by libster2896 26 Oct 2011

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

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Comments (11)

by jasanne 27 Oct 2011

How about this version?
I've another one in my Ecclesiastical Sewing book too! If I followed that my hubby would be taking services in rags!!!

1 images:[1]

1 links:[1] http://www.snopes.com/language/document/goodwife.asp
www.snopes.com

1 comment

by libster2896 27 Oct 2011

Jasanne,

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

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by snowbird42 27 Oct 2011

cant answer for laughing....soozie

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by airyfairy 27 Oct 2011

Don't laugh, but having been bought up in the 1940's my mother was very much of this opinion and some of it has rubbed off on me. I feel much more relaxed when I sew if I know that the bed is made and the kitchen is clean and tidy. Oh dear - is there any hope for me???

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by lidiad 27 Oct 2011

It amuses me every time I read it! My comment is one I copy from Garfield: "yea, right!"

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by bevintex 26 Oct 2011

sewmom beat me to it but here is another site

1 links:[1] http://quiltingbeargal.blogspot.com/2011/01/singer-sewing-ma...
quiltingbeargal.blogspot.com

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by sewmom 26 Oct 2011

Found it using the Google search engine.
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...

1 links:[1] http://answers.cuteembroidery.com/8241908_would-never-get-se...
answers.cuteembroidery.com

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by sewmom 26 Oct 2011

Yes, if I could find my posts with the old search engine. I posted it after I saw it on Graceful Embroidery Yahoo Group. I'll look around and see if I can find it.

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by rachap 26 Oct 2011

You might find some help from Quilting Board

1 links:[1] http://www.quiltingboard.com
www.quiltingboard.com

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by softhearted1 26 Oct 2011

LOL, I would NEVER be ready to sew if this was the case! Half my sewing is done late at night while I'm in my jammies :) Charlotte