up lifts your spirits and unfuddles your mind. I might need to start doing that again!

It's all about Proverbs 31.